Two readers tell how they were guided to open spiritual shops
‘Our little treasure trove’
LOIS THOMAS,
42, is regularly reminded destiny is always at work
Growing up, my mum Jackie would often go to see mediums for guidance and help, and I remember her telling me, ‘You’re a healer, Lois!’
But I was 19 and not ready. Being a healer wasn’t on my to-do list back then, and it was only when I reached adulthood that I began to delve deeper.
As the years passed, I started to contemplate life beyond the everyday. I found myself drawn to books like Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret in a bid to find out more.
I became a mum-of-three and it was at a children’s birthday party that I got chatting to another mum, Rowena, who I’d often seen in the playground.
Somehow, we got onto the subject of intuitive eating.
‘I swear by it,’ I told Rowena, smiling.
‘Eating what you feel like eating!’
From there we discovered we’d both read The Secret and my intuition told me, ‘I like this person!’
We talked and talked and, weeks later, decided to set up a market stall selling spiritual gifts such as jewellery, candles and crystals. Everything fell into place so quickly, we sensed it was meant to be.
Then Rowena spotted an advert: Business closing, looking for a new owner!
‘Shall we check it out?’ she suggested.
Our jaws nearly hit the floor when we went to see the shop owner. Her business was selling vintage antique collectables.
‘Hello, we’re Lois and Rowena,’ we announced nervously. ‘We’re interested in your business.’
‘Oh my!’ said the shop owner. ‘My name is Rowena and my aunt, who works in the shop, is called Lois. I think this is meant to be!’
And it really was, because weeks later, we took over the lease and set up our very own shop, calling it The Arcade Treasure Chest.
Signs bombarded me
I couldn’t wait to tell Mum. Although she was too poorly to understand –a year of Parkinson’s disease had taken its toll – I knew she approved of our little venture.
Her mind was by now in the grips of dementia, but signs that this shop was meant to happen began coming thick and fast. Rowena felt it, too. We were being guided. It was clear as a bell.
It didn’t take long for us to stock the shop with crystals, oracle cards, tarot decks and dreamcatchers. We decided to rent out space too, adding a collection of gothic clothing as well as vintage collectable toys to the eclectic mix.
When Mum died in January 2021, I knew she hadn’t really left me. Signs we’d done the right thing opening the shop continued to bombard me. I’d hear familiar ‘Mum’ noises and smell her scent.
