Tarot as a Creative Tool: Using Cards for Artistic Inspiration

One of the reasons why people get so-so curious about tarot cards is their mystical allure. They captivate the imagination, making us believe that we’re part of some supernatural routine. It’s no wonder that not only mere mortals but artists as well use cards as guiding lights in their artistic journeys. Whether you’re a painter, writer, designer, musician, or anyone else – tarot cards offer an opportunity to spark creativity! All the symbols and archetypes are at your service when in need of a creative catalyst.

Do the Freewriting with Tarot Cards

If you’re into prose, tarot cards with their interpretations can become your friendly muse in times of need. Use your deck as a prompt for freewriting. Shuffle the cards and pick a random one. Now, your task is to spend the next fifteen minutes writing about the story that the image might tell. Describe the emotions that the card image evokes, and mention the themes and how you feel about them. Now, consider the creative project you’re engaged in and ask yourself, “In what way is the meaning of the card related to it?” If, for instance, you’re dealing with The Tower, chances are this card of the Major Arcana will inspire you to step on the path of drama with all the ingredients, like rapid transformation and chaos. At the same time, The Empress could motivate you to dive into the themes of abundance, creation, and nurturing.   

Use Tarot as Inspo for Music and Performance

Who said that cards can’t help you in your music career? Performers of all kinds and musicians can find inspiration in a deck. Is it a song that you would like to compose? The Moon card, as the symbol of subconsciousness and intuition, might help you find the right words to make up the lyrics that reach right into the heart. Or, perhaps you’re a choreographer working on a dance? It’s the duality of The Lovers card that can help you step outside the box and spice up your dance. Tarot cards might also save the day when you need to collect ideas for films and plays, choose thematic music for videos, and other materials.

Do Crafts Using Tarot

Are you passionate about drawing, painting, sculpting, or any other kind of visual art? Artists are welcome in the world of tarot! All cards in a deck have evocative and intricate designs that serve as muses that are always at hand. Use the images on the cards when in need to create abstract pieces, landscapes, characters, or any other design that calls for a rampant imagination. Make personalized interpretations for each card to come up with ideas for your current creative work. Finally, if you’re stuck in the color schemes, make sure to explore imagery on the tarot cards. The patterns and blends of colors will inspire you in your artwork. After all, tarot cards are known for the perfect blend of the visual and the mystical. And what can be a better companion for an artist?

Consider Tarot Cards as Your Partner

When it comes to the traditional tarot reading session, you can leave it for the experts who do online tarot readings for querents from all over the globe. Meanwhile, you can use a deck as your…creative partner in crime! For example, when you feel stuck in your creative endeavors, approach the cards, asking what energy you should channel in your next chapter or song, how you can combat the creative block, or/and if there is a deeper story that you have to bring to the surface. We strongly recommend you write down all of the insights to get back to them later and see how cards’ creative guidance fueled (or didn’t) your artwork progress.

Draw Inspiration for Fashion Design

Let’s face it: no other niche thrives on visual drama, symbolism, and storytelling (the key elements of the tarot deck!) like fashion. Taking into account that tarot cards have all these elements in abundance, you (as a designer) can create thematic fashion collections inspired by the deck imagery, such as luxurious illustrations of The High Priestess or rebellious visuals of The Devil. Using the cards, you can add a pinch (or a bag!) of mystery and meaning to your fashion work that, in turn, will help you connect with your target audience.

Understand Yourself Better

The truth is that the creative process is not always about creating something. Sometimes, it’s totally about self-reflection, i.e., getting a better understanding of your inner self. As you shuffle the deck, draw a card, and try to decode its message, you figure out what is hidden behind what you see in the mirror. In the process, you can unlock hidden ideas and emotions that, in tandem, might fuel genuine artistic expression. If possible, start a daily ritual. Use tarot as the central instrument in this creative process. For instance, you can shuffle a deck and draw a card the very moment you open your eyes in the morning. Now, let this card spread its energy and inform your today’s artistic practice.  

The Bottom Line

Last but not least, tarot is an excellent link between you and your intuition. It can be your guide, your inner voice, or a more conventional companion – a muse. And if, at some point, you feel like you are facing a creativity block, your muse will always be at hand. The good news is that your intuition, passions, creative juices, and emotions are interconnected, finding an outlet in tarot messages. So, if you find yourself in need of an inspiration doze, it’s worth picking up and shuffling a deck. First of all, a quick tarot reading session can serve as your 911 inspo, even if you don’t really know what you are looking for. Second, reading tarot cards for artistic purposes can help you connect with and bring that light inside of you to the surface. Just trust your deck as an extension of your creativity.