Pagan Rituals

While you might think you’ve run into a passel of pagans among the hip-hoppers in murky, pulsating dance clubs (and possibly you have), a coffeehouse would seem a more likely nighttime setting for the New Age, 20th-Century, West Coast pagan.

And, yes, Los Angeles does have a self-proclaimed pagan coffeehouse--the Enchanted Forest. You have to be poised over your crystal to catch it, however, because it only meets on the fourth Saturday of every month.

“The coffeehouse is largely a social occasion,” said Calvin, co-founder and manager. “It provides a meeting place for pagan people.” At the August evening, among those meeting were a witch, a psychic and a philosophy professor from Cal State Northridge, all of whom claimed affiliation with paganism.

Calvin said that pagan religions are largely goddess-oriented, so there are more women than men at the Enchanted Forest.

The door guardian, a full-figured woman in a flowing dress and long dark hair, asks arriving patrons which flavor hand stamp they would like. In the courtyard outside the entrance, artisans sell rings, bracelets and tiny bottles of oil called Carnation, Protection and Moon. Those more physical than spiritual can buy muffins, pizza and coffee, served in plastic cups.

The Enchanted Forest has been taking up its monthly residence at the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Clubhouse on Burbank Boulevard for a year. The setting is an unadorned, wood-paneled interior under beamed ceilings with shiny tinfoil insulation poking through. Folding chairs are arranged in rows, and brown plaid couches line the walls.

On a recent Saturday night, women with rings in their noses talked with men with graying pony tails while the Ancient Futures--a trio in veils, glitter and finger cymbals--belly-danced to high-pitched New Age/Middle East music emanating from a tape deck.

On its September Saturday, the coffeehouse featured the musical talents of Tzipora Klein and Shawna Sellin, while outside Selene Seymour told how her crystal chakra wands work as healing tools. The wands are filled with soil from Sedona, Ariz., the capital of the New Age movement. Seymour is affiliated with the Goddess Guild, which is involved, she explained, with getting in touch with feminine energy.

The coffeehouse plans an Oct. 24 event but is seeking a new home for the monthly happening. For the new location or other information, call (818) 409-9868.

Name: Enchanted Forest Community Coffee House

Where and When: Fourth Saturday of every month, 8 p.m.-midnight. Call for new location. (818) 409-9868.

Dress: Whatever strikes your fancy.

Prices: Cover varies from $6-$9. Espresso and cappuccino , $1.50. Chocolate muffins, $1.