Self Care for Writers: Getting a Little "Woo Woo"

Introduction

My pen is strong, my voice sincere,

Imagination—crystal clear.

I write with passion—lucidity,

My pen is strong. So mote it be.

Through the course of writing as much as I have, I've written about some pretty witchy characters. As my entire brand goes, it takes a witch to write a witch. I've picked up on many practices, my favorite of which: mantras like the above.

But that's not all! The joy of the craft is that there are no hard and fast rules. You practice what calls you and you can literally make it up as you go.

A lot like writing, huh?

**Important Note: This is not a post to convert. This is not a post to spook. This is, however, a post to inform and create some conversation about how the metaphysical can still get real.

Let's explore some holistic and alternative self care practices that can help writers with creativity blocks, reduce stress, and reconnect to their writing flow.

Manifesting and Affirmation Rituals

In witchy terms:

Manifesting and affirmation rituals harness the power of intention and energy to attract from the universe what you desire into your life. By focusing on your creative goals through candles, sigils, or spoken affirmations, you’re essentially casting a spell to bring inspiration and productivity your way.

Adding science to the mix:

Manifesting and affirmations work by using the brain's neuroplasticity. You essentially reprogram your brain to focus on positive outcomes. Repeating affirmations and visualizing success strengthens neural pathways, boosts confidence, motivation, and creative flow.

Distilled down, manifesting and affirmations are a way to keep you focused and feeling good about the power you have over your life.

But what do you say?

Anything that specifically calls to you. Here are some "generic" mindset anchors that are perfectly useful.

"I trust my creative instincts.”

"My pen is strong and my voice is sincere."

"There’s a great story inside that I need to get out, and I know how to do it."

"If someone doesn’t like what I write, that is their problem and not mine."

"My written word is how others see me, so I will improve how I see myself."

"I am focused, disciplined, and dedicated to my writing goals."

"I am committed to improving my craft every day."

Tailor these to your specific journey. Do you want to increase your productivity? Do you want to be more creative? Do you want to overcome self-doubt and boost confidence? Ask yourself these questions to see what you need to tell yourself.

Write the affirmations down on sticky notes around your workspace or repeat them aloud each morning. Scribble them on your mirrors, your thermos', notebooks, laptop etc etc. You want to see it. You want to repeat it. You want to live it.

As for manifesting, write down your specific goals. Like finding a literary agent. Finishing a manuscript. Finishing a chapter. Whatever it is, write it down so it's out of your head and into the very real world.

Visualize every detail of getting that goal. Where do you want to see yourself with the goal attained? Write that down as well. The visualization helps to reinforce your commitment. This manifesting can help you endure the tough spots.

I bought this gorgeous cheese tray with a cloche to cover the cheese. It's meant or entertaining but this witch can get creative. I taped strips of paper with my affirmations inside of this cloche and set the tray on my bedside table. Each morning after rest and each evening before rest, I would lift the cloche and speak the affirmations into it. Silly as it may be, I felt I was building up the good energy I had in myself for a time I needed it. And, when that time came, I opened the cloche and visualized all my good words and energy being released back into me.

"Yeah but does it work, Katherine?" you ask.

You ever see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest? Jack is seeking help from Tia Dalma in order to protect himself from Davy Jones:

Tia Dalma: Davy Jones cannot make port. Cannot step on land but once every ten years. Land is where you are safe, Jack Sparrow, and so you will carry land with you.

Jack Sparrow: ...Dirt. This is a jar of dirt.

Tia Dalma: Yes.

Jack Sparrow: Is the jar of dirt going to help?

Tia Dalma: If you don't want it, give it back.

Jack Sparrow: No.

Tia Dalma: Then it helps.

Find a way to make your own jar of dirt work to protect you from the nasty imposter syndromes, rejections, and overall struggle of being a writer. It works if you work it.

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, also known as "shinrin-yoku" in Japan, involves immersing yourself in nature to rejuvenate the senses. Walking in a natural setting, be it a park, forest, or beach, can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and even improve creativity. Spending time among trees and fresh air, without digital distractions, can help reset your mind.

I suggest getting (safely) lost in a forest that you're generally familiar with. And when I say lost, I mean that you lose the weight of reality and exist in nature.

ALWAYS practice proper safety precautions: tell somebody where you'll be, bring water and snacks, wear proper clothing according to the weather, stay on the trail, and use common sense.

And then stay lost for a little while.

