When you enter The Robin’s Nest in Bellingham MA, you are greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable staff, by the soft music in the background, by the bubble of the fountain. The atmosphere is gentle and welcoming.
So stop by! Look up a particular rune, magick spell, or angel in their free in-store library. Watch the staff feed the goldfish in the pool. Meditate next to the herb garden. Buy a broom, locally-sewn ritual robe, or stained-glass Celtic cross. Stock up on one of more than 90 herbs. Place a canned good in the huge cauldron by the door, to be donated to the local food bank. “The space is open to anyone to relax, hang out,” says owner Robbi Packard. “There are many paths, and all of them are welcome.”
Many events take place at The Robin’s Nest, in which the whole community can come together and enjoy pagan-friendly company. The Robin’s Nest hosts occasional sabbat rituals, frequent classes and workshops, and monthly Moon circles and drum circles. On movie nights, everyone is welcome to bring a snack and enjoy a free movie, which is chosen by “community decision,” explains Rev. Packard. Children are welcome at all events. Or, schedule a private massage, Reiki, or Tarot card session, to take place in the store’s back rooms. Coming soon you will also be able to schedule your handfasting (pagan wedding), Wiccaning, bridal blessing ceremony, or “whatever the community needs,” says Rev. Packard.
The store does much more than provide a place for pagans to buy incense and semi-precious stones. Rev. Packard says that the “spirit community of like minds” that comes together at The Robin’s Nest serves the local community. They do this through such outreach programs as collecting for the local food bank, fighting cancer by walking for the Jimmy Fund, and fighting youth suicide by making fund-raising bracelets for Ben Speaks. (See www.jimmyfund.org and www.benspeaks.org)
Rev. Packard says, “The Robin’s Nest is really cool for the pagan community. There are so many solitaires and it fulfills that need.”
Rev. Packard especially thanks Amanda Hourihan, Tara Charbonneau, and Cheryl Hawkins, without whom the store would not be the amazing place it is.
See therobinsnestma.com for more information.
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