Lunastry Crystal Shop of Bethel, with its white walls, displays of sparkling crystals and art objects (many from local artists) has an unmistakable air of enchantment. In addition to hand-selected crystals and minerals, Lunastry (“luna,” Latin for moon, and “astry” for astrology) carries handmade jewelry, incense, tarot cards, greeting cards, dried flowers, tapestries, candles made by shop owner Paola Wolff and other home gifts.
Lunastry moved from Danbury to 268 Greenwood, across from Taproot and the old Bethel Cinema, in December, so according to Paola, it is still a work in progress. “We moved here because we needed a bigger space, with plenty of parking,” she said. “And when I found out that the other crystal store in the area had closed, I took it as a sign that I should look into Bethel and immediately found this space.”
Before opening a store, collecting crystals had long been a hobby. “I was very interested in learning about their healing powers, something my family said reminded them of my great grandmother in Honduras – whom I never met,” she said. “I believe that the energy from crystals has a healing power. I love to hold them when I meditate, carry them in a pocket or wear them.”
As a way of reaching out to the community, Lunastry holds workshops on various topics. The next one, New Moon Circle, is on February 11. “It will focus on using energy from the new moon to bring in good habits,” she explained. “In late January we held a Full Moon Circle, which focused on releasing bad habits.” Future topics include working with herbs, making candles and the basics of crystal healing. Under current conditions, space is limited to six in the store; others can participate by Zoom.
“By the end of February, we will also offer private healing by appointment in a cozy little cottage that we are constructing inside the store,” she added. “We will offer several types of spiritual healing: Reiki, Tarot, Astrology and Shamanic healing.”
Caption: Lunastry owner Paola Wolff, holding an amethyst crystal and wearing a necklace with a double-terminated quartz pendant (so named for its two termination points).