Feel what it's like to be one with the trees.

Take in the forest's smells and breathe in the fresh air that the wise creatures offer you.

Walk firmly on the ever-changing ground and be intentional with stopping and bathing in the views.

Listen to the birds and other critters exist safely under the canopy.

Touch the trees and fallen leaves.

Feel the flora on the forest floor.

Do all of these things, but, above ALL: take only memories; leave only footprints.

Ritual Bath for Releasing Creative Blocks

There’s something inherently soothing about slipping into a warm bath after a long day. And what if you could elevate that experience?

May I introduce to you the ritual bath—a mindful, intention-setting practice that can help you release creative blocks, alleviate stress, and reconnect with your inner muse. For writers, who often find themselves drained by the mental and emotional effort of their craft, a ritual bath can serve as both a self-care routine and a creative recharge.

Sure, you'll get your physical body clean, but the ritual cleans your spiritual body. 

It's all about intention. What do you want to focus on during this ritual?

Removing writer's block?

Inviting more creative energy?

Steeping in a complicated storyline until your plot holes show themselves?

Releasing the imposter syndrome holding you back?

Inviting the opportunity to get a literary agent?

Think about this main intention while cleaning your bathroom. Cleanse the space of any physical grime so it doesn't distract you from cleansing your spiritual grime.

Next, pretty up the area around your massive, porcelain cauldron with candles, crystals, flowers, and other items that will bring forth the energy you wish to have around you. And don't forget music! Here are three suggestions of what to include:

1. Unblocking Creativity & Finding Inspiration

Purpose: Clear creative blockages with this bath and spark new ideas to help you tap into a flow of writing inspiration.

Affirmation: “I am a vessel for endless inspiration. Ideas flow to me effortlessly and freely.”

Candles:

Use yellow or orange candles for creativity and mental clarity. Consider scented options like citrus or bergamot to uplift your mood.

Crystals:

Place an amethyst (for creativity), moonstone (for strengthening self worth), and smoky quartz (for keeping you present and enhancing ability to work through internal conflicts) around the tub.

And, since salt is a crystal, we can't forget epsom salts/magnesium sulfate. Add at least a cup into the bathwater to cleanse the negativity away and reap the relaxing benefits of magnesium.

Oils:

Add a few drops of rosemary (for mental focus), peppermint (for mental clarity), or sweet orange (for uplifting energy) to your bathwater.

Flowers/ Herbs:

Boil a soup pot with rosemary and lemons. Once thoroughly steeped, strain out plant material and then pour this tea into the bath for an excellent base.

Music:

Play soft instrumental tracks like lo-fi beats or ambient soundscapes that encourage deep thinking without distraction. An ambient track that I consistently recommend wasn't originally an ambient track. U Smile by Justin Bieber--stay with me--slowed down to 800% is a creation I can only summarize as ethereal. Half an hour long. Sounds like celestial waves. Ethereal.

2. Releasing Self-Doubt & Embracing Confidence

Purpose: You can letting go of self-doubt and boost your confidence with this one. It's perfect for those struggling with imposter syndrome or writer's block.

Affirmation: “I release all self-doubt. I trust in my abilities and embrace my unique creative voice.”

Candles:

Use gold or white candles to symbolize self-empowerment and clarity. Opt for scented candles like ylang-ylang or frankincense for grounding.

Crystals:

Place hematite (for grounding and energy circulation), carnelian (for confidence and motivation), and rose quartz (for self-love) near the bath.

Flowers:

Only one thing beats the beauty of a rose--a bouquet of roses. Treat yourself to beauty as you help yourself become more beautiful too.

Fun fact according to Witchipedia: "The Latin term Sub rosa, or "beneath the rose" references secrecy. A rose hung from a ceiling indicates that anything that takes place beneath it should be held in the utmost confidence."

So go ahead and hang a rose above the bath. Tell the rose and bathwater your secrets or deepest thoughts. Release these doubts and concerns from your body and let the water take them away.

After the bath, place the bouquet of roses someplace you'll pass by often. Stop and smell them and be reminded of your intent to release doubt and be more confident.

Essential Oils:

Get the grounding sorts of scents like ylang-ylang, bergamot, or frankincense to help solidify your energy and build inner strength.

Herbs:

A lovely cup of chamomile tea (hot or iced and sweetened with honey!) sipped while in the bath is a lovely way to release feelings of pain. It also aids the throat chakra so you can speak you mind better!

