that deal with metaphysics

More than 2,000 years ago, Aristotle wrote his metaphysical treatises on the various aspects of existence. Today, interest has burgeoned on subjects that range from astrology to astral travel, unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and universal consciousness and reincarnation.

A forum for metaphysical exploration is “Open Mind,” a talk and call-in show on KABC-AM radio (79) Saturday night, 9 p.m. to midnight. Hosted by Bill Jenkins, the program he calls “a vanguard of New Age consciousness” presents field researchers from physicists to psychics.

“People are looking for the relationship between physical and spiritual realities,” he says. Topics discussed can range from weather manipulation to whether there is a reincarnation process.

For those interested in metaphysics, the following bookstores are sources.

Alexandria II, 3686 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (818) 792-7885. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. “For those with an unquenchable thirst for the unknown” is its motto, and the store is laid out in progressive steps for this search. It begins with self-help and leads to Far Eastern mysticism. Quartz crystals and other stones are offered. Videotapes (to rent or buy) on UFOs, Edgar Cayce and holistic healing. Author lectures are scheduled.

Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. Telephone (213) 659-1733 for new books; (213) 657-3227 for used books. Open daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., for new books; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for used books. Travelers from all parts of the world have passed through the doors of what once were two private residences. The charm has been left intact as patrons can wander from room to room, stop for a cup of tea and browse through well-stocked shelves on most metaphysical subjects, including world religions, New Age music and videotape interpretations. Crystals are available. The used-book branch is around the corner on Westbourne Drive.

Chip ‘n Books, 14181 Newport Ave., Tustin, (714) 838-6008. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Comfortable chairs and a pot of hot coffee provide a sense of intimacy at this shop. Established in 1975, it has a computerized numerology program. Best sellers here include “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay, and videotapes are available. Classes and lectures are offered.

Controversial Bookstore, 3021 University Ave., San Diego, (619) 296-1560, (619) 296-4121. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Specializations include metaphysics, holistic health and spiritual traditions. I Ching and Eastern studies are part of a large collection that includes rental videos, gems and a used-book section. The aromas of floral essences and wood scents fill the air.

Cosmic Connection, University Plaza, 9250 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, (818) 349-4177. Open Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Selections include information on auras, astrology and the crystals, as well as reincarnation and psychic development. Tapes available. Classes are scheduled.

Pegasus Metaphysical Books and Gifts, 538 Redondo Ave., Long Beach, (213) 434-3869. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m-6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m. In addition to a large selection of books, Tarot cards, meditation tapes and crystals, there is a used-book section and children’s books with morals tacked onto the tales, such as the one from “The Little Mouse on the Prairie,” published by Serendipity Books. There are ongoing classes and special seminars.

Phoenix Bookstore, 514 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, (213) 395-9516. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sundays, noon-8 p.m. There is a feeling here of scaling the heights to metaphysical psychology and philosophy, since book stacks reach 16 feet. Ladders assist the ascent. A used-book section is in the cellar. Some current favorites are Shakti Gawain’s “Living in the Light” and Ralph Blum’s “Rune Play.” Videotapes sold. Meditation tapes, New Age music available.

Psychic Eye Book Shop, 13451 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 906-8263. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The store has a large selection of metaphysical books and supplies, including material on the occult, psychic development and self-help. It has incense, candles, crystal balls and crystal jewelry and statuary. There is a staff of six psychic readers available daily. Courses are offered in ESP development, Tarot-card reading and “Magick in Theory and Practice.” Psychic fairs are scheduled on weekends. Seances are every Friday evening, for which reservations are required; cost is $20. Starlight Books, 33 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, (805) 963-5444. Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Indian mystic posters and the smell of incense enhance the Eastern flavor, although the selections include Western masters. There is material on palmistry as well as psychic phenomena, auras, astral projection, crystal balls and Tarot. Free classes on “A Course in Miracles” are scheduled Thursday nights.

Sun Sign, 32122 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, (714) 493-7151. Open Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For the journey into the metaphysical world, there is material on Edgar Cayce (the sleeping prophet), astrology and archetypal mythologies. In the art of music therapy, there are tapes by Steven Halpern. Classes are offered.