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Satanic Salem Walking Tours review! The Satanic Temple HQ weddings & ministry, Baphomet statue, Salem Art Gallery.

girl sitting on baphomet statue, the satanic temple salem headquarters goat headed satan devil

O-hisashiburi, Baphomet-sama. It’s nice to be back on your lap.

In Part 2 of my Salem, Massachusetts stories, we’ll take an insider peek at The Satanic Temple’s headquarters! (You may recall that I first visited TST Salem in 2019, and came back recently.)

TST / Salem Art Gallery has opened its doors again to visitors, with new art exhibitions and a goat-headed fortune telling machine. You can now stay in a suite at The Satanic Temple, and get married here by an ordained Minister of Satan… Read on for the Satanic scoop.

satanic salem walking tour guide rating Thomas O'Brien Vallor

First, we’ll run around Witch City with Thomas O’Brien Vallor, who runs the top-rated Satanic Salem Walking Tours. He developed the tour with The Satanic Temple; it’s a 1.5 hour guided stroll covering Salem’s history and connection to the devil, free from supernatural or superstitious elements.

Thomas O'Brien Vallor salem witch witchcraft tour guide tours

A Salem resident since his teen years, Thomas is an experienced tour guide, and expert in occultism and witchcraft. He’s a member of The Satanic Temple and previously worked at TST HQ. In addition to running his successful tour company, he gives regular lectures on history and other dark matters at The Satanic Estate / Virtual Headquarters. 

Thomas offers Satanic Salem Walking Tours every day except Tuesdays, at 12 noon or 8pm (make a booking via his site).

Look for him at the Derby Square meeting place, by Salem Old Town Hall (above). Built 1816, it’s the location of the Halloween party where the Sanderson Sisters performed “I put a spell on you” in the film Hocus Pocus.

tom vallor guide, top rated Satanic Salem Walking Tours

Within minutes, you’ll “get” why Thomas O’Brien Vallor has the #1 rated tour in Salem on TripAdvisor, with hundreds of 5-star reviews. He has an infectious energy and deep knowledge of Salem’s history, which doesn’t gloss over its darkest moments or wander into ghostly territory.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial slabs headstones tombs

If you’ve seen the Hail Satan? documentary, which I recommend, then you’ll have a sense of The Satanic Temple’s origins and mission.

In line with TST’s values (the pursuit of knowledge, and seeking justice for marginalized), Thomas debunks misconceptions about Salem’s history and the witch trials — such as that Satan caused women to falsely accuse outsiders of witchcraft.

He spoke with compassion about the victims of the Salem Witch Trials, at their memorial at Charter Street Cemetery. Each stone honors one the nine who were hanged as witches. I stood over a plaque that read, “God knows I am wholly innocent of such wickedness.”

historic Charter Street Cemetery salem ma

Also known as the Old Burying Point, Charter Street Cemetery is the second oldest in the USA (founded 1637). The famous graves include that of Justice John Hathorne, who sentenced many innocents to be hung as witches. (The judge is the great-great-grandfather of Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables.)

The Old Burying Point Cemetery oldest salem cemetery graveyard tombs

Thomas pointed to the “hanging trees” in the Old Burying Point Cemetery. They’re similar to the ones that some of the victims were hung from, during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.

satanic chest tattoo baphomet tattoos goat head satan

I wasn’t surprised to see people with Gothic fashion and tattoos, on the Satanic Salem Walking Tour. However, this is an activity for everyone, and all ages are welcome. Thomas often gets families who book his tours on a whim (or because he’s the number one rated guide), and end up being delighted by the experience.

statue Roger Conant, founder of Salem, outside the Salem Witch Museum

Thomas does a terrific job of delivering historic facts in an entertaining and witty fashion. Here stands Roger Conant, the founder of Salem, outside the Salem Witch Museum. (It’s a must-visit for first-timers; see my Witch Museum review here.)

alina abegg alien pink ring, satanic temple silver ring horned devil jewelry

Don’t forget to stop to… fondle the flowers. I’m wearing an official The Satanic Temple ring; it’s the TST Winged Crowned Skull Logo Ring, created by Kate Hockstein of Arcana Obscura. My alien pinky peridot ring is Alina Abegg Jewels.

