Using Tarot For Creativity
It's all in the cards 🎴
Lately, in a concerted effort to reclaim my mornings, I’ve been doing daily tarot card pulls. No crazy 9-card spreads, just a single card over a cup of coffee to tap into the energy of the day. I’ve been asking questions, often specific to creative projects or pursuits I’m working on, and thinking about how helpful just a little bit of guidance can be, and how frequently the feedback from the cards rings true.
Tarot doesn’t have to be some hippy, witchy, woo-woo exercise; it can be used simply to start inner conversations or think about life through a new lens. And it can be a fun, creative tool to spark ideas and deepen storytelling. Reading into the cards forces you to loosen up and listen to whatever you believe in - your intuition, external energy, or signs from the universe. By drawing cards intuitively, you can overcome creative blocks and/or unlock new ideas or possibilities.
There are lots of different ways to utilize tarot for creative projects. I am certainly no expert (I need a guidebook when reading mine), so I did a bit of research and was pleasantly surprised to find a ton of resources on the power of tarot as a creative tool.
This post discusses how tarot can be used as a creative catalyst, and gives suggestions for card meditations, custom spreads, visual “character or plot boards,” and archetype-driven decks. It leans into writing and talks about using the cards to spark ideas, deepen storytelling, and work through writer’s block.
This piece focuses on working through creative blocks.
There’s even a book: Tarot For Creativity. Author Chelsey Pippin Mizzi suggests that tarot can offer a fresh perspective and deepen your connection to your work.
I have a few tarot decks that I love - a beautiful botanical one from my friend Amalia, my mom’s classic Rider-Waite from the 1970s, but the one I use most is this illustrated deck from Etsy. Finding the deck that you connect with is part of the fun of tarot, with so many unique and beautiful options out there. I went down the rabbit hole and found a few very cool ones if you’re on the hunt:
Mystic Mondays deck (so pretty)
Small Spells Tarot (My bff Ellie has this deck and I love it)
Pastel Rider-Waite cute spin on the classic deck. Or similar vibes - I got this Shimmery pink deck for my friend Mary and it’s so pretty in person.
If you’re feeling really creative, you can get this watercolor deck and paint the cards yourself!
Teller Tarot is very vibey
Take a few minutes with your tarot deck to reflect on a creative project, idea, or dream. Hold your thoughts/questions in your mind as you slowly shuffle the cards. Cut the deck, restack, and pull the top card. See what insights arise. I like to journal after, too, if that’s your thing.
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Tarragon, Zach's fiance Tavia is really into tarot card reading! Love this and love you