How to Do Automatic Writing

Hello, my loves!

Thanks for checking out my blog post and current website. It is still in its infancy, so I appreciate your feedback and also hope to post a lot more often.

Maybe you’ve heard of automatic writing and you want to know how to do it. I have been asked how to do automatic writing and what some of my recommendations are. I have only been doing automatic writing for a few years, but I have learned a lot on my journey, thus far. I decided to do a short blog post on recommendations and how I have become more comfortable doing it.

All of the following are just things that I like to do and that work for me, specifically. But I always tell people to follow their own intuition and do what feels best/right for them. Just because some of these things resonate with me, doesn't mean that you should feel inclined to do the same. I promise that whatever feels right for you, is probably the best way to do it!

Vocabulary Quiz

What is Divination?

div·i·na·tion ˌ divəˈnāSH(ə)n/

noun

the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.

synonyms: fortune telling, divining, prophecy, prediction, soothsaying, augury;

clairvoyance, second sight

"he looked to divination for guidance"

au·to·mat·ic writ·ing

noun

writing said to be produced by a spiritual, occult, or subconscious agency rather than by the conscious intention of the writer.

Automatic writing is a great, non-scary way of channelling your Higher Self or Spirit Guides through writing. It allows you to ‘download’ their perspective subconsciously using claircognizance and transcribe it as it comes in.

Automatic writing or psychography is an alleged psychic ability allowing a person to produce written words without consciously writing. The words are claimed to arise from a subconscious, spiritual or supernatural source.

Your capacity to try automatic writing is a form of diviniation! Keep this in mind when using this method as a way of divination.

History and Uses

Automatic writing is the process, or product, of writing material that does not come from the conscious thoughts of the writer. The writer's hand forms the message, and the person is unaware of what will be written. It is sometimes done in a trance state. Other times the writer is aware (not in a trance) of their surroundings, but the actions of their writing hand.

Therapy - Automatic writing is used as a tool in Freudian psychology and in related "self knowledge" studies, where it is seen as a means of gaining insight into the mind of the automatic writer through their subconscious word choices.

It was primarily used by Pierre Janet in France, and later by Morton Prince and by Anita Muhl in the United States.

As there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of automatic writing in therapy, its usage to release repressed memories is suspect as well. While unconscious ideas are expressed in automatic writing, skeptics point out that it is unlikely that they are any more profound than the writer's conscious thoughts. Skeptics argue that there is no evidence that the "true self" lies in the unconscious any more than it does in normal consciousness.

Religion - Automatic writing is used in Spiritualism and the New Age movement as a form of channeling. One of the best-known automatic writers was Helene Smith, an early 20th century psychic who felt that her automatic writing was the attempt of Martians to communicate with Earth. She claimed she could translate their Martian language into French.

The ideas of Helene Smith influenced the Surrealist movement. Andre Breton, leader of the Surrealist movement, pioneered its use within the movement and produced several important pieces of automatic writing, most famously, Soluble Fish. The Surrealists dubbed her "The Muse of Automatic Writing"; in the Surrealist deck of cards, Smith is the "Genius of Knowledge." Automatic writing became a part of the Surrealist's repertoire of games, and it soon developed into a number of other Surrealist games and tools that greatly influenced the movement, such as automatic drawing, automatic palimpsest, and a variety of marker-word games. Free writing later gained popularity with writers and poets, both as a means of stimulating creative thought and as a technique for overcoming writer's block.

Skeptics point out that automatic writing claimed to be of supernatural origins is a parlor game that has little more effect than to spark creativity in the minds of the participants. They claim, as with other paranormal phenomena, that the subconscious of those performing the writing is the only thing influencing their actions and that there is no solid evidence that any messages are coming from anywhere other than the minds of the person holding the pencil. This is referred to as the ideomotor effect.

Reasons for Automatic Writing

We attempt automatic writing for several reasons. I know it has brought my clients a lot of peace and understanding. It has also aided me in connecting to their loved ones directly. I am a tactile person, so I don't always feel comfortable when I can't connect the dots on certain messages. Writing has aided me in becoming more comfortable in communicating with my guides.

First - to get information about our personal life.

Second - to confirm something from some who exists on the other side or has deceased.

So, why should I try to do this?

When you have a fear of spirits and are too scared to contact your guides in any other way, automatic writing can be a real beneficial way to create a connection.
When you are not yet very clairvoyant or clairaudient (i.e. you can’t hear or see your spirit guides), so you want to try another way. Automatic writing is actually very easy if you manage to put your mind to one side, and I know lots of people who have trouble hearing their inner voice who have had success with automatic writing.
When you want to get your Higher Self’s perspective on something that is bothering you – (I used to do automatic writing when I was upset about something and needed to raise my vibration. I’d tune into my higher self and start writing. She always had some very comforting and insightful things to say about any situation.)
Or just when you have some questions that you want a spiritual perspective on.

