FAQs About Our Rebrand & Reno

How did this come about?

In June 2020, Stacey, niece to original owner Liberty, began managing the shop. Over the months, Stacey began implementing changes to the store based on shifts in the collective, specifically with the sudden rise of interest in well-being, self-care, and spirituality. As things evolved, Stacey agreed to carry on the legacy of the shop as Liberty shifted into focusing on self-care and rest, and the store, and the collective energy, continued to speak about further shifts and future directions. Towards the end of 2020 and early 2021, it became clear that the store wanted a rebirth under a new name, and so the rebranding process slowly began, finally grounding fully in November 2021.

What’s changing?

As the collective desire for self-care, wellbeing, joy, wholeness, spirituality, connectedness, and etc. grows, the store is shifting into an identity that reflects this wider sense of acceptance and craving. “Metaphysical stores” were somewhat taboo, unacceptable and odd in past years. We don’t feel the word “metaphysical” (meaning “beyond nature”) resonates, as it denotes something that is outside accepted reality. And so we want to refashion the metaphysical store into a store that supports and creates wellbeing.

Wellbeing means existing in a state of joy, inspiration, love, purpose, empowerment, balance, acceptance, and all things fulfilling and meaningful. Wellbeing isn’t just about sunshine and rainbows, it is also about allowing and growing through challenges, exploring the “darker” or fringe sides of self and life, and finding wholeness through balance. A wellbeing store is a place where you can find and experience things that inspire you to wellbeing, whether that be a book about shadow work, a tarot deck to help you gain deeper self-awareness, or a bath bomb to help you relax. Wellbeing is unique to each individual. It can look like a ritual using candles, incense, and connection to a deity, or it can look like writing an appreciation list. We aim to create an environment that supports a sense of wellbeing, whatever that means to each of us.

We also want the services we provide and the products we sell to be mainstream, because they create wellbeing, and we believe that seeking wellbeing and wholeness is beneficial for everyone.

Everything that you love about our store will remain the same. We have been and will continue to create aesthetic changes in the store that will still keep the spirit, magic, and meaningful energy of our store alive. We will continue to support local artisans, small business, and amazingly purposeful and passionate creators and products. We will continue selling all the things you have loved at our store, plus new additions.

What about gift cards for Lobelia’s?

We will absolutely 100% fully honour all gift cards purchased at our store since its original opening. There are no exceptions to this. The rebrand and shift in ownership does not impact this whatsoever.

What about returns or request for repairs?

Again, we will honour any requests for refunds, returns, exchanges, requests for repairs, etc., that are within our policies. Our rebrand does not impact this whatsoever.

What is the significance of the name Aura Arcana?

Aura is a word that denotes outward energy. The word Aura is composed of Au, the symbol for gold in the periodic table, and Ra, the Egyptian Sun God. Overall, Aura is a word that means bright and light. Arcana on the other hand means secrets or mysteries, and indicates darker, hidden or subtle energies. Aura Arcana reflects the union of light and dark polarities, like the celestial romance of the sun and moon, and is a celebration of all elements of life.

We honour the original Lobelia's brand and founder Liberty as we transition into our future!

Renovation Credits

A huge thank you to all the beautiful people who helped us bring our new space into being Dec 2021-Jan 2022.

Designer - Nicole Fulton - Black Caviar Decor

Epoxy Flooring (featuring quartz dust!) - Warren Wells - Proline Custom Concrete

Painting - Sonshine Girls Painting

Lighting - McLaren Lighting

Electrician - Nancy’s Electric

Contracting - Thank you to Steve, Joe and Fin.

Thank you to the beautiful people of Vancouver Island Refillery for your help and support.

Our Incredible New Signage: Devin Watson - Watson Wood Art

Thank you to our amazing staff!