Automatic Writing

Use it to channel your inner voice

In the spooky latter weeks of Fall, the spirit realms begin to gain force. The veil between the seen and unseen is tissue thin, and the spirit world is well, unusually spirited. It's the perfect time to try automatic writing (writing in a light trance) to connect either with your higher self, your inner wisdom, or a spirit guide.

This writing will be as varied as the spirits you connect with. You may find yourself able to draw things you've never imagined, write in a foreign tongue, set out lines of fantastic symbols. Or it may come as straightforward advice from your higher self on how to make your dreams come true. The main thing is to stay open to the experience and try not to control what you receive. Let it happen and then analyze it afterwards.

Auto pilot
First and most importantly, find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed for 10 to 30 minutes. Then choose a pen and a notebook, preferably brand new, that you will use only for automatic writing. If you have a burning subject you want information on, be clear and focused on this question before you begin.

Next, light sage or incense to clear the air of unwanted influences and sanctify the space. It's very important to take a moment to pray for protection, either from God, angels, your guardian spirit, or whatever beneficent force you are comfortable with. Take time to truly connect with this divine energy and to get a sense that you've been given permission to go ahead.

Then, take 10 very deep, slow breaths of air, drawing it in and letting it release without strain or effort. Repeat until you've reached a deep sense of relaxation (but don't slip away into sleep). Once in a relaxed, light trance, ask your guide (or inner wisdom, or whoever you'd like to call upon) to move the pen in your hand across the page.

Happy medium
Unless you're a born medium, it often takes three sessions to get your hand in tune with the subtle energies of the spirit - and to keep your chattering conscious mind quiet. If your hand is making meaningless squiggles, let it. With any new activity, it takes time and practice to get it right. At some point, you'll feel as if an unseen hand has taken the pen - it will gain purposefulness and speed. And you'll know without a doubt that you've made contact.

Remember that you can set your intention to receive messages about your job or your relationship, but just like any conversation, the spirit will sometimes have its own agenda. Don't be disappointed if the conversation veers to a subject important to the spirit. Once it's spoken, he or she will focus on your questions.

Automatic writing is a fantastic way to develop your knowledge and abilities beyond the ordinary possibilities of daily life. You will have access to an extraordinary fountian of knowledge.