A dispute has erupted in Prudhoe, Northumberland, after a local vicar accused the owner of a newly opened crystal shop of “spreading evil.” Chloe Cavanagh, 30, opened her shop, named Spirit Rocks, just four months ago, offering a range of crystals and tarot readings. The situation escalated following an encounter with Reverend Daniel Freyhan, the vicar of St Mary Magdalene Church, who expressed concerns about her business practices.
Cavanagh recounted the incident, stating that as she was preparing to open her shop, Freyhan confronted her outside. “I hadn’t even turned the lights on, but he followed me in and told me he had concerns about the crystal shop,” she explained. The vicar’s comments left her feeling blindsided, particularly when he described her beliefs as “rubbish” and “nonsense.”
As a self-identified spiritualist, Cavanagh holds beliefs that include the ability to communicate with the deceased through various means, which she believes provides comfort to those grieving. “The vicar told me that my beliefs were a load of rubbish and nonsense. It just blew my mind,” she said, emphasizing that she felt intimidated but would not be bullied.
The dispute intensified as Freyhan specifically targeted some of the products in her shop, including Halloween decorations and skull-shaped crystals, which he claimed were evidence of her “spreading evil.” In response, Cavanagh decided to embrace the controversy by adding more skulls and coffins to her window display. “If anything, he’s just lit more of a fire under my bum,” she stated. “If he wanted me to quieten down, he’s got me to do the exact opposite.”
Cavanagh launched Spirit Rocks after three years of trading at markets, and her passion for the business is evident. The shop is named in honor of her beloved childhood horse, highlighting a personal connection to her venture. Since the alleged confrontation, the Diocese of Newcastle has confirmed that it has reached out to both Cavanagh and Freyhan to address the situation.
Despite the conflict, Cavanagh’s shop has received an overwhelming amount of support from the community. She mentioned that she has been nominated for a prize at the UK Small Business Awards in recognition of her entrepreneurial efforts. “Everyone has been massively supportive. It feels amazing,” she said, noting that customers have traveled significant distances to visit her shop.
The unfolding drama has sparked conversations about the intersection of spirituality and traditional religious beliefs, with Cavanagh advocating for her right to express her spiritual practices. The support from the local community underscores a growing interest in alternative spiritualities, which often challenge conventional religious views.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how both the church and the community will navigate these differing beliefs. Cavanagh’s determination to continue her business reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking to carve out spaces for alternative spirituality amid traditional frameworks.
