The autumn equinox, a celestial ballet of light and shadow, always pulls me back to the basics. There’s a certain magic in this time of year, a quiet invitation to reset and rediscover. It’s like nature herself is whispering, “Let’s start anew.”
As I dive deeper into shadow and ancestral work, my work with clients and my tarot practice, I find myself yearning for more in-depth discussions, exploring individual topics with a level of detail that truly inspires deep and critical thinking.
In today’s piece, I’ll provide a brief overview, but I’m curious to know what you would like to learn. What specific aspects of tarot do you think could most benefit your storytelling? Your input will shape the direction of my future writing, helping me craft content that truly serves your needs and interests.
Grab your favorite teacup, brew a cuppa and let's chat about the intermingling of storytelling and tarot.
Tarot cards, with their enigmatic images and symbolic meanings, have captivated people for centuries. I tend to light up when people ask me if using tarot for writing is a “new thing” because it offers an opportunity for me to completely nerd out on the subject.
Beyond divination, they offer a rich tapestry of archetypes, stories and universal themes that can ignite our imaginations. In this brief exploration, we will peer into the deep well known as tarot, and chat about how it can be a powerful tool for exploring different literary genres and storytelling styles.
Character development: A deck of possibilities
Imagine a character as a blank canvas. Tarot cards can provide the vibrant colors, intricate patterns and defining strokes that bring them to life. Each card, especially the major arcana, represents an archetype, a universal pattern of human experience. For instance, the fool embodies the spirit of adventure and new beginnings, while the magician symbolizes manifestation and control. By drawing inspiration from these archetypes, you can create characters that are complex, relatable and unforgettable.
Plot structure: A tarot-inspired roadmap
Just as a tarot spread provides a glimpse into the future, it can also guide the structure of a story. The Celtic Cross, a popular spread, can be used to explore the characters journeys, challenges and potential outcomes. Earlier this year, I ran a writing workshop using my modified version of The Celtic Cross for worldbuilding. We had a lot of fun. A three-card spread can offer insights into the past, present and future of a plot. I’ve even used three-card spreads to get insights into the beginning, middle and end of a story idea. I call this barebones plotting. By using tarot cards as a roadmap, you can create a narrative that is both engaging and meaningful.
Thematic exploration: A deeper dive
Tarot cards are more than just symbols; they are gateways to deeper themes and meanings. And this is what I love about using the tarot as a creative tool. The tower, for example, represents upheaval and destruction, but it can also symbolize transformation and rebirth. The hanged man suggests a period of introspection, surrender and sacrifice, while the world signifies completion and fulfillment. By exploring the underlying themes of tarot cards, you can create stories that touch readers at the heart level.
Genre exploration: A tarot-inspired kaleidoscope
Tarot can be used to explore a wide range of literary genres, from fantasy to science fiction, mystery to romance. The world is truly your oyster. In fantasy, tarot can be used to create magical creatures, mythical realms and epic quests. In science fiction, it can inspire futuristic technologies, alien civilizations and philosophical questions. Fantasy and sci-fi are the genres I work with the most, thereby making them the genres I waffle on about the most. In mystery, tarot can be used to create clues, red herrings and a sense of suspense. In romance, it can explore themes of love, loss and redemption.
To see some of this in action, check out my YouTube channel. I’ve started a series called Writing With Tarot. There are only four videos in the playlist at the moment as I was in the middle of moving house. Now that I’m settling in, I fully intend to get back to filming. I just need to find the right area in my apartment to film. Bear with me!
As we've explored, tarot offers a rich tapestry of archetypes, symbols and themes that can inspire and enrich storytelling. By harnessing its power, writers can create characters that resonate deeply, plots that are both engaging and meaningful, and themes that explore the complexities of the human experience.
Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your writing journey, tarot can be a valuable companion on your creative path.
So, now that you’ve peered into the well, what possibilities do you see? I hope this exploration has piqued your curiosity and inspired you to dive deeper into the world of tarot and storytelling. There's so much more to discover, from specific tarot spreads to the historical and cultural significance of these ancient cards. As we continue to explore the intersection of tarot and literature, we'll uncover new insights, uncover hidden connections and perhaps even create entirely new genres of storytelling.
Let’s gently touch the surface of the water in this well: A tarot-inspired writing exercise
Whenever I’m on a call with a client and they tell me they are feeling stuck and/or uninspired, I immediately grab one of my tarot decks. I ask a few questions, pull a few cards and the shift from feeling stuck and uninspired to bursting with ideas is almost instant. I invite you to give it a try. You might be surprised at the creative insights that emerge.
To get started, try this simple exercise:
Grab a tarot deck. If you don’t have one, some tarot creators offer a free one-card reading. The Light Seer’s Tarot was the first tarot deck I bought for myself and holds a special place in my heart. If you scroll to end of the page, you can choose a card for free.
Shuffle and pull a card, or intentionally choose a tarot card.
Analyze the card's imagery and symbolism by noting down what you see and feel. Write your own interpretations first. Then look at the guidebook or look up meanings online. Your personal interpretations will always be more resonant and impactful then the traditional meanings of the cards.
Create a character based on the archetype represented by the card.
Develop a simple plot based on the card's themes and meanings. Beginning, middle and end. Keep it simple.
Write a scene or a short story using the character and plot you've created.
If you feel like you’re getting stuck, take a break and come back to it. Tarot has a tendency to provide insight long after you looked at the card(s). You could be washing dishes and something will pop in your head related to the card you pulled. That’s the magic of tarot and storytelling.
Tarot is a tool for exploration, not a rigid rulebook. There are no right or wrong ways to use tarot for literary inspiration. The most important thing is to have fun and let your imagination run wild.
Thanks so much for reading! It means the world to me to have lovely people like yourself reading my words. If you enjoyed it and/or it helped you in any way, please consider supporting my work by becoming a paid subscriber, sharing on social media or sharing via Substack notes. Or treat me to a cuppa! I do enjoy a strong a British brew!