Still Think Your Making It Up

Table of Contents

What is Automatic Writing, Really?
Will Automatic Writing Work for Me?
It Sounds Like a Lot of Work. Is It Hard?
I Don’t Have Time for This. How Can I Fit It into My Life?
I’m Not a Good Writer. How Can I Do This?
What If I’m Making It Up?
Do I Need to Be Psychic to Do This?
Is This Like the Ouija Board Where Negative Entities Can Come In?
Do I Have to Believe in God, Spirits, or Angels?
The Actual Tutorial: How to Do Automatic Writing
What to Avoid (This is Important)
What You Can Use Automatic Writing For

13–20 minutes

I’ll be honest with you: the first time I tried automatic writing, I wasn’t sure if I was talking to myself in fancy handwriting.

And maybe I was. Or maybe I was unknowingly connecting to the space between conscious thought and whatever comes through when you finally stop trying so hard to control the pen.

Here’s the thing about automatic writing that nobody tells you upfront: it doesn’t matter if you “believe” it’s real. What matters is whether it helps you access parts of yourself, or beyond, that your regular thinking mind keeps locked away.

So, before you click out, let’s simplify what automatic writing is, how it works, and the benefits it offers, even if you’re skeptical about the concept.

What is Automatic Writing, Really?

Automatic writing, also called psychography if you want to sound fancy at dinner parties, is the practice of writing without your conscious mind steering the ship. You put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and let words flow without editing, planning, or second-guessing every sentence.

Some people describe it as channeling spirit guides. Others call it the subconscious. A few insist you’re connecting with Source, God, or universal consciousness. And honestly? All of those might be different languages describing the same unexplainable experience.

The practice can happen in a light trance state or while you’re fully awake. Either way, you’re bypassing your inner critic, and that voice wants to edit every thought before it becomes real. You’re diving below the surface chatter to see what’s swimming in deeper waters.

Will Automatic Writing Work for Me?

Let me answer your question with another question: Can you hold a pen? Can you type? Can you quiet your mind for even thirty seconds?

Then yes, it’ll work for you.

You don’t need to be psychic, see auras, talk to angels, or have any special gifts whatsoever. You just need curiosity and willingness to look a little foolish, because you will absolutely feel foolish at first.

I spent my first three sessions writing things like “I don’t know what to write,” “This is stupid,” and “Am I making this up?” Spoiler alert: those questions never fully go away. You just get better at writing through them.

The practice works because you already have access to wisdom beyond your conscious awareness. Whether that wisdom comes from your higher self, your subconscious, your spirit guides, or just the part of your brain that processes information differently when you stop micromanaging. The insights are real either way.

It Sounds Like a Lot of Work. Is It Hard?

Not hard, just different.

Think of it like learning to float in water. The actual mechanics are simple; you just relax and let the water hold you. But your brain screams “YOU’RE GOING TO DROWN” and makes you flail around instead. Automatic writing is similar: the doing is easy, but the surrendering takes practice.

Here’s what you actually need to get started:

10 minutes for meditation (with or without binaural beats)
A notebook (or a computer with screen-dimming software like f.lux to reduce blue light)
Headphones, if you’re using audio to help you drop into a meditative state
Permission to write badly (this is non-negotiable)

The preparation matters more than the writing itself. You’re not trying to produce beautiful prose. You’re creating a quiet internal space where something other than your anxious brain can speak up. When you meditate, you tune your frequency by setting the thinking mind aside and adjusting your thoughts.

I Don’t Have Time for This. How Can I Fit It into My Life?

You’re spending 10-20 minutes total. That’s shorter than your average doomscroll session or the time you spend staring into the fridge hoping different food will magically appear.

Start with just one or two questions, spending 3-5 minutes on each. You can do this before bed or first thing in the morning. The practice doesn’t require you to rearrange your entire life; just carve out a sliver of space where your soul can breathe.

And here’s the beautiful part: as you practice consistently, you ground yourself much more and give yourself space and time to integrate the process. Over time, that groundedness spills into the rest of your day. You become lighter, more centered, and more connected to your inner knowing. That’s worth 15 minutes, isn’t it?

