Botanica Mama Roots

Before you go to someone else I would recommend for you to come check this place first. You won’t regret it. Very accurate, I didn’t have to mention anything to her about my situation and she was on the dot. I’m sure you won’t find another place with her prizes. Very very gifted in what she does and I loved that she didn’t rush me and I was able to ask her questions. Can’t wait to come back.

I like exactly what I saw at the store. The cashier interacted with me very kindly without hesitant because I am deaf. It’s full of good and bad spirits inside the store, but its just up to people whether they like bad or good spirits. It requires no judgement.
I also bought a cats tarot cards there. it’s been useful.

I saw mama roots about 3 years ago.
I’ve been dying to go back.
Everything she mentioned in my tarot card reading was accurate or became accurate. I went in skeptical, didn’t believe in psychics and still not confident that I do. I didn’t tell her one thing or give any hints that anything she said was wrong or right. I just took it all in.
3 years later, looking back– she was right on everything!
The owner was the one who did my reading and you do have to book ahead for an appointment.
I don’t live in the area so I haven’t had the chance to make it back. But I plan to soon!
I went to her for guidance with my career. I’m glad I did because she gave me the push I needed

Had my first reading with Martha today. I was amazed at how much she knew about me and my life without me saying anything to her about it. They also have many different kinds of oils, herbs and incense. I highly recommend this place. If you want a reading, ask for Martha.

Went in for some candles and felt very comfortable asking for help and guidance. I left with some candles and oils and feeling so much better and optimistic. Can’t wait to go back.

Best in town. Powerful, personal, and helpful. This business has everything you need to protect yourself and your family, from herbs to readings. Knowledgeable and approachable staff whether you frequent this type of establishment or if its your first time.

First botanica I’ve ever been to and it was awesome! I-​star is dead on accurate with readings and not pushy about getting into the metaphysical. Martha is very knowledgeable and helpful in finding what you need. Broad range of many practices to be found here. Items are decent and worth it.

I visited this lovely district the other day and am pleased with the results. I purchased some incense, oil and candles and love the little shop! I can’t wait to go back for a reading.

I am not typically someone who writes reviews, but came away from this establishment with such positive experience that I have to encourage others to bring their business here as well. I am completely ‘ignorant’ for lack of a better word to anything having to do with the occult, but Martha made me feel comfortable in asking my questions and I came away with not only a better understanding into spirituality but a better understanding of myself. Not only will I be back, but will encourage others to stop by as well!

One of the best Botanica /​metaphysical shops I have been to. Great stock, great staff, fair prices and very knowledgeable and intuitive.
Martha helped me and she is great. Her knowledge and love for what she does shines through her.

always fun & informative. never phoney. great place to introduce your kids to different practices & natural healing.

I’m glad I found this place. I haven’t felt good lately. I walked inside the store without knowing what to expect. I walked around until I got enough courage to ask for assistance. I’m glad I did cause Martha without having to explained myself, she knew exactly what I needed. Thank you

Botanica Mama Roots is not a side show experience. If you are a magical practitioner, root doctor, witch, or seer, this is a must stop place for your tools. Istar and her staff are extremely knowledgeable and are able to answer most every question about their products. In addition getting a reading here is a must. Istar’s years of experience and training allow her to quickly connect and uncover what is affecting your root.

Pretty cool place! Lots of stuff to look at and the prices are good. Will be back when I’m not poor!

I’ve been here a few times. Love this place and the staff. They seem to know their stuff and are very helpful. I prefer to buy herbs at this place because they give such a decent amount for a low price. Also great selection of candles and curio. I’ve bought a book or two from here before. Definitely my favorite occult shop!