st peter episcopal church salem tombstones

We walked by St Peter Episcopal Church at a time when the sunlight fell just-so on the winged skull headstones. These very Gothic “Death’s Head” carvings show the deceased carried by wings, representing the soul going to heaven. (Or… hell?)

salem puritan gravestone Massachusetts

After the 1690s, the tombstone imagery included winged cherubs (“soul effigies”). If you ask me, these round faces with wings are creepier than the grinning skulls!

witch house salem massachusetts black haunted historic home

Salem is filled with centuries-old Gothic architecture (Thomas told us the historic pointy-roof houses are often painted black, to make them look extra spooky for visitors). Here is The Witch House, home of Judge Jonathan Corwin; see my tour inside Witch House here.

satanic bomber jacket baphomet logo design witch house salem

Made sense to wear my Baphomet bomber jacket by Long Clothing. Salem truly is a Goth / Satanist haven.

satanic salem walking tours thomas vallor o'brien tour review tripadvisor

Hail Thomas O’Brien Vallor Salem witch, historian and tour guide extraordinaire! When you visit Witch City, I hope you’ll join his Satanic Salem Walking Tours. There’s no better way to get to know Salem and its fascinating history, from a Satanist perspective.

the satanic temple headquarters salem at night purple glowing lights

Speaking of the devil… The Satanic Temple’s headquarters looks particularly enticing at night. Located at 64 Bridge Street, TST HQ / Salem Art Gallery is impossible to miss, as the former funeral parlor glows with purple lights after dark.

the satanic temple headquarters exterior outside fountain

An elegant fountain sits outside the The Satanic Temple Salem. You may recognize this office wall painting from the Hail Satan? documentary; it depicts Baphomet, goat-headed Satanic symbol of the reconciliation of opposites. (As above and so below, male and female, animal and human.)

inside the satanic temple headquarters office hq

The Seven Fundamental Tenets hang on the office walls. One shouldn’t be surprised to see a bunny mask and black feather boa in the inner sanctum of TST…

the satanic temple headquarters offices purity belts

… or a collection of rusting metal chastity belts and torture equipment!

the satanic temple salem ma art gallery inside interior design

Gothic candles, animal skulls, and a bronze figure of Baphomet add to the office’s dark decor.

baphomet statue the satanic temple salem goat headed monument sabrina

Visitors are welcome to visit The Satanic Temple / Salem Art Gallery during its opening hours, and sit on the infamous Baphomet statue. (The Satanic symbol was built to be placed next to a Ten Commandments monument on Arkansas Capitol Grounds, to ensure the equal representation of minority religions. To this day, TST is fighting for the right to emplace Baphomet.)

Mark Porter constructed the controversial bronze statue, which weighs over 3,000 pounds and stands eight and half feet tall.

salem art gallery ghostly figures panels satanic temple exhibit

“Baphy” sits next to these ghostly figures by Zach Brown, who had a “Strange Familiars” exhibition at The Satanic Temple Salem. His evocative works draw from ancient myths, and touch upon themes of mortality.

baphomet fortune teller machine game the satanic temple attractions

Be sure to bring some US $1 bills, to feed the new Satanic fortune-teller machine! The mechanical Baphomet moves his hands around the glowing crystal ball, and speaks (much like Zoltar).

the satanic temple weddings, wedding ceremony marriage chamber

Here’s a first look at another new addition… The Satanic Temple is now available for overnight visits! You can stay in this Gothic suite with red satin drapes and a dramatic wood poster bed. (Book it here.) Guests have access to a private bathroom, and a newly renovated kitchen as well.

the satanic temple ministry wedding bridal suite room

You can also now get married, Satan-style. The Satanic Temple is available for wedding parties with fewer than 50 people. Salem Art Gallery provides a TST-ordained minister to officiate your marriage. They’ll help you with decor and catering, and have both indoor and outdoor areas for for small wedding receptions.

satanic interior decor satanist bedroom design devil satan

The Satanic Temple now has a online Satanic Ministry ordination program. The program is currently being rolled out in stages, and involves 10 lessons, an exam, essay, and background check (eligibility also depends on location). Once you’re ordained as a Minister of Satan, you can officially oversee weddings, funerals, unbaptisms, and other religious rituals.

(Thomas Vallor just became a minister himself, and will be helping with weddings at Headquarters.)

belle plaine monument soldier military pentagram statue salem satanic temple stairs

Here are some bonus answers from an interview I did with TST cofounder and spokesperson Lucien Greaves, as it refers to the Belle Plaine military memorial above (which you can see at Salem Art Gallery).

