Catland Books Bushwick: Metaphysical Shop in Brooklyn

Flushing Avenue in Bushwick has long stood as an epicenter of independent art, electronic music, and avant-garde culture. Located at 987 Flushing Avenue between Bogart Street and Morgan Avenue, Catland Books anchors Brooklyn's contemporary esoteric movement. Established in 2013 by Melissa Madara and Brian Cotnoir, Catland quickly established itself as a premier independent occult bookstore and community gathering center. For readers and practitioners searching for a metaphysical shop near me in Kings County, Catland offers an unvarnished, scholarly, and deeply artistic approach to witchcraft, ceremonial magic, and regional folk traditions.

Entering 987 Flushing Avenue reveals an interior that balances antique library charm with industrial Brooklyn minimalism. Exposed brick walls, pressed-tin ceilings, and reclaimed wooden bookcases frame the airy main room. Natural daylight streams through large storefront windows, illuminating glass cases filled with curiosities, hand-bound chapbooks, and cast-metal ritual items. The rich scent of dried mugwort, cedarwood shavings, and sweet lavender pervades the shop, creating an environment that feels both deeply contemplative and creatively stimulating for visiting researchers and curious walkers.

Literature remains the primary foundation of Catland's identity. The shop maintains an impeccably curated book inventory ranging from classical Hermetic philosophy and medieval Latin grimoires to queer pagan poetry, environmental animism, and modern botanical identification guides. Independent press titles, small-batch poetry zines, and rare academic editions sit alongside foundational paperbacks. An esoteric paperback book sells for $22, offering seekers rich, accessible introductions to practical planetary magic, folk astrology, and herbal medicine without academic pretension.

Herbalism and botanical apothecary preparations constitute another major focus within the shop. The apothecary maintains wide rows of amber glass jars filled with dried medicinal herbs, roots, flowers, and aromatic resin granules sourced from sustainable farms. Customers can purchase proprietary botanical bath salts formulated with Atlantic sea salt, epsom crystals, and pure essential oils for $14 per jar. For daily spiritual maintenance, altar dressing, and personal fragrance, the house apothecary produces hand-poured herbal oils and loose apothecary herb jars priced at $16, crafted in accordance with seasonal astrological alignments.

Divination services at Catland Books are celebrated for their grounded, practical, and psychological perspective. Resident practitioners offer private in-person tarot readings, astrology birth chart breakdowns, and intuitive consultations in a secluded reading alcove behind velvet curtains. An in-person tarot reading costs $60, delivering a comprehensive 30-minute dialogue designed to unpack complex emotional situations, creative dilemmas, and future directions. Bookings can be arranged in advance via the shop's calendar or secured in person during regular retail hours.

The community workshop series at 987 Flushing Avenue draws participants from across the entire tri-state area. Evening classes explore practical topics such as traditional ink-making for talismanic writing, historic European poison gardens, candle dressing techniques, and seasonal wheel-of-the-year celebrations. These interactive sessions emphasize historical context and hands-on participation, fostering thoughtful connections among Brooklyn's diverse artistic and spiritual communities while welcoming beginners with open arms.

To ensure a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere for all visitors, Catland Books maintains clear store guidelines. Guests are encouraged to handle fragile antique books with clean, dry hands and treat all displayed artifacts and altar items with respect. Conversations in the main room should remain moderate in volume, especially when private readings or garden workshops are underway. Staff members are eager to answer thoughtful questions regarding book recommendations, author backgrounds, and historical sources.

Visiting Catland during the week offers the most intimate and relaxing experience. Tuesday through Thursday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM provide ample quiet time to read book introductions, examine botanical labels, and speak with knowledgeable shop clerks without interruption. Weekend afternoons bring lively neighborhood energy, as local artists and weekend visitors explore the surrounding Bushwick industrial loft blocks and outdoor cafes.

The immediate neighborhood surrounding 987 Flushing Avenue offers a rich blend of industrial heritage and contemporary culture. Directly across the avenue and along Bogart Street, explore contemporary art galleries, vintage clothing warehouses, and independent print shops housed in converted textile factories. Walk two blocks west along Flushing Avenue to grab an artisanal cold brew or oat milk cortado at neighborhood coffee roasters, or take a peaceful stroll down surrounding residential streets adorned with celebrated Bushwick street art murals painted by international muralists.

Bushwick's culinary reputation ensures your trip will be exceptionally well fed. Walk two blocks north to Morgan Avenue to enjoy legendary wood-fired sourdough pizza, house-cured salumi, and craft cocktails at iconic neighborhood pizzerias. Nearby side streets feature authentic regional Mexican taquerias serving fresh corn tacos, hearty pozole, and refreshing agua frescas, providing delicious post-shopping dining options just steps from the bookstore.

Getting to Catland Books is exceptionally convenient by train from Manhattan or elsewhere in Brooklyn. The Morgan Avenue station on the L line is located less than a two-minute walk away at the corner of Morgan Avenue and Harrison Place. Alternatively, take the J or M trains to Flushing Avenue and walk eight minutes east along Flushing Avenue. Bicycle parking is readily available along the block, making cycling an easy travel method from Williamsburg, Greenpoint, or Bed-Stuy.

Catland Books stands as an enduring beacon of intellectual curiosity and artistic independence in Brooklyn. By centering scholarly research, ethical community engagement, and genuine folk traditions, the shop provides a vital haven for free thinkers, writers, and practitioners. It remains one of New York City's most inspiring, authentic, and welcoming cultural treasures.

Practical Notes: Catland Books is located at 987 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206. Regular retail hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (closed Mondays). Private tarot readings and workshop tickets can be reserved online or purchased at the front desk. Open the Karpo APP to check L train schedules and discover Bushwick dinner spots after your bookstore visit.