Automatic Writing

[Flar's Freyja]

Here's another interesting method of Divination: Automatic writing is writing allegedly directed by a spirit or by the unconscious mind. It is sometimes called "trance" writing because it is done quickly and without judgment, writing whatever comes to mind, "without consciousness," as if in a trance. It is believed that this allows one to tap into the subconscious mind where "the true self" dwells. Uninhibited by the conscious mind, deep and mystical thoughts can be accessed. Trance writing is also used by some psychotherapists who think it is a quick way to release repressed memories.

This is an excellent site that explains more, including information on the opinion that it's "of the devil":

http://skepdic.com/autowrite.html

Does anyone have experiences to share?

[celticfaerie]

I don't know if it's "automatic writing", exactly, but I used to keep a diary that I only wrote in late at night. Like, it would be two in the morning and I'd have an urge to write, so I'd whip out this journal. In the morning, I'd go back and read it, and be like, "Wow. This is stuff I didn't even know." I had notes on guys, on friends, on my life as I knew it or wanted it to be. And I'd look at this and realize that yeah, that's exactly how I felt, but I just never told myself. I stopped writing in it a while ago, but I never had a bad experience with it. In fact, it really helped me with some issues I was having at the time. :thumbsup:

[Flar's Freyja]

The night before I posted this thread, I had an experience while writing in my journal where what I was writing suddenly changed from my thoughts to someone else's. I got a very clear message from the Goddess. I was simply writing routinely and was not attempting to have anything like this occur.

I'm still pretty blown away by it.

[Silver Venus]

Ive had similar experiences too, and too thought it was my guide or goddess giving me messages. I first came across it by accident when I used to write a diary years ago, Id be writting away and actively thinking about my thoughts and the day.. then next time Id look down Id realise that I wrote something completley different but it made perfect sense and answered the question or problem I was thinking about. Then I used to try and keep a journal just for this and do a kind of ritual before hand, but that urge died away pretty quickly as I realised my guide and goddess only came through when I really needed her..

I also find drawing pictures can sweep you away too :) Just before I found out I was pregnant I draw a picture of a sea goddess reaching into her womb and didnt relaise until after I drew it how fertile and pregnant she looked :D Then found out about being preggy (with a test) the next day :)

[Flar's Freyja]

Wow, that's amazing. I've had this happen spontaneously and am going to make an effort to do it more deliberately. The experience I wrote about in my previous post clarified for me a powerful experience that I'd had with Hekate several months ago that I did not understand. It also provided inspiration and resulted in my writing a poem.

[Scarlett O]

How can you stop yourself from "popping" out of the trance state?

While I haven't tried automatic writing in a long time, it always just seemed to be "wishful thinking" in my case.

But, I have gone into a trance state where I see faces, and objects. They never seem very clear and when I try to focus on them to see exactly what/who they are, I lose it. That's probably why the automatic writing never worked for me, I couldn't stay in a trance state long enough to get the message.

Is there a way to stop this from happening? Or should I just stick to interpreting dreams?

[Flar's Freyja]

As with anything else, I'd have to say that it's a matter of persistence and practice. When I first began meditating I couldn't visualize at all. It was frustrating, but I finally let it go and continued meditating. I began seeing colors and now have some amazing visualizations.

I can get "popped out" by distractions such as the phone or a cat getting into mischief. I prefer to prepare for meditation with a bath and doing everything I can to make sure that there will be no distractions. And sometimes I get out of it for no reason. I don't let it bother me and just continue to practice. The next time is usually better.

I also try to do my readings early in the morning before anyone else gets up. I've found that I seem to be more open to messages at that time.

[Flar's Freyja]

Scarlett, I'm bumping up an old thread for you on Trancework.....

[Mithrea]

Maybe it's because I AM a writer but I can not seem to give over control enough to do this, if that makes sense. I've tried and tried but I swear I feel my own will in the way . . .

[Flar's Freyja]

It does. My experience happened spontaneously. I was simply journaling and wasn't looking for a message. I recall that I was feeling strong emotions about the issue I was writing about and I simply allowed what I was feeling to flow from my heart and mind on to the paper. I didn't realize that it was a message until I'd already written it but I was absolutely sure that it had come from my guides.

Could it be possible that you may have experienced automatic writing without realizing it?

[Mithrea]

Originally posted by Freyja
Could it be possible that you may have experienced automatic writing without realizing it?

