Karen Estremo's the Dragon and the Rose is the Hub For OC Pagans
Updated: Aug 14, 2020
A full moon beams as if a soft gemstone above Grovemont Square in Santa Ana. Hidden in the business plaza, next to the Dragon and the Rose, an occult store offering Wiccan, pagan and metaphysical wares, is a humble altar, atop of which sit goblets filled with wine and cider in preparation for an autumn-equinox ritual. Adelaida “Addie” Velasquez takes a bundle of sage and waves its purifying smoke around store owner Karen Estremo’s outstretched arms. “Welcome and blessed be,” the two exchange after a slight bow in reverence of each other. Velasquez then turns to those gathered for the occasion. A black shawl drapes over the shoulders of the high priestess’ lavender dress, and a floral crown rests on her long, curly, black locks. She greets the circle with “Welcome to our Mabon celebration.”
Read more on my latest OC Weekly cover feature out on newsstands today:
https://ocweekly.com/karen-estremos-the-dragon-and-the-rose-emerges-as-the-hub-for-oc-pagans/