I’m Not a Good Writer. How Can I Do This?

Perfect. Being a “good writer” is actually a disadvantage here.

Good writers edit, craft, and polish. They make everything sound clever and coherent. Automatic writing requires you to do the exact opposite: to write without crafting, editing, and caring if it sounds stupid or makes sense.

Your automatic writing might look like fragments. Rambling sentences that don’t follow any grammatical rules. Your first attempts may include single phrases, poetry, letters, and symbols, and that’s completely normal.

Nobody’s grading this. Nobody’s reading it except you (unless you choose to share it). The quality of your regular writing has zero correlation with your ability to channel insights through automatic writing. In fact, sometimes the messier it looks, the more authentic it is.

What If I’m Making It Up?

You probably are. And at the same time, you’re probably not.

Here’s the paradox: even if you’re “just” making it up, where do you think those made-up words are coming from? Your imagination is a receiver, not a generator. The boundary between “channeling spirit” and “accessing your “subconscious wisdom” is thinner than you think.

I still ask myself this question after months of practice. The difference now is that I’ve stopped caring about the answer. The words that come through automatic writing have helped me understand myself better, make difficult decisions, process grief, and access creativity I didn’t know I had. Whether they came from my spirit guides or my own hidden depths, it doesn’t change their value.

As you practice, you’ll learn how to validate your experience through physical evidence and patterns that emerge over time. You’ll notice information comes through that you couldn’t have consciously known. You’ll receive insights that prove useful in ways you didn’t expect.

But in the beginning? Let yourself make it up. Write whatever comes to mind, even if it feels fake. The authenticity builds with consistency.

Do I Need to Be Psychic to Do This?

Absolutely not.

Psychic abilities aren’t some rare gift bestowed upon chosen ones who were born under the right constellation. They’re more like muscles. Everyone has them, but some people have exercised them more than others. Automatic writing can enhance your intuition to aid decision-making and problem-solving and enhance your understanding of the unseen.

The practice itself develops your intuitive abilities. You’re training yourself to recognize subtle signals in trusting your impressions that come through logical thinking, and discerning the voice between fear, wisdom, and love. That’s not psychic in some mystical, otherworldly sense; you’re just learning to listen to frequencies you usually tune out.

To fully develop your channel, it may take about 2 months, depending on how you practice every day. Some might want a fast-track way to get there, and that’s fine; for others it takes time, like watching a Polaroid develop.

Give yourself patience.

Is This Like the Ouija Board Where Negative Entities Can Come In?

This is where frequency and intention matter more than the writing itself. These are the foundations that determine what you’re inviting into your space.

The short answer: No, automatic writing isn’t inherently dangerous like people claim Ouija boards are. The longer answer: your energy, intention, and emotional state matter enormously.

Here’s how you create sacred space before you write:

Ground yourself. Balance your emotions before you start. If you’re highly emotional, upset, or unbalanced, walk barefoot outside, exercise, or do conscious journaling instead. Your thoughts, emotions, and intentions equal frequency, and extreme emotions can distort the process.
Set your intention clearly. Say out loud or write down something like, “I channel only what is aligned with Source, with the highest truth and love.” Your intention acts as a filter, determining that frequencies can come through.
Use an invocation. Call upon your spirit guides, angels, loved ones by name, or Source/God. A simple version: “I call upon the angels, guides of the highest realms, of the highest love and fortitude, here for my highest good and the highest good of all.” Yes, it feels awkward at first. Do it anyway.

Think of it this way: your thoughts, emotions, and intentions create a frequency. That frequency is like a radio station. You’ll attract whatever matches that signal. If you’re broadcasting fear, anger, or desperation, you might receive something that doesn’t resonate with you. But if you’re grounded, clear, and intentional about connecting only with high-frequency guidance? You’re setting up a completely coherent channel.

For more detailed guidance on this, check out how to channel safely with proper grounding and protection.

Do I Have to Believe in God, Spirits, or Angels?