La Carmina: “I adore The Satanic Temple’s elegant veterans memorial, which features gold pentagrams on a black steel cube. Can you tell me about your efforts to emplace it in a Minnesota veterans park, as a means of upholding government viewpoint neutrality?”

Lucien Greaves: “In Belle Plaine we offered a monument on public grounds where there was already a privately-donated Christian monument, similar to Arkansas. Instead of “allowing” a Satanic monument on their public grounds, the city decided to remove their Christian monument and close down their park as a public forum. That’s great, but they only did this after approving our monument, which caused us to expend considerable resources in having it constructed, and they shut down the “forum” only after having the Christian monument displayed for some two years. The case for discrimination against us seems pretty clear, and the claim that we have a type of contractual breach claim (“promissory estoppel”) is moving forward.”

the satanic temple gift shop candles merchandise salem art gallery

Lucien Greaves continues, regarding the Belle Plaine lawsuit: “Nonetheless, the judge dismissed the claim of religious discrimination on the grounds that we have failed to establish that there is anything in our religious practices or tenets that directly demands that we should have a monument on those public grounds. Imagine if Christian claims were subjected to this level of scrutiny. In fact, there is nothing in the Bible that directly prohibits abortion. More to the point, there’s nothing in the Bible that comes close to recognizing that Christian corporations are prohibited from providing health insurance that covers certain forms of contraceptives for employees, but Hobby Lobby successfully argued that case to the Supreme Court.

We are clearly not being treated equally by the courts, and I don’t think that’s going to change until more legal scholars and commentators start recognizing and exposing what it is that is going on here. Unfortunately, we now see a lot of people merely looking at the ruling in the most general of fashion and assuming, often out of convenience, that we failed to make a compelling case.”

the satanic temple salem candles shop boutique

At the entrance of The Satanic Temple Salem, you can pick up candles (such as these), clothing, homewares and more from the gift shop. Proceeds go to their campaigns for social justice, pluralism, and reproductive rights. You can also shop for all things Luciferian through The Satanic Temple’s online shop.

devil satan art exhibition salem art paintings goth gothic

The Salem Art Gallery / TST HQ has rotating art exhibits at all times. When I was there, “Incipit Spring” was on display (photos pictured). Co-organized with the Salem Arts Association, the installation features local artists and their interpretations of renewal and growth.

Right now, you can see Cevin Soling’s “We’ve Become What We Parody.” He describes his artwork as “bending the familiar to create an alternate world that exposes the undercurrents of hypocrisy and violence that persist beneath everyday objects’ veneer. The works are intended to generate a conflicted response of both horror and humor where the humor may feel guilty or inappropriate. The works serve as critiques of both ourselves and our culture designed to prompt unsettling questions. What kind of world have we created? What do we value, and what do we want to achieve? How do we suppress thoughts of our eventual demise and the specter of violence that surrounds us?”

satanic cross art exhibit salem the satanic temple

Here’s another bonus Q+A question with LG that didn’t get published.

La Carmina: “Many people continue to confuse TST with the Church of Satan (established in 1966 by Anton LaVey, author of “The Satanic Bible”). Could you discuss how TST is distinct from the Church of Satan, and the significance of LaVey’s writings to Satanism today?”

Lucien Greaves: “LaVey was certainly important to Modern Satanism, but his Church of Satan did not have much longevity. Something calling itself The Church of Satan exists as a website and a Twitter account today, but there really is no Church of Satan, as an organization, offline. I get the impression that some people think that the Church of Satan holds similar events to The Satanic Temple, has a physical headquarters like The Satanic Temple, believe that the Church of Satan is a federally recognized religious organization in the same way we are, and that the Church of Satan even manages public campaigns in the same way that we do. None of that is true of the Church of Satan.”

the satanic temple art events salem art gallery shows

Lucien Greaves: “Philosophically, the Church of Satan fetishizes authoritarianism and endorses a belief in the power of magic, and the legitimacy of Social Darwinism. On the face of it, this places the two organizations worlds apart. However, LaVey believed that his philosophy was born of adherence to the best available scientific evidence, which he clearly thought should override comforting dogmas. It is not at all impossible that if he were alive today, he would adjust his thinking to contemporary knowledge and approve of the Satanism of The Satanic Temple. Some of his living friends have told me that they think he would.”

the process church final judgement magazine, p-cross books

The Satanic Temple has more of a connection to The Process Church of the Final Judgment, a defunct religious group founded in 1966 that spoke of a balance between Luciferian and Christian ideals. Lucien Greaves has the largest collection of The Process memorabilia, much of which is displayed in TST’s library (which anyone can visit).

