"It's always been my dream to open a metaphysical store," says owner Rocky Arambula.

The 40-year-old Campbell resident says "people still need spirituality" and she hopes her store can help to provide that, especially in these hard times.

Prior to opening her store, Arambula worked as a lab assistant in molecular genetics.

"I was working at a dead-end job," Arambula says. "I didn't feel happy there."

Instead, she was looking for a place where she could express herself and share her ideas. And she wanted to be in Campbell.

When the former Leiko location became vacant, Arambula says, "Everything fell into place."

Her connection with the city goes back a generation.

"My father grew up in Campbell and graduated from Campbell High School," Arambula says. "He remembers paying a nickel at the Gas Lighter."

And though Arambula grew up in Los Angeles, every time she came to Campbell, she felt she was home. She has lived in Campbell for almost four years.

At her chuch Novus Spiritus, Arambula met the famous psychic Sylvia Brown, whose books have been best-sellers. Arambula now carries a line of Brown's products.

But there's no danger of proselytizing here.

"I believe that everyone's spirituality is unique," Arambula says. "I support all beliefs."

Moonfyre, which is Arambula's first store, will be a place where people can come to express themselves and share their ideas, she says.

In addition to the Sylvia Brown products, Moonfyre carries a variety of other items, such as essential oils and figurines for alternative healing. Different types of candles and gemstones—with guide sheets explaining the meaning of each color—are available to aid customers in their shopping and understanding of the products.

And Campbell residents can look forward to Moonfyre being in its downtown location for a while—Arambula has signed a three-year lease.

But making this kind of financial commitment during these tough economic times isn't a cause for worry because, as Arambula says, "The more positive energy you put out, the more comes back to you. This is my way of giving."

Arambula will also be supported by her friend Laurie Thompson, who has a background in customer service.

"The first day we met, we just clicked," Thompson says.

Thompson, 45, and Arambula met when the former was going through difficult times. And after Arambula shared her spirituality with Thompson, Arambula says, "She just blossomed."

Now the two are working closely, with Arambula focusing on the financial aspects of the business and Thompson working on inventory.

The store's March 22 grand opening drew large crowds, according to Thompson.

"It was great," Thompson says. "We even had an angel and a psychic reader."

Psychic reader Trisha McCarthy conducted eight readings. There may be future readings on the first and last Saturday of each month, Thompson adds.

"I couldn't have asked for a better day," she says.

In the meantime, let the positive energy flow.

Moonfyre Metaphysical is located at 395 E. Campbell Ave. For more information, call 408.370.0333 or email moonfyre33@aol.com.