The Oracle of Sacramento: Ines & her Realm Division

Sacramento, I am about to put you on, to something immaculate.

Ines.

Owner of

Realm Division Botanica & Esoteric.

275 Arden Way.

Sacramento, CA. 95815

Collection of Amethysts & Various Crystals

The first time I meet Ines, owner and visionary of Realm Division Botanica & Esoteric, I am ecstatic. She is Solar Plexus Goddess Energy. She is a visionary who has been conjuring up the idea of her store, since very young. Before New Age became a trend. What she has created, is a tangible object of her dreams, where you yourself will leave inspired to cultivate your own visions. I ran into her shop mistakenly about a year ago and was pleased to not only learn she was of Caribbean descent, like me, but was thrilled at the fact that her thick Dominican accent was a delightful nostalgic memory of family and urban landmarks in the Heights of NYC. Her shop is a hidden gem that truly makes Sacramento even more unique and diverse than I imagined.  She landed in Sac Town in 1994,with very little capital, a newborn daughter and a mission to create a Universal spiritual space of her own.

2020 makes almost 11 years of successfully keeping her business open and providing a safe space for her community to satiate their spiritual inquiries. In a city where independently owned restaurants and establishments don’t often make it past inception, Ines’ business stands strong. She is not just the owner, but inspiringly so,runs it entirely on her own from sun up, to sun down. 

We must applaud businesses as such, that can prosper over the likes of Amazon or Walmart. Ines, is the real deal & an example of all of the shops we wish would stay open way after gentrification.

A midst a thriving residential and commercial landscape on the outskirts of Del Paso Heights & Arden way, sits this warm blue awning that doesn’t exactly loudly spell out the stereotypical term - Botanica.Instead, it reads Realm Division, which beckons seekers to find out exactly what’s behind it’s name. 

Indeed, once you enter, past the screen door and always lit OPEN sign,is an entire Realm that Ines welcomes you into. From the gorgeous hanging tapestries of Hindu Gods like Ganesha & Lakshmi, to the playful Papa Legba or Elegua character protecting the entry of the place, to the array of Crucifixes & unique decks of Tarot.

In between gandering,Ines can share her knowledge with you on anything from the 21 Divisions of Dominican Republic to the healing teas of Dr. Sebi, to encouraging you to discover your own guides that have walked with you since birth.

For the ones who seek sound healing,you can even find musical instruments for Shamanic or melodic ceremonies. Hand carved wooden flutes and maracas for incantations.

Hanukkah Candles & Buddha heads as well as Lukumi beads and reasonably priced Palo Santo. Whatever trip you are embarking on, a trip to Realm Division is your pit stop.

For crystal enthusiasts, there are supremely humbly priced crystals like Amethyst or Rose Quartz, which Ines will warmly give you insight and usage information on.  A stream of colorful Chakra & Afro Cuban & Yoruban inspired candles line up against the walls, near a quaint room she utilizes for one-on-one spiritual guidance.  Unlike other Botanicas, in size,Realm Division feels cozy, intimate and intentional. It is small enough to make you feel like you have just entered someone’s cabin of mysteries but large enough to find everything you could need to create an Oshun or Obatala cleansing that will prepare you for this new year. Jesus & Yogananda, are there too.

But this isn’t just a place, you come upon once during Halloween when you are feeling witchy or experimental. Ines provides the experience of a Sage softly guiding you along as you peruse the shelves for the artifacts that call to you along your spiritual journeying. There is no pressure,hovering or desperation for her to make a sale. She welcomes you and allows you to freely gaze while assuring you she is there if you should ever need her. It’s warmth imprints you and makes you easily understand why this store has been standing for more than 10 years.

Don’t be alarmed or surprised if Ines warmly scans your soul as she looks off into the ethers. Pauses as if surely communing with spirit,and reads your ailments, joys & inner fears since childhood while you pay for your items at the counter. She doesn’t have a message for simply everyone, but if she does receive a signal,just know that the words she gifts you with are priceless and more than what you just paid for. It is the bonus, you didn’t know you were in for or needed in your life.

I have witnessed grown Men weep, within 20 minutes of meeting her, after hearing her personal divine messages. It’s what makes Realm Divison & Ines, somewhat of a hidden Oracle in this city.

I was able to catch Ines for a few minutes in between customers, and curious hipsters,to ask her a bit about how this all started for her. We briefly laugh about how her shop is not easily found on google search. Most of her clientele stems from word of mouth, wonderful business relationships and a 5 star rating on Yelp from happy & loyal customers.

I imagine when you came to Sacramento, there was only a couple of Botanicas. What was your vision and what made you pick the name Realm Division? 

Ines: The thing is, realistically, my intention wasn’t to have a Botanica like others. I just wanted to have different products for different practices. It doesn’t matter which belief or practice people have. There are many different realms and entities. That’s where I got the name. I wanted people to be able to come here and find products for their own personal rituals. The word Botanica..usually caters to the Hispanic community but I wanted this place to be Universal, for any nationality and be welcoming to ALL. Realistically, that is what I have been trying to have. Not just a Botanica,but a space for everyone.

10 years ago, was the process of opening a Business difficult? How did you attain your dream?

Ines: Yes it was difficult, because I didn’t have much money to start but I knew what I wanted to create. I didn’t have many products  at first,but I had the heart and the vision. I took the risk and launched my business.

You have to be brave. It’s one thing to talk and to dream but to take action and take a risk, is where it’s at. 

Ines is proof that we are multi-dimensional beings with many realms and divisions living within us. While she balances the in’s and out’s of running a business upon a material realm, she is able to also deeply tap into her spiritual realm and carve a space for us. This is a blessing in itself to those who have, the pleasure of meeting her.

Let’s support Local Businesses, and continue to be inspired to bring our own visions into life.

Check out her space and bring your friends 🌞

Division Realm Botanica & Esoteric

275 Arden Way.

Sacramento, CA. 95815

916-271-5785

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