You can learn more about The Process in the engaging documentary Sympathy for the Devil: The True Story of The Process Church of the Final Judgment, which is on TSTTV and directed by Neil Edwards.

satanic temple throne room red wallpaper chairs

Close-up on the masks on the wall of the red throne room, and the shelves of Satanic Panic literature inside The Satanic Temple’s Library.

the satanic temple library posters art

The library has a lot of Satanic eye-candy on the walls. The picture frames contain newspaper clippings about TST, cartoons by Lucien Greaves, a portrait of Elvira signed “To TST,” and Lucien’s original sketches for the After School Satan logo, and Baphomet statue design.

cute goat baphomet art kawaii satan

This cute baby goat caught my attention. Satan is kawaii…

skull cameo art satanic temple hotel room suite

If you’re intrigued by The Satanic Temple’s work as a religious organization, I encourage you to view the Hail Satan? documentary by Penny Lane. It’s currently streaming on Netflix Canada, and can be found on Amazon, Hulu, etc.

gothic chandelier interior decor design the satanic temple

And do pay their official headquarters in Salem a visit. Admission is well worth it to see the artistic details for yourself, such as these antique chandeliers.

horror ventriloquist dummy red bow tie

The Satanic Temple is having live, in-person events again as well. Check TST’s calendar for upcoming events and tickets, including The Satanic Chef’s Devil’s Dinner Party in October. (And you can spend the night in their suite, above.)

twilight house salem satanic gift shop

The Mark of the Beast is found elsewhere in Salem. The downtown gift store Twilight House has pentagrams and goat-headed figures in the windows.

bronze baphomet statues satanic icons

Baphomet was a heathen idol associated with the Knights Templar, and later with occult and mystic traditions. His famous image as the Sabbatic Goat is based on an 1856 drawing by Eliphas Levi.

red gothic dress sourpuss clothing dresses

Before we leave Salem, let’s take a twirl in my red dress on Salem’s only rooftop bar — The Roof. Located at the top of The Hotel Salem, this rooftop bar and restaurant has magnificent views of the historic downtown.

the roof salem ma cocktails menu drinks

The outdoor bar and kitchen serves up special mixed cocktails, decorated with edible flowers. We tried the blossom ‘rita with blood orange liqueur and lime juice, and a pineapple gin cooler with muddled sage.

the roof salem restaurant food menu snacks

The Roof’s menu includes tacos, rice bowls, and seafood. I went for the fresh guacamole with blue cheese, served with spiced tortilla chips. (I wonder what Anton LaVey would think of me eating this dish…)

salem open air rooftop bar hotel salem viewpoint

Matching the brick architecture around me, in my Sourpuss Clothing red dress.

rainbow over salem Massachusetts

I was already in awe at the panoramic views from The Roof Salem… and then, this rainbow appeared as the icing on top.

the roof salem rooftop bar and restaurant

Blending in with the Massachusetts brick buildings, in a red Sourpuss dress and matching silk mask by Lemonwood Luxury.

salem ma brick architecture downtown buildings

From the rooftop balcony, I could see Salem’s cobblestone streets and harbor in the distance.

goth red mini dress gothic sourpuss clothing

See my full Hotel Salem review here. Loved staying at these hip mid-century modern boutique accommodations (part of Lark Hotels).

winged skull tombstone salem church grave

“Here lyes Buried”… Come see the skull death head gravestones and more for yourself, in Salem MA.

creepy puritan graves spooky salem halloween

The town is known for its “Haunted Happenings” Halloween celebrations, but it’s spooky and Satan-y here year round.

satanic temple halloween party events baphomet devil god statue

Have you seen the Hail Satan? documentary about TST yet? If you haven’t, give it a watch and let me know your thoughts. You can also see more from The Satanic Temple’s headquarters in my article from 2019. And never forget… “Thou art thine own master!”