A word of caution:

The answers can be surprising...but always be cautious as with any tool of divination chosen - such as the ouija/spirit boards. If you have emotional problems - you may not like the messages that come through. Your consciousess - being in lower frequency due to emotional problems will attract a lower frequency entity. If you like drama - and consider your life to be in drama - don't channel.

I always recommmed people are really in a connected and meditative state before writing. Be calm. And allow yourself to be emotionally stable.

In my experience, channelled information tends to be high vibrational in nature. It will often comfort you, provide clarity or will raise your mood in some way. It usually brings me the verification that I need in order to begin the process of moving forward and healing.

If it feels negative or feels heavy, you’re probably not channelling a source that you want to tap into or you may just be channelling your own emotional body, if you are not feeling very good. This is why I recommend connecting to your "Zen" place, before you try to channel.

What you channel via writing will usually not sound like your voice. Mine speaks with authority and sounds completely different from the voice that I ‘think’ in. It usually comes in with so much power. I can't deny or confuse it for my own thoughts.

Another feature of intuitive guidance is that it tends to be very clear, usually feels light and is often simply expressed. I know my guides usually get to the point.

Having said that, I have read automatic writing that is poetic and metaphorical in nature.

But don’t be hung up on how yours should sound or be. If you do it often enough, you will soon get a sense for what your automatic writing ‘feels’ like.

How To Start

Before I do readings with clients, I usually sit with a pen and pad and often find myself writing names or doodling images or symbols. The best way to know if the information received is valid is to check the validity of what is given.

When attempting automatic writing you may use a writing implement, computer, or any other means of communicating through the written word. Many people prefer the computer as they can type quickly without filtering the information coming through. When reread - even a typo can mean something. I prefer to write - old school. It is amazing when I look through my notebook and how my handwriting changes from session to session.

I like to really get comfortable, meditative and receptive. I listen to soothing music (either Reiki, meditations, or just some of my favorites), burn some Nag Champa (it is so delicious smelling), and just go into a space where there are minimal distractions.

To divert the focus of the writer - shifting from left brain logical thinking - to right brain intuitive thinking - take a pencil/pen in hand, place it against a piece of paper as if about to write something.

Then turn your attention to something else, such as watching television, reading a book, or talking with someone. For many people, their hand will write coherent material. I like to just close my eyes and listen to the rhythm of the music.

Much of this goes to 'control' and have much you are willing to give to a non-physical entity.

The amount of time spent on automatic writing can vary with the person and the session. I try to let it flow and not force it. I would stop if I was feeling as if I was trying a bit too hard.

Words, sentences or whole paragraphs may appear. Often, the writing is illegible - the text appearing jumbled - without proper grammar or punctuation - mostly run-on sentences.

Messages can be written in a language - or hand writing style - not recognized by the writer and signed by someone unknown.

A picture or symbol may be written. Automatic Drawing/Doodling is also a form of automatic writing as it is generally not consciously focused writing. Many people doodle spirals which are associated with Sacred Geometry.

Some automatic writers know who is giving the messages while others do not. If the energies feel comfortable to you then you will soon learn who the entity is and why he/she is writing with you. I like to meditate, connect to my angels, and ask only them to help me.

If you feel the least bit uncomfortable with the entity or the information received STOP!

Let all information flow! Do not stop to think about - or process - what you are writing/typing. Don't try to go and fix how the writing looks, or spelling errors. Just flow, baby!

If you feel that more than one entity is trying to write through you - ask them to take their time and you will write with them one at a time.

Always try to get a name (or a description).

Some of the best works of literature have come through channeled writing.

If you feel uncomfortable stop! If automatic writing is a good tool for you - you will know right (write) away!

Step by Step (Day by Day)

1. Get into a comfortable position.

This is vital in being able to keep your mind focused on channeling. You won't be able to focus the right aspect of yourself if you are physically uncomfortable.

2. Be sure you are free of distractions.

This is why I like to go to my office (less distractions) or a place where I can close the door. I have children, dogs, a husband.... they can mean well, but often try to interrupt when I am trying to channel. I also typically mute my phone and computer.

3. If you are not alone - tell others that you have some personal correspondence to take care of!

See why I recommend this above. I have noticed that if I have someone close or in the room, I end up receiving information for them, instead of my clients (or myself).

4. If you are tired - this could actually work better for you.

Obviously, listen to your body and rest, as needed. But if your mind isn't running around with everything you need to do, it is easier to be receptive to what messages your guides have for you.

