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"St. Paul store appeals to the spiritual side"
(Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul) - December 24, 1998)
by Kate Roberts

Published Thursday, December 24, 1998

St. Paul store appeals to the spiritual side

Kate Roberts / Star Tribune

A store that sells inspirational items, including rocks, crystals, jewelry, statues, sculptures and figurines. Products such as tarot cards, incense, drums, candles and flower essences also are available, as are bath and aromatherapy items, meditative music, books and greeting cards. Sacred Grounds coffee bar is in front of the store. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. and noon to 4 p.m., Sun. 2388 University Av. W., St. Paul, 651-649-0470.

Jennifer Klein, owner of Stonehenge Rocks and Rituals, says that while she loved rocks as a kid, she gained new respect for stones as an adult when she used them as a healing tool against an illness. After she recovered, Klein and friend Pat Rizzi looked around the Twin Cities for rock shops to learn more about their spiritual and healing aspects.

Finding few places that had the information they were seeking, Klein and Rizzi started a rock shop in 1987 in the basement of Klein's home. Rizzi is no longer co-owner but still helps out.

Nine months later, Klein moved Stonehenge to a more visible location on Raymond Avenue. Then, four years ago, she moved the store to its present location to gain more floor space.

Klein said she chose the name because Stonehenge reflects the spirituality that she wanted the store to be associated with.

"There is such mystery about the Stonehenge structure [in England]. It is still such an unexplained wonder," Klein said.

She says there is that same sense of mystery about the healing properties of stones.

"Even though people are the ones who do the actual healing, the stones can be a tool in that process," she said.

Anne Methany of South St. Paul, a frequent shopper at Stonehenge, said, "It is really an inviting store. Although they have a lot of items, it is not at all cluttered or overwhelming."

Methany also likes the selection of jewelry and prices Stonehenge offers.

Most of the jewelry prices fall between $5 and $50. For example, sterling silver rings for fingers, toes and thumbs range in price from $4 to $14.

What you'll find

Klein said people typically come into Stonehenge looking for unique items and personalized gifts.

"Our customers are often just seeking items with a little more meaning," she said. "The items people will find in the store are intended to help relax and nurture the spirit."

For example, cedar berry bracelets ($7) feature berries that some say ward off evil spirits.

"We find that people who shop here usually have bigger things going on, such as friends who are going through a hard time," she said. "Many people are exploring alternative ways for dealing with things."

Still, she emphasized that the focus of the store is really the stones. Agates, rose quartz and hematite are just some of the rocks that can be found at Stonehenge.

Expect to see a variety of stone options from tumbled stones (starting at $1 apiece) to the Pocket Totem rocks, which are animal shapes ($12) carved in stone. These come with a write-up that explains the spiritual effects claimed for the stone and what the animal represents.

Klein said she tries to provide write-ups with most items to help shoppers learn about the spiritual significance of stones, rocks and ritual items she sells.

"I have seen people pick up a stone and read about what it heals or represents. They are often shocked how relevant it is to what they were searching for," she said.

Klein said the store also sells ritual items from a variety of belief systems including Buddhist, American Indian, Wicca and other pagan traditions.

Stonehenge also offers a variety of courses on topics such as astrology and feng shui, the art of creating change in one's life by making changes in one's home or office environment. The store also recently started a library from which people may rent audio tapes and videos on topics such as dreams, healing and yoga.

Copyright 1999 Star Tribune.
Republished here with the permission of the Star Tribune.
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