Automatic writing is a simple, safe, and powerful way to connect with your Soul.
But don’t be intimidated by the “writing” part!
Automatic writing can be practiced by anyone, from beginners who have just begun their spiritual journey, to seasoned travelers on the inward path.
You don’t have to be a “good writer” or bother about spelling and grammar at all – none of that matters!
Automatic writing is totally intuitive, so the only thing that matters is your heart and underlying intention.
In this article, I want to share with you how to hone this magical skill, even if you have zero experience!
Table of contents
What is Automatic Writing?
Automatic writing, also known as psychography, is the practice of tapping into a deep source of wisdom within you outside of conscious awareness – also known as the Soul.
This intuitive writing practice is usually done in a trance-like or altered state of consciousness.
Psychologists and spiritualists have varying beliefs about the origin of automatic writing, with some arguing that it is sourced from the unconscious mind, and others claiming that it originates from supernatural forces such as spirit guides and angels.
My personal belief is that automatic writing is sourced from the unconscious mind which is a doorway into the Soul or Higher Self. This makes automatic writing a wonderful way to gain profound and accurate life guidance!
The Benefits of Automatic Writing
As you slowly and steadily learn the art and craft of automatic writing, you’ll see just how deeply it can transform your life.
Here are the main benefits of this wondrous practice:
- Calming and centering effect on the mind and body
- Gaining direct spiritual guidance from your Soul/Higher Self
- More inner clarity and birds-eye-view understanding
- Improved ability to make wise decisions
- Healing/balancing the third eye chakra and throat chakra
- Increased heart connection
- Intuitive abilities are sharpened, honed, and developed
- Feeling more supported and deeply understood by life
- Improved ability to trust your primal gut instincts
- Understanding what your path and purpose is in this life
There are many other benefits of automatic writing and that is part of the wondrous joy of this practice – you never know precisely how it’s going to enrich your life next!
Gradually you’ll discover that different parts of yourself and your life have undergone some kind of spiritual alchemy in the most subtle yet profound way.
Automatic Writing and Spiritual Awakening
Many people who have undergone a spiritual awakening often find themselves drawn instinctually to automatic writing.
There’s something about the mystery and magic inherent in this practice that makes it humbling, revealing, and healing – qualities that every spiritual seeker needs.
Automatic writing is also a spiritual practice just as relevant and beneficial as yoga or meditation as it opens a gateway to experiences of self-realization and spiritual Oneness.
Such sublime tastes of these Divine revelations can offer tremendous guidance, direction, and insight for the Soul in search of its true Home.
How to Channel Your Soul Through Automatic Writing
Essentially, automatic writing, when broken down into simple steps, is quite straightforward. It involves:
- Getting a pen and paper/opening a notepad or word document
- Thinking of a question to ask
- Writing down the question
- Relaxing your body and mind
- Allowing the writing to flow spontaneously
However, entering the flow needed for automatic writing can be fairly tricky without some kind of guidance (unless you have a natural gift for it).
You might also find, like many people, that the first time you try automatic writing it goes really well. But after that, you struggle a lot!
The reason this happens is that when we first try something new, our minds are often empty of belief and expectation (also known as the ‘Beginner’s Mind’).
However, afterward, we begin to accumulate mental baggage and expectations which tend to block the process of spontaneous revelation.
Don’t worry if this happens.
What you’ll need to learn is how to empty the mind.
I’ll share some tips below about how to do that – along with the basic process of automatic writing, from start to finish:
1. Set aside a time and space
Before starting an automatic writing session, it’s important that you give yourself as much time as needed to express what needs to be expressed.
One surefire way to hinder the flow of information is time pressure and the expectation that it “should” take a certain amount of time.
In my experience, automatic writing can take a couple of minutes anywhere up to half an hour or more.
Basically, create a space in which you can relax as much as possible mentally.
You may benefit from reserving time in the afternoons when you can’t be disturbed or any time when you can’t be interrupted for at least an hour.
Remember, you deserve this time to yourself! Automatic writing is an inner work practice that nourishes and revitalizes your deeper self. Treat this practice as sacred and know that you’re worthy of experiencing this!
