How to start a Tarot Journal for Creative Writing
What is Creative Journaling?
Creative journaling is a flow state—a mental space of peace and relaxation where we allow our thoughts to naturally express themselves without judgment, rules, expectations, or editing. It’s about tapping into a fully connected creative process where the act of creating itself becomes engaging and fulfilling for the mind.
Tarot can be a wonderful tool to offer structure and a framework within this creative process. With countless combinations of cards, the variety of artistic interpretations, and the richness of guidebook meanings, the possibilities are truly endless. You could spend a lifetime journaling with tarot and never write the same thing twice.
However, accessing this relaxed, flow-state mindset for creative writing may not come easily at first. Don’t worry—this guide is here to walk you through, step by step, how to tap into the creative writing of your own mind.
Step 1: Setting the Space
Before we can quiet our minds and relax, creating the right environment is essential. What does a calm and tranquil space look like for you? Is it early morning when the house is still? Late at night under the glow of the moon?
Think about the ambiance: calming meditative music, soothing incense, a warm cup of tea—whatever makes you feel grounded and at peace. It’s important to clear your space of distractions. Put your phone on silent and face down (or away altogether), and disconnect from the outside world for a moment. Grab your journal, a pen you enjoy writing with, and let’s get started.
Step 2: Developing Your Prompts
Prompts are a great way to start if you’re not sure what to write about. They can take many forms, such as:
• Questions: What does peace mean to me? What are my strengths and weaknesses?
• Statements: True strength comes from vulnerability. The past defines who we are today.
• Personal reflections: What was the most challenging experience in my life? What did I learn from it?
• Archetypal themes: Use tarot cards to explore concepts like rebirth, balance, decision-making, or transformation.
Prompts can also involve storytelling or creating scenes inspired by the cards. For example:
• “Write a short story based on the imagery of the card you pulled.”
• “Explore how a specific tarot archetype applies to your life or current situation.”
The possibilities are endless. Choose whatever resonates with you and let it guide your thoughts.
Step 3: Pulling the Cards
Using tarot cards as inspiration for your writing adds depth and creativity to the process. Once you’ve chosen your prompt, select a deck and pull one to three cards.
Take your time with the cards. Look at them closely and reflect on what they might mean in the context of your prompt. Open the guidebook and jot down any keywords, descriptions, or quotes that stand out to you. Pay attention to the imagery on the cards—what scenes are depicted? How do they make you feel? What ideas, sensations, or influences come to mind as you connect the art to your prompt?
Write these thoughts in the corner of your journal or on a separate page. This will give you a foundation to build on as you start writing.
Step 4: Letting the Words Flow
Now that you’ve reflected on your prompt and cards, it’s time to put pen to paper. Let your thoughts flow naturally, like the ebb and flow of tides. As you write, remember these essential rules:
• No self-criticism or judgment.
• No doubting yourself, whether it’s about messy handwriting, the quality of your prose, or the depth of your ideas.
• No need to impress anyone—not even yourself.
This is your space for freeform expression, without fear or expectations. Creative journaling isn’t about the content itself as much as it’s about engaging your mind in free thought, relaxation, and mindfulness.
Write as little or as much as you feel. Don’t bother with spelling, editing, or grammar—just let the words flow from your mind to the page. Revisit the keywords or quotes from the cards you pulled. Think about how they connect to the prompt and how their meanings can weave into your response.
An Example of the Process
Prompt: What is the Winter Solstice from a spiritual perspective?
Cards pulled (from the Wildwood Tarot and Sherwood Oracle):
• The Priory: “A place of sanctuary and contemplation, where you may confront your deepest fears.”
• Eight of Vessels: Keywords: Rebirth. Quotes: “The cycle of rebirth and healing.” “Looking at the past…” “The future waits to be unfolded.”
• Two of Bows: Keywords: Decision. Quotes: “Latent and potential energy.” “Making a decision.”
As I reflected on these cards, I synthesized their meanings within the context of the prompt and my personal experience of the Winter Solstice. You’ll see these themes and ideas woven into my related journal entry, Winter Solstice: The Darkest Day.
The Importance of Authenticity
The journal entries I share are raw, unfiltered, and unedited. While I could refine them for better clarity or flow, doing so would detract from the expressive freedom I’m trying to achieve. This isn’t about performative writing or polished prose. It’s about allowing my mind to relax and freely form thoughts based on inspiration from the tarot.
Creative journaling is a personal, meditative practice. It’s about making space for your mind to explore, reflect, and express itself freely.
Looking Ahead
As the year progresses, I plan to share more prompts, writings, and musings inspired by tarot. My hope is that this guide inspires you to start your own creative journaling practice. There are no rules—just let your intuition and imagination guide you.