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Charlotte Baker: Filling a Very Real Need
Charlotte Baker is certain that the wide variety of events in her life have led her to the present and prepared her for it. With many responsibilities - mother, grandmother, caregiver, ordained minister and proprietor of Fort Wayne's "Crystal Cove" - not being prepared might have proved catastrophic.
But, Charlotte sees the value in opportunities, not the troubles. That is why she purchased the "Crystal Cove" three years ago from the former owner. She recognized that Fort Wayne needed a place where people could "get what they need for their own spiritual growth", be it as Christians, Buddhists, Pagans, or other faiths. She describes herself as a "Christian Catholic Pagan Witch with Native American tendencies, studying Buddhism," and can understand others whose faith is a mixture of tenets and beliefs.
Many of the people who visit her shop are new to the ideas of "spirit over all" or the varying aspects of spirit. She helps them determine their needs in casual conversation, and most leave satisfied with their finds. She also provides readings, using a Tarot-based deck using elements of Qabalah, Mandala and Astrology. This, too, helps visitors discover the answers to their questions. Others, like students from Fort Wayne's Concordia Seminary, stop by for the lively religious exchange.
Charlotte has been studying Tarot and Astrology for 30 years. She is a woman of deep faith, knowing that "whatever spirit wants, spirit gets." For this reason, as when she spoke to the Anthropology Club of IPFW on the "Meaning of Words" in February, she used no notes, instead speaking as inspired. It was her goal to "disillusion" the attendees, seeing disillusionment as the revelation of truth.
Part of this truth is world peace. Charlotte participates in "Peace the 21st", held on the sabbats of Yule, Ostara, Litha and Mabon. At 7:00 local time on those nights, participants pray for peace according to personal custom. This creates an ongoing link world-wide for a common cause.
Charlotte also shares her shop and her faith with a discussion group held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. The topics of discussion? "Whatever comes up." The current theme is rituals and all they entail.
Things will be changing for Charlotte in the near future. She has plans to sell "Crystal Cove", due to her packed schedule of responsibilities. The shop will remain open, with its variety of crystals, music, dream catchers, medicine balls, books and soaps, and Charlotte will stay on and continue her readings. Being the only true "spiritual resource center" in the Fort Wayne, that sounds like a good thing for all.
- Quill
When in Fort Wayne, stop by the Crystal Cove at 1831 Wells Street, or call (219) 422-3582.