Yes I was actually thinking about that while I read your first paragraph. I think I have. I just can't do it willingly. In fact I always think that when I write poetry, I am tapping into something else. I just never really thought of that as automatic writing :)

[Flar's Freyja]

Danustouch posted this thread regarding her experience with automatic writing in Magick and Ritual. It's so beautiful that I wanted to pass it on to those who haven't seen it:

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17473

[Danustouch]

Thank you for linking it Freyja :) After reading this thread, I see how it does fit here :)

[Flar's Freyja]

:) You're welcome. I think it's very interesting that we had our experiences around the same time. Moon cycle, maybe?

[Danustouch]

Quite possible :)

[Flar's Freyja]

Bump

[Storm]

I auto write fairly easy. I don't have to be in trance to do it. I just pick up the pen and relinquish control. I however have come in contact with an unsavory named Amanda who has proven to be for real but not trustworthy...she told me the date and time of the death of the father of my very best friend a month in advance and he did indeed pass when she said he would. Morbid but true. So other things she said would happen have and others haven't. she speaks as a friend but I think she is just having fun with me. She says she is a spirit guide but I don't believe a spirit guide would tell you things you want to hear just because you want to hear it. I would rather get the truth. I come in contact with her everytime I do it. I have tried to get rid of her so I could contact spirit guids but she wont go away. She tells me what I would love to hear absolutely but I am no fool and don't buy it. So I am tired of trying but I would love to contact others but no luck getting rid of her. If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them..er...read them.

[Starry Di]

does anyone know how to get into the "trance" to automaticlly write? I'd love to try that sometime :D :$

[Starry Di]

*bump* :$

[Starry Di]

Originally posted by Starry Di

does anyone know how to get into the "trance" to automaticlly write? I'd love to try that sometime :D :$
and I repeat : ^^^^ ;)

[Flar's Freyja]

I'm not sure if I can answer your question. I haven't been in what you'd call a "trance" when I've experienced this - I'm just focused on meditating while journaling and allow the words to flow. I usually start with using an activity to relax, such as taking a bath, putting on some meditative music, burning incense and lighting a candle - then picking up the pen and writing down my thoughts. I listen from within and write those thoughts down without resisting them.

You might start journaling as a regular practice to develop your ability for automatic writing. Give it some time and don't force it.

[WtchyChick13]

I'm so glad I came upon this thread!

I used to do automatic writing quite frequently. While I am a writer (not by trade although hopefully someday), I've learned to tune my own thoughts out and am one of those who can easily go into trance or "zone out" as I like to put it.


I've done my most accurate readings for people during automatic writing. For example, as I was typing out a card reading I did for a friend of mine I realized that other thoughts were being typed out as well. They turned into an amazing reading that she said, "freaked her out" because I had written things down that she had never told anyone.

Typing is a great way to do the automatic writing--the computer is a great tool for this.

I tend to zone out all the time when I'm trying to read anything of length on the 'puter. Anything that can't be explained in a few paragraphs loses me. I've always been like this. I've learned that when this happens I end up focusing on certain colors or a part of the screen that is just comfy for my eyes.

Instead of doing this while reading, try doing it while typing. You may be amazed at what comes out. Sometimes you won't even realize what is coming to you. Just like when you write with a pen.

My most amazing automatic hand-writing experience was when my guide presented herself to me for the first time. I was 'writing' a reading for a friend of mine and suddenly I felt that the messages I was getting were now for me.

When I finished the session, I looked down to find a complete history of this woman. Recently while having a reading of my own, my reader told me all about her and included dates and what she was wearing and they coincided with what I had written down. He knew nothing about her except that I gave him her name and he took it from there.

I've been planning on doing some more writing lately to focus on gaining the name of another guide that he told me about and some of her history as well. I keep putting it off (too busy) and I think finding this thread was perfect timing!


Starry, to try to answer your question a little...

Everyone has their own way of going into trance. What may work for one may not work for another.

Many times I just sit and slow my breathing down and focus on an object, a color or even at my computer screen. Things start to come and I start to write.

Another way I do this is to simply start to write anything down. I may write my name a couple of dozen times or write down sayings that I remember. Even a shopping list will help. After a while other things start to get written down and will just start flowing from there.

You can also just go to a quiet room and light a candle, put some music on and let that lull you into trance.

My favorite music for doing this method is Enya's Waterdance. NOT the whole CD, just that first song. In the past, I made a cassette tape just of that song so it would play over and over again or you can just hit repeat on ye' olde cd player. (The only problem I have with this method is that my mind is trained now to go into trance whenever I hear this song. NOT GOOD when my local bookstore plays that cd all the time and I zone out in the aisles!!!) :D

I hope this at least gives you some ideas. I'm someone who can go into trance very, very easily. Sometimes doing it during conversations. This can be a real blessing and a big drawback as well. But it does help me when I'm doing readings and of course the automatic writing. :)