What Is Automatic Writing?
Automatic Writing is a practice where a person writes without planning or steering the words in the usual way. The writer settles into a calm state, holds a pen, and lets the writing come.
In spiritual traditions, it’s often understood as a way of receiving messages. The source is described in different ways: spirit guides, ancestors, a higher self, or another source of guidance. Experiences vary a lot from person to person.
Is It the Same as Journaling?
Not quite. In journaling, you choose what to say and shape each sentence yourself. In Automatic Writing, you try to step back from that, and the writing may feel different from your usual thoughts. Some people say the handwriting, tone, or pace changes.
The two can sit side by side. Plenty of people journal after an Automatic Writing session to think about what came through.
What Do Practitioners Believe?
Those who practise it spiritually usually hold a few ideas:
- A guide, an ancestor, or a wiser part of themselves can offer messages through writing.
- The writer’s job is to stay open, calm, and not force the words.
- What comes through is guidance to reflect on, not a command.
How a Beginner Can Try It
Here’s a simple way to begin.
- Find a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed.
- Keep a notebook and pen within reach.
- Take a few slow breaths until you feel settled.
- Set an intention or ask a simple question, such as “What would I like to understand today?” Some people also say a short prayer or silently invite guidance. This part is entirely up to you.
- Rest your pen on the page and begin to write. Don’t plan, edit, or worry about spelling.
- Keep going for a few minutes, and stop whenever you feel ready.
- Put it aside for a while, then read it later with a calm mind.
You don’t need to produce anything special. A few ordinary words, or a blank page, is a perfectly good result. And it isn’t a guaranteed way to contact anyone.
The steps above are a simple starting point, but Automatic Writing gets easier with practice. Many people build the habit slowly, with a few quiet minutes at the same time each day, so the mind learns to settle and stay open.
If you’d like to go further, it helps to learn a proper process rather than work it out alone. That means understanding how to prepare, how to begin and close a session with care, and how to reflect on what you’ve written without rushing to conclusions. A teacher can guide you through this and answer your questions as they come up. I also offer training, so you’re welcome to enquire if you’d like to learn with me.
What Might Happen?
Experiences differ. Some people write a sentence or two. Others write a page and feel as if the words weren’t planned. Some notice a different handwriting or rhythm. Others write ordinary thoughts, memories, or questions, and feel nothing unusual at all.
Not every unusual word is a message from a guide or ancestor, and it helps not to assume so. Treat whatever comes as something to think about, and no more than that.
“Let your hand rest, let your mind soften, and see what the page wants to say.”
Questions You Can Explore
Gentle, open questions work best:
- What do I need to hear right now?
- What am I finding hard to understand?
- What matters most to me at this stage of my life?
- What would I like to give more attention to?
- What is one small step I could take toward greater clarity?
Automatic Writing, Channelling, and Mediumship
These get mixed up often. Here’s a simple way to tell them apart.
Automatic Writing is the writing method itself to practice to seek final goodbyes or closure after sudden or unexpected deaths. Channelling is understood by some practitioners as receiving or expressing guidance from a spiritual source, and writing can be one way of doing it. Mediumship is usually linked with trying to communicate with people who have died for closure.
They overlap in some spiritual settings, but they aren’t the same thing. If you’d like to read more, my Channelling and Mediumship articles cover each one.
Whether the words come from a guide, an ancestor, or a quieter part of you, the listening is yours.
Rohini Maaster
Common Beginner Mistakes
A few easy things to avoid:
- Don’t worry about writing perfectly.
- Don’t force a message to arrive.
- Don’t assume every sentence has a special meaning.
- Don’t treat what you write as unquestionable truth, or make big life decisions from it alone.
- Don’t feel let down if nothing comes. That happens to almost everyone at first.
- Don’t rush to interpret it. Give it time.
Is It Right for Everyone?
No, and that’s fine. People have different beliefs and comfort levels. Some enjoy Automatic Writing, while others prefer meditation, journaling, or another practice.
If it ever leaves you feeling distressed or overwhelmed, stop. It isn’t a substitute for professional mental health care or medical advice.
“You don’t have to prove where a message comes from. You only have to decide what to do with it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Automatic Writing in spirituality?
It’s a practice in which a person writes without consciously planning the words, and many believe they are being guided by spirit guides, ancestors, or a higher self.
Can beginners practise Automatic Writing?
Yes, with proper training and guidance. All you need is a pen, paper, and a few quiet minutes. There’s nothing you have to get right.
How is Automatic Writing different from journaling?
In journaling you plan and shape your own words. In Automatic Writing you try not to steer them. The two can be used together.
Do I need a spiritual gift to try it?
No. It’s open to anyone who’s curious, connected with self, whatever you believe.
Is Automatic Writing the same as channelling?
No, though they can overlap. Automatic Writing is the writing method, while channelling is a broader practice of receiving or expressing guidance.
What should I do if nothing comes to mind?
That’s completely normal. Write “nothing is coming,” or simply stop and try another day.
Can I learn Automatic Writing with guidance from a practitioner?
Yes. I also offer training, so you’re welcome to get in touch and learn about my approach.
You can try Automatic Writing on your own, at your own pace. A notebook and ten quiet minutes are enough to begin.
If you’d like some company along the way, you’re welcome to connect with me, Rohini Maaster, at Mithraa Enlighten. You might simply ask questions about the practice. Or, if you feel drawn to learn it with guidance, I also offer training, and you’re welcome to enquire.
Take it slowly, and trust your own pace.
