The Magic Continues: Celebrating 30 Years of the Black Lotus

The "Magic 30th Black Lotus" is a highly sought-after and valuable collectible card from the popular trading card game, Magic: The Gathering (MTG). In the game, players utilize various cards to cast spells, summon creatures, and overcome their opponents. The Black Lotus card is particularly significant due to its unique abilities and limited availability. Released in August 1993 as part of the game's Alpha set, the Black Lotus quickly became known for its powerful effect. When played, the card allows the player to add three mana of any one color to their mana pool. This essentially means that the player can gain a huge advantage by playing the Black Lotus early in the game, as it provides a significant boost to their available resources.

During my post-grad search for employment, I envisioned myself working at one of my dream outlets (a list that Refinery29 was on). I'd stalk their websites, subscribe to their print editions, and familiarize myself with their mastheads, imagining my name on one.

I worked hard in college and in my internships, I networked, I had a few more post-grad internships and fellowships, and I aggressively applied to every open full-time position I saw. But while manifesting is about turning your dreams into reality, what some people miss including my middle school self is that it requires you to take concrete actions toward the thing you want, Sarah Potter, a tarot reader, professional witch, and color magic practitioner based in New York City, tells Refinery29.

This essentially means that the player can gain a huge advantage by playing the Black Lotus early in the game, as it provides a significant boost to their available resources. However, what truly sets the Black Lotus apart is its scarcity. The Alpha set, in which the card was first introduced, had a limited print run, making its cards rare and highly valuable.

I Asked A Witch About Manifesting & It Made Me Realize I’ve Been Doing It All Along

My first introduction to manifesting (or so I thought) was pretending to read The Secret in middle school. You know, that film-turned-self-help book based on positive thinking that sold 30 million copies and turned everyone into philosophers? It claims that thoughts can change a person's life directly, that what you think literally becomes reality. I was reminded about that phase of my life recently, when I started noticing a lot of manifesting videos were landing on my TikTok "for you" feed.

As evidenced by my The Secret kick, I've always been into the idea of thinking your way to what you want. So I asked a few experts to refresh my memory about how, exactly, it's done. And they explained to me that the practice outlined in the book is a little different from what I'm seeing gain traction on social media.

The Secret advocates for "the law of attraction." But while manifesting is about turning your dreams into reality, what some people miss — including my middle school self — is that it requires you to take concrete actions toward the thing you want, Sarah Potter, a tarot reader, professional witch, and color magic practitioner based in New York City, tells Refinery29.

So when I tried to think my middle school crush into asking me to be his girlfriend (probably over text) and didn't actually do anything about it myself — that wasn't manifesting. "I don't want to spread the belief that if you sit and think good thoughts all the time, everything you want happens," Potter says. "That's not reality, that's not manifestation. That's spiritual bypassing and denial of pain and trauma."

So what does a true manifestation practice look like? First, you form a very clear, specific goal and outcome. "I think we have to be very clear with our intention. The more specific we can be, the easier it is to make something happen," Potter explains.

But your dream doesn't have to feel realistic, necessarily. Potter says if you get very clear with your intentions, you can make anything you want happen. When I asked her what she meant by anything, (like, anything?) she clarified, "I think you should dream as big as you possibly can."

Once you're crystal-clear on your intention, you'll need to implement those actions. So say your intention is to meet the love of your life. First, develop a picture of the person of your dreams — the more specific, the better. Then, ask yourself: In addition to putting your intention to be with this type of person out into the world, what kind of actions can you take to bring yourself closer to them? If you dream about an adventure buddy, take an adventure. If you're deepest wish if to have a super-kind partner, start being kinder, and stop hanging out with unkind people. Date, and also work on opening yourself up to love.

Sounds simple, right? But Potter has seen it work. In her own life, in her clients, and even in her friends. Astrologer Lisa Stardust has as well. "Manifesting does work. If you keep your intention, or your goal, in mind, you’ll find that you’re able to envision what you truly want to call in," Stardust tells Refinery29. "This will enable you to bring your dreams into reality."

The more I look into manifesting — whether it's through chatting with witches, astrologers, or scrolling through my carefully curated TikTok "for you" page — the more I realize that. I've done this before, although maybe not intentionally. In fact, I'm think I manifested the job I have right now. Sure, it sounds bizarre, but hear me out.

During my post-grad search for employment, I envisioned myself working at one of my dream outlets (a list that Refinery29 was on). I'd stalk their websites, subscribe to their print editions, and familiarize myself with their mastheads, imagining my name on one.

These positive thoughts were accompanied by concrete actions. I worked hard in college and in my internships, I networked, I had a few more post-grad internships and fellowships, and I aggressively applied to every open full-time position I saw. And while Refinery29 wasn't the first job I got after graduation. I'm here now.

As I speak with Potter, I start to realize: I was manifesting! Of course, I don't want to pretend that I got to where I am because of magic — I was privileged to be able to devote so much energy to my studies and to accept low-paying jobs and internships, to put it mildly.