If, for some reason, you need to keep the session short, set a timer so you don’t have to worry about checking the time frequently.
2. Think of a question that you want guidance for
The whole purpose of automatic writing is to access guidance from your Soul, especially if you struggle to hear it in daily life.
Start each session with a clear question, and write it down in your journal or word document.
Choose a question that has really been pulling at your heart or eating you up inside. The more emotionally charged the question is, the clearer your response will be. This step is also known as setting an intention.
It’s also important that you address your question to someone or something in particular such as your Soul, a Spirit Guide, or your unconscious mind.
For example, your question could be “Dear Soul, why do I keep sabotaging my happiness?”
Try to keep your questions simple.
If you have many questions, break them up into different sessions of writing — this will make the process easier for you. Choose only one central question at a time.
3. Relax your mind
Learning how to relax your mind is the most important part of automatic writing.
When your mind is still and empty of thoughts, writing spontaneously becomes much easier.
Examples of possible ways you can relax your mind include:
- Meditation
- Breathwork techniques
- Mindfulness
- Visualisation
- Aromatherapy
- Sitting in nature
- Yoga
If you live in a country that permits plant medicines like marijuana (and if you feel comfortable using it), you may also like to make responsible use of this natural resource.
Do whatever suits you and relaxes you the most.
4. Enter a gentle trance
As humans, we have the capacity to enter trance-like states very easily. The most popular trance state we enter into is while watching TV!
A trance-like state is a form of altered consciousness in which your normal thinking brain relaxes.
For automatic writing, entering a trance state is very useful because it facilitates the spontaneous flow of information.
Common ways to enter into a gentle trance include listening to music, yogic/holotropic breathing, mantras, repetitive tasks, guided meditations, self-hypnosis, and many others.
Choose whatever works best for you, and don’t be shy with experimenting. I personally like listening to calming music, sitting outdoors in nature, and blending that with mindfulness or meditation.
You might also like to read our article on inducing trance states for more guidance and inspiration.
5. Allow the flow of information
Once you feel ready you can begin to write.
Don’t worry if at first, the words are gobbledygook or if you can’t follow the stream of information.
In fact, if you’re completely unaware of what you’re writing, that’s actually a very good thing! It means that you’re tapping into something that is far greater than your thinking mind.
It’s also very common during this stage to find yourself judging what you write and analyzing it with skepticism. This is quite normal.
If you find your mind getting too involved, gently bring yourself back towards whatever practice you used before to enter a trance state.
For example, if you were rhythmically breathing, go back to that. You’ll likely have to repeat this step a number of times.
I prefer to look away when I’m writing so that I’m not easily drawn into judging what I’m writing. But other people prefer looking. Experiment and see what suits you.
If you’re not used to writing, you’ll probably carry a bit of inhibition at first, which is natural. With practice, you’ll get into “the flow” of it, meaning that you’ll find automatic writing increasingly easier and easier to do without conscious thought.
Remember: don’t judge what you’ve written just yet.
Focus on entering a trance state, let your mind be soft and unfocused, and write!
6. Interpret the information
At a certain point, you’ll intuitively sense that your automatic writing session is coming to an end.
Perhaps you’ll feel like you’ve energetically “run dry” or your mind becomes sharper again. Through time, you’ll learn what this signal feels like.
Other times, you might abruptly stop writing and no more information comes.
Whatever the case, once you’ve stopped, it’s time to review what you’ve written.
Try looking firstly for coherent sentences or keywords that may pop out. Perhaps the vast majority of it sounds like gibberish, but every now and then there’s a legible sentence – focus on that.
Sometimes you’ll also find patterns, and in some situations, even words from different languages emerging in your journaling.
Other forms of automatic writing may include mantras, symbols, and even images.
Be prepared to do a little self-reflection as oftentimes what comes through is metaphorical or symbolic.
Also, if you’re confused about what has been written, you can always use that as a question to ask in your next automatic writing session.
When I’m confused, I like to wait and ruminate on what has been written for a while. If I haven’t figured out what the message is after a week (which is rare), I use that as another question for my automatic writing sessions.
