Story of Magus Books and Herbs
Since 1992, your one-stop shop for magical, spiritual, and herbal supplies.
Our Story Begins
Magus Books opened its doors at high noon on September 1st, 1992, with a mission:
To provide new and used occult, metaphysical, and thought-provoking books to the community at large.
From the very beginning, we chose not to follow one particular belief system. Instead, we honor the idea that all spiritual paths are valid and that the right path for one person may not be the same for another.
Our Philosophy
We believe in developing individuality and self-empowerment. At Magus, we encourage customers to explore themselves, their environment, and their own inner wisdom. We do not believe that only a select few are spiritually gifted. Everyone has the potential to grow, connect, and thrive through personal exploration.
“...success depends largely upon how much work and inconvenience we can tolerate to realize our dreams.” —
Roger Williamson, Founder of Magus Books
The Origin Story: The Sun at Night
Magus Books owes its creation to founder Roger Williamson’s book, The Sun at Night, written shortly after his move from the UK to Minneapolis in the mid-1980s. Frustrated by the lack of promotion options for metaphysical literature, Roger cataloged his personal library and published it as a mail-order catalog. Demand grew, and soon he was filling regular orders. A major distributor picked up The Sun at Night, and before long, Roger needed a storefront…
Enter: Dinkytown, Minneapolis
In the summer of 1992, Roger drove through Dinkytown—an eclectic, bohemian neighborhood reminiscent of West London—and saw a “Retail Space for Rent” sign. The rest is history. Magus Books began in a 500 sq ft space in Dinkydale. Many long-time customers still remember the cozy dark wood paneling that gave the original store its unique ambiance. Over the years, we’ve expanded into new locations and now call Central Avenue in Minneapolis our home.
Passing the Torch
“From the very beginning, I was fortunate to work with people who brought their own expertise and passion to Magus. I’m proud that Liz and Mela, who were instrumental to our success, were able to purchase the shop when I retired.” — Roger Williamson
About Mela Amara
Silent partner & visionary. Currently off on new adventures. 🌙
About Liz Johnson
Liz has been with Magus since the 1990s. From managing herbs and oils to co-owning the store, she continues to help people connect with their authentic spiritual path every day.
Our Mission Today
We proudly continue our tradition of:
🌱 Knowledgeable, compassionate customer service
🔍 Practical, insightful spiritual advice
📚 Curated books, tools, classes & community events
Whether you're just beginning your journey or walking an advanced path, Magus Books & Herbs is here to support your growth.
Final Blessing to you;
May your head, heart, and path be always in harmony.
Thank you for being part of the Magus journey!