La Luna shifts from Gemini to Cancer this weekend...
... and a bonus tarot spread to help you craft compelling dialogue
The upcoming Waxing Crescent Moon in Gemini (Mar 16) and the First Quarter Moon in Cancer (Mar 17) offer a unique blend of energies for us to utilize. Here's how they can guide your creative process this weekend:
Waxing Crescent Moon in Gemini (Saturday, Mar 16):
What to focus on: Communication, new ideas, information gathering (Gemini is an air sign… it’s about the communication)
Things to do: Brainstorm, research, outline, write dialogue
Fantasy peeps: Explore languages invented within your world, research historical communication methods, brainstorm unique ways characters interact
Sci-fi peeps: Delve into fictional communication technologies, explore the ethics of information transfer in your world, brainstorm dialogue for complex AI characters
First Quarter Moon in Cancer (Sunday, Mar 17):
What to focus on: Emotional depth, vulnerability, character motivations (Cancer is a water sign… it’s about the feels)
Things to do: Write scenes that explore character emotions, dig into their pasts and fears
Fantasy peeps: Flesh out the emotional landscape of your characters, explore the impact of magic on their emotions, create scenes showcasing emotional vulnerability
Sci-fi peeps: Explore the emotional impact of technological advancements on characters, write scenes focusing on loneliness in space or the search for belonging in a futuristic society
Putting it all together:
Gemini's focus on ideas and communication combines with Cancer's emotional depth to create a potent mix for brainstorming and character development. Use this energy to explore your characters' inner lives and motivations, then translate those emotions into compelling dialogue and interactions.
Furthermore, while Gemini encourages research and gathering information, Cancer's encourages you to dig deeper emotionally. Don't just research communication styles; explore how historical or invented communication methods might evoke emotions within your characters.
Gemini's energy is really good for building the foundation of your world and Cancer helps you explore the emotional impact of those elements. How does your world system affect the emotional well-being of your characters?
Additional things to consider:
Genre-bending: Push the boundaries of your genre. I mean that — push them! As an air sign, Gemini wants you to invite the unique and unconventional. Can you incorporate emotional vulnerability into a typically action-packed scene?
Character connections: Cancer's nurturing and emotional energy is perfect for exploring character relationships. How do characters connect with each other? What are their fears and vulnerabilities when it comes to their bonds?
Not necessary, but strongly recommended: Leverage the social nature of Gemini to connect with other writers. Discuss your ideas and exchange feedback. My primary objective for this Substack is to foster a supportive writing community. But let’s be real: it can be hard to make friends as an adult. So… to get the convo going, I will be brave and start a chat thread. Join in and let’s be social.
The Unspoken Words: A 3-card tarot spread for crafting compelling dialogue
Since I talked about writing dialogue because of Gemini — the twins who love to chat — I decided to whip up a quick and easy tarot spread you can use. I know a lot of writers struggle with writing authentic dialogue, so I hope you find this helpful.
This simple 3-card spread will help you explore the hidden depths of a conversation in your fantasy or sci-fi story. It can be used for existing dialogue you've written or to generate ideas for a new scene.
Card 1: The Spoken Word (What is being said):
This card represents the surface-level communication in your dialogue. It reflects what the character is saying outwardly, their tone of voice and the overall message they intend to convey.
Card 2: The Unspoken Truth (What's being left unsaid):
This card reveals the underlying emotions, motivations and/or hidden truths the character isn't explicitly expressing. It delves into the subtext and unspoken messages simmering beneath the surface.
Card 3: The Outcome (Impact and interpretation):
This card signifies the impact and interpretation of the dialogue. How does the other character perceive the spoken words and the unspoken subtext? What are the potential consequences of this conversation? (this is where things can get juicy!)
For an extra layer, consider pulling an oracle card as a clarifier for any of the positions requiring further insight.
An example to show you how it works:
Let's say you're writing a scene where a young apprentice confronts their master about a dangerous mission. (a bit tropey, I know… but it’s solely to show you how this spread works, so just go with it)
Card 1 (Spoken Word): The Knight of Swords (Confident, direct, perhaps even aggressive in their tone)
Card 2 (Unspoken Truth): The Five of Cups (Fearful, worried about the consequences, but trying to appear brave)
Card 3 (Outcome): The Tower (A potential for a major confrontation or disruption in the relationship)
By using this spread, you can craft dialogue that goes beyond the spoken words, adding depth and complexity to your characters' interactions. Enjoy and let know how it goes!
Yours in magick and mysticism,
The Book Druid xo