Finding the Divine Spark at the Riverside Psychic & Healing Arts Fair

So, here’s the thing: walking into my first psychic fair in California as a Midwest transplant, I wasn’t sure if my Ohio Rizz was going to translate. Would people get me? Would I "vibe”? Spoiler: everyone was lovely. In fact, I couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome.

My booth neighbors were absolute treasures. Big love to: ✨ iamenough.skin, who radiated kindness. ✨ Amethyst Treasures Gifts, who made me want to redecorate my entire altar on the spot. ✨ Ashley Toreno, who was so friendly and warm—and who let me share a little magic with her child, which honestly boosted my spirit more than caffeine ever could. ✨ And Roel, who came armed with mocha mushroom coffee and the kind of good vibes that should honestly be bottled and sold.

And then there was me, standing there debating whether or not to give my little talk on The Divine Spark. My inner monologue was basically: “No one came here for my Midwest emo feelings, sit down.”  But something in me said: go. So I did.

Here’s the gist: Modern life tricks us into thinking the sacred is something you have to buy, brand, or curate—but the spark is already there. Our ancestors weren’t waiting for the algorithm to approve their altars. They were busy keeping kids alive, stirring the soup, blessing fields, and tying thread around wrists. Aprons, not robes. Bread knives, not ceremonial daggers. (And if the gods judged, they never said so out loud.)

It turns out, a lot of us in that fluorescent convention center—with our lanyards and our $9 donuts—were carrying the same ache. And when I said grief is data, that remembering feels small but stubborn, I saw people nodding. Some even laughed. And I realized: the wild and weird ones aren’t rare. We’re everywhere.

That’s why I’m already looking forward to more fairs—not because vending is the dream hustle (spoiler: healers can’t live on vibes alone)—but because it’s where I meet you. My people. The ones who smuggle the wild back in, one conversation at a time.

So thank you, Riverside, for being my first real step into this community. For showing me that the Divine Spark is alive and well—and that sometimes it hides in mocha mushroom coffee, a kid’s smile, or even a sarcastic line about artisanal donuts.

Here’s to more magic, more friends, and more reminders that we’re not alone in this. 🌿✨