Not at all.

You can frame this practice however it makes sense to you. Call it accessing your subconscious, tapping into universal consciousness, creative flow, intuitive writing, or just “getting out of your own way.” The label doesn’t matter, and the practice works regardless of your belief system.

Some people connect deeply with the language of spirit guides and angels. Others prefer Carl Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious. Still, others see it as a neurological process in which you access different parts of your brain by bypassing your prefrontal cortex’s control.

All of these frameworks can coexist. You don’t need to commit to one cosmology to benefit from the practice. Just bring curiosity and openness, and let your understanding evolve as you go.

The Actual Tutorial: How to Do Automatic Writing

Getting Started: First Steps

If you’re ready to try this (or if you’re still skeptical but curious enough to experiment), here’s what to do:

Gather your materials. Notebook and pen, or computer with screen dimmer. Headphones if you want them.
Download or bookmark some free resources. Grab [free starter kits] that walk you through the basics.
Set aside 15 minutes when you won’t be interrupted. Turn off notifications. Make yourself unavailable.
Try one session with no expectations. Just see what happens.
Commit to practicing consistently for at least two weeks before deciding if it’s for you. One session tells you almost nothing, but patterns emerge over time.

Depending on how quickly you want to develop your channel. My upcoming workbook will guide you through the process in just 30 days. My complete step-by-step guide shows you how to get started with just the basics, and you continue from there.

And if you want more structured guidance on identifying your guides by name, healing yourself through writing, and assembling your spiritual team, my 8-week course is available that will walk you through each stage in a complete format.

Alright, let’s get practical. Here’s your step-by-step process:

Before You Write:

Meditate for 10 minutes. Use binaural beats if that helps you drop into a receptive state faster. You can find options on YouTube by searching for “theta binaural beats” or my playlist [here]
Darken your screen. If you’re writing on a computer, using software like f.lux helps minimize blue light. Use headphones to tune out distractions.
Let your inner chatter quiet down. You’re not forcing silence; you’re listening and letting it settle naturally, like sediment in water.
Set your intention. Write it down or say it aloud. Something simple like, “I open this space to clarity and guidance aligned with Source of my highest good and truth.”
Invoke your guides. Whether you call on angels, ancestors, your higher self, or Source, state clearly who you’re inviting in your circle. End with gratitude: “Thank you for your presence.”

During Your Writing:

Start with an open-ended question. Instead of “Should I take this job?” Ask, “What do I need to know about this job opportunity?” Avoid yes/no questions, because they shut down the flow. When you first start, avoid asking “could,” “should,” or “would.” They result in (yes or no) answers that leave no room for spirit guides to give you an honest answer.

Good starter questions:

What do I need to know today?

What can you tell me at this moment?

What am I not seeing clearly about [situation]?

How can I best serve my growth right now?

Write without editing. Let the words flow, even if they seem random or don’t make immediate sense. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or coherence. Just write.

Spend 3-5 minutes per question. You can do one question or several, depending on your available time and energy.

Notice how it feels. Sometimes automatic writing feels like you’re just writing your own thoughts, which is fine. Other times, there’s a distinct shift: a different pace, vocabulary, or perspective. Both are valid experiences.

After You Write:

Close your channel. Thank your guides and state clearly that the session is complete. Something simple like “Thank you for your guidance. The channel is now closed.”

Ground yourself. Stretch, drink water, and take a few deep breaths. You’ve been in an open, receptive state; bring yourself fully back to your body.

Read what you wrote. Not immediately, though. Give it some time, then return with fresh eyes. You’ll often find insights you didn’t notice while writing.

