Maria Shriver -- Stoned Love

So now we know why Maria Shriver paid a visit to a psychic yesterday -- she was drawn to the energy stones in the window.

An employee at the supernatural establishment tells us, Maria wanted info on 4 or 5 energy crystals, including amethyst and cactus quartz.

Amethyst is supposedly used for calming, and cactus quartz for communication. Both stones bring positive energy into your life -- ALLEGEDLY.

Maria also jawboned with the psychic in a back room, where the two discussed personal "life stuff."

All told, Maria -- whom the employee described as a "spiritual" person -- was inside the shop for less than 30 minutes ... and left without buying anything.