5. Now clear your mind of chatter. Feel the muscles in your body - neck, arms, shoulders, especially your face - totally relaxed.....

I like to do a protection meditation before doing any sort of divination. Do what you feel is right for you. I prefer to work with the light - so I do a light based meditation and clear my mind.

6. Pick your poison! Choose what you would like to communicate with your guide on. Computer, notebook, do what feels right for you.

Again, this is preference thing. I do both depending on the client and situation. I found that writing on paper was easier for me to begin with.

7. Know that whatever the answer is to your questions will be written by the spirit.

This is where you need to have complete trust in your guides and Angels. You have to really be open to their guidance.

8. Do not allow time for your mind to listen to this information. Just write/type. You may even want to focus your eyes on something near your writing which keeps the left brain busy while it right brain does the channeling.

You can read and take away what you want from it, after you are done trying to channel.

9. It may seem like your own thoughts at first but that is normal. It will get easier and quicker (especially if you are on a computer) with time.

When I first started, I would only get one word. Just symbols, doodles. I would just keep relaxing. Eventually, I was able to channel sentences, and now I can do full pages! It is really about that surrender!

10. Remember - this takes practice.

You might be so in tune right off the bat, or not. It's okay. It is practice. You are retraining your brain to do something that it isn't used to doing. Just practice and be patient with yourself.

Helpful hints

I love meditation with certain crystals.

Hi, my name is Nancy.... and I am obsessed with crystals. Seriously. My office is stuffed with them.

As I get ready to write, I often use a few powerful crystals in one hand to help amplify the signal. This might not work for everyone, but I have found it to be beneficial in connecting with long distance clients and their passed on loved ones or guides.

Depending on how often the deck is being used, and how many readings I am doing with that deck, I might do a few of these tricks at the same time. Remember to use whatever you prefer and whatever feels right for you.

Setting a timer while you do it can be helpful.

This is so that you don’t have time to think about what you’re writing. That works particularly well when you have a set of questions you want to ask your guides. I like to give myself a little time slot before a client reading - about 15 minutes. I don't stress it, but then I know to focus myself on the task at hand.

Setting myself a time limit helps me to really focus, and for automatic writing it can help to focus your energy.

Ask your Spirit Guides and/or Angels to speak with you.

So you're ready to rock. Got all your stuff out, you are going. Now, what? Hmm... everything is coming up blank. You have no idea how to start or get the flow going. Well.....

This is a part of asking your Spirit Guides and/or Angels to help you use this divination tool to communicate with you. Remember the vocabulary quiz above! You are a divination master!

If you are at a loss as to who your Spirit Guides and Angels are, I say you need to just reach out to them. Ask for them to help you in your day to day life. Also, have them give you guidance when you can.

What can they help you with? My answer is EVERYTHING! No, really. Start building a relationship with them. All you have to do is reach out and ask them to help and guide you. Hence, their name even includes the word GUIDE, as they are here to guide you. Pay attention to your dreams.

That's it. You're done. Aren't you amazing?

You just need to be receptive to what they have for you. And the connection you build is like a muscle. The more that you use it, the more you can feel their presence and help in daily matters. Their messages will be subtle in your life. They don't want to scare you! So, pay attention to the little things. Bird, butterflies, dragonflies, certain words sticking out, certain numbers that repeat, seeing things or names that stick out to you. These are all meant to help you and give you their guidance.

Things might be slow moving at first.

When I first started to attempt automatic writing, I would try a little too hard. I learned to just relax and let things come through. Without expectation and such. I liked to write a question on the paper first, and just write.

I would then revisit it the question day by day to see what happened that would help me understand the meaning of the messages and how to apply the messages that I received.

After a bit of a rocky start, I would become more familiar with understanding what the written messages had in store for me. This helped me with becoming much more comfortable with writing. The more I have understood how I automatically write, the easier it was to see the messages and how to apply their guidance daily or to help my clients find the healing they are seeking.

Boom! You got this, babe!

What to do now?!

Like I stated previously, all of the above are just things that I like to do and that work for me, specifically. But I always tell people to follow their own intuition and do what feels best/right for them. Just because some of these things resonate with me, doesn't mean that you should feel inclined to do the same.

I learned these things on my own, taking a bit from here and there, listening to my own inution in a way that I knew would work best for me and how I can use automatic writing for my clients and for myself. Find your own way, as these are simply suggestions.

So please, always follow your own intuition, it will never lead you astray.

I hope that this little article helps someone out there who is beginning to trust their intuition and who would like to us automatic writing on their own. Anyone can do it! The more you trust your intuition and pay attention to all of the messages your guides have to offer you, the easier all of these things will come to you. It can be a beneficial tool to help you understand your path and find some comfort in their messages!

Get to writing! You are amazing and can do this!