ANGELS, Buddhas, dream catchers and crystals are available at a new spiritual shop in Brentwood which opened with a special visitor.
On Saturday, Helen Sanders and her partner Keith Swift opened Five Elements on Kings Road with a guest appearance from Chrissie Astell, who was signing books in store.
The spiritual educator, who writes for Spirit and Destiny magazine, also had her cards and CDs on sale.
Mrs Sanders, of South Woodham Ferrers, said: "It was really good to have Chrissie there for the opening.
"She specialises in angels – she writes books about them and makes cards as well as running courses all to do with developing your spiritual connection to them.
"I am a fan of hers, I met her after doing an angel card workshop and it was a real turning point for me. I had never come into contact with angels before and it all went from there."
The 50-year-old, who previously worked in retail in various shops, explained: "My shop isn't just angel-themed, it sells all sorts of spiritual objects as well as Reiki treatments which I will offer in the two treatment rooms upstairs.
"We have Buddhas, books, CDs, dream catchers, sun catchers and cards as well as crystals.
"Crystals are my passion."
Mrs Sanders explained that Reiki is energy healing and she is a master teacher.
She said: "It's something that's intuitive – people who come in don't have to do anything they just lie on the couch and relax if they want to be healed or just want a feeling of well-being.
"Everyone gets something different from the experience."
She added: "A lot of people walked by on Saturday and saw what was going on – we have had quite a lot of interest.
"There isn't anything else like this in town – it's one of those shops you don't find too often.
"I've been into crystals since I was a child.
"My husband passed away two and-a-half years ago and that allowed me to have time off and have developed more along the spiritual lines.
"I met my partner Keith and he said yes to opening up the shop.
"We run the shop together and also have an online site.
"I am really happy to have it open – it's something I've wanted for 20 years and it's been a long time coming.
"I am hopeful it will be successful.
"I think Brentwood will be good – there are quite a few places like the Buddhist centre which will appeal to customers and we're in a good place logistically.
"I come from Upminster so I'm not from far away."
Five Elements is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
You can visit them online as well at www.fiveelementsonline.co.uk
