Today we’d like to introduce you to Beck Ravenswood.
Hi Beck, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Beck Ravenswood! I’ve been a practicing Witch since my teenage years, and a professional Tarot Reader. In 2023, I opened my store- The Serpent’s Key Shoppe and Sanctuary- in Hanover Pennsylvania. The Serpent’s Key is a collective space that now hosts the artwork and wares of over 40 different local artisans. Back in 2023, however we had a group of about 15 folks, and were just introducing ourselves to the neighborhood. In order to do so, we partnered with Mainstreet Hanover, a nonprofit that organizes events and promotes small businesses downtown. One of the ways they did so was by writing an article introducing a small business to the neighborhood and posting it on their Facebook Page. Because our Grand Opening was slated for October 31st 2023, we agreed to post the “Meet the Maker” article on October 3rd 2023. Once the article was posted, I shared it several places, including in a few local Facebook Groups. About an hour later, I got a call from the Nonprofit, who were profusely apologizing. It turns out that because the article contained a sentence at the end referring to my tarot reading services, it caught the attention of the then police chief- Chad Martin- and he in turn contacted the organization to inform them he would be visiting my storefront to make me aware of the Fortune Telling Ban in Pennsylvania, stemming to a piece of legislation from 1861. Two days later, the Chief and another unidentified officer entered my establishment, denied me my right to record the conversation or speak to a lawyer, claiming they were visiting for “personal reasons” (though dressed in matching polos with the Hanover Borough Police Dept. Logo on it). He then went on to cite the law to me, and told me that if he had any future reports that I was continuing to read cards, he would be back to arrest me for up to a year in jail, or charge me $2500 per offense. Following this interaction, I posted about it to platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram, and Facebook, and our situation went viral. Due to this, I was able to get in touch with a Constitutional Lawyer- Alexa Gervasi- and together we are in the process of suing the Hanover Police Dept for First Amendment Rights violations, and the State of Pennsylvania in order to prove that the present Fortune Telling Ban is unconstitutional.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has definitely been a rocky road. At every possible step along the way, both the Hanover Police Department’s Legal Team and the offices of the Attorney General have attempted to have this case dismissed. Alexa began contact with the Hanover Borough Police Department on October 31st 2023, and our court case is not slated until June 2027
We’ve been impressed with The Serpent’s Key Shoppe and Sanctuary, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Serpent’s Key Shoppe and Sanctuary is an inclusive metaphysical space that specializes in Earth Based Spirituality, but are open to all faith paths. Located at 28 Carlisle St., our space doubles as both a retail location, and spiritual event space. During our business hours (Tues-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 11-4), our space hosts over 40 different local vendors whose wares range in variety from Crystals, Candles, Jewelry, Bath and Body Products, and Antiques to Art Prints, Vintage Clothing, Plants, Teas and More. After hours, we host a busy calendar of workshops and Pop Ups, along with a variety of free classes and religious gatherings- all of which can be found on our online community calendar. The Serpent’s Key is a Queer Owned business (Beck is Nonbinary), and offers a space where all can feel comfortable being who they are, and discovering who they are becoming. Beyond all of the other services we offer, Beck does offer Tarot Reading. Thanks to a temporary injunction granted by the court, they are able to read cards without fear of arrest for the duration their lawsuit is in court.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a curious kid. Spiritually, I grew up in the church, but began questioning my own spirituality around the age of 12. Following the discovery of Wicca in the early 2000s, I began studying, and at the age of 13, initiated myself into the Craft using Silver Ravenwolf’s book Teen Witch. As a child, I was drawn to the macabre and spooky- reveling in media like Coraline and other Burton-esque classics. As I grew older, my studious nature lent itself more to exploring classic mythology, ancient history, and even spookier topics like mortuary sciences (though I quickly found I didn’t have the stomach). This draw to the strange and unusual has always followed me, and I have a feeling it’s safe to say that this way of living is no longer ” just a phase”
Pricing:
- Our Services Range in Price from $20-$100
- Occasionally, we offer “Pay What You Can” Reading opportunities- Check online
- Our Classes Range in Price from Free up to $40 for supply inclusive workshops
Contact Info:
- Website: https://serpentskeyshoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_serpents_key/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theserpentskey/
