When it comes to magical presences, few in the Houston area are more loved than Lucia Bettler. Her life was filled with beauty and love, a connection to the earth and the things that grow from it, a deep thread of the Spirit that ties communities together and gives souls a home.

Lucia’s path was more unique than most. After high school, she accepted a call to a Catholic convent as she attended college - where she met Michael, the love of her life, and left the life religious. What followed was over a decade as an English teacher, alongside a small business making wreaths and potpourri, gardening herbs, and cooking.

Out of this business grew Lucia’s Garden. The enchanting store that bore her name was beloved for its eclectic nature and welcoming energy, full of books and herbs and beautiful things in every corner. Lucia taught classes, spoke at events, and always took time to share in conversation with customers and friends.

Above all, Lucia’s Garden was a sanctuary of gentle energy. Even the most stressed-out soul could step through the door and feel relieved of their burdens. There were always new things to see, to touch, to learn, and it was ever plain to see that Lucia herself was the beating heart of the place - and of an extended spiritual community.

Her passing in 2017 left an undeniable void. Lucia was irreplaceable, touching thousands of lives - even those she never met in person - through dozens of venues. But in a magical community like ours, we don’t simply believe that a person’s spirit lives on - we recognize their presence, feel the warmth of their smile and embrace when we most need them. 

Today, the Houston area features a broad range of metaphysical stores, reflecting our diversity in beliefs and backgrounds, mirroring and highlighting the uniqueness of their clientele. Inside many of those stores - including this one - there’s an undeniable presence: maybe it’s a robust laugh you only hear in your mind, a big soft hug when you need it most, or just a quiet knowing that someone is there for you even when things seem hardest. 

That’s Lucia, as she was and as she is.

At Indigo Moons, some of us knew Lucia in person, and some only by reputation. Through the generosity of her friends, some of her beloved objects and mementos have found a home here as well. In the back corner of our shop, we celebrate Lucia Ferrara Bettler with an altar that tells a bit of her 

story and honors her life of love, of service, of generosity.

Most of all, we keep Lucia’s altar to let her know that she has a home away from Home with us. We welcome her to be among us every day, just as she welcomed so many through her doors. And as long as she’s among us in spirit, Lucia lives on. 

Beautifully Written By,