An embattled metaphysical shop is closing its doors — but maybe not for good.
Located on the North Side, Higher Purpose Emporium has been selling cool, empowering stuff like gemstones, jewelry, art, literature, and more since February 2021 but will close on Fri, Oct 23.
“I’ll be honest,” said owner Ivy Aranaught, “I have been pouring from a barely filled cup for many moons, and this, alongside the suffering economy and dog-eat-dog capitalism … [means] I have been told by the same goddess that it is time to fall back. I have fulfilled my duty that I pledged to her, and now it is time to do things for myself.”
In addition to classes, Aranaught — a pagan, völva (Nordic female shaman), and traditional witch — offered readings, cleansings, and cord-cutting rituals to go with her Love Cart of free food, water, clothing, and toiletries for customers in need. She also has opened her doors to everyone, presenting a place to belong, learn, and grow.
“What a long, strange, wonderful journey it has been,” Aranaught said.
For merely being a safe space for outsiders and espousing her beliefs, Higher Purpose faced online and in-person protests and harassment on a regular basis.
“I have had death threats, protesters, an egging, a cracked window from a bottle thrown from a car, been doxxed, and seen posts about burning it down,” Aranaught said.
Photo By Kena Sosa
She also has been attacked by many organizations whose members disagree with her beliefs and sometimes become physically threatening. At one of her events, a man lifted his shirt to show her his gun while she stood next to a 12-year-old girl.
“People are afraid of what they don’t understand,” Aranaught said. “We hold space for all humans of all backgrounds and allow growth to happen organically for all creatures great and small.”
She added that the purpose of her on-site temple, the Hall of Hekate — named after the Greek goddess of the crossroads, magic, and transition — is “ ‘for all, because we are all leaves on the One Great Tree.’ ”
Aranaught will go out proudly, throwing a Crow Party on Sat, Oct 24. She has thrown Crow Parties for years to bring out her inner child and “inner crow person.” Guests bring trinkets and items they can no longer use and gift them to others at the party, just as crows would to humans they love. This last one is a costume party themed “I have nowhere to wear this,” with a costume contest and refreshments.
Aranaught decided to wrap up with a party “to give the opportunity to say goodbye to those who have been calling HPE home and bring closure, so that when HPE returns in whatever way she will, we can all move forward to what comes next and not be stuck in what was.”
Don’t get it wrong. Higher Purpose experienced a lot more positivity than negativity over the years. Aranaught once received an Indigenous American war hammer and encountered a man asking for help connecting with our alien overlords.
Mostly, Aranaught enjoyed creating a safe communal space for anyone who came through her doors. She relished guiding clients to igniting their own power and strength to face the challenges of the world.
Gemise, a current student of Aranaught’s, described HPE as “more than a great metaphysical store. It’s where I’ve found community and acceptance, a home away from home. Ivy has changed my life for the better.”
Gemise is not alone in her high praise of Higher Purpose. Misty, a former student and current child advocate, said, “The classes that I attended, from sigil-making to apothecary, were informative and helpful in my craft. Although the storefront will be gone, I know Ivy will still be available, and I know HPE will rise again when the time is right and ready.”
Lomender, a local YouTuber at Lomender’s Lodge, notes that HPE is a treasure of wealth and knowledge and is also one of the few places that provides ethically sourced products. “HPE is one of the few stores in DFW that feels like the owner actually knows what they’re talking about and offering to the community. There is a reason it’s been a local favorite for so many years, and the city will be poorer for its closing.”
Aranaught will still teach witchcraft classes and sell wares online and maybe host a pop-up here and there. Basking in the quiet between, she plans on painting, making music, and writing a book, and she looks forward to having time for more delicate endeavors during the winter season. “I am grateful for what has been and so glad to have a chance to sit down and reconnect with myself and my path, both for me and for the chance to see what is next.”
Crow Party
7:30pm Sat, Oct 24, at Higher Purpose Emporium, 505 W Northside Dr, Fort Worth. Free. 682-207-5351.
Photo By Kena Sosa
