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Reprinted from the Eureka Springs Voice Follow the wafting scent of incense, or take the path marked by a scattering of magical sparkle dust. The Emerald Rainbow, a metaphysical/New Age shop tucked away down a major pedestrian staircase in the city's famed Historic District, presents a dazzling display of interest to alternative healers. |
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Visitors make a steady trek down the stone steps at 45-1/2 Spring Street for stunning crystals and gemstones, handcrafted pendants, dowsing rods, runes, Tarot decks and other divination tools. The interests of the shop's owners, Linda Williams and M. C. Delahanty, are diverse, ranging freely from issues of health and well-being, numerous forms of therapy and self-help, guidance in esoteric or spiritual tradition, environmental and human rights concerns and the feminine wisdom. In this airy, spacious shop, you'll find a large variety of fragrant incense: cones, resins, sticks, powders and prepackaged. There are incense burners in brass, wood, ceramic and clay, and Native American spiritual aides like smudging wands, loose white sage, medicine pouches, sweetgrass, braids and smudging feathers. Crystals set into unique pieces of jewelry or as dramatic loose stones make unusual gifts, as do gemstones, pouches, and neck bags. Pendants, bracelets and earrings are on the exotic side, but not overly so. "There's nothing so new or frightening about New Age," says Delahanty. "We're a very traditional shop in so many ways." Certainly the ancient philosophies are represented here. The Far Eastern influence is seen in the Feng Shui cures to Tibetan Tingsha (cymbals), Buddha statues, Tibetan prayer shawls and bowls. Natural herbs abound. You'll find here surprisingly whimsical gifts with a metaphysical flair. Williams stocks candles of virtually every size, color and shape, and offers a very respectable array of candle holders. Christmas shoppers will find the handcrafted stained-glass sun-catchers, Yin-Yangs, crescent moons, angels, and sunbursts nearly irresistible. Tie-dyed fabric wall hangings are distinctive and affordable. Books are a major draw in the shop for visitors and locals alike, and special orders are always welcome. There's always a crowd around the thought-provoking (often hilarious) bumper stickers and buttons. A discreet corner offers gay and lesbian sidelines: jewelry, flags, music, literature and more. When in Eureka, stop in at the Emerald Rainbow and browse, have a reading done, or just chat with the owners. The shop is a natural oasis. | |