Writing Prompts: Tarot

Free Write Prompt

Tell me about your experience with tarot cards.  If this is your first introduction, then write about everything you see on a selected card from this gallery.  ​Write for 10 minutes.

Poem Prompts

POEM PROMPT #1  Write a tarot poem using details from your free write.  If you're stuck for a starter, try one of these::

• Write about the setting, the objects, or the meaning 
• Write about the archetype as a person in today’s world 
• Write about one or all of the senses the card’s archetype may experience 
• Voice thoughts from the character in the card.  Write for 10 minutes. 

Adapted from writing exercise by Tabitha Dial of Arcana: The Tarot Poetry Anthology

POEM PROMPT #2  Write a tarot card or tarot poem for one of the archetype characters below. Write for 10 minutes

Artwork by Cristi Lopez, PoetryBones' November Featured Artist. 
Both works shared by permission of Cristi Lopez. See more of her work here.

Example Poems

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Matthews' poem is not written for the tarot, but its language, tone and imagery summon to mind an autonomous character who probably needs her own major arcana status as she removes herself from the the  X of Pentacles scenario, thereby reversing it!  Or we can see the aftermath of the character's leaving in the V of Cups card.

(excerpt from) TAROT
by Shane Koyczan

​The fool loves completely.
He stands with arms wide open, hoping to give away hugs for free.
He does not consider this work, he believes this is necessary.
Believes someone has to put a positive spin on the term arms dealer.
So he gives out hugs for free.
He stands with arms open like invitations to a party.
No need to rsvp, you are cordially invited here right now.
No need to disavow a need to be held.

"...test his commitment if you must"--Koyczan

Hear Shane Koyczan read "Tarot" from his album Silence is a Song I Know All the Words To

What is your favorite tarot card?  What new tarot would you create for Lopez's two artworks above?  Share in the comments.