Prototype Issue
Botanicas, the One-Stop Shop for Spirituality
By Dara Coye
(page 1 of 2)Botánicas, which in English translates to botany, attract a mostly Latino clientele who are interested in purchasing sage, copal, incense and oils in order to cleanse their homes and lives. Love spells are for the serious about it.
A young man walked into a botánica with a back covered in tattoos, a damaged heart from childhood rheumatic fever and shoulders as wide and imposing as an ox. He approached the tiny, ageless woman who smiled at him with the warmth of a thousand tías through a mouth full of neglected teeth behind the counter.
“What are you looking for?” she whispered in Spanish. “Good health?” She speaks so softly he has to lean in.
“A girlfriend,” he replies.
She nods knowingly and folds a bottle of patchouli oil into his hand. “Wash with this,” she insists. “Next time you come to see me, bring the girl.”
Botánicas are as much a concept as a destination. You’ve passed them, trust me. The same way you may not notice laundry mats or check-cashing joints, botánicas blend into urban jungles so seamlessly you have to question if they even want your patronage.
And yes, in my experience, the owners are a bit guarded at first entrance, but this is LA; you can’t even step foot into Fred Segal without catching a thinly veiled whiff of contempt.
Operating as both a retail shop and a spiritual center, botánicas can usually be found scattered throughout Latino communities. It’s not uncommon for black security gates to be clamped shut across the front door during normal business hours even though lights inside indicate it’s open.
This is because the storefronts serve as the retail outlets while the back chambers are used for guidance sessions, healing rituals and tarot card readings. Part wishing well, part retail therapy, botánicas function as one-stop shops for the needy, world-weary, sick, anxious and lost.
Rooted in Catholicism and African tradition, botánicas sell candles, incense, perfumes, oils, religious statuary and medicinal herbs as healing aids for various physical and emotional ailments.
An espiritista (spiritual practitioner) administers these products after a consultation and diagnosis. Botánicas often get a bad rap from those who claim its healing methods are rooted in black magic, paganism and witchcraft.
Almost every botánica I visited, however, housed a statue of San Simon, the Guatemalan folk saint for gamblers and drunkards—also known as Maam (grandfather), a pre-Columbian Mayan god of the underworld. By offering Simon money and booze, worshippers look forward to the promise of wealth and success. Seems innocent enough to me.
Following is a round-up of some of the botánicas I managed to visit; Con mucho cuidado, of course.
Botánica El Indio 2229 W. Sunset Blvd. LA, CA 90026 213-413-5164
“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious.” – Albert Einstein
Located smack dab in the middle of Silver Lake and Echo Park, Botánica El Indio was the first I visited; or, at least, attempted to. The security door was locked and black bars shielded the front windows. A sign-up sheet that looked like a seating list for a café was posted on the front door. It was divided into two sections: consultation and cleaning (a ritual for getting rid of negative energy). El Indio’s retail shop wasn’t open to the general public, but their list was almost completely filled.
Botánica Luz Del Día 2010 W. Pico Blvd. LA, CA 90006 213-382-0128
At Botánica Luz Del Día I met Gladys, a warm and open espiritista from El Salvador who allowed my translator Jean and I to take pictures and inquire about her shop. Lining meticulously stocked shelves were rows and rows of soaps, oils, candles, statues and amulets. Gladys said her clientele is primarily Latino and in search of physical and spiritual healing, as well as house cleansings. Through card and palm readings, Gladys determines the necessary holistic remedy with the cost depending largely on the severity of the individual’s needs. Flowers, candles and even a bottle of El Presidente sit on top of an altar built for San Simon, whose statue has offerings of cash stuffed between fingers.
Botánica El Sol 2024 W. 3rd St. LA, CA 90057 213-483-6479
A beautiful little girl with sparkly black eyes sat on the counter when I entered Botánica El Sol. She appeared to be related to Aracelli, the shop’s espiritista, who at first seemed reluctant to answer questions, but eventually opened up with a booming laugh and unsolicited promise of good fortune. The place was stocked with the typical accoutrements—candles, sprays, oils and perfumes—but differed slightly from more traditional botánicas. Aracelli said she no longer conducts card readings or house cleansings, although the sign on the front window indicated otherwise. Gold Buddha statues, African masks and Hindu deities shared the shelves with more traditional Catholic saints. An altar dedicated to San Simon assumed its popular position, complete with offerings of wine and tobacco. His presence, she explains, is so much a part of her shop that she intends to write a book about him.
Botánica Ochosi 5661 Santa Monica Blvd. LA, CA 90038 323-468-1040
Similar to Botánica El Indio, the lights at this botánica were on, but nobody was home. The door was locked, the sign on the door screamed “cerrado” and yet the security screen was partially pulled back to reveal an eye catching life size statue of San Simon. Through the window I noticed an extremely organized display of botánica paraphernalia, neatly packaged gift baskets and framed artwork for sale, which was illuminated by drab fluorescent lighting.
BOTANICAS Posted by SAM 451 days ago
As an educated college gratuate and ower of my own business, I tend to think of myself as a well rounded individual. Therefore, I was very surprised to find out, after reading the Botanicas article by Dara Coye, how little I knew about Botanicas in the Los Angeles. I look forward to more interesting articles.
I never knew! Posted by dolynator 433 days ago
I had never really noticed the botanica's that hid around the city, but after reading this informative article I know what I am looking at now! I find it interesting and almost surreal to learn that these little shops exist. Where as I previously had only heard of the likes of them through fictional stories, I now know the truth in real life. Thank you for "talking real" Dara Coye, and turning fiction into truth.
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