Tarot and Creative Writing Exercise 1
Tarot cards are more than tools for divination; they are rich sources of symbolism, imagery, and meaning that can inspire creative writing. Creative writing is a deeply meditative practice for me - and it also helps me get to know my cards and learn a new deck! In this exercise, go through my step-by-step process on how I use tarot cards to structure a writing exercise.
The first card I pull is the prompt. Today Im using the Sherwood Oracle: Hidden Lore of the Wild Forest by Mark Ryan and John Matthews.
The next three cards are use to describe or structure the prompt. For these, Im using the Wildwood Tarot Deck by Mark Ryan and John Matthews. For each card, Ill read the guidebook and jot down some notes on what inspires me about each card. Maybe its the card meanings, the artwork, the symbolism or personal stories that they remind me of. Then following this structure, I’ll start writing - incorporating the themes and imagery in the cards into my own creative writing experience. I tend to follow the same order in my writing as the cards I pulled. If you’d like to see the final draft of writing from today’s session, that is posted in the next blog: “The Wheat and the Rain”
Step 1: The Prompt Card
Barleycorn’s Field
Meaning: A return to life after darkness, stress, or loss.
How It Inspired My Writing:
This card set the foundation for my piece. Its imagery of a harvested wheat field immediately brought to mind Vincent van Gogh’s Wheatfield with Crows. From there, I imagined myself walking through the scene—feeling the earth beneath my feet, the wind picking up before a storm, and the golden fields glowing under a brooding sky. This card became my anchor, representing a journey toward renewal after a time of stress or depletion.
Vincent Van Gogh’s Wheatfield with Crows
Writing Tip: You dont have to follow any rules when it comes to creative writing! This Prompt card reminded me of Vincent Van Gogh’s painting - Wheatfield with Crows - and so Im going to use this painting as the scene for my story. Feel free to use inspired imagery and meaning create the opening framework for your piece.
Step 2: Expanding the Scene
Next I grab my tarot deck and pull 3 cards to describe the prompt card
Ace of Stones
Keyword: The Foundation of Life.
Themes: Grounding, connection to reality, and the relationship between humanity and the earth. Sensory Experiences (touch, taste, smell, feel)
Inspiration:
This card reminded me to focus on the grounding aspect of my story. I described the earthy smell of approaching rain, the feeling of being deeply connected to the natural cycles, and the dialogue between heaven and earth symbolized by the storm. I reflected on how walking in nature allows us to leave distractions behind and reconnect with the essence of life. Using my prompt of the wheatfield, Im expanding on this further by describing the physical sensations of what this scene feels like.
Writing Tip: Ask yourself: How does this card reflect the core connections in the scene? What grounding sensations or metaphors can you include to enrich the piece?
Card 3: Six of Stones
Keyword: Exploitation and Depletion.
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Themes: Use of resources
The need for balance
How humans rely on the climate and earth for survival
Farm equipment
Inspiration:
This card guided me to incorporate a story about imbalance—how my mother grew up in the dry farmlands of South Dakota, where rain was both scarce and sacred. I wrote about the anxiety of waiting for rain, which mirrors the Six of Stones’ theme of exploitation and its consequences. The eventual arrival of rain symbolizes a return to balance and harmony, tying back to the need for nourishment in life.
Writing Tip: Let cards like this explore tension in your story. Think about areas where there is imbalance or depletion—whether within the scene itself or as part of a character’s emotional journey—and show how these are addressed or resolved.
Card 4: Four of Arrows
Keyword: Rest
Themes:
Recharging and nourishment
Shelter
Security
Sleep
Recovery after stress.
Inspiration:
This card shaped the conclusion of my writing. After walking through the wheat fields and experiencing the storm, I wrote about retreating indoors to rest as the rain began. The storm became a metaphor for permission to pause. I described crawling into bed, the rhythmic patter of raindrops lulling me to sleep, and how rest restored my connection to the cycle of life.
Step 3: Bringing It All Together
Now that I’ve read the cards, become inspired by the imagery, and formulated a rough draft of what I will write about - next is I start writing! I focus on each theme and element of my story, letting my mind wander and drift as I scribble on the page. When it comes to creative writing, dont get bothered by aiming for perfection. Just write. Put some words to paper. Dont overthink it!
Why Tarot is a Powerful Tool for Writing
Tarot cards are perfect for creative prompts because they combine evocative imagery with rich, layered meanings. They invite you to imagine, to question, and to connect deeply with universal themes. By allowing the cards to guide you, you can create stories and scenes that are vivid, symbolic, and uniquely your own.
So, the next time you’re staring at a blank page, grab a deck of tarot cards. Pull a few, reflect on their meanings, and let them guide you on a journey of creative exploration. You may be surprised at where they take you.