Music:

Tune your brain into empowering frequencies! Your body will resonate with the right energies. I'm a huge fan of Solfeggio Frequencies. They are a set of specific sound frequencies believed to have healing and positive effects on the mind and body. Rooted in ancient music traditions, particularly Gregorian chants, these frequencies are thought to align with natural patterns in the universe, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being

This is my favorite video, but please look for a video that resonates the most with you. Here's a guide to lead you to what frequency you may need: guide.

3. Deep Relaxation & Stress Relief

Purpose: This bath is for relaxation down to your bones. You're tired, you're stressed, you need a minute. Take it!

Affirmation: “I release all stress and tension. I am at peace, and my mind is clear and ready for creative inspiration.”

Candles:

Use blue or purple candles to promote calm and tranquility. Choose scented options like chamomile, sweet pea, or lavender for relaxation.

Crystals:

Surround the bath with moonstone (for emotional balance), rose quartz (for self love and moving forward from struggle), and amethyst (for deep relaxation and is repellant for low-vibration energies).

Yes, more salt for the bath, too. Regular degular epsom salts are just fine, though consider some pink Himalayan salts with lavender flower buds and essential oil for an added punch.

Flowers:

A bundle of fresh or dried lavender set in a vase by the bath will fragrance the air. If peonies are in season, consider floating some flower heads and meditate on how they flow with the bath water. So too do you flow with the windings of the world.

Oils:

Consider adding lavender, neroli, or sage oils into the bath. They nix anxiety and help you reach new levels of zen.

Herbs:

Just like you would boil a big pot of bath tea for my first suggestion, toss in sage leaves and bring it to a boil. Steep, strain, and add to the tub for another excellent base.

Music:

Lo-Fi is high key the way to go with stress relief. When I'm trying to relax and not focus on anything, my body does this great thing where it doesn't relax. Lo-Fi music is calming, but gives your brain something to focus on without taking too much attention away from your bath ritual. Here are some of my favorite lo-fi sounds:

Lo-fi for Ghosts (Only) 3

That 2 A.M. Fresh Air

Chillhop Essentials 🍁 Fall 2020

Endless Sunday 😌

(Not technically lo-fi but it's low key) Meditation - Monoman

Some are more chill. Some are more upbeat. Regardless, your bones will feel like jelly after this ritual.

Once you’ve finished your ritual bath, don’t let that energy go to waste! Grab a notebook or open a blank document and start writing. Even if it’s just a stream of consciousness, let whatever thoughts, ideas, or images that came up during your bath flow onto the page. You might find that this relaxed state of mind helps you approach your writing with fresh perspectives and new inspiration.

Also consider journaling about your experience. What came up for you during the ritual? Did you feel any shifts in your mindset? Reflecting on these experiences can help solidify the intention you set and keep the creative energy flowing long after the bath is over.

Reiki or Energy Healing

Another mindful practice from Japan: Reiki, a form of energy healing.

Being a writer comes with pressure, deadlines, and emotional highs and lows, which can lead to burnout and self-doubt. Reiki promotes the balance of the body’s energy. This helps reduce anxiety and foster a calm, clear mind. By releasing emotional blockages, writers can overcome mental stagnation or creative blocks. Reiki can also enhance focus and clarity, making it easier to stay present and organized, whether drafting new material or revising an existing project.

Beyond creativity, Reiki can support emotional healing, helping writers process difficult emotions or past traumas that might interfere with their work. It promotes self-empowerment and confidence, countering the self-doubt many writers face. By aligning energy and reinforcing positive beliefs, Reiki can help writers regain trust in their abilities, allowing them to push past obstacles with renewed confidence. Through self-reiki practices, working with a practitioner, or using reiki-infused objects, this holistic practice supports writers in maintaining mental and emotional balance, fostering a creative and productive writing flow.

If a professional session isn’t feasible, I've enjoyed online guided sessions and (tried) self-Reiki by placing my hands on various energy centers (chakras) to clear mental and creative blockages.

ASMR Reiki For Creative Blocks (Plucking, Hand Movements, Flashlight etc) by Silver Hare (Tyler Guillory)

Divine Care Online's video by the Late Shri. Sandip Jain

My Spiritual Butterfly (Gwen Allison)'s video

Self-Reiki Guided Session for You by Mainstream Reiki (Andrea Kennedy)

ASMR Role Play Reiki Healing & Hands Movements by Dmitri at MassageASMR

And there are so so SO many more to choose from. Just pick which ones feel best to you!