This is one of my favorite small businesses in San Diego.
When I wrote my first review it was based on my first time there. I have been coming back ever since to buy incense and have even picked up a few other things I would have never imagines buying.
After having a nice lengthy chat with one of the employees I bought some oils. One is to enhance memory and is to be dabbed behind the ears. The other was dragon’s blood to ward off bad energy and is applied to the neck. I have no idea if they are working, but at this point I don’t care. The oils smell good.
I also bought a voodoo doll for my cats to play with and a candle that looks like a vagina. Candle vaginas are fun!
This shop is rooted in Santeria but sells supplies that cater to multiple sects and faiths. The people in here are so awesome. They are happy to educate customers on their beliefs and they way in which the spirit world works. Every time I go in there I walk away with a slightly higher IQ.

I love this store! It’s one of my favorites! This store is not «fluffy» at all like the majority of the stores in the SD area. Like other posters have mentioned, this is truly an Occult store.
I guess you can say it has aspects of a Botanica but I find Botanicas to be more geared towards just Santeria and I find Mama Roots to be a mix of all things with only a small amount of Wiccan products (good).
They have figural candles, talismans, herbs, books, tarot, incense, herbal washes, herbal powders, oils etc… My only complaint is that they carry a lot of the Ana Rivers line of oils and I am not a fan of Ana Rivers. I really enjoy lucky Mojo oils but she doesn’t carry any so I usually ask for the ones she makes by hand. The only down side to that is that she doesn’t always have what I need.
The girls behind the counter are very knowledgeable and nice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you can ask them about anything, even curse workings! Trust me, I have gone in there a few times with non stop questions and they always take the time to answer them. Of course, I don’t really curse people… Just wanted to throw that out there… bahahah — — evil laugh — - :P

I have been going to Botanica Mama Roots for about 3 years now. I have been to many a botanica/​occult shop and let me tell you, Mama Roots has stuff for every tradition/​magic practice out there. They have oils galore (I especially prefer the in house made oils found in the large bottles they pour out for you). They also have incense of all makes, be it stick, resin, cone or powder. They have been getting more books in, which is nice. Normally if I want a particular book, I mention it to the owner (Istar) and she will get it for me in a couple of weeks. One thing to point out is that the books sell at cost! They also have a wide variety of candles and my favorite, herbs. They have hard to get herbs and sticks at a decent price. For sure my favorite shop for ALL my magical needs!

Just checked this place out for the first time, and I was pleased with what I saw. The prices were reasonable, and the items they carried were things that I’d have had to order online and spend a fortune on in shipping. I’m so glad I found this place :) I will definitely come again.
I only wish their hours were a tiny bit longer, but I can understand they probably don’t open long hours to save on business costs.

Whoa… I have not seen any metaphysical store out in San Diego like this one; it’s truly occult. Then again, I have never been inside a botanica…
This place almost reminds me of Long Beach’s Eye of the Cat store (which is a definite go-​to for anyone into magick and witchcraft) and obviously caters to a particular clientele. They’ve been around since 1989, so they’re pretty established in my opinion. Definitely not for the faint-​hearted, narrowminded, or others who are into new age fluff.
Anyway, I liked this store. Aside from being kinda cramped and dark, there is a load of stuff to look at and handle. Many statues and statuettes. Witchcraft items. Alternative healing remedies. Several different kinds of incense… a HUGE selection of oils and candles; I really don’t know how they were able to put all of them in there, but they’re there! Many different types of herbs and other incense in jars; it’s very easy to pick and choose what you need and want. Some of the merchandise is kinda pricey, but definitely worth getting if you’re into rarities. There are also items for those who practice Santeria and Voodoo. Many soaps and supplies that will help attract a lover, money, or whatever your intention may be.
I wouldn’t go here to buy Tarot, books, or stones; there wasn’t too much of those and to be honest, some of the Tarot cards were a little more expensive than if I bought the cards elsewhere. Tarot reading consultations are available by appointment only.
The lady behind the counter was really friendly; I could tell she had good energy. If you are curious and want a change from all the new age shops (especially if you want a store that is more pagan-​based and occultist), Botanica Mama Roots is the place to go. Just a helpful reminder: they’re only open Monday through Saturday from 1 – 6 and on Sundays from 1 – 5.