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Hail Salem, Massachusetts! Visiting The Satanic Temple art gallery, Gothic clothing boutiques & occult witch shops.

Satanic Temple salem, Baphomet Statue, satan devil lucifer sculpture

Last Halloween, someone had a date with the Devil… in Salem, Massachusetts!

All hail the Satanic Temple, who have a headquarters and art gallery in Salem — the New England town where the 1692 witch trials took place. Read on for a peek inside…

In part 1 of my Salem Goth Guide, I took you to the witchiest museums and historic attractions, including the local cemetery and Witch House. (Since these tend to close early, around 4-5pm, I suggest that you visit them first if you are only here for a day).

cute skeleton dolls plush toys goth

In this second installment of my Salem adventures, I’ll show you what we did in the later afternoon (around 4-7pm). This is the ideal time to check out the Gothic stores on Essex Street, as they don’t generally close until 6pm. But before we go shopping, let’s pay a visit to The Satanic Temple of Salem.

Coronavirus Note: Salem will still be having “haunted happenings” this year, but with safety precautions to prevent COVID. Please see the tourism board’s FAQs about travel, mask requirements, and events in Salem for Halloween 2020, before you visit.

visit the satanic temple Salem Art Gallery massachussetts

Because of COVID-19, the Salem Art Gallery is open only by appointment. You can easily make an advance reservation via their site.

The gallery and Satanic Temple are located at 64 Bridge Street. The street number is a few digits shy from 666, but the black and red signpost makes up for it.

Don’t feel apprehensive about visiting this devilish lair — everyone is welcome here. I saw families and children wandering inside, and snapping cheerful photos with Baphomet.

goth pope chairs gothic red antiqu furniture

The Satanic Temple (TST) has chapters worldwide — remember when I went to their disco party in London! — but their head office is in Salem, MA.

The Satanic Temple has been designated a tax-exempt church, but they’re a non-theistic organization and don’t “worship the devil.” In their words, “Satan is an icon for the unbowed will of the unsilenced inquirer – the heretic who questions sacred laws and rejects all tyrannical impositions.”

Members believe in respecting the freedoms of others, and acting with compassion in accordance with science. (Unlike certain religious figures who sit on chairs like these…)

satanic temple church, house headquarters salem ma

Logistics time. What’s the best way to get to the Satanic Temple of Salem?

Most of Salem’s historic / tourist attractions are in the central part of the town. The TST is a little further north (15-20 minute walk, or 5 minute car ride). If you’re only here for a day and short on time (as we were), I suggest taking an Uber to maximise your time. 

Opening hours: TST usually closes at 7pm, which is why we visited it last. (Salem’s other Gothic attractions close earlier). Keep in mind that it is closed Monday/Tuesdays, and that this year (with COVID), you must make an appointment through their site first.

satanic temple pride rainbow flat lgbt gay

The Satanic Temple and Art Gallery are easy to spot. Look for a dark grey historic house with a rainbow flag of the goat-headed one.

Many members identify as LGBTQ+. The Satanic Temple stands for equal rights, benevolence, and freedom of expression — often taking part in campaigns for LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights.

pentagram lucifer devil wreath

How charming is this goat-headed wreath? The Satanic Temple’s logo is a Sigil of Baphomet (the Sabbatic Goat) and an inverted pentagram.

 Lucien Greaves, Baphomet Statue, satanic t-shirts, satanic temple merch

Inside, you can sit on the lap of Baphomet — check out Daddy’s hooves! (More about this controversial statue further down.)

arms with snake garden eden painting

Founded in 2013, The Satanic Temple rebels against arbitrary, tyrannical norms that interfere with individual freedoms. They’ve made waves by using devilish imagery (such as black masses and “Snaketivity” sculptures) to fight encroachments on the separation between church and state.

If you’re confused about the Church of Satan vs. Satanic Temple, here’s a funny guide to the differences between the two. (The former was founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey, author of The Satanic Bible).

salem art gallery artists exhibit

For members of TST, Satan isn’t a supernatural deity. He represents the never-ending search for knowledge, using the best scientific evidence available to make rational decisions.

The Satanic Temple has seven fundamental tenets, which focus on living with compassion, justice, and wisdom.

Statue of Baphomet satanic temple, bronze sculpture

In addition to serving as an office, Salem’s Satanic Temple is an art gallery and creative gathering space. Anyone is welcome to visit and see the rotating works on display.