Crystal Placement for Inspiration

Crystals have been used for human intentions for centuries. Folks use them to harness specific energies and amplify manifestation. Using them to cultivate specific energies in the workspace is nothing new. In the context of writing, using crystals in your workspace is not only a beautiful way to set the ambiance but also a practice that can help you align with your creative flow. Placing certain crystals nearby can serve as gentle reminders to refocus your energy, shift your mindset, or break through creative blocks. These crystals become more than just décor—they help create your personal sanctuary of inspiration!

"Okay but which shiny rocks do I use?" you ask.

It's all about intention!

Amethyst:

Enhances creativity and clarity. This stone can help you stay open to ideas and imaginative insights.

Citrine:

Often associated with confidence and manifestation, it’s said to promote a positive outlook and self-belief.

Lapis Lazuli:

A stone for wisdom and truth, often believed to aid clarity in thought and communication, which is essential for writers.

Sodalite:

Referred to as the “poet’s stone,” it enhances self-expression, creativity, and clear communication, making it great for overcoming writer’s block.

Clear Quartz:

Known as the “master healer,” it amplifies energy and focus, helping you power through challenging writing sessions.

Carnelian:

A stone of motivation and courage. Stimulates creativity and passion, encouraging you to take bold steps in your storytelling.

Fluorite:

Supports mental clarity, organization, and concentration, making it perfect for structuring complex plots or editing.

Blue Lace Agate:

Calms the mind and encourages clear, thoughtful communication. This, in turn, helps you articulate your ideas with ease.

Rose Quartz:

Associated with self-compassion and emotional healing, it can help you write from the heart and explore deep, personal themes.

Aquamarine:

Known for its calming properties, this stone helps reduce anxiety and promotes clear thinking—which is ideal for stress-free writing sessions.

Black Tourmaline:

Provides protection from negative energy and distractions, helping you focus on your work with a clear mind.

Smoky Quartz:

Grounding and stabilizing, it helps clear mental fog, making it easier to focus on your writing projects.

Tiger’s Eye:

Enhances confidence, willpower, and determination, which can be useful when tackling daunting writing projects or deadlines.

Green Aventurine:

Known for promoting growth and abundance, it helps you feel optimistic and open to new creative possibilities.

Moonstone:

Often called the “stone of new beginnings,” it supports intuition and emotional balance, great for exploring character arcs and story development.

Garnet:

A stone of passion and commitment, it can help rekindle your enthusiasm for writing and overcome creative fatigue.

Pyrite:

Known as “fool’s gold,” it boosts confidence and persistence, encouraging you to stay on track with your writing goals.

Bloodstone:

Provides courage, clarity, and resilience, making it an excellent choice for writers facing creative challenges or self-doubt.

Now that you got them, what do you do with them? Consider the below:

On Your Desk:

Place small tumbled stones or crystal points near your computer or notebook to infuse your workspace with their energy.

During Brainstorming:

Hold a crystal in your hand or keep it in your pocket during brainstorming sessions to channel its properties directly. For instance, hold Amethyst for intuitive insights or Citrine for a confidence boost.

In Meditation:

Use crystals as focus objects during meditation before you start writing. Sit quietly with your chosen stone, breathe deeply, and set your intentions for the writing session ahead. This can help center your mind and spark creativity.

Grids & Charts:

Get more involved by creating crystal grids tailored to your creative goals. For example, use Clear Quartz, Citrine, and Lapis Lazuli in a triangular pattern to balance focus, manifestation, and communication. Placing a chart under your grid can help amplify the energy and direct it toward your intentions.

Amber White at Crystal Alchemy and Sara Cardinale at Bloom and Manifest have great articles about grids that explain everything for you.

Tarot or Oracle Card Journaling

There are a thousand and three videos, blogs, books, courses, and teachings of how to use tarot and oracle cards for your personal life. Since being a writer seeps into every crevice of your personal life, the lines can blur. When I reach a conundrum regarding my writing, I find it useful to reach for one of my tarot decks to see if spirit has any insight.

By incorporating the cards, you can tap into archetypes, themes, and motifs that might otherwise go unnoticed in your plotting and character development. Since tarot cards are rich with imagery and layered meanings, making them a valuable resource for writers seeking inspiration.

