How to Write a Book Using the Tarot: As Told by a Published Author & Tarotist (yours truly)

Sometimes, writing a book is like trying to wrestle an octopus into a onesie. I know, because I’m a published author. The process is inherently messy, chaotic, and at times, hilariously frustrating. It can also be an obsession that can be blindingly consuming. At least, that’s life as a writer as I know it. Can you relate? If so, what if I told you that you can learn how to write a book using the tarot? Yup. These 78 cards have transformed my writing process, provided inspiration when the muse ghosted me, and even helped me out of the swampy trenches of writer’s block?

Avia’s POV on Using Tarot for the Book Writing Process

Being a tarotist for…gee..over 30 years now? – I know all about the stigma and misconceptions. I rarely talk about using tarot in my writing process, because I know it gets a bad rap for being “woo-woo,” as if consulting it means I’m brewing potions under the light of a full moon. (Okay, sometimes I do that, but that’s beside the point.)

Let me assure you: the tarot is just a means to an end. Like a pencil or a keyboard, it’s a tool. It’s not about mystical mumbo jumbo; it’s about unlocking the brilliance that’s already in your brain and imagination. In essence, the tarot isn’t a silver bullet solution, or a magic wand – but when you show up and apply your special brand of talent to it – the tarot can work some pretty impressive wonders in your writing career.

If you’re intrigued, mildly skeptical, or downright desperate for a creative boost, let me walk you through how to use the tarot to write your book.

Why the Tarot Works for Writers

Let’s face it: writing a book is hard. Some days, your plot feels like an impossibly tangled blob of yarn. Or, your characters are as flat as pancakes. Suddenly you’re in the weeds, feeling like a bag of warm doo-doo, and your confidence droops with word written (or unwritten). That’s where the tarot steps in like a wise (and occasionally snarky) writing coach.

The tarot shines at sparking ideas and shifting perspectives. I can say that, because I’ve have a long-standing relationship with the tarot. My time with the cards have shown me time and again that – used correctly – a deck can help just about any writer see connections otherwise missed, and tap the keg of inspiration that may have previously run dry.  

Tarot. What is it Good For? (Absolutely Somethin!)

Bearing everything I’ve shared with you so far in mind, you might think I’m chatting up the benefits of the tarot pretty hard. I suppose I am – and you can definitely use the tarot to write a book – but I’ll be the first to admit – the cards are better at some things in a writer’s process than others. That said, the tarot is particularly adept at:

Pegging a Plot

Tarot can be phenom at laying down a plot. This is especially true if you’re stuck and your plot flatlining in front of your very eyes.

Developing Characters

With 78 cards in the tarot – each one with a specific personality or archetype – you can bet your buttons that the tarot is wicked-awesome at helping writers with character development.

Writer’s Block Crusher

I speak from the heart and with deep earnest when I say the tarot can definitely be a sanity-saver when it comes to battling (or overcoming) writer’s block. Read this, and see what I mean.

Step-by-Step Tips to Writing with the Tarot

Okay, so I’ve flapped my lips (er, tapped my fingertips on the k’board), touting the tarot – but how does it really work? What are the tricks about how to write a book using the tarot? Here are my tips:

Step 1: Choose Your Deck

Pick a deck that jives with your vibe. Does it matter? Yes. That is, if you want optimal outcomes. Luckily, there are thousands of different decks. From baseball-themed, to classic Rider-Waite, gardening decks to cats wearing funky hats – you’ll find a deck that speaks to you. Go to Aeclectic Tarot (I’ve used the site often) where you can read reviews for all sorts of decks.

I will say this – decks that follow the standardized Rider-Waite format can be the way to go – especially if you’re new to tarot. I also prefer RW-style decks because they’re really diversified, whereas specialized decks tend to get stuck on one theme, with all the cards starting to look samey-same. I love (and wrote the book on) the Radiant Rider-Waite deck for my writing purposes.

Step 2: Define Your Intention

Get clear about where you need help before you draw a card. Is it crafting a nail-biting opening scene? Creating some sticky tension between characters? Figuring out why your protagonist suddenly deflates in your universe, and feels as bland as unseasoned tofu? Set an intention that’s specific, and see where the tarot takes you – if nothing else – it should lead you down a path that starts to stir your creative juicy-juices.

Step 3: Draw a Card (or Three)

Here’s where the tippy-tip of the nitty-grit gets going. Keeping your intention (step #2) in your mind, shuffle the cards, and pull a card (or several, if you’re feeling adventurous). Say you’re working on developing a new character, and you pull the Fool card. Bam! There’s your free-spirited protagonist who leaps before they look. Or maybe you draw the Tower card. Boom! There’s your chaotic emotional backstory!

