Rhianna Mirabello is owner to one of several well-known pagan shops in upstate, New York. I had met Rhianna when her shop was known as The Call of the Wild, which first opened in Beacon in April of 1995. A few years later, Rhianna's store went into a rebirth and returned as The Dreaming Goddess. Her store is now located in Poughkeepsie, right across the street from Vassar College campus.

The Dreaming Goddess is a wonderful store offering various and unique spiritual products from basic sage and incense to numerous goddess figures. The store also has a large selection of Tarot decks, including Goddess cards and other divinatory materials. The selection at The Dreaming Goddess is forever cycling the Wheel of the Year with merchandise being updated as often as needed.

Rhianna has done a lot for the community with her store. (Besides just offering great merchandise) As The Call of the Wild she opened a space for people of all ages and faiths to experience guided meditations and began her women's circles. Since her store became The Dreaming Goddess, Rhianna has given the upstate community a place to learn and practice the healing art of Reiki, a circle experience full moon rituals, and has created a yearly retreat for women.

In April, Rhianna was kind enough to set time aside to be interviewed for the NYC Pagan Resource Guide's Community Spotlight. So without further ado, here's the interview:

1. Could you give me a brief autobiography of yourself and your religious background?

"My Dad was and is still a strict Roman Catholic, I can even sing the mass in Latin still!! Every now and then you can catch him working the shop but he unfortunately can't answer too many questions though he tries! My Mom was a bit more relaxed and took us to folk masses in the late 60's. Later we became Protestant.

"In my mid 20's I realized that I wanted something more. So in the years to follow I read whatever I could find - Course of Miracles, angels, channeling, mediation, past lives, anything I could get my hands on and take a class on I did. New Age shops began to sprout up around. I moved to Hartford so it became easier to find groups of people searching for answers. I got involved in a few groups, one with Native American involvement and here began my spiritual path, I had found the connection to spirit I had been searching for and it had been right beneath my feet!!! The Earth. Their teachings resonated with my soul. I have studied with many Native Elders over the last 15 years, and have been fortunate to participate in many Native rituals and ceremonies around the globe. My spirituality has now become Goddess/Female oriented and more eclectic as my studies of various religions continue. It's an ongoing process of evolution and growth. I consider myself an Earth-loving, Goddess oriented Pagan."

2. What made you decided to open up a store of this kind?

"I had been working in Woodstock for years while I finished up college - I was a business major. I loved the privately owned small shops with such great personal attention you got in small towns like Woodstock, and the wonderful New Age shops I frequented in Hartford. I simply was no longer corporate material. It just felt like the perfect thing to do. And it was. It would nurture my spirit and give to the community a spiritual space we lacked. "

3. WHY did you move your store and change the name to the Dreaming Goddess?

"It was a great place to learn how to run my business and get started and it was time to move on. I was ready to change the focus also. My spirituality was evolving and expanding and so my shop needed to also. We changed the name to better express who we were - a haven for personal growth and healing and also community healing - which is what the "Dreaming Goddess" herself fosters."

4. What type of customers do you have? Are they mostly pagan faith or do you find various people of various faiths buying your merchandise?

"I have all kinds of shoppers in the store. I am a gift shop not just for pagans but anyone looking for a unique gift. The shop has a comforting feel to it - relaxing and calming - I have folks come in to take a breather at lunchtime and rejuvenate and center themselves - they may not have any idea about paganism they just know that the shop feels good. Magic at its best!!"

5. What does it take to run the Dreaming Goddess? What is most difficult and what sort of benefits do you have from running this store?

"It takes alot of focus, long hours and the ability to live simply. It was a scary road financially as the business got on its feet. It's been well worth it and the benefits are great. I adore shopping for the store and trying out new merchandise. But I would have to say the greatest benefit I get from the shop comes from our monthly Women's Circles and gathering. Nothing fills my heart with such love and warmth as the connection I have with the women of the group. To offer the space for us all to connect to each other and to the Goddess and the Divine and to be a part of each other's spiritual journey is a gift like no other. I get that gift also from customers in the shop and that is what it's all about -- helping others find their way on the path."

6. If you could, what would you change about the Dreaming Goddess?

"The size - would want it have a large extension off the back just for classes and circles. "

7. What is your next step from here? What do you plan to do with the Dreaming Goddess in the next 10-20 years?

"Being open to what's new and exciting with a hold on what is tried and true - this keeps me on my toes. My future plans consist of holding more larger gatherings like the Women's Retreat I offer in August. I have a 3 day Pagan Conference planned for spring 2002 which I see as an annual event. I would also like to continue to grow in my community outreach. Last year our women's spiritually group - Women With Wings - created and donated "Shower Boxes" to the rape victims of Dutchess County which was very rewarding and successful. Our goal is to continue with various programs such as that."

When I had asked Rhianna if she had any problems with the people of the community she responded, "I have never had any hassles -ever." It is no wonder to me why this store is so successful with all that it has to offer to the community. I certainly recommend taking the time to visit The Dreaming Goddess and participate in one my favorite pagan shops of the upstate New York area.

See also:

• Dreaming Goddess