At a tarot event, someone said they didn’t want a card pulled for their character but for the character of the story they were writing. That request lit me up from head to toe, and I decided to make tarot for writing the focus of my practice.
Many excellent tools help writers hone their craft, but sometimes, the conventional tips and tricks can feel a bit stale. Engaging with something new and unique can reignite your imagination, and because the essence of tarot is playful, it invites you to relax and have fun. This mindset is the perfect place to connect with your creative muse.
With many unique decks showcasing various moods and themes, tarot cards are chock-full of creative inspiration. Even if you don’t understand their given meaning, each card can be a treasure trove of color and symbology, ready to be interpreted however you choose.
In my writing practice, I have found that collaborating with the tarot is truly extraordinary! Read on to discover how the cards can assist you…
Excellent character development is essential to story writing.
It goes without saying that a good plot is equally important, but when you can’t connect with a character or notice they are thinking or reacting in a way that doesn’t match their defined personality, the entire story falls flat!
Keeping this in mind, I have developed a unique system using the Court Cards of the tarot to assist you in creating a character that is not only three-dimensional and believable but also remains consistent throughout your entire story.
As the Court Cards are a tarot’s personality and archetypal cards, assigning specific cards to your characters provides a profound understanding that can elevate character development to a new magical level. I periodically teach this method in a workshop at the esteemed Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, and I love sharing it one-on-one.
The goal of a writer is to create characters that feel like living, breathing people. Understanding their past, who they are, and who they may be makes them more genuine to the reader.
Can you imagine being able to ask your characters detailed questions and getting answers from them?
Interviewing your character with the tarot is a fascinating way to hear their voice and work through some aspects you may not have considered before.
Sometimes, you’re moving forward in your story, and your hero’s journey comes to a grinding halt. It’s like a massive roadblock lodged in your mind, and you suddenly have no clue where to guide them next. On the other hand, you may have many ideas, and finding clarity could be beneficial.
Consulting the tarot as you work through aspects of your plot can be a game changer. Suddenly, the barriers fall away, and you’re confidently exploring various possibilities.
This is an author-led, organic process. It’s not about where you should take your story, screenplay, or video game idea; it’s simply about letting ideas ebb and flow, following where the story leads you, or allowing it to guide you in a different direction.
Some people like to use the cards as a starting point for the seed of an idea to help them shape their story idea from the beginning!
Whether you are a professional writer or simply enjoy putting words on paper for reflection and personal growth, using the tarot as a creative resource can be incredibly powerful.
As a self-care and motivational practice, specific cards can help get your thoughts out on paper through journaling, brainstorming, or free-writing. Whether you write for a living or enjoy the practice, it helps get you in the ‘write’ mindset.
The tarot can also be beneficial for your everyday work. Do you often feel frustrated trying to drum up a topic for your newsletter or blog? Flip over a card and let it inspire you. Allow a card to prompt a meeting idea or a topic of conversation that connects with your co-workers. After 30 years of leading a team, a woman I know felt her employee reviews were stale and repetitive. A tarot card inspired a new way to approach it in a fresh and motivating way.
Tarot images and meanings are helpful partners in meditation and visualization. They can help you gain clarity, reduce stress, and explore new ideas, which will undoubtedly result from exploring these ancient nuggets of wisdom.
Have you read about how tarot can inspire your craft, and do you want to experience it yourself? I’ve got you covered!
In my free Substack newsletter, I share how the tarot can add spark to your writing in so many ways. Here you’ll find my personal breakdown of the various cards and how the tarot has inspired me and others I’ve worked with. I also love to talk about my magickal practice and nerd out about occult philosophy. Pen & Tarot is a writer’s sanctuary where you no longer have to feel frustrated and stuck.
