Discovering Hidden Messages: The Fascinating World of Automatic Writing as a Tool for Personal Growth and Insight

​Automatic writing is a form of divination that has been used for centuries to gain insight into the unknown. This technique involves allowing one’s hand to move freely across a sheet of paper or other writing surface, without conscious thought or direction from the writer. The resulting words and phrases are often surprising, and can provide guidance and inspiration to the writer. In this essay, we will explore the history of automatic writing, how it works, and how it can be used as a tool for personal growth and insight.

The origins of automatic writing can be traced back to the 19th century, when a group of French poets and writers, including André Breton and Arthur Rimbaud, experimented with a technique they called “écriture automatique,” or automatic writing. They believed that by freeing the mind from conscious thought and allowing the subconscious to take over, they could tap into a higher level of creativity and inspiration. This idea caught on quickly, and soon other artists and writers began using automatic writing as a way to generate new ideas and explore their inner selves.

The practice of automatic writing quickly spread beyond the artistic community and became a popular form of divination. Spiritualists believed that the messages that came through automatic writing were messages from the spirit world, and that by connecting with these spirits, they could gain insight into the future and the afterlife. Some practitioners even claimed that they could communicate with the dead through automatic writing, receiving messages from loved ones who had passed on.

So how does automatic writing work? The theory behind it is that when we allow our subconscious mind to take over, we tap into a deeper level of knowledge and wisdom that we may not be aware of in our conscious minds. By releasing the conscious mind from the task of writing, the subconscious is free to express itself in words and phrases that may surprise and enlighten us. The key is to let go of any preconceived notions of what we want to write, and simply allow the words to flow.

To practice automatic writing, all you need is a pen and paper, or a computer if you prefer to type. Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, and set a timer for 10-15 minutes. Start writing, allowing your hand or fingers to move across the page without consciously directing them. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling, just let the words flow. If you get stuck, simply write “I don’t know what to write” until the words start coming again.

When the timer goes off, read back over what you’ve written. You may be surprised at what you’ve written, as the words and phrases may seem to come from a deeper part of your mind than you are used to accessing. Look for patterns or themes in what you’ve written, and see if there are any messages that stand out to you.

So how can automatic writing be used as a tool for personal growth and insight? Here are a few ways to incorporate this practice into your daily routine:

Journaling: Use automatic writing as a form of journaling, allowing yourself to write freely about whatever is on your mind. This can be a powerful way to access your inner thoughts and feelings, and to gain clarity on issues that may be troubling you.

Problem-solving: When you’re facing a difficult decision or problem, try using automatic writing to gain insight into possible solutions. Simply write down the problem, and then let your hand write freely, without conscious direction. You may find that the solution you’ve been seeking comes to you through the words on the page.

Creativity: Use automatic writing as a way to generate new ideas and inspiration for your creative projects. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or musician, allowing your subconscious to take over can lead to unexpected and exciting results.

Spiritual practice: For those who are interested in spirituality, automatic writing can be used as a tool for connecting with the divine. Some practitioners believe that the messages that come through automatic writing are messages from spirit guides or higher powers. By using this practice regularly, you may find that you develop a stronger connection to your spiritual beliefs.

Automatic writing is a powerful tool for personal growth and insight, and can be used in a variety of ways to tap into your subconscious mind and access your inner wisdom. Whether you’re using it as a form of journaling, problem-solving, creativity, or spirituality, this technique can help you connect with a deeper part of yourself and gain a greater understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. So why not give it a try? You never know what messages you might receive when you let go and let the words flow.