Virginia Beach: A Pagan City in the Heart of the Bible Belt
Virginia Beach is a fascinating contradiction. Nestled in the Bible Belt, where churches line nearly every major road, the city is infused with mythological and mystical influences that are hard to ignore. From Neptune’s imposing presence at the oceanfront to the legends of Grace Sherwood, Virginia Beach is steeped in a unique blend of history, folklore, and modern spirituality.
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Neptune: The Watchful God of Virginia Beach
Neptune is everywhere in Virginia Beach. His massive 34-foot bronze statue at 31st Street on the boardwalk is impossible to miss. But what really catches the eye isn’t just his size; it’s his stance. While most statues along the boardwalk face the ocean, Neptune’s gaze is fixed inland. It feels intentional, almost as if he’s keeping a protective eye on the city itself.
This connection to Neptune runs deep. The annual Neptune Festival draws thousands to the city, celebrating the sea with art, music, and community events. Murals and sculptures inspired by the ocean and Neptune’s mythology adorn public spaces, blending the creative and the divine. For those of us drawn to the arts and the mysteries of the sea, Neptune’s presence here feels like an open invitation to connect with something greater.
The Witch of Pungo and Virginia Beach’s Mystical Roots
Virginia Beach’s spiritual undertones aren’t limited to mythological gods. The city also honors its very own witch: Grace Sherwood. Known as the Witch of Pungo, Grace was accused of witchcraft in the early 1700s and subjected to the infamous "ducking test," where she was thrown into the river to see if she would float. Grace survived the ordeal and went on to live her life, but her story has become a powerful symbol of resilience and injustice.
Her legacy is immortalized in the area known as Witchduck, as well as in a statue of her that stands proudly outside Bayside Hospital. Many see this location as a nod to Grace’s role as a healer. For those of us drawn to the occult, Grace’s story is a reminder of the strength it takes to stand against fear and oppression—and that witches have always been here, healing, resisting, and thriving.
For a deeper dive into her life, check out The Witch of Pungo: Grace Sherwood in Virginia History and Legend by Scott O. Moore. It’s an insightful read that unpacks the history and folklore surrounding this iconic figure.
Edgar Cayce and the A.R.E.: A Sanctuary for the Seekers
One of Virginia Beach’s best-kept secrets (or maybe not-so-secret, depending on your circle) is the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.). Founded by Edgar Cayce, the “Sleeping Prophet,” the A.R.E. is home to one of the largest metaphysical libraries in the world. If you’re a bibliophile with a penchant for the esoteric, this place is heaven. From books on ancient civilizations and reincarnation to holistic health and dream interpretation, the A.R.E.’s collection is unmatched.
The campus itself is a spiritual haven. There’s a meditation garden where you can ground yourself, a holistic health center offering treatments like energy healing and massage, and regular workshops that dive into topics like past-life regression, Atlantis, and tapping into your own psychic abilities. It’s the kind of place where you feel seen as a seeker, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.
Cayce’s vision for the A.R.E. wasn’t just about education—it was about transformation. And whether you’re visiting out of curiosity or to deepen your own practice, the A.R.E. is a cornerstone of Virginia Beach’s mystical identity.
Sea Witchcraft: Embracing the Energy of the Ocean
If you’ve ever felt a pull to the ocean, you’re not alone. The sea has a way of speaking to us, especially those of us who walk a magical path. Virginia Beach, with its sprawling coastlines and shimmering waterways, is the perfect place to embrace sea witchcraft.
The ocean provides endless tools for magic: seashells for protection, saltwater for cleansing, driftwood for grounding. Whether you’re casting spells on the sand or meditating to the sound of the waves, the energy here is palpable and powerful.
Exploring Metaphysical Stores in Virginia Beach
No mystical city would be complete without places to stock up on supplies, and Virginia Beach doesn’t disappoint. From crystals and candles to tarot decks and handcrafted tools, the metaphysical stores here are worth exploring. Here are a few of my favorites:
Unique Vibes Botanica (512 Lynnhaven Pkwy Suite 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23452): A vibrant shop featuring spiritual and cultural items, including candles, oils, and herbs for your rituals and practices.
Beads and Rocks (335 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451): Specializing in crystals and gemstones, this Virginia Beach store is perfect for finding high-quality pieces for your collection or spiritual practice.
Heritage Natural Market (984 Laskin Rd Suite A, Virginia Beach, VA 23451): A long-standing health food store offering a variety of bulk herbs and spices alongside natural and organic products.
A City That Honors the Mystical
Virginia Beach is more than a tourist destination. It’s a place where mythology, history, and spirituality intertwine in beautiful ways. From the watchful gaze of Neptune to the resilience of Grace Sherwood and the transformative work of the A.R.E., this city embraces its mystical side unapologetically.
So whether you’re here to soak up the sun or tap into something deeper, Virginia Beach welcomes you—secrets, spells, and all. What’s your favorite mystical spot in the city? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out my zine on sea witchcraft for more inspiration!