What to Avoid (This is Important)

Some things don’t mix well with automatic writing. Here’s what to steer clear of:

Black magic or manipulation. Don’t use this practice to control others or manifest harm. It’ll corrupt your channel and invite exactly the kind of energy you don’t want.
Chasing twin flames or love interests. Obsessive energy lowers your frequency and distorts the messages.
Emotional venting during the session. If you’re upset or overwhelmed, use regular journaling instead. Emotional venting can distort transmissions because extreme emotions affect your frequency.
Communicating with unknown spirits. Especially when you’re starting out, stick with Source, your spirit guides, or loved ones you know and trust. Identify them by asking who they are.
Using it for anything not aligned with the highest good. If your intention feels manipulative, fearful, or harmful, prepare for karma.
Not to be used by children; they are not quite ready to explore automatic writing because of a lack of understanding of energetic boundaries and protection. If you’d like to know more about why. Check out my workbook [here].

Remember: your words carry frequency. For example, saying “I shame myself” is a low-frequency statement that can invite entities or lower your vibration. The energy you bring to this practice matters.

What You Can Use Automatic Writing For

Once you’ve developed a consistent practice, the applications are surprisingly broad:

Getting creative insights for projects, writing, art, or any creative outlet
Expanding self-awareness around relationships, patterns, and blind spots
Receiving guidance on diet, lifestyle, and health approaches
Exploring life purpose and soul-level questions
Deepening your connection with Source, God, or universal consciousness
Enhancing intuition for everyday decision-making
Understanding the unseen and accelerating spiritual growth
Healing emotional wounds through guided inner work
Manifesting consciously by aligning with your highest path

The possibilities are genuinely endless. But remember: you’re fully responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on the insights you’ve received. What you choose to do with the information is entirely up to you.

What Your First Sessions Might Look Like

Let me show you what to actually expect when you start:

Your first attempts might produce single phrases, fragments of poetry, single letters, or symbols. That’s completely normal. It may feel like you’re writing to yourself, but this is part of building the pathway.

The evolution happens gradually. Over weeks and months of consistent practice, you’ll naturally progress to more complex and expansive messages where you can channel much longer and ask more questions. Don’t rush the process.

Here’s a realistic timeline: developing your channel fully may take two to three months with regular practice and consistency. Some people develop faster, others slower. The speed is not what matters; it’s showing up for yourself.

Allow yourself time and space for the insights to unfold when you’re fully ready. Try not to force results or prove anything. You’re creating space for something subtle and profound to emerge at its own pace.

A Note on Validation

You’re going to doubt yourself. A lot. That’s part of the process.

But here’s what I’ve learned: validation comes through patterns, not proof. You’ll write something that makes no sense, then days or months go by, and the situation unfolds exactly as described. This takes time, so don’t expect a quick result. You’ll receive guidance that challenges your assumptions; follow it anyway, and watch the doors unfold before you.

Learning to validate your experience comes with practice, along with recognizing physical evidence and patterns that emerge over time, so keep your notebooks. Review them periodically. You’ll start seeing threads you couldn’t recognize when writing in the moment.

The doubt never fully disappears; what’s important is the wisdom that comes through.

Final Thoughts

Automatic writing is about recognizing that you contain more wisdom, creativity, and connection than your conscious mind usually allows you to access.

Whether you think you’re channeling spirit guides or just having a sophisticated conversation with your subconscious, the insights transform how you understand yourself and move through your inner work.

Start writing. Be curious. Even if you think you’re making it all up.

Just start.

The words that come through might surprise you. And even if they don’t, you’ll have spent 15 minutes in quiet reflection, which is more than just what people give themselves in a week.

Your pen is waiting. Your guides (or your deeper self, or the universe, or whatever you want to call it) are ready to speak.

Are you ready to listen?

Remember: This practice is about exploration, not perfection. Give yourself permission to be a beginner, to feel foolish, to doubt, and to write anyway. The magic, if there is magic, lives in the showing up.

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“AI and grammar tools were used for research synthesis and editorial assistance; all final texts were reviewed, rewritten, and approved by the author.”

Copyright 2025 Trent Phillis, http://www.TrentPhillis.com, All Rights Reserved. Please copy and share this article as long as it is shared in its entirety, including this copyright notice, and the information is not altered, excerpted, or added to; credit of authorship and my website address (www.TrentPhillis.com) is included; and no money is exchanged. For any other uses, please contact Trent Phillis to obtain permission. Thank you.

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