Photograph by Sarah McCosham
The first time I visited Hierophany & Hedge was the weekend after Halloween. I’d traveled to Salem with Pearl a few weeks earlier and after a whirlwind October and memorable Halloween, I wasn’t quite ready for the season to be over.
I wasn’t alone.
The store was bustling—busy in a way that’s rare with small businesses, especially on a mild Sunday afternoon when football was playing and people were out in jeans and t-shirts.
However, in the times I’ve visited since (numerous), the shop has always been abuzz: lively, lovely, always intriguing, captivating, and curious.
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
This is the vibe of Hierophany & Hedge, an oddities/spells/curiosities shop in the heart of Covington. It feels a bit like Third Man Records in Nashville, if you’ve ever been there: it’s a full-on experience, not simply a place to shop. From the moment you step foot inside—and even before, as the shop’s bespoke tile stoop, custom made by a family-owned shop in Lebanon/Damascus, is its own moment—you’ll feel as though you’ve discovered a special, secret place, a place where magic exists, the paranormal is normal, and shop cats are extraordinary (oh my gosh, the owner’s Maine coon, Atramenta Murderpaws, is extraordinary). Described as a slice of arcana and alchemy, Hierophany & Hedge is wholly unique and truly unlike any other small business in the area.
Inside you’ll find captivating reads about local lore and history, tarot cards, spell books, magic wands, crystals, DIY potions and spells. You’ll also find some of the most engaging, interesting humans here—owners Auger and Coil are straight out of the Victorian era, a welcome moment of dapper and class in an era of sweatpants and athleisure. (He gets his suits specially made and tailored to a tee, of course.)
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
This is a space where all are welcome, curiosity is encouraged, nothing is impossible. Go in with an open mind and let the space do its thing. Sit in one of the royal thrones for a think. Rifle through tarot. Touch crystals. This is one of those places that pulls you in, if you let it, for a magical experience in a world that feels all too real most of the time. Oh, and when your hands get heavy with treasures, allow one of the staff to “unburden you” by putting your picks at the counter. (What a lovely thing to say!)
On my first visit, I discovered walls of handmade witch’s hats and wished I’d known about this hidden gem before purchasing an inexpensive witch hat from my local thrift store for Halloween. Ditto re: wands. Ever wonder where to get a magic wand in Cincinnati? You don’t need to go to Hogwarts, or Amazon.
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
Whether it’s spooky season, midsummer, or a random Sunday stuck in an endless February (hello, fellow Swifties) there’s always magic brewing at Hierophany & Hedge. And I think you’ll agree that magic is something we could all use more of.
Hierophany & Hedge, Nine W. Pike St., Covington
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