Read: How to Trust Your Intuition & Find Total Clarity (9 Tips) »
How to Know Whether You’re Really Channeling Your Soul
The best way to know for sure that you’re receiving guidance from your Soul is how you feel while writing.
Do you feel a sense of inner spaciousness, lightness, and other good “vibes”? Or do you feel heavy, emotionally charged, and mentally frantic?
In my experience, I know for sure that I’m connecting with Soul/Spirit when I enter a state of no-mind in which I am completely present, calm, and at peace.
However, when writing becomes frantic and heavy, it is usually coming from the mental or emotional energy “body” – also known as the conscious self or ego.
Another way to tell whether you’re really channeling your Soul is by reviewing what is written.
Are the words authoritative, clear, and wise? Or are the words closer to what your mind sounds like (disjointed, critical, or vague)?
Words from your Soul will always sound and feel crystal clear.
***
I hope this advice helps you out and inspires you to begin practicing automatic writing.
If you’d like to learn more about journaling in general, see my article entitled How to Journal: 19 Beginner Tips For Modern Mystics!
What are your experiences with this magical practice? I’d love to hear below!
I had a strange pain earlier this year and asked the pain why I had it. I used writing (which must have been automatic writing) to channel the pain and enable it to tell me that I had gotten too shallow and needed an ordeal to go deeper. (I got one.)
That is a wonderful use of automatic writing. I think our bodies are very much neglected in our daily lives, and even on the spiritual path. Thank you for sharing this Elaine ♡
While walking in Nature I prayerfully meditate with thankfulness on many subjects and “the gift of God writing” which is what I call it. This is a great “how to” article…
Nice, thanks Hippie Bob. :)
Automatic writing.
When the urge to write presets a quiet or thought-full mind, that usually is the time to write. Most times it happens to me from a previous dream or a visualization from meditation. However it can happen from an emotionally charged event seen on the TV, eg Movie, a News item, etc., Or some new piece of spiritual information gleaned from some Sol and Luna wisdom articles too.
It often presents as an urgent need to let go of or release high-end spiritual feelings that have been mulling in the subconscious for some time and now is the premium and best enlightened time for them to appear on paper.
At first, the mind often bumps into overlapping thoughts and preconceived ideas which stem the flow. But with skill and self-loving-kindness allow the Ego mind to chatter off elsewhere and let the inner mind flow out. It is amazing how the words just fall out naturally and with just the right amount of feeling style and meaning in the message created. So they become little gems of inner wisdom from your higher self to this human self and can be read and re-read over and over to find any weak spots, wrong views or miss conceived ideas later that need adjustment both on paper and to the psychology of the writer.
Conclusion
To me, Automatic Writing is both joy, a release, and education and often eases inner bubbles that have surfaced and found creative purpose, giving a sense of nurturance to the spirit and a depth of purpose from the soul.
“Automatic Writing is both joy, a release, and education” beautifully said John!
I just read your advice on automatic writing. The first time I did it I watched the pen and my hand moving, and I was dumbfounded. A sentence was written that was about myself. I felt it had come from my father. I know it was not me having the thought. I filled journals, never knowing it had a name. When I found out what it was called, I was overcome with joy that I was not crazy. I appreciate your talking about this gift very much.
I’m so glad to hear that you can now put a name to this magical experience Renita!
I think this is a great idea, brilliant way to write the truth without having the mind take over…there are too many skeptical voices in mine XD The closest I’ve done to this is a dream journal
I enjoyed this post!
Thank you for sharing this L!
Hi I love reading your emails, I have been doing automatic writing for awhile now and I get some great insights and also messages from my deceased daughter, I take a break sometimes for a couple of months at a time when life gets too much on my mind but I always make my way back.
Keep up the good work
Elizabeth
What a beautiful experience ♡
Here’s a love tap from someone who came out of the womb sporting writerly habits. Yes I allow meditative instinct to help me answer the questions I ask myself, but even then something urges me to sift the prose like a multigrain flour. Some journal pages are for blurring it all out, others for crafting with future readings in mind … either way it’s always good to write! Thank you for all your amazing emails & essays —- keep up the beautiful work!!
Thank you for sharing your process Kan!