(Admission must be made in advance via their site. Note the local logo, featuring a death’s head or winged skull that is found on many Puritan graves.)

satanic temple merchandise shirts store

It’s well worth the visit — you get to peruse a dark collection of memorabilia for sale, and see art such as the original concept sketch for the Baphomet statue.

satanic salem walking tours

The team also offers a Satanic Salem Walking Tour, and various activities. You can attend a lecture, take a class on making candles for a Satanic ritual, or watch a screening of documentary Hail Satan? (which focuses on TST’s activities).

devil satanic art drawings

As you’d expect, the Satanic Temple of Salem is a Gothic dream-house. Built in 1882, the Victorian-style interiors once housed a funeral parlor. Wander up the winding staircase, and be inspired by the artwork by mostly local artists.

baphomet goat headed statue salem

Lissette and I were delighted to stand with the infamous Baphomet statue, which is 8.5 feet tall and weighs 3000 lbs. Originally a pagan idol associated with the Knights Templar, the horned deity evolved into the Sabbatic Goat, and is a symbol of both TST and the Church of Satan.

When a Ten Commandments statue was placed outside Oklahoma State Capitol, The Satanic Temple created this Baphomet to sit beside it in the name of religious equality. The court ended up removing the Christian statue on the grounds that state property shouldn’t be used to further religions — win!

hail satan lucifer satanic temple documentary

The bronze Baphomet is a political symbol, and a powerful work of art especially when seen (and sat on) in person. Love the pentagrams, snakes, and two children staring up at him.

satan throne chair pope devil

The Satanic Temple has fought against religious encroachment in other creative ways. They asked to give a Satanic invocation before Scottsdale City Council, since only Judeo-Christian groups have said prayers in this public forum. They were arbitrarily denied, and are currently in court to defend their First Amendment rights.

I got a kick out of their response to the Christian Good News Club, which some public schools offered as an after-school children’s program. Enter the After School Satan Club! “While the Good News Clubs focus on indoctrination, instilling them with a fear of Hell and God’s wrath, (we) focus on free inquiry and rationalism, the scientific basis for which we know what we know about the world around us.” V-fingers to that, from our perch on these Pope chairs.

The Satanic Temple Veterans' Monument

The Salem headquarters also holds the Satanic Temple Veterans’ Monument. In response to a two-foot steel cross memorial placed in Belle Plaine’s remembrance park, the Satanists donated this statue. However, they were denied the right to place it — and are currently still fighting for the same access to public spaces as other religions.

The monument is simple yet strong: a black steel cube marked with a gold inverted pentagram, and an empty soldier’s helmet on top where people can leave messages.

death masks museum satanic temple

Be sure to visit the Satanic Temple’s library. They have a fascinating collection of death masks and medical devices, which reminded me the Morbid Anatomy exhibit.

satanic temple salem books library

A wonderful collection of books and objects on the subject of witch-hunts, Satanism, and occult matters. 

1980s satanic panic books funny 80s satan

Peruse the fascinating collection of Satanic Panic literature and records. In the 1980s, there was a widespread and unfounded fear that Satanic ritual abuse had become widespread, resulting in child blood-lettings and other dark matters. These books (Halloween Satanism, Turmoil Toybox) look ridiculous now, but they were taken seriously at the time.

heavy metal satanic worship symbols

The moral panic even led to police guidelines on how to spot a Satanist. I laughed out loud… if your teen draws a yin-yang or is listening to Dio, you better pray for their soul!

satanic temple difference Church of Satan

Intrigued by this “hell house?” Then crawl on over to The Satanic Temple of Salem for an enlightening visit.

(You can find out more about their work in the Hail Satan documentary.)

goth clothing shops salem ma, gothic fashion

Now, let’s check out some spooky boutiques. Salem is an incredible destination for those who love Gothic fashion and home decor. (Note that these photos were from my visit last fall, so things may have changed with COVID.)

Some of the stores are more on the tourist side, and sell generic Halloween goods. However, there are also wonderful indie boutiques with local / handmade Goth items (like this skull sweater).

die with boots on salem goth fashion shop

I didn’t get to go to every Goth store — I missed out on Die With Your Boots On, purveyor of underground / subculture fashion and locally made products.

