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February 2024 by Gregory M.
Thunderbolt Spiritual Books is a little metaphysical shop stuffed to the gills with merchandise. As you walk into the store you will see an enormous statue of Siddhartha Buddha with a collection of offerings in his lap. This place has an enormous stock of crystals, particularly of the ones that are very popular (amethyst, rose quartz...etc.). They also carry a collection of jewelry featuring many semi-precious stones. They have a case of elaborately decorated Hindu and Buddhist spiritual beings and a number of large bronze sculptures of Ganesha and Buddha that are displayed on the stairs to the second floor. Thunderbolt does have a large number of books (an especially large shelf on the top floor), but I think they're rather overshadowed by the crystals, tarot cards and other spiritual paraphernalia. The prices seemed reasonable. They were neither super-expensive nor dirt cheap. The employees were kinda and helpful while I was browsing the store and had a nice conversation with the cashier. If you are in Santa Monica, you might want to swing by.
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October 2023 by Henri V.
During a Saturday morning stroll around Santa Monica, I heard the sound of monks chanting as I had witnessed and heard in some temples I've visited in Tibet and Nepal. The sound was coming from the bookstore and I was drawn to step inside. Was cordially greeted by the owner, Russell who was pleasant helpful and informative. The presence of the giant Buddha statute in the center of the store was calmingly cool. The store was filled with new and used books mostly relating to spiritual, self healing and priced reasonably. Also, interesting items: natural rocks, crystals, bead bracelets and pendants, sage, tarot cards and more. Just slowly browsing through the 2 level store surrounded by crystals, sage and the meditative Buddhist monks chanting 'Om mani Palme Hum,' was a therapeutic experience that hit Me like thunderbolt. 'Om Mani Padme Hum' is a traditional Buddhist mantra that is believed to have a therapeutic effect on the mind and body. The mantra is believed to evoke compassion and wisdom, and to purify negative karma and negative emotions. Unfortunately, music CDs were not available here, but it compelled Me to order and added it to my playlist. Thunderbolt bookshop will magically draw you inside and capture your interest and is worthy of your visit!
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September 2023 by Mel M.
Phenomenal welcoming customer service in the most quaint magical library in downtown Santa Monica with the best value on enlightenment and other book sources
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August 2023 by Beth Lynch
Wow what a great selection of tarot & oracle cards! The staff was so helpful and friendly. If looking for any books or cards so not miss this wonderful shop!!
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August 2023 by Vet Q.
If the GIANT two story wall of tarot and oracle decks doesn't fit your fancy, Thunderbolt has SO much more to offer than a regular book/metaphysical store. First of all the vibes are immaculate. Secondly, they have a really huge variety of literally anything you can possibly need. The layout of the store works so well with the items and every single piece of merchandise has its own little place in this store, and everything belongs and works well together. From incense, to crystals... from healing cards to spiritual icons and antique buddhist figures (was really tempted on that one)... this store has it ALL. I'm so lucky to have found this amazing place right near my home... it beats most of the places in the valley and Burbank out of the water. Will definitely be coming back soon!!
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June 2023 by Quintin E.
Electrifying!Could feel the energy rise in me the moment I got near the threshold and blossom as soon as I stepped in (Marco F. in Los Angeles speaks truth)... Soak it all up... And soak it up I did.I'd been down the street from Thunderbolt before and even had lunch a few months ago at Berbere next door, but didn't have an opportunity to stop in until I was staying over in the area with a special someone that I wanted to get a gift or two.Crystals and stones have a lot of properties and can add some balance and influence into you day to day as well as long term goals, mood and overall life. I definitely wanted to get a nice palm stone and some amethyst for him/Noah who's overall great, but could use some more positive forces in his life especially when I'm not around... Wow I guess I really like him, because I also purchased some amazing rainbow candles which he's already into. Needless to say he really enjoyed everything from here.Thunderbolt has a beautiful layout and somewhat 90s vibes meets modern rustic charm. Definitely looks like a spiritual shop/ bookstore that would be (and has been) featured in television or film... I think I even said this is definitely where Buffy, Willow, Giles and Xander would be in 2023 right now to myself at one point.The upstairs is a very nice loft area with tons of great books ranging in a wide range of spirituality, religion and the mystic. You can find incense, stones, crystals, gems, cards, candles, carvings, statues, and of course really cool stickers + more!!Never have I ever seen more sage, palo santo and tarot card than I could count!!I definitely was tempted to purchase way too much (like I was that Futurama meme with all the money at one point) and told myself to come back whenever opportunity presents itself (because it will, because I will manifest it with action).Russell (the next level owner/operator himself) is nothing but warmth, kindness, and care (not to mention helpful) and is also another reason to journey back for the surging amazingness of Thunderbolt.
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June 2023 by Douglas Walker
Since the Bodhi Tree went out of business, this is my go-to spiritual book store. Nice people, peaceful vibe and great selection of books and crystals/stones.
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March 2023 by AuroraChristine
Honestly, this is probably my favorite store in the entire country. I've never had a bad experience and the staff is always super kind and informative. Their crystal and tapestry collection is top notch. I come every time I'm in LA?
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February 2023 by Rasheeda
Santa Monica’s best kept secret!!! Excellent customer service and literally everything you (need).. total oasis
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February 2023 by Madisen Sherman
Very cool store tons of tarrot and oracle decks to browse definitely worth checking out!
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February 2023 by Marco F.
Heal + Read + Balance. Great energy from the moment you step into this place.I absolutely love how quickly my mood enhanced.
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January 2023 by Dan R.
Great bookstore many selections. Good spiritual books, incense, stones and crystals. Look at the sale items out front. Some good deals.
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December 2022 by C. A.
Was looking for a specific Christmas gift and thought it would be impossible because I had just looked around the promenade, was out of time and slightly out of my mind. Right as I was driving up SM Blvd thinking how silly I was to be stressed about gifts I saw this wonderful store. As I stepped in I felt at peace again and I found the perfect, meaningful gift, a lovely wooden keepsakes box! Looking forward to coming back and looking for more treasures. We all need some healing crystals right now :)
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December 2022 by Jasmine Sun
small and walkways are narrow, but there’s such a wide variety of items. it’s always so fun to go in and see the new items. it can get a bit pricey, but sometimes it’s also just fun to window shop.
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November 2022 by Summer S.
Oh I love this store! HUGE selection tarot cards, crystals, books and everything you might need as a modern witch :) the owner is very friendly and helpful! For me it's always a treasure hunt, so much to see and find!