This is soo intriguing I never knew the likes this is the only way I write any written manuscript whether it’s a letter a song or something that’s deep in my heart and the words come from nowhere but the The Higher Source!! I often am like God you take the pen I’ll just write and sometimes I’m amazed at what I actually right all down and for me I like to say once I start writing it hard to stop I can fill 3 pages up with out even realizing or thinking that I did sooo… writing for me is such a release…
Thank you for your guidance been reading your emails Everytime I get them and they always resonate with me. Love writing so I’m going to try this when I get some alone time.
Please do Darlene, and if you get the chance, share what you discover!
It seems like automatic writing comes second nature to you, Krista! What a lovely gift. :)
Automatic writing has come easy to me I stumbled across it many years ago not knowing what it was. It freaked me out a little and was told it came from the devil. I have recently tried it again after finding out it is such a ‘thing’ and others can do it as well. I’m convinced it comes from the spirit world because of what’s written. I feel at peace when writing usually with closed eyes only opening them at the end. Sometimes the words are very clear other times I can decipher them quite easily. I was scared of this ‘gift’ for many years but now I’m embracing it.
That is beautiful Gypsee. I can see how automatic writing could be feared by some people – to the ego it feels threatening, almost like being “out of control” (from the perspective of the egoic self). But actually, the experience is so gentle and nourishing! I’m so glad you’re embracing this gift and inner Soul voice more now ♡
Thanks so much for sharing.
❤
When I was in high school I always considered that I had a magic pen, because in timed writing exams etc, I seemed to go into a trance and write so fast my hand could not keep up with my mind. I always a got good results, but never remembered what I had written. Usually, when I read my work, I could not believe that I had actually written it.
I never knew of the existence of automatic writing, but I guess this is what it was.
40+ years on, I am now a writer and wish I could get it back!
Wow, what better time to tap into your automatic writing gift than during an exam, hey!? And yes, you *can* get this skill back, it just takes a little practice. I hope you can find time in your day to make use of the guidance in this article! My very best wishes to you Kathy.
I channelled it and it came in the form of lines, kind of artistic. IT is never in words. Is this right or something wrong I am hitting.
I’ve started automatic writing and yes you are correct as to how the flow of information comes and flows across the page(s). Its very refreshing to me that I am able to do this.
Hi, I did my first automatic writing last night and was wondering if being shown a past life is normal? I was sitting on a beach 100+ years ago staring at pirates waiting for them to see me!
Yes, as you are tapping into the unconscious I would say it’s fairly normal to have flashbacks from past lives. :)
I feel empty inside and no emotions at all
What does that mean?
Numbness is often a significant sign of clinical depression, which is despite misconceptions, tends to appear in the form of numbness by suppressing painful emotions, than constant crying or not doing much of anything. See the term “high functioning depression.” It is often associated with the symptom of dissociation, of not feeling real or yourself, to deny a trauma or to detach away from the pain, which often appears with numbness. You may want to research these terms online and see if you require a professional for this or not.
I second Michael. ♡
I recently enrolled to a Channelling course and I read same text (only few different words) in the first module of the course.
Not sure if you are the original author but congratulations and thank you for sharing the knowledge.
Hi Carmen, yes, I am the original author of this piece. Do you mind letting me know what course you were taking, and by whom? If only a few words were changed but most of it looked identical to this article, the creator of the course has actually stolen this article and breached copyright.
Thankfulness to my father who informed me about this web site,this web site is genuinely remarkable.
Hello, Very clear article and all makes sense. I do have a gift of strong intuition and communicating with spirit, but when I decided to try channel writing- it’s like a opened a gate. My messages come so fast and words and phrases that I don’t use are often written down. Also, the wisdom imparted is so simple and lightbulbs go off in my mind when I read the messages. I often do not remember most of what I wrote and when I read it it’s like I’m hearing it for the first time. These messages are always clear and love-based. I’m grateful to tap into this technique.
I use automatic writing when I do distant animal communication. I’m learning to recognize an animals higher soul self vs the personality/earth self. So cool!
I connect to the universal energies of the heavens and earth before hand. Clear out my system of density with intention. Then I trust! Owner validation is pretty awesome too!