Salem, Massachusetts, known for its rich history of witchcraft and mysticism, is home to an enchanting retail store called Hex Old World Witchery. Nestled in the heart of this bewitching town, Hex offers a unique shopping experience that celebrates the occult, magic, and spiritual realm.
The shop sells handmade candles, oils, incense, charm bags, conjure powders, and ritual tools — roughly 70% of it exclusive to Hex — and offers in-person psychic and tarot readings. In 2024 the shop moved into the larger former Omen space at 184 Essex Street and now bills itself as the largest Witchcraft shop in Salem. There’s a second Hex in New Orleans, too.
TL;DR — Key takeaways
- What it is: An “Old World,” continental-style Witchcraft shop — not your average tourist crystal store.
- Who owns it: Salem Witches Christian Day and Brian Cain.
- Where: 184 Essex Street on the pedestrian mall in Salem, MA (a second location sits in the New Orleans French Quarter).
- What’s special: ~70% of the inventory is exclusive to Hex; it deliberately skips Wiccan, Celtic, and fairy themes in favor of Hoodoo herbs, conjure supplies, and darker, harder-to-find books.
- Readings: In-person psychic, mediumship, and tarot readings, bookable on their website.
- Best advice: Go on a weekday if you can — October lines can run 20–30 people deep.
History of Hex Old World Witchery
Owned by Christian Day and Brian Cain, the store is an Old World Witchery with a continental vibe. Hence, this edgy witchcraft shop is perfect for both the ones who still believe in magic and the curious. Day and Cain are well-known figures in the modern Salem Witch community. Their ownership is the whole point of the store’s identity: the candles, oils, incense, gris-gris bags, and charms are handmade by local practitioners, and the shop honors “the old gods” rather than chasing trends. If you want a store staffed by people who live the craft rather than just sell it, this is a place to check out for sure.
What’s Inside Hex Salem MA?
Upon stepping into Hex, visitors are instantly transported into a captivating world of wonder and enchantment. The store’s interior exudes a mysterious aura, with dim lighting, rustic wooden shelves adorned with spellbooks and crystals, and the scent of incense wafting through the air. The carefully chosen decor, including pentagrams, tarot cards, and cauldrons, creates an ambiance that encourages exploration and discovery.
Inside Hex Old World Witchery, guests find a broad selection of magical wares and ritual tools. From handmade candles and real love potions to Voodoo dolls made by true practitioners, the owners offer something for every kind of person. The coolest thing regarding the store’s merchandise is that a lot of products are one of a kind and can be found exclusively at Hex.
Salem Tarot Readings at Hex Old World Witchery
Apart from the merchandise, Hex Old World Witchery also offers tarot readings. For those who believe in the intuitive gifts of others, the readings offered by the staff will definitely be mind-blowing. As for pricing, we do the best we can here, but be sure to check Hex’s website for the most up-to-date pricing. You can book a reading on their website and you’ll have to choose one from the following:
In Person Readings:
15 Minute In-Person Psychic (for $50)
30 Minute In-Person Psychic, Mediumship, or Couples Reading (for $90)
Psychic Phone Readings:
15 Minute Phone Psychic Reading (for $50)
30 Minute Phone Psychic or Mediumship Reading (for $90)
Psychic Video Readings on Zoom:
30 Minute Psychic Reading (for $90)
The Psychic Spa:
The Psychic Spa includes an ever-changing set of readings and services ranging from Reiki healing to Guided Astral Projection. Generally prices for these services begin at $90 for 30 minutes and $180 for an hour. Check the full list of current offerings here.
Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff at Hex Old World Witchery
One of the highlights of visiting Hex is the warm and welcoming staff. The employees at Hex possess a deep understanding of metaphysics, witchcraft, and spirituality. They are more than willing to share their knowledge, recommend suitable products, and answer any questions visitors may have. Their passion for the subject matter shines through, making the shopping experience at Hex educational and engaging.
Hex Old World Witchery takes great care in fostering an environment that respects the craft and honors its roots. The store promotes responsible and ethical practices, encouraging visitors to approach magic with reverence and mindfulness. They even feature an altar in the store where guests can honor their dead any time of year.
Hex Old World Witchery Reviews
There’s a lot about Hex to love and a few things to be aware of before you shop.
Many reviews of Hex: Old World Witchery focus on its distinctive nature and appreciate the effort its made to set itself apart from the city’s other 20 or so metaphysical stores.
Guests tend to appreciate that Hex specializes in items with a more authentic, less mainstream approach to witchcraft, deliberately avoiding Celtic, fairy, and Wiccan-themed products in favor of more specialized offerings like Hoodoo-style herbs, unique candles, and unconventional book selections.
One bone of contention in many reviews is the wait time. The store is particularly busy during October, with lines of 20-30 people waiting to enter. But they do occasionally accommodate waiting customers by serving hot apple cider and candy, which is very nice.
What makes Hex unique is its commitment to carrying products that aren’t found elsewhere, including custom-made items like herbal candles, soaps, incenses, dolls, capes, 7-Day saint candles, conjure powders, charm bags, and exclusive jewelry pieces. They deliberately curate their inventory to be different, carrying more unusual and “darker” titles in their book selection and focusing on unique magical supplies that set them apart from more traditional metaphysical shops in the area.
Reviews of the tarot readings at Hex are mixed – but that’s not surprising as most tarot reviews are mixed. I’ve personally gotten two there and very much enjoyed both.
Hex Hours of Operation
You can stop by at Hex every day from 11 AM – 7 PM EST.
Please verify hours before you go. The shop has historically opened daily around late morning with extended Saturday hours, but hours shifted after the move and change seasonally (October is a different world in Salem). Check hexwitch.com or call ahead at (978) 666-0765.
Hex Location
Hex Old World Witchery is at 184 Essex Street, Salem, MA, on the outdoor pedestrian mall. The shop relocated here from its older, smaller Essex Street storefront when it took over and renovated the former Omen space — a move that made it, by the owners’ own description, bigger than Hex and Omen in Salem were combined.
Is Hex in New Orleans worth visiting?
Yes — there’s a second Hex Old World Witchery in the New Orleans French Quarter (1219 Decatur Street), and it carries the same old-world, practitioner-made spirit as the Salem shop. If you’re a fan of the Salem location, or you’re exploring the Quarter’s mystical side, it’s an easy recommendation.
Tips for visiting Hex
- Time your visit. Weekdays and mornings are calmest. October is magical but crowded — expect a line.
- Bring questions. The staff’s knowledge is a big part of the experience; use it.
- Book readings ahead. Reserve online rather than hoping for a walk-in slot, especially in fall.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Hex Old World Witchery? Salem Witches Christian Day and Brian Cain.
Where is Hex Old World Witchery in Salem? At 184 Essex Street on the pedestrian mall in Salem, MA.
Is Hex the largest witch shop in Salem? The owners describe the current 184 Essex Street store as the largest Witchcraft shop in Salem — bigger than the former Hex and Omen shops combined.
Does Hex have a New Orleans location? Yes, in the French Quarter at 1219 Decatur Street.
Do I need an appointment for a reading? Readings can be booked online in advance, which is the safest bet during busy periods.
Want more spooky stops? Check out our full Witch Country guide for the best Salem has to offer and our video on 5 Paranormal Salem Locations You Must See to Believe.
