spark creativity and release creative blocks with tarot
If you’re reading this, it might be because you’re having a creative block or slump and you want to get out of it. Or maybe, you just heard somewhere that Tarot cards can help you with fueling your creativity, and you’d like to know how.
How you found this doesn’t matter now, know that you’re led here because your creativity is overflowing, and you’re looking for ways to channel them properly.
And yes, beyond the mystical reputation Tarot possesses, this is also a unique source of visual storytelling and aid you in unlocking fresh ideas, guide characters in a story that you’re writing, or even inspire a new art series.
understanding tarot as a creative tool
For most of us, cards are used for divination, shadow work, and grounding that communicates emotions, life stages, and universal truth—of course for the general public, it's simply a fortune-telling deck.
But if you’re a person who often daydreams, and has an imagination that is the same as (or can surpass) Spongebob’s with their simple tv box, Tarot cards can be a secret weapon for anyone who’s looking to break through a creative block or go deeper into their projects.
A quick tip: If you’re new to tarot, start with a deck that visually appeals to you. Look for one where the imagery sparks your curiosity or connects to the themes you’re interested in exploring. You don’t need to be a tarot expert to begin with. The cards’ images will naturally resonate with you over time. TRUST.
tarot as a prompt for writing
Since tarot can help us on our self-journey and reflect life, this is a great tool to add depth and complexity to characters, dialogue, and plot. Here are a few ways to use tarot in your writing process:
character creation
Draw a card and ask, “Who is this person?” The visual cues and symbolism of the card can help you shape a character’s personality, backstory, or hidden motivations. For example, the Hierophant card might inspire a character who is wise, traditional, or even bound by rigid beliefs.
exploring inner conflict
Need help with a character’s internal struggle? A simple spread can reveal what they’re hiding, what they need to release, and where they’re headed. This method can bring an authentic emotional arc to your story and keep readers engaged.
dialogue with depth
Try pulling a card for each character in a conversation. Ask what they’re really feeling versus what they’re saying aloud. This adds layers to your dialogue, making interactions feel natural and compelling.
A quick tip: Feel free to use a notebook to jot down your card impressions, thoughts, and how they apply to your writing. You’ll soon find yourself building a library of ideas you can revisit! If you’re in need of an awesome place to write all the magic of your creativity? We have our unruled mystic muse journal that might be useful to you!
tarot imagery as artistic inspiration
Tarot cards are art itself. Just look at these beautiful masterpieces from the Elemental Empath deck (that shows beauty in all forms) and the Anima Tarot de Marseille deck! (which is handpainted btw)
A tarot deck has 78 cards, and each depicts vivid scenes and symbolic imagery. Artists often find inspiration by exploring the rich visuals on the cards, helping them set the tone, colors, and themes in their work.
mood and theme
Draw a card to set the mood for your next piece. For example, the Star card can inspire hopeful, dreamy artwork, while the Tower might lead you to create a piece that explores chaos or transformation.
symbolic elements
The symbols in tarot—like the Sun, Moon, and different animals—can be used as subtle visual elements in your art. Incorporating these symbols adds layers of meaning, making your work resonate on a deeper level.
character studies
Like story characters, the tarot’s archetypes (e.g., the Fool, the Magician, the Empress) each have distinct personalities and qualities. These can be starting points for character design in visual art or illustration.
A quick tip: Go and try to display a few cards in your workspace that match the theme or energy you want to capture. This will help you keep the vibe consistent as you create.
breaking through creative blocks with tarot
One of the beautiful things about tarot is that it can help us see things differently, giving us a fresh perspective to ponder. So if you’re a creative feeling stuck, tarot can act as a creative nudge to get you thinking outside the box.
one-card pull for focus
If you’re unsure where to start or you feel overwhelmed, pull a single card. Let its imagery inspire you to create something around its theme. It could be as simple as a sketch based on the card’s colors or a free-write about its symbolism. Let go of the pressure of creating something majestic from the start.
three-card spread for direction
A three-card spread (representing “Past,” “Present,” and “Future”) is great for breaking down where you are in a project, what obstacles might be holding you back, and where you might want to go. This can bring clarity and motivation to move forward.
A quick tip: When pulling cards for inspiration, avoid reading them as strict instructions. Instead, think of them as flexible prompts or suggestions to help spark new ideas.
advanced techniques for tarot-writing integration
If you feel ready to dive deeper, advanced tarot techniques can help you with your storytelling and bring complexity to your work:
complex spreads
Try using elaborate spreads like the Celtic Cross or Relationship Spread to explore intricate plotlines or character relationships. Each position in the spread can represent aspects of a scene, relationship, or character flaw, adding multi-dimensional layers to your work.
using reversals
Reversed cards add nuance and suggest unresolved conflicts. In your writing, a reversed card might indicate a character’s hidden fears, unhealed traumas, or an unexpected plot twist that challenges them.
character transformation
We love character developments, the arc where everything fits well! You can track your character’s evolution by pulling a card each month (or chapter) to represent their state of mind or emotional growth. This practice can guide you in shaping how the character changes over time, ensuring a dynamic arc that readers will find compelling.
Advanced Tip: When using spreads or reversals, jot down your initial thoughts and then leave them for a day. Returning with fresh eyes often brings new insights, making your story richer and more layered.
choosing the right deck for your creative journey
We’ve mentioned earlier that a Tarot deck is an art itself. And these come in countless styles, each with its own energy and aesthetic. Some decks may inspire certain creative pursuits more than others. For instance, a Gothic tarot deck might resonate with horror writers or dark fantasy artists, while a whimsical, nature-themed deck could inspire a children’s book illustrator.
An example would be our Shadow Realm Deck! Its chilling art is perfect for people who’d like to explore the shadow and light that it embodies and channel the energy to their readings and emotions.
If you’re a visual creator, choose a deck with artwork that feels vibrant and full of life. Writers might prefer decks with rich symbolism that can spark storytelling ideas. Whatever deck you choose, let it become a trusted part of your creative toolkit.
Deck-Buying Tip: Try looking at samples of cards online before purchasing a deck. Many websites offer previews of several cards so you can get a sense of the art style and themes.
tarot for reflection and growth in your creative process
Creativity often requires us to reflect, grow, and be open to the unknown. Tarot can encourage that inner journey by giving us prompts to think deeper about our work and ourselves. Here are a few ways to use tarot for self-reflection:
monthly card pull
Pull a card at the beginning of each month to guide your creative intentions. Ask questions like, “What energy should I bring to my work this month?” or “What should I focus on creatively?”
self-reflection spread
Create a spread with questions that guide self-exploration, like “What is blocking me?” and “How can I expand my creative vision?” Use the cards to bring new insights to your work.
It doesn’t matter if you believe it as a mystical divination tool with qualities that can help you align with your higher self or just a plain deck of art and images.
So if you’re in it to draw inspiration, brainstorm new characters, or break through a creative block, the tarot cards offer a playful and profound way to deepen your creative process, invite new perspectives, expand your imagination, and bring a touch of magic to your art.
If tarot and creativity are calling to you, our newsletter is the perfect way to stay connected and inspired. We’re all about sharing ideas, tips, and insights about art, wellness, meditation, divination, and self-discovery. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned witch, there’s always something new to explore!
By joining, you’ll receive tons of value, we also spotlight amazing artists we see in the community, and of course, occasional surprises to keep your imagination flowing. Think of it as a little newspaper filled with magick delivered straight to your inbox!
