NINA HANNA
Staff Writer
Every Malibuite is familiar with the Malibu Country Mart. It consists of an eclectic array of upscale boutiques and stores, fine dining, outside eateries, and coffeehouses. It’s a pleasant area that’s casual but maintains a level of elegance at the same time.
However, within the boundaries are many enchanting places that aren’t so visible to the naked eye. Amid the clothing and jewelry, the aroma of the coffee beans and the culinary delights is a store that is not so familiar.
But it is a store that is worth discovering.
It’s the Malibu Shaman. Walking across the threshold, customers enter a store that is rich in culture, calming to the senses, and warming to the heart. The sound of soothing music softly fills the air and a certain peacefulness is all about.
The Malibu Shaman is a metaphysical bookstore. “Metaphysical means beyond physics. Beyond the physical,” clarifies owner Scott Sutphen. “It refers to the things we don’t necessary see, but know are there.”
Sutphen, who is the original owner, has run the store for 25 years. It was a venture that began with his father, Dick Sutphen, who is the best-selling author of 19 New Age books.
His store sells crystals, candles, incense, jewelry and a vast collection of books. Over 300 music titles are sold, and customers are welcome to sample any of the albums at the music bar. “There’s a lot of meditative, mellow and relaxing music,” said Sutphen, “but some also have a groove to it.”
Many of the items have been imported from Bali, Nepal, Indonesia, Madagascar and South America. The Native American pieces come mainly from Indian reservations in New Mexico.
The store brings in a diverse clientele ranging from Pepperdine students, a ton of celebrities and musicians, and tourists passing through Malibu. “The average buyer is a 30-60 year-old female,” said Sutphen. “They’re more into these ideas, into improving themselves and into the spirit and the soul.”
In the back of the store, there’s a small room where psychic readings are offered on Tuesdays and Sundays in 15-minute sessions for $25.
Browsing through the store, a visitor can find books about channeling grace in everyday life, CDs like “The Secret,” and items like packs of incense matches.
Sutphen takes care of all operations for the store—accounting, ordering, and working. He’s a busy man with a lot on his hands, but he doesn’t let that take him away from the joys of owning such a business.
“I enjoy most of all the one-on-one interaction with the customers,” expressed Sutphen. “You’re helping them, they’re helping you.”
“It’s really kind of a network place in here. People come in, and they network, and share and learn.”
Sutphen is more than happy to educate visitors not familiar with his world.
He explains that metaphysics is a way of thinking. “If you believe in karma — the idea that things that you do now affect your future or things you have done are affecting you — every single thing we do is, in some form or another, something karmic and we have to learn how to accept self-responsibility for it,” said Sutphen.
The message it sends is deep and not always easy to understand, but it’s worth the try. Everyone can gain from the insight this unique world view has to offer.
After taking a crash course on the subject, this writer is feeling ready to find out whether if she is gifted with this clairvoyant power to see beyond the physical.
I am now attempting to channel my spiritual energy and summon my intuition and inner shaman. Wait! I am getting a vision of you…You’re reading this article.
And now…you’re deciding to visit Malibu Shaman!
Hey. Not bad for my first time.
05-18-2007