Tarot decks are essentially a story from beginning to end. When you search in whatever engine you use, you'll probably find the Fool's Journey through Learn Tarot. It has a quick description of what the fool encounters as they journey and meet each of the major arcana of the deck. The same journey can be used to spark inspiration in writers of fiction.
How do you use tarot in creative writing? Here are some ideas to use in your writing, along with some ideas to help get your brain moving when you hit a creative wall.
Conflicts / Events
With the major arcana, each card represents an event, and you can use that event to add a conflict to your writing. What kind of event is your character facing, small or large? Justice could relate to the character dealing with some kind of legal issue or needing to right a wrong that happened. The High Priestess could relate to dealing with a secret order or finding the mysterious old woman in the forest.
Check out my list of conflict ideas for each major arcana card!
With the minor arcana, you can use these as smaller situations to move the story along or to add flavor to your character's every day life. The six of cups could inspire a long lost friend coming into the picture. The three of pentacles could bring a work collaboration with a potential romantic interest.
Characters
One of my favorite ideas is using the court cards as characters in a story. Each has a unique feel to build upon. The page of wands might represent a young person who likes to be rebellious and cause a bit of chaos in a small town. The queen of swords might represent a mature woman who runs a company with a tight fist.
Check out my list of character ideas related to each court card! (COMING SOON)
You could do the same with the major arcana, using them as a personality trait of a character. The Sun being a positive person who always sees the good. Judgment being part of a person who can objectively give advice.
Writing Prompts
Hitting a block as you're creating something is such a let down. Sometimes just going forward and trying to restart that wheel of inspiration may help get back on track. Any tarot deck could be used for writing prompts and other creative challenges. One way to start would be by pulling a card from the deck and writing whatever comes to mind. Here are some prompts for a few cards:
Strength: Think of a time when you had to be physically or emotionally strong. Write about it like a reporter writing an article.
5 of Swords: You catch someone in the middle of a theft. Write about it like the police are interviewing you.
9 of Cups: You made three wishes. Write about them going all wrong.
Check out my list of writing prompts using all 78 tarot cards! (COMING SOON)
If you use any of my suggestions from this post or the linked lists, please let me know! I'd love to discuss them in private or showcase them on the blog.
Positive vibes to everyone out there!
Tabitha
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