About the Shining Lotus

Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore serves a diverse local community. We are one of the oldest metaphysical bookstores in the Rocky Mountain region, and we're proud to offer the largest selection of new, used and out-of-print metaphysical books in Colorado.

Meet Our Staff

Tim Johnson is a child of the 60s. He transformed his Mennonite background into a passion for rock music, a commitment to the politics of peace and non-violence, and an interest in the spirituality of India. He has a special reverence for Hanuman, the Hindu God of Devotion. Before buying the Shining Lotus, Tim worked 15 years in book and magazine wholesaling.

Justin Swanstrom is a voracious reader and book hoarder, with a lifelong interest in metaphysical topics. He has a BA in Medieval History, with concentrations in literature and philosophy. Justin has worked as a commercial real estate analyst, a technical writer and editor, a software development manager, and a real estate and business attorney. 

Gayle Bachicha is a retired spiritual astrologer and teacher, with 53 years of experience. She is the author of Pocket Dictionary of Astrology. She has been with the store in various capacities for 35 years. Before coming to the store, she owned Tickerwick Publications and Jacob's Ladder Bookstore. 

History of the Shining Lotus

The Metaphysical Bookstore was founded in 1972 by Cleta Williamson. We've been in business for 37 years. In fact, we're the second oldest metaphysical bookstore in Colorado, and one the oldest metaphysical bookstores in the Rocky Mountain region. After Cleta's death in 1990, her daughter Cheryl managed the store. We moved from 9511 E. Colfax Avenue in Aurora to our current location on Colorado Boulevard in 1995. In 1997 the Metaphysical Bookstore merged with the Metaphysical Center to become the Metaphysical Bookstore & Center. The store was owned and managed by Paula Roosa from 2000 to 2008. Tim Johnson & Justin Swanström bought the store in 2008. In January 2009 the name of the store changed to Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore. Bob Williamson, Janice Williamson and Paula Roosa remain honored friends of the store.

Our Soul Seal

Shining Lotus Soul Seal

Our soul seal was given to the store by noted spiritual teacher Dee Davis as the symbolic message of the essence and soul of the store. The soul seal was formally approved and blessed by Sathya Sai Baba.

 

The outer gold ring with lotus leaves indicates the consciousness that comes with wisdom. The sun with wings signifies the infinite doorway from which the store entered the world. The wings were painted in rainbow colors to encompass the diversity of the store's customers. An ankh appears in the inner circle of lotus leaves, symbolizing all mystery schools.

 

The original painting hangs in a place of honor in the store.