About Us

Welcome to Anathema, Dedicated Witchcraft Emporium, Royal Arcade, Boscombe


Beneath the painted glass and iron arches of Boscombe’s historic Royal Arcade lies a place where craft and curiosity entwine. Anathema was founded upon a simple belief, that magic is not a relic of the past, but a living thread that runs quietly through our hands, our homes, and our hearts.

Within these walls, the sacred and the beautiful meet. Each item, from spell candle to crystal, from charm to tome, is chosen for its spirit as much as its form, crafted with intention, authenticity, and respect for the old ways. We champion the work of independent makers and artisans whose creations honour nature, folklore, and the enduring art of witchcraft.

Yet Anathema is more than an emporium of curiosities. It is a gathering place for seekers and dreamers, for those who feel the whisper of something ancient calling through the everyday. Through our Witch Markets and community collaborations, we weave together the talents of local craftspeople, authors, and visionaries celebrating the creativity and camaraderie that keep our corner of Bournemouth brimming with magic.

Step beneath the Victorian arches, breathe in the scent of herbs and wax, and linger a while. Here, you’ll find more than treasures to take home, you’ll find belonging, inspiration, and the quiet hum of something timeless.

Handmade. Heart-led. Forever enchanted.

 

THE READERS

A good reading begins before the cards are laid. It begins with the right person across the table, someone who listens carefully, speaks honestly, and knows the difference between what you ask and what you need.

Clients are treated with sensitivity and respect. Our readers welcome diversity in sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, lifestyle, and ability. Readings are not knowingly given to clients under 18. All fees are agreed in advance, and clients may end a reading within the first 10 minutes with no fee payable. In rare cases where a reading cannot be completed, no fee is charged.

The Three-Month Rule: Each reading covers the next three to nine months. To support healthy perspective and avoid dependency, readings are not offered more than once every three months for the same client.

Our readers are practitioners first. Meet them below.

Pillars of Wisdom

Anca - Tarot Reader & High Priestess

Anca has been reading tarot since adolescence and brings decades of experience as a practicing witch. She also serves as a coven high priestess - a role she has been cultivating with deep commitment and care. Her readings focus on clarity, healing, and personal empowerment - not predicting the future, but helping you understand your present so you can shape what comes next. “Tarot doesn’t predict the future, it reveals the present with such clarity that the future becomes more consciously shaped.”

She primarily works with one trusted tarot deck and two complementary oracle sister decks. At the start of each session, you’ll decide together whether you have a specific question or prefer a general reading.

Anca’s advice, rooted in her experience as both reader and priestess, often centers on what healing is needed, what issues may be holding you back, and how to move forward with greater awareness. Her sessions are inclusive, respectful, and tailored to each client’s needs. Pillars of Wisdom Tarot is a nod to the High Priestess card and reflects her commitment to sacred insight, ethical care, and intuitive clarity.

Every reading is conducted one-to-one, unless translation or physical support is required. You’re welcome to take notes or record audio on your phone. Anca always discusses practical strategies and positive actions you can take, and if specialist advice is needed, she will refer you to the appropriate professional (e.g. legal, medical, financial).

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Lifting the Veil

Emma - Taroy Angel Reader

Emma is an angel tarot reader who also uses a mix of different decks to clarify messages. She connects with Archangels, animal guides, and Gods and Goddesses to offer clarification and guidance.

People choose to have a reading for a range of reasons: family, profession, relationships, personal development, and work matters are just a few. Whatever the issue, an ethical card reader is always respectful of you and your life choices, as well as according you confidentiality and honesty.

If you have come with a specific question, you may discuss this before any cards are drawn. If you are having a general reading, then you can clarify this at the outset.

Your cards are laid out in one of the traditional patterns, known as layouts.

Your reader interprets the overall situation from the meanings of the cards, their positions in the layout, and their relationships to one another. Trends and occasions likely to arise in the next three to six months are identified for you. You have the opportunity to ask for further clarification.

Your reader will always discuss strategies and positive actions you can take.

You may record audio of your reading on your mobile phone; most people prefer to take notes.

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