Tarot for writer's block

Personal thoughts on why I can't write this week and a two card tarot spread for finding creative flow again

I can’t write this week so I am writing about why I can’t write, which helps me write lol.

Maybe this exploration sounds messy but it isn’t to be hard on myself. I just find honesty quite freeing.

Self care

I don’t think I really need to flip a card to know why I can’t write. I am tired. I’ve started working a few days a week. This takes time and energy and my writing tends to go on the side. Then when I get tired I tend to look after myself less well. The opposite of what is needed. I eat rubbish things like crisps to keep me going, or drink cans of coke instead of water. I also slump on the sofa more rather than go for a walk. Walking is where nearly all my creative ideas happen, so when I don’t walk my writing feels forced. On top of this, this is the first week for a long time where I’m not journaling quite so much. Journaling helps me feel more connected to myself, and therefore more connected to my writing.

Comparison

Something else going on too is that I am getting frustrated with my writing style. I’ve hit a plateau. I don’t have a clue about writing really. All I know is that I want to keep my voice thoughtful, clear, honest and readable. It does admittedly makes me feel inadequate when I read stuff by other authors here on Substack, there is SUCH talent here. All this is blocking my way to writing anything coherent, except for when I write about not being able to write. Which is flowing out just fine because it is live and honest.

Shoulds

There are a lot of shoulds that can get in the way when you are a writer, especially when you are seen as a bit witchy. When you are a tarot reader, the shoulds come out. You know. I should be talking about Beltane. I should have done some nature writing. I should do a full moon spread. I should write in my more magical voice. I haven’t written about midlife for a while. I should.

Right now

But honestly, my connection with Beltane and Taurus season consists of me walking and stopping to sniff lilac or gaze at buttercups, and there is not much more to it than that at the moment. I don’t think I can stretch it into a whole article right now. As for midlife, well It can’t be pinned down in writing without sounding like one big fat stereotype and so I tread round the topic befuddled.

Why pull cards then?

I don’t pull tarot cards because I don’t already know the answer. When I pull a card I do so because I need my imagination to be engaged. I know the answers logically, but the tarot takes what I know and takes it deeper. I decided to type all this out without pulling any cards, so I am going to pause and do that now. I’ll keep it simple because I am probably too tired for anything elaborate. I’m going to ask what is blocking me, and what will help my writing flow again. I hope it is something you can use in your art or writing or gardening or whatever else you love.

The cards

In this photo the king of pentacles is the block and the the nine of pentacles is the flow.

Mastery

Is there part of me that wants to have mastered the skill of writing before I put it out into the world? (king) Maybe it helps to think more in terms of leaning into what I know, and finding joy in knowing there is always more to learn. You are never done. (9)

Bogged down

The pentacles suit can have quite an organised feel. Everything has to be sorted and tidy. Maybe I am a bit bogged down by the routine (king) and I just need to throw caution to the wind and enjoy the craft in a more organic way that suits me (9)

Responsibility

In the first card the king is with a guard dog, and I can feel how this king is overloaded with responsibility. The King of Pentacles can sometimes be responsible for everything, and then he freezes and can’t get around to anything. When you have too much to do, this gets in the way of creative freedom. The 9 of Pentacles feels like a nudge to go and do something you really enjoy before you write.

Get wild

The king has a domestic animal sitting loyally at his side. The 9 of Pentacles is setting her falcon free into the wild. This is permission to get wilder in your writing. Write about the unsaid things. Get them out in the open rather than what you think is your duty to write.

Generosity

The king writes for others. He loves to be generous. But the nine of pentacles knows she needs to luxuriate in writing because it is what she loves. Maybe I just need to write something for myself.

Get outside

There he is, this king in his red room. He looks caved in. And to be honest I am not getting out much either a bit like him. The 9 of Pentacles is prancing about in her garden. She is stretching out. I think I’ll go and find some buttercups then.

Are you a a writer? What frees you up? Claire 🍄