FEATURES

OUT & ABOUT... (New Reoccurring Column)

This Month's Spotlight: MINOR ARCANA

by Sharon Pisinski

(Editor's Note: Hey Readers! Just a want to let you know that Midwest Beat
has taken to exploring what is "Out and About" in Chicagoland. As we
discover quaint, quirky and left of center places that we feel warrant your
attention (and ours) we will share them with you through this reoccurring
column. We might eventually make this a monthly column. But for now, let's
just get through this month's offering, shall we?)

   Our first "Out And About" pick is on Chicago's North Side.

   Like you, I've seen their ad with the chick kissing a snake and wondered
just what the heck Minor Arcana was all about.

   By pointing my car to 1852 N. Damen Avenue, I soon discovered that they
are an 'Occult' or 'Witch' store.

    Not one of those dark and creepy places you see in horror flicks, mind
you. So don't go there expecting to see someone swinging a chicken over
their head or anything like that.

   They don't practice such extremes. The purpose of the staff is to guide
and educate their customers in different areas of the Occult (which many
people may not realize is a religious belief).

   They offer classes in Tarot, Palmistry and Astrology. Every Wednesday
evening they host a Pagan discussion group from 7-9pm, with a different
subject each week. If you happen to visit them on the last Wednesday of the
month, you will also be able to attend a seance after the discussion group.

   The store is owned and operated by same guy who scribes the witty monthly
Horrorscopes in this publication (and others), Ken Melvoin-Berg.

     Ken is capably aided in his business by the snake kissing lady in the
ads, his wife Cherish. Older readers may remember Cherish from when she was a
Beat Babe.

    Although the store has only been open for just a little over a year, it
gets a lot of foot traffic through the door. There is no "typical" customer,
according to Ken. Minor Arcana has a clientele that consists of people of
all races, faiths, genders, and sexual orientations. I guess it takes a
diverse group to finds unity in the diversity.

    Minor Arcana sell everything from gift baskets, Tarot Cards, Statues,
incense (given free with each purchase), smudge sticks, over a 100 different
herbs. They even custom blend oils, lotions and bath gels.

   They have a full product line of CD's, cassettes, candles and books. They
offer free layaway and will ship anywhere in the world.

    Minor Arcana also promotes local artists. They recently had a Halloween
Show with different mystical creatures and beasts. They also recently hosted
a reception for Chicago artist Laura Cameron.

    The store will host a "Yule Party" on December 16th from 6pm-10pm. Along
with Ken's Killer Egg Nog, the party will feature artist Jessica Kronika and
her series "Mythology and Folklore of The Goddess."

    Tell Ken that you read his Horoscope Column in The Midwest Beat, and
receive 10% off your purchase (really!)

    Minor Arcana business hours are Tuesday-Saturday 12 - 8pm and Sundays 12-
6pm. They are closed Mondays.

   For more info, call these admittedly "left of center" Midwest BEAT
veterans directly at - (773) 252-1389.