Since Keys to Manifestation opened on July 11, Lansing residents have had the one-stop shop to manifest their destiny. If you have never heard of manifestation or the law of attraction, this small business is the perfect place to start. The store sells crystals, art, books, jewelry, self-care items, and more. They also offer services and host events such as tarot card readings, reiki and classes.
The owner is Elayne Glantzberg, a high priestess at the Weavers of the Web, making them an expert in the field. Their church is closely intertwined with the business, as they run and operate both out of 809 Center Street. They discovered Wicca 30 years ago and has studied it ever since. They have made it their life’s work to create a safe space of faith and community for pagans. Wicca takes on many different forms, like all religions. According to Weavers of the Web’s website, it is a polytheistic religion, and nearly all who practice it respect the Earth, observe lunar and solar cycles, and believe in the power of energy to create magical change in the world. Both the store and the church are not exclusive places, to say the least. Events are open to the public.
“We actually accept all faiths. If you’re Christian and just wanna check it out, we accept that, too. Even atheists come,” said Glantzberg.
Some events are more time-sensitive than others. In line with their observance of the lunar calendar, they hold rituals on important phases like the full moon and the new moon. These are not like the “rituals” you may have heard about in spooky stories, however.
“We are not worshipping or calling upon the devil. We don’t even believe in the devil, so you know we’re not doing any of that here.” Glantzberg said. “The full moon is a big, powerful time, so it’s a good time for doing energy work, healing, and things like that. The new moon is a time to come in and be reflective, to look inside to do cleaning and things like that. In a new moon ritual, we are usually focused on letting go of things and doing a little introspection.”
While they acknowledge their practices are not for everyone, there is evidence that the magnetic gravitational pull of the moon may affect all humans, similar to how it affects tides. Even the U.S. Department of Justice published information in their National Criminal Justice Reference Service confirming the moon’s effect on human emotions.
As the new moon took place on Oct. 6, the group held a new moon ritual that evening. Those who attended got the chance to address their anxieties and release them through Wiccan methods as part of the experience.
“It was an interesting one. My worries are not gone completely but they were definitely lessened. They’re much lighter now than they were before.” said Ripley Olson, who attended the new moon ritual.
There will be a full moon ritual at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 Participants will welcome a fresh start by reflecting on and releasing troubles from the last cycle and setting goals and intentions for the new one.
Whether you are looking to dive headfirst into Keys to Manifestation and Weavers of the Web or are just curious, Glantzberg is happy to answer your questions. You can find both the store and the church and a schedule of events on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on their websites. All they ask is that you come with an open mind and a willingness to participate.