The Sword and Rose

One of the few spots in SF to father provisions, but also a place of spiritual inspiration.

I walked into this place to get a Tarot card reading. I was told an appointment was not needed and the lady sat me down. She seemed sweet and nice but her time management was bad! I shuffled my cards and waited, and she attended to her regular customers who came in. A lot of time was spent talking to them, exchanging pleasantries etc., but I sat there waiting. She told me she will be with me shortly a few times, but that never happened as she was busy with her regular customers who came in. I waited for over all 1 hour 45 minutes and decided to leave.
I guess if you’re not regular here, you’re probably not very welcome.

What a unique & mystical place– I love knowing a business like this exists in SF.
First of all it is tucked away with a small sign which makes you feel like if you walk in that you were guided unseen forces to venture there. I was in need of a tarot reading and sure enough everything aligned for that to happen. Even before I came in I noticed that I got in a very patient and calm state — I had been concerned about perhaps not being able to get an appt for tarot by just walking but sure enough when things are mean to happen they do. I do suggest calling ahead of time though.
I loved the reading by Monika which was excellent — very informative descriptive and she took her time — I love the fact that it feels like linear time gets suspended here.
The store itself looks like something out of a fantasy Lord of the Rings setting — very cave like and dark– lit mostly by candle light. There is a serene garden out front. Their homemade incenses are their specialty and they are absolutely delicious.
I am so glad I found this place — what a SF jewel !!

This review is about 4 years overdue. I got my cards read by Monika 4 years ago. I was a bit nervous since it was my first time and due to the reviews on Unilocal I put my faith in this location and I am so glad I did. Monika made me feel at ease being a first timer. Everything the cards said, had already came true. Everything except one I think… Overall good experience and I was able to record my reading which lasted 1hr or 1hr 30min. I can remember but it was worth it.
I got my cards read because I was in a stage in my life that I felt confused and needed somewhat of a guidance and I am so happy I went here.

Great atmosphere. Very magickal with quality candles, incense and magickal tools. Warm and inviting yet dark and mystical, I left this place feeling very relaxed and calm perhaps magical remnants of the former owner, God & Goddess bless his soul… though I could feel a strong male presence there, wish I could have met him in person.

Hmmm how should I start off on saying how amazing they are!!! I’ve been coming to this shop since I was about 18 They are very informative and the energy is so amazing. The shop itself is beautiful and calming. It’s like a place you feel that you would see in a film. Randy was a amazingly beautiful being He is definitely missed and touched my soul with his kindness. Patrick is an amazing man as well, always welcoming and very sweet. I love love this shop!!! From the hand crafted incense to the tarot cards. So many amazing things about this cute little shop! You won’t be disappointed when coming here guaranteed

I finally made it to sword and roses today. It was so much better then I had ever dreamed. I adore this store and Patrick was incredibly sweet and helpful. I have never owned insence of this quality. Transformational.

Very pricey but it had a nice atmosphere. The store was small but cozy and lit solely by candlelight. Not very kid friendly though as it was very crowded together and the girl at the register got anxious when my younger sister started touching the stones. Unfortunately, it was so expensive i was not able to buy anything, and it was EXTREMELY hot in there, to the point where the heat coupled with the incense burning was almost suffocating.
The atmosphere of the store gave the feeling of magick and mystery, which while nice could put off other people because of the intensity.
Overall it was a nice store, however I don’t think I’ll be back.

Wonderful old school San Francisco gem! I was looking for reasonable priced gemstones and found them. None of this trendy hipster overpriced because it’s so «cool» stuff. The owner also sells unique oil blends, just ask for your specific needs an he guides you. I am blown away with the quality and potency of the oil I bought. Nice to see some of the city’s history is alive and thriving.
Great customer service just ask :-)

I love this place! It’s one of the most calming places in the city. I love how dark inside it is and the outside garden is serenity. I had a reading with Crystal and she was right on the money. The stones and crystals they have there is a wide selection. They really know their stuff over there and I highly recommend it especially if you’re into the metaphysical, Tarot.

Absolutely love this store! The woman in the shop is very nice and welcoming. The store itself is amazing, beautiful and peaceful.

