Quest Bookshop

So I went to visit a friend in Capitol Hill at least once a year for a decade, and it still amazes me just how many times I’ve walked past this shop without realizing what it was — a bookstore devoted to basically every religious, spiritual, and metaphysical POV out there. Utterly amazing. Linda and Greg were working in the store the first time I stopped by, and it felt like catching up with long-​lost friends. It’s a cozy, comfortable respite from the madness of Broadway.
Oh, and if you have a USB drive handy, Linda can give you all the basic theosophical texts for free. Since I was traveling, I gave her the stick and she mailed it to me — how kind! So a total bonus for learning about the Theosophical Society too. Stop by and wander around — you’ll never know what you’ll find there!

You should go here. If your spiritual journey is off the beaten path, you owe yourself a trip to Quest. You can browse Amazon and find everything you’re looking for, buy you aren’t going to find what you’re not looking for until you go to a brick and mortar bookstore. For weird, spiritual books in Seattle, Quest is that bookstore.

I personally was a little disappointed at the small selection of non-​book items, but then that’s just me, and this bookshop doesn’t claim to be anything other than a bookshop, which it does exceedingly well. The used books are very fairly priced, and they have a great selection for the niche market they serve. On top of that, the staff are friendly and helpful.

There really is no store like this in Seattle. Its counterpart in Manhattan, though bigger, is no more discriminating or esoteric. Every once in awhile we all need an infusion of consciousness past our conceivable surmise or contact with the wonder that resides within us. Someone can tell you about these things, but this is the place to find out for yourself. Quest Bookshop is affiliated with the Seattle Theosophical Society, but there is an excellent selection of New Age writers such as Rudolf Steiner, Alice Bailey, Gurdjieff, and Manley Hall, Gnostic, Hindu and Sufi writings, along with what is probably the best Tibetan Buddhist collection in town. A place of endless fascination for the curious. .. .

You will haveto go here to understand. That being said, I have been here many times. I shop. I have attended many Touch for Helaht and Reiki trainings here.
I am calmed by the depth of thoughtfulness of the staff.
Here, you will find excellent books on philosophy and spirituality. Here, you will find lovely gifts for family fo rspecial occasions.
Here, you may not or you may! park in front. It’s Seattle. Miracles happen. but not always with parking. Here, you will not care if you walk a block.

I have some discrepancies in my personal philosophy. I am generally very skeptical about new-​agey frooferaw, but I still enjoy tarot cards and occult societies and other mystical shiz.
The original Theosophical Society were interesting folks. You know your mystical society is stylin when your founder is named «Madame Blavatsky.»
It’s cool that these guys are still around, and the library is worth a visit if your interests lie in this direction.

This is a hidden gem in Seattle history. Right in the most beautiful part of Capitol Hill, the bookstore is a peaceful respite from the Broadway bustle.
Walk inside and you are instantly greeted with low, soothing music and the smell of books. The selection ranges from New Age to Astrology to Metaphysics to Eastern Philosophy. I get into Buddhism and yoga and meditation, and I have found some treasures from time to time.
Take your new purchase to the garden and listen to the birds while you sit and read. Or if you don’t really want to buy a book, or if you need a lot of reference material, check out the library in the back. Built in 1920 as a part of the original Loveless Building, the Theosophical Lending Library is one of Seattle’s oldest independent libraries. Nancy, the librarian, is very well-​versed on the materials (over 7,000 works) and she will go out of her way to help you find whatever it is you are looking for.
This is my peaceful spot.

This specialty bookstore has extensive sections on everything spiritual, religious, New Age, alternative health, etc. that you can imagine. I have purchased books on Jungian psychology, Christianity, yoga, mind/​body, breathing exercises, Chakras, and Buddhism. It’s a fun place to browse.