Step 4: Interpret the Cards

Look at the imagery, colors, and symbols. What emotions do they evoke? What stories do they tell? Don’t overthink it; let your imagination free-associate and run wild. If you’re stuck, use the guidebook that comes with the deck for inspiration (or you can always come here and search TarotTeachings.com for interpretation suggestions).

Step 5: Write!

Take the spark of inspiration from the cards and run with it. Maybe the Eight of Cups inspires a scene where your character leaves everything behind to pursue their dreams. Or the Wheel of Fortune reminds you to throw in an unexpected plot twist.

Common Writing Challenges – and How the Tarot Can Help

One of my writing instructors once said, “If you’re not challenged, you’re not producing quality work.” I see the irony, because I’m talking about how to write a book using the tarot as a way to make the process easier.

In truth, challenges are inherent in every writer’s life, and if you don’t have them, then be grateful you’re a weird unicorn who can poop out best-selling novels without one iota of angst. Otherwise, here are some common snafus with which the tarot can help.

Writer’s Block

Ah, the dreaded blank page. The tarot can nudge your brain out of its rut. Ask, “What’s blocking me right now?” and draw a card. The Five of Wands might suggest inner conflict, while the Hermit whispers that you need some alone time to recharge.

Flat Characters

If your characters are feeling one-dimensional, pull a card to flesh them out. The Queen of Swords could inspire a sharp-tongued lawyer, while the Knight of Cups brings forth a hopeless romantic.

Stuck Plot

If your story’s going nowhere, try a three-card spread: one for the past, one for the present, and one for the future. It’s a fantastic way to brainstorm what’s happened and where your plot could go next.

Setting the Scene

If you’re like me, you might struggle setting up a detailed scene that makes your reader feel like they’re right in the center of your stage. The tarot can help with that (at least it does for me). I’ve scanned cards and lifted landscapes in the imagery and built on them to flesh out scenes and scenarios.

When the Tarot Throws Curveballs

Okay, let’s talk about the not-so-magical side of using the tarot. Sometimes, the cards will baffle you. You’ll pull the Seven of Swords and think, “What on Earth does deception have to do with my bakery-themed rom-com?” That’s okay. The trick is not to take it too seriously. If a card doesn’t resonate, draw another or reinterpret it in a way that fits your story.

Another snafu: over-relying on the tarot. Remember, the cards are a tool—not a crutch. You’re the writer, not the deck. Don’t let the tarot derail your creative instincts or bog you down in overthinking.

Stacking the Deck (it’s not cheating in the tarot)

Here’s a pro tip: Separate the deck according to your needs. To explain, the tarot is made of lots of different parts – two of which are distinctive, which are: The Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.  Other delineations include court cards, aces, and number cards. Here is a breakdown of my experience “stacking the deck” – or using different cards for different purposes when you endeavor to learn how to write a book using the tarot:

Major Arcana: These are the major character players in a tarot deck. They represent big symbolism and mega archetypes. These 22 cards are best used for character development.

Court Cards: These cards are also good for character development. You’ll see kings, queens, knights, and pages. These cards convey traditional, basic roles, functions, personalities, and even genders in society – something very handy as you work through your book.

Minor Arcana: These include court cards & number cards – they make up the other 56 cards (less the Major Arcana), and they can be used for just about any aspect of your book-writing process, including characters, plots, red herrings, resolutions, etc.

Aces: I use these cards for inspiration regarding beginnings. They hold initiation-type energy, so they’re good for igniting new ideas, chapters, characters – anything new you want to introduce into your book project.

Final Thoughts on How to Write a Book Using the Tarot

As a writer (and a long-time tarotist), I can tell you this – the tarot won’t solve all your problems, and it certainly won’t write your book for you. Nevertheless, it can offer fresh perspectives, surprising insights, and a little magic when you need it most.

The big takeaway I’d like you to retain here is this: The real power of the tarot lies in you. It’s your imagination, intuition, and creative mind that bring the cards to life – not the other way around.

Use the tarot like you would a hammer to slam a nail, or a mixer to bake a batch of cookies. You wouldn’t expect a tool to magically make everything manifest in a minute – but you can expect a tool to make your work process go easier or more smoothly. That’s the way you should approach the cards as you endeavor to learn how to write a book using the tarot.

So, the next time you’re staring at a blank page or wrangling a stubborn plot, grab a deck and see what the cards have to say. At the very least, you’ll have some fun—and at best, you might just unlock your next great story.

Happy writing, my friends! And may the muse (and the tarot) be with you.

Mighty brightly,

© Copyrighted. All rights reserved.