One Wand. Two Cities. And Three Doors To Destiny.
Unlock the map to actually find your magical spark.
When you think of me
You should think of fire
Risen from the ashes
Again and again
—Zamilska
It all begins with a spark. An idea that gets you fired up everytime you think about it. Today, we walk through fire. It’s Wands season, and we’ll start at the source: the Ace.
The Ace of Wands representing new beginnings, new projects, inspiration, manifestation, and passion. It’s a hell yes card. A green light from the universe. A freakin’ go for it card.
That thing you’re thinking about? Do it.
That idea that keeps coming back to you? Run with it.
That thing someone else just did, that made your eyes flash green with jealousy? Trust that Hulk-rage and course-correct.
The Ace of Wands is telling you there is fertile ground to build something with enthusiasm and initiative. Run at it with everything you have.
A wand has just been handed to you, saying:
“It’s time to step into your magic.”
As I create my sToRyDrOpS tarot deck, I’m choosing cards each week that align with my personal journey.
Last week, I was fighting with my Judgement angel. I was at a crossroads.
This week, I’m almost ready to light my Ace of Wands torch, so I can find my way. But to know who I want to become, I need to remember who I’ve been.
Where you're from isn’t just a dot on a map.
We carry our cities in our senses.
It’s the weather in our bones.
The songs saved on street corners.
The café that makes your heart beat faster because it’s where you met your partner. It’s the phone call you didn’t take on a hike because your body grew a boundary muscle.
We’re marked by zip codes and corner stores.
We’re mapped by rituals and connection.
This is my memory map.
A poetic root system.
My love letter to the two cities that shaped me:
I’m from late-night stairwell talks.
I’m from stoop cigarettes.
I’m from stale bubblegum walks.
I’m from MetroCard swipes.
I’m from lost socks at the laundromat.
I’m from pretzel stands.
I’m from wheeling squeaky grocery carts like royalty.
I’m from next-stop delays.
I’m from not for nuthin’.
I’m from jaywalking.
I’m from 40s in brown paper bags.
I’m from Playbills folded in pockets.
I’m from vampyr theaters.
I’m from slushy sidewalks.
I’m from Indian food under a galaxy of Christmas lights.
I’m from by the slice.
I’m from poetry in motion.
I’m from rooftop flings that flicker out like streetlights.
I’m from Alice’s Teacup.
I’m from five boroughs with five different accents.
I’m from everything bagels with sun-dried tomato cream cheese.
N.Y. is my first heartbeat.
I’m from avocado blooms.
I’m from stars in the sidewalks.
I’m from the smog layer.
I’m from May grays and June glooms.
I’m from Santa Ana winds.
I’m from surfers at sunset and sunrise.
I’m from avoiding the 405.
I’m from hiking with celebrities.
I’m from taped-up “Production This Way” arrows.
I’m from midnight movies in graveyards.
I’m from Big Bears and Big Surs.
I’m from understanding mile-long parking signs.
I’m from Dodger Stadium traffic.
I’m from palm trees.
I’m from drum circles beating down the sun.
I’m from Valley heat that melts my dashboard parking fairy.
I’m from water droughts.
I’m from earthquake jolts and wildfire warnings.
I’m from picnics at The Bowl.
I’m from howling coyotes.
I’m from the constant edge of something burning.
L.A. is where I rooted myself and bloomed a life.
One made me.
One keeps me.
Both live in me, always…
Where are you from?
How has your memory map influenced who you are today?
How is it going to influence who you become?
The Ace of Wands emerges from a cloud. A symbol of divine guidance and unseen support. In the distance, there is a castle, representing the success that awaits at the end of your journey. But first, you must answer the call to action this card demands.
What sparks a fire in you?
How to Stoke Your Creative Fire with the Ace of Wands:
Map Your Journey. Just like I did with New York and L.A., if you’re stepping into a new creative project or life chapter, begin by taking stock of where you’ve been. Map your cities. Map your memories. Trace the version of you who walked through fire to arrive here. Then begin to sketch the outline of who you’re becoming. When the Ace of Wands appears, it’s not just a card—it’s a call. A torch passed from the divine. Let it light your next step.
Burn, Baby, Burn
You’ve been given this idea for a reason. It’s a gift, and it’s your responsibility to bring it into the world. Before you flip the table, here’s the good news: ✨your success is assured✨ The Ace of Wands is jumping up and down in the rafters, shouting this is your time. So pick the idea you’ve been circling. The one you’re trying not to think about as you read this.
Set a timer for 30 minutes. No pressure to finish it. No need to perfect it.Just begin. Light the torch.
Write the first paragraph.
Sketch the concept.Send the pitch.
Book the trip.
Do A Scribble Spell
Light a candle, open your journal, and set a timer for 15 minutes. Your only job is to keep the pen moving. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or making sense, just write. Let it be messy. Let it be honest. Scribbles are welcome. Scratched-out thoughts, too.Your mind is finding its way back to wonder. A messy page is the mark of a creative spirit in motion.
Journal prompts to ignite your spark:
When I feel most alive creatively, I am…
If I got out of my way, I would start…
The idea that won’t leave me alone is…This probably sounds stupid, but what if…
In a parallel universe, I hope the other me is…
Get Moody
If you have an idea and can’t quite put it into words yet, try heading to Pinterest to create a mood board. Gather images, textures, quotes, and colors that feel like your idea. Or go analog. Cut out magazine clippings, collect found objects, and build a physical collage. Sometimes stepping outside your usual creative medium can help translate an idea that’s still taking shape.
Ask yourself:
What does my idea look like?
What does it feel like?
What does it want to become?
Play the Part
Create a persona for the Ace of Wands. We only see the hand, so what could the rest of this ethereal presence look like? How are they dressed? What’s their catchphrase? What are their creative superpowers, and how will they use them? Embody that persona for an hour or a day.Songs That Track
Make a playlist that embodies Ace of Wands vibes. Find songs that hype you up and get you moving. Get your ears burning. Look for titles and lyrics that speak to bold moves, and getting it done. Songs that will make everyone believe it was you that started the fire.(See what I did there?)
Trust your ideas. They have legs. Don’t let limiting beliefs extinguish them before you even begin. Take a deep breath, stand tall, carry your wand, and use it.
I’m so grateful you’re here. If you’re enjoying this newsletter, please restack, share it with a friend, tap that heart, or leave me a comment. I love hearing from you, and your support means the world to me. It makes me feel ✨extra sparkly✨. See you next week, my lovelies…✨💜✨
I drew the Ace of Wands for Spril but have struggled to connect with it. Your words help so much. Thanks for giving me so much to mull on-and for sharing the places that made you. 💜
I'm also from "not for nuthin'" :)