While typical Halloween traditions will fill streets across America tonight, a local Norman shop will celebrate the true meaning of the season — the Celtic New Year.

Sandalwood & Sage, 322 E. Main St., will be filled with open drum circles, palm and tarot readings as well as free yoga classes and Afro-Cuban dance lessons today and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

“We chose to have the event on Halloween because it is the time of year when the Celts believed that the veil from the physical world to the spiritual world was the thinnest,” said Sandalwood & Sage co-owner Natasha Rice.

She said the two-day event would be a time of exploration for people with backgrounds from all religions and a great way for the community to unite.

The weekend events will be filled with door prizes, store specials, edible treats and Halloween goody bags for kids. There will also be a costume contest for people of all ages with a grand prize of $50 in store credit.

“The event is a great way to get a preview of what we are doing in Norman with classes and the way the store works,” Rice said. “And we have the best selection of merchandise this time of year.”

While enjoying the weekend events, attendees can also shop through the wide selection of products sold at Sandalwood & Sage. With everything from jewelry, incense and chimes to hemp clothing and witty bumper stickers, anyone can find a unique token at the shop.

“We want the store to be a place of learning and ways to expand your senses and your mind and learn new things,” Rice said.

Matt Johnson, a Sandalwood & Sage customer, said he first discovered the store, formally known as Mystic Forest Treasures, about seven years ago and cannot wait to experience the Halloween season in the store.

“There are going to be tons of things to do at the event,” Johnson said. “The store is pro-evolution and this will be an event that promotes thought.”

Bryan Sisco, a Sandalwood & Sage customer, said he found the shop when he first moved to Norman and was on a desperate search for incense and has been coming to the store ever since to hang out and shop.

“There is something for everyone at the store,” Sisco said.

For more information contact Sandalwood & Sage at 366-SAGE or by e-mail at sandalwoodandsage@ATT.net