Most of the Gothic boutiques are on Essex Street, between Summer – Washington – Hawthorne. I suggest starting at one end and walking along Essex, and meandering to the side streets as well.

witch city wicks, black cat pillows

Lissette and I were fans of Witch City Wicks, an independent, handmade, local candle and home goods company.

salem witch shops, goth clothes

In addition to artisan candles, Witch City Wicks stocks hand-crafted interior decor and gifts — perfect for witchy women.

satanic jewelry shop salem, pentagram necklaces

They carry an enticing selection of silver jewelry with witch and occult themes. These pentacle necklaces and pendants are by Burial Ground.

witch spell candles salem store shopping

All their candles are made with vegan-friendly soy wax, and have alternative scents and packaging influenced by Salem’s culture.

glass star pentagram lanterns pentacle

Witches tend to be associated with horror and darkness in popular culture, but Witch City Wicks shows the positive, spiritual side of wicca.

halloween silver pumpkin necklace pendant

Be ready to spend when you’re in Salem… it’s hard to resist designs like these, especially when they are by indie makers.

goth witches salem goths scene clubs

Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble… Can you picture me stirring a cauldron by this hearth?

I’m wearing a rare OG pleats dress by Moi-meme-Moitie (the elegant Gothic Lolita brand of Mana-sama, guitarist of Moi dix Mois and Malice Mizer).

vampfangs salem boutique vampire store

Salem isn’t just for witches. The little New England town with a ghastly history had drawn in other bloody subcultures.

Coffin-dwellers will love the boutique Vampfangs. Founded in 1993, they carry all things vampire-related including red contacts and sharp fangs. 

vampire rings silver skull ankh jewellery

There’s a selection of jewelry that looks like it belongs to Lestat. I spot an anhk and skull.

salem witch potions herbs

Vampfangs also has a variety of fragrances, oils and skincare — wiwth vampiric names like Bitten, Immortal, Funeral Parlor, Black Cloak.

devil horns headband

Need a skull, or a horned headband? Vampfangs has you covered.

salem goth vampire store vampfangs

These specialty boutiques are run by locals who participate in the subculture, and put careful attention to design details. Salem’s historic atmosphere adds to the charm of shopping for Goth goods.

hex old world witchery shop

“I put a spell on you…” All your ritual needs can be found at Hex Old World Witchery.

devil goat lucifer ouija board

This old world witchcraft store is a wonderland of herbs, crystals, divination objects, voodoo dolls… 

bronze sculpture baphomet

Hex pays homage to deities and demons from all cultures. The Satanic Baphomet sits next to Kali, Hindu goddess of destruction (remember I visited her temples in India?)

witch essential oils spells salem witchcraft

So many potions to choose from… In Salem, it’s always the Season of the Witch.

designer leather witch hat

Can you picture yourself wearing this pointed witch hat with a skull?

human skull, voodoo altar witches

Be sure to pay your respects to the altar at the entrance of Hex, which brings together Santa Muerte candles, voodoo dolls and a human skull.

salem witch tarot readings readers spells witches

Many Salem stores run special events and workshops. No matter when you visit, you’ll find something witchy or artistic to partake in. Tarot card readings, spell casting, broom-making… If only I had more time!

witchcraft designers salem art

You can visit the store websites and Destination Salem to learn about upcoming activities. Or just wander around, and see what happens to be going on (we stumbled upon a small vendors fair).

the coven's cottage salem shopping street

The sun, it burns! Outside The Coven’s Cottage, which has a pagan and metaphysical focus, especially on Norse/Asatru.

salem witch board museum, witch city hall

The word “witch” is found on pretty much everything in Salem… Impossible to see everything in a single day. I’ll have to come back for more.

salem halloween costumes, witch city ink

Be sure to read Part 1 of my Salem Goth Guide as it covers the best museums (including the Witch Trials of 1692), and Goth-friendly attractions like Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery of monsters.

horned goat satan statue sabrina chilling adventures

A hearty hail to The Satanic Temple of Salem for the special tour. (Keep in mind that I visited last year, so these photos are from the pre-COVID days.)

witches goths salem gothic parties

Salem, MA more than lived up to my Gothic expectations! I hope you’ll get to safely fly (either by plane or broom) to Destination Salem and revel in these haunted happenings for yourself.

(For more, check out the first instalment of my Salem Goth travel guide and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina the teenage witch adventure. Happy Halloween!).

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