Fun location and great selection of reagents and candles.
Friendly staff, though setting can be intimidating to newcomers due to atmosphere, a minimum of light and the fact that it was congested with regulars whom were seated comfortably amongst the merchandise and was quite cramped as a result.
Definitely worth checking out, even if not particularly inviting.
Purchased a copper Goddess incense burner with a hefty markup. Didn’t mind so much as the shop is replete with hard to find items and rarities aimed at a very particular clientele.

Whenever I’m in SF, I try to visit The Sword and Rose, especially when Patrick is around. He’s kind and amazing, and has an intuitive sense which can change your life.
The store itself is a tucked-​away gem. Immediately comforting, and interesting — kind of captivating when you walk in.
The warm stove and selection of stones, incense (which Patrick makes himself), books, and other items are always fun to look at and try. Patrick’s incense blends are wonderful.

Monika is awesome. Thank you for the lovely incense and the preliminary consultation. I really enjoyed speaking with you and thank you for saying I was genuine. I look forward to seeing more of S&R in the future for all my needs. :)

Patrick and his staff provide the real deal. They make pure magic at this spot. I have used many of the oils and incenses for various personal and spiritual growth over the years and they provide support and guidance always. I cannot truly express enough my gratitude to Patrick and David for their service and wisdom while making my way on my path. Thank you!

A priestess — goddess — witch — dream world. Walk into the green path and soak up the sun in the common yard… walk slowly into a dark, sacred space. Look deeply, smell sweetly, and let your heart find what it wants. That is the Sword and the Rose.
I bought a beautiful rainbow moonstone for a friend, and EROS incense called to me. Do not overlook the abundance of beautiful looking jars behind the counter. All of them with intentions and love for all occasions.
Looking for a special gift for a special person? Consider them sacred? This is a place to shop, and you’re supporting local, intentional, spiritual beings in the process.

This is one of the most magical places in the city, so I was almost sad to see it turn up on Unilocal.But now that this hidden jewel has already been exposed to Unilocal land, I’ve got to add to the chorus of yes.
I’ve been coming to Scarlet Sage for over 20 years and never failed to have a special visit-​love their selection of products and tools and the people who work there.
Long live the Sword and the Rose!

So, let me tell you first that I’m VERY new to looking at stones, oils, incense and tarot. With that said… I walked back to find this shop tucked away with a beautiful peacful garden right in front of it. Then I walked in and was greeted very kindly by two people. They both were engaged in a lengthy work-​related conversation, so I walked around looking casually at all the of the different products. What I can say most clearly about The Sword and Rose is that all the products are priced VERY well and that they are all very HIGH quality. I am a cheapskate when it comes to buying this stuff but there were several cute stones that I was able to buy. When it came to the customer service, I was able to ask ALL the questions about ALL the stones. I also asked pretty general ‘life questions’ and Patrick (the owner) was extremely patient and gave me his full attention and expertise.
I’m new to stones and tarot, but I have been to a handful of other stores in the city and The Sword and the Rose is by FAR the most clean, affordable, and best customer service I have ever received. I can’t believe this amazing totally SF institution can still exist with all the changes the city has been going through, but I think it is through its dedicated patronage that it still has a chance.
I wish I could vote this store as Best Swords, Tarot cards, Stones, Herbs Store for 2014!

The term «Hidden Gem» was coined when this magical shop was established. It is literally hidden (you have to walk past a gate next door to a hair salon, through a garden) and there are literally gems in it.
You can also find: swords, tarot cards and readings by a professional, jewels, herbs, and resource books to help bring a little clarity and/​or magical healing into your life. Lately, many journalist types have been doing write-​ups of Cole Valley, failing to mention this fantastical store. Which is fine by me, because I’m glad to have more gemstones and magic to myself, but bad in keeping the magic alive. What I’m trying to say is GO HERE.

Sacred space in San Francisco that is as amazing as you make of it. The courtyard garden outside is serene and just perfect with water fountains, small benches, lots of plants and flowers. Patrick and Monica are phenomenal readers who are very caring and on point. (Randy, you certainly are very missed.)
I always buy my incense here because they are hand blended and very powerful. It is costly ($ 20 or $ 30 a bottle I think) but absolutely worth it for the amount you receive and the quality and energy that goes into each batch. They smell so wonderful that you’ll be tempted to burn it just for the scent.
If you’re a skeptic or a negative Nelly, please do everyone a favor and keep it to yourself. Misery loves company but you’ll find none of that here. What you will find are answers to questions you’re not yet aware of. Come with an open mind and you may leave with something profound, maybe even life changing.