While landing this job that has put me on the path I've always envisioned for myself, the outcome of manifesting can be unexpected. "I think sometimes we manifest things and they don't look how we thought they would," Potter explains. "Sometimes the job we think is a dream job isn't, or the person we really want to be with isn't actually a good match. I think there's also being open to the possibility that what you're manifesting is not going to come to fruition in the form you thought it might." In other words, be open and flexible.

Maybe it goes without saying that there isn't any scientific evidence out there that explicitly says manifesting works for sure. Although, there is some interesting literature available regarding quantum theory and our reality. Still, trying to manifest something isn't actively harmful, and attempting to make your dreams come true using a combination of your thoughts and proactive actions won't hurt you. So why not try it out?

If you're ready to take a crack at manifestation, Potter has some easy-to-follow tips to amp up your practice. First: Try keeping track of the moon cycles. "I think a really great guide is working with cycles of the moon," she says. "When the moon is new, it's an optimal energy to set an intention. And when the moon is full, we can release any blockages or let go of anything that's no longer serving us." Following the moon and its cycles can get you into a good rhythm for manifesting, she says.

There are rituals you can use alongside manifesting, such as alter building, candle magic, and using different colored flowers, herbs, and botanicals to amplify your intentions. An easy one Potter says will work for anyone making a career-oriented manifestation (hello, promotion) is to write a letter of intention, place under an orange candle, then meditate on the intention while watching the candle burn.

"Step back from [the intention] after that," she suggests. "If you stay hyper-focused on it I feel like that can mess with the magic. Let it go, and see how it unfolds."

As you begin your journey into manifesting your desires, don't be too hard on yourself. "Rid yourself of obstacles and limiting belief systems, ask the universe, take action, trust the process," Potter says. She also cautions against obsessing over whether or not your practice is "working." Trust that it is, and remember to show gratitude for what you already have.

If manifesting was as simple as it sounds, you might think that I'd currently be a millionaire — no, a billionaire — living on a beach in Hawaii without a care in the world. I'm not. But could I get there if I really wanted to? Who knows! In Potter's words, I'll just have to keep "thinking it, saying it, and creating it" — and wait and see.

These positive thoughts were accompanied by concrete actions. I worked hard in college and in my internships, I networked, I had a few more post-grad internships and fellowships, and I aggressively applied to every open full-time position I saw. And while Refinery29 wasn't the first job I got after graduation. I'm here now.

Additionally, the Black Lotus was only printed in limited quantities within the Alpha set, further increasing its rarity. As a result, the card quickly skyrocketed in price and became a highly sought-after collector's item. The value of the Magic 30th Black Lotus fluctuates over time based on factors such as its condition, authenticity, and market demand. In 2019, a Black Lotus card in pristine condition was sold for over $511,000 at auction, making it one of the most expensive Magic: The Gathering cards ever sold. The Magic 30th Black Lotus has also become a symbol of the game's history and impact. As one of the rarest and most powerful cards ever created, it represents the pinnacle of MTG's design and gameplay. Numerous players and collectors view obtaining a Black Lotus card as a significant milestone and a testament to their dedication to the game. Overall, the Magic 30th Black Lotus is a legendary card in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Its remarkable abilities and scarcity have made it a highly coveted item among players and collectors alike. Whether it is admired for its gameplay advantages or cherished as a piece of gaming history, the Black Lotus remains a notable and celebrated icon in the MTG community..

Reviews for "The Black Lotus: Magic's Most Coveted Card Turns 30"

1. John - 2 stars: I was really disappointed with the Magic 30th Black Lotus edition. The cards didn't live up to my expectations in terms of quality and design. The artwork felt lackluster, and I found that many of the cards were poorly balanced. Additionally, the printing on some of the cards was blurry, which made it difficult to appreciate the details. Overall, I think this edition was a letdown and not worth the investment.

2. Sarah - 1 star: I regret purchasing the Magic 30th Black Lotus edition. The cards in this set felt cheaply made, and I wasn't impressed with the overall presentation. The card stock was thinner than what I'm used to, and they easily bent and creased. I also had issues with the packaging; the box wasn't sturdy and didn't provide sufficient protection for the cards. Considering the high price tag, I expected better quality and durability.

3. Robert - 2 stars: As a long-time Magic: The Gathering player, I was excited to get my hands on the Magic 30th Black Lotus edition. However, upon receiving the cards, I felt underwhelmed. The cardstock used felt flimsy and prone to damage. The artwork, while nostalgic, didn't seem as vibrant as I remembered. Furthermore, the set didn't include any new cards or unique features, making it feel like a cash-grab rather than a special anniversary edition. Overall, I felt that the Magic 30th Black Lotus edition didn't live up to its potential and failed to capture the essence of the original set.

4. Emily - 2 stars: The Magic 30th Black Lotus edition was a disappointment for me. The cards lacked the same level of intricate detail and vibrant colors that I remember from the original set. Additionally, the card quality was subpar, with some cards feeling flimsy and prone to damage. I understand that this edition was meant to be a commemorative release, but I expected more in terms of overall design and craftsmanship. Ultimately, I wouldn't recommend the Magic 30th Black Lotus edition to fellow Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts.

The Black Lotus: 30 Years of Making Magic