Hello dear ones - It’s a quiet, rainy Sunday morning and I’ve been a busy little book druid.
Yesterday, I spent the day in silence, completely on a whim. It was interesting to watch my younglings navigate through the day with me not talking. Particularly Mini Me as she’s the youngest (10). But they managed just fine. It was easy enough to send text messages to my sons and write things in the notebook I keep on my desk for Mini Me. Because I spent the day mind mapping and writing, my oldest asked if the reason I was choosing not to speak was because I’m trying to become a better a writer. He said he heard somewhere that one way to become a better writer was to stop speaking. Fascinating…
I managed to draft two articles yesterday, which will be posted under my main Substack publication. One is about exploring ethics and morality in fantasy and sci-fi, and the other is about the difference between a writing schedule and a writing practice (and the synergy between the two). It’s amazing what you can get done when you’re not talking people all day. And I think my new writing day will be Saturday going forward — as devotion to Saturn (Kronos).
When chatting with my biz besties about messaging for my business, they asked what sets me apart from other book coaches. Without giving it too much thought I said, “I care about the writer’s wellbeing as much as I care about the book they’re writing, and that’s why I bring modalities like tarot and shadow work into my work with clients. To nourish their wellbeing.”
I meditated on that while going through my morning ritual this morning, and felt called to create a new spread for this week’s reading. For now, I’m calling it The Writer’s Wellbeing Spread.
After that chatty preamble… here’s your weekly reading.
Current energy (confidence): This oracle card suggests you're feeling a strong sense of self-belief and are ready to tackle your writing goals this week. It's a great time to tap into your inner confidence and let your creativity flow.
Creative block (mother of cups): The queen of cups can represent emotional overwhelm or difficulty connecting with your intuition. Perhaps you're feeling overly sentimental about a past project or struggling to express your emotions authentically in your writing.
However, this card can also symbolize strong emotions and deep connections, which are valuable assets for writers. Note: I recently wrote an essay about intuition and writing, and offer guidance and tips on how to connect with yours. I will put the link to the essay at the end of this reading.
Considering your current confidence, this block might not be a complete roadblock, but rather a redirection. Are you pouring your emotions into the right project? Is there a deeper truth you're trying to express but struggling to find the words?
Self-care action (3 of swords): Nobody likes to see this card as it often signifies heartbreak, conflict or emotional pain. While it might seem counterintuitive as a self-care action, the 3 of swords can also encourage facing difficult truths and letting go of what no longer serves you.
In the context of this reading, consider this: Are you holding onto negative emotions or past experiences that are hindering your creativity? Is there a project or writing style that's no longer a good fit for you? Taking the time to acknowledge and release these things can be a powerful form of self-care.
Inspiration (an ending): This oracle card is equivalent to the death card in tarot (and as you can see, it’s number 13 — just like the death card is number 13 in the major arcana). It doesn't necessarily signify failure, but rather a natural conclusion or transformation. Perhaps you need to let go of a specific approach or story idea to make way for something new. Endings are opportunities for growth and fresh beginnings. It’s the natural order of things.
Additional card (potential challenge this week - daughter of swords): The page of swords represents intellectual challenges, sharp words and potential arguments. Be mindful of overly critical inner dialogue or external negativity that could dampen your confidence.
Additional card (potential solution - starting over): This oracle card beautifully complements the message of “an ending." Embrace the inspiration to start anew. This might involve revising a section of your writing, exploring a different approach to a character or simply starting a fresh project entirely. Trust that new beginnings can lead to powerful creative breakthroughs.
My final musings: Spirit seems to be encouraging you to tap into your confidence and use it to confront any emotional blocks or outdated approaches to your writing this week. Letting go of what no longer serves you can create space for inspiration and a fresh start. You can’t expect inspiration to flow in if you’re emotionally closed off to it. While the page of swords suggests potential challenges in communication or critical thinking, the “starting over" card reminds you to see these as opportunities for learning and growth.
Journal prompts for the 3 of swords
Facing the 3 of swords
The 3 of swords often gets a bad rap because it traditionally signifies heartbreak, conflict and emotional pain. In a writer's wellbeing spread, it can feel discouraging, like a creativity killer. But the 3 of swords can also be a call to action. By acknowledging and releasing any emotional baggage or outdated approaches, you create space for inspiration and a fresh start. So while it might not be the most pleasant card to see, it can be a powerful prompt for self-reflection and growth.
Here's are some journal prompts to help you explore this card's message:
Is there a past project or experience that continues to bring up negative emotions? How might letting go of these feelings (or the project itself) benefit your current writing?
Are you afraid to express certain emotions authentically in your writing? Why or why not?
Is there a character in your current project that you're struggling to connect with emotionally? What might be the root of this disconnect?
Are there any areas of your writing life where you feel stuck or creatively blocked? Could these blocks be rooted in unprocessed emotions?
Imagine the 3 of swords as a physical object you can release. What does it look like? What emotions does it represent? Write about the process of letting go of this object and the feelings of liberation that come with it.
Until next time,
The Book Druid xo
PS: As promised, here’s the link to the essay.