For example:

Character Development:

Drawing a card like "The Hermit" might inspire you to explore a character’s period of introspection or isolation, where they seek deeper truths or uncover hidden knowledge. On the other hand, a card like "The Lovers" could prompt you to delve into themes of connection, choice, or duality in relationships.

Conflict and Tension:

If you draw a card such as "The Five of Wands," it could suggest conflict, competition, or internal struggles between characters. This could inspire scenes where tensions rise, either internally within a character or externally among a group.

Plot Twists and Climax:

Cards like "The Wheel of Fortune" or "Death" (symbolizing transformation rather than literal death) can prompt you to think about major turning points in your story, where fate intervenes or a character undergoes a significant transformation. These could serve as catalysts for a plot twist or the climax of your narrative.

Thematic Exploration:

Using cards from an oracle deck with specific themes, such as "Healing," "Courage," or "Trust," can guide you to infuse your story with deeper thematic layers. For example, drawing a "Healing" card might lead you to explore a subplot where a character reconciles with their past or makes amends for past mistakes.

Character Arcs:

After drawing a card, ask yourself, "How might this card reflect my character’s inner struggle or growth? Could it hint at a hidden aspect of their past?"

Plot Development:

Consider, "If this card represents a plot event, how can I weave it into the story to create a pivotal moment? Could it introduce a new challenge or opportunity?"

Setting and Atmosphere:

Reflect on "What atmosphere or tone does this card evoke? How can I use this imagery to enhance the mood of a scene or the world-building in my story?"

Symbolic Imagery:

Think about, "What symbols or colors on this card stand out to me? How can I incorporate similar imagery into my descriptions or metaphors?"

At the very least, pulling cards gives insight to where you're at because your translation is a projection. Consider having fun with the cards and using a pull as a simple writing prompt to get the creative juices flowing. Above all, keep an open mind as to what the cards have to say.

Writing with the Moon Cycles

The moon cycles have long been linked to cycles of growth and reflection. Aligning your writing process with these phases can offer a sense of flow and purpose.

1. New Moon: marks the beginning of the lunar cycle when the moon is not visible from Earth. It symbolizes new beginnings, fresh starts, and setting intentions.

2. Waxing Crescent: As the moon begins to wax or grow larger, a thin crescent shape becomes visible. This phase represents intentionality, growth, and brainstorming actionable goals regarding your New Moon manifestations.

3. First Quarter: Halfway between the New Moon and the Full Moon, the First Quarter phase is about making decisions to overcome the first round of obstacles and taking decisive action.

4. Waxing Gibbous: During the Waxing Gibbous phase, the moon is nearly full, representing a period of growth, momentum, and expansion.

5. Full Moon: The Full Moon is the climax of the lunar cycle when the moon appears fully illuminated in the night sky. It symbolizes completion, fruition, and illumination.

6. Waning Gibbous: After the Full Moon, the moon begins to wane or decrease in size. The Waning Gibbous phase represents reflection, gratitude, and releasing what no longer serves you.

7. Last Quarter: Halfway between the Full Moon and the New Moon, the Last Quarter phase signifies introspection, revision, and reassessment.

8. Waning Crescent: As the moon approaches the end of its cycle, it appears as a thin crescent in the sky. The Waning Crescent phase symbolizes surrender, rest, and introspection.

I have so much more information about this and how I implemented the ritual myself in my blog post titled, Setting Your Writing Intentions by the Moon

Conclusion

While not every technique may resonate, trying different approaches to self-care can help you discover what truly aligns with your creative energy and nourishes your spirit.

The journey is all about tuning into your intuition and experimenting with practices that ground and inspire you. Because you and your brain matter. So care for them.

If you think pulling a tarot card for guidance "is weird" but you get some great guidance, is it still weird?

If you have cringy feelings about working with the moon and it's been your most productive season yet, shouldn't that remove some doubts about your own abilities?

It's not weird to set intentions under the light of a full moon unless you make it weird.

It's not weird to light insence because it helps you write better short stories unless you make it weird.

If it works, it works!

Self care is experimenting with the a sacred act of honoring your inner muse.

Embrace your own magic and listen to the whispers of your intuition. As you explore these practices, you’ll weave a spell of protection around your creativity, allowing it to flourish in ways that feel authentic and powerful. Trust in the ebb and flow, and remember that your self-care rituals are as unique and mystical as your own writing journey.

The "woo woo" can be for you, too,

Katherine Arkady