Over 200 writing ideas inspired by playing cards
Divination and storytelling are intertwined. They help us grow, connect, and make sense of the world around us.
Cartomancy, the practice of using playing cards for divination, is no exception. Each card in the deck carries its own symbolism, themes, and emotional resonance, and we can harness these elements for fortune-telling and creativity.
Using cartomancy-themed writing prompts has the bonus of allowing you to use playing cards out in public, which are more subtle than tarot cards. This comes in handy if you are a “broom closet witch” (or broom closet diviner, in this case) full time or if you’re temporarily in an area where you are not safe to have conventional spiritual tools out in the open.
Below, I’ve extracted writing prompts from the card meanings to inspire stories, poems, personal essays, monologues, and more.
You may use this list however you like, but I have a suggestion: shuffle and pull a card from your deck at home, return to this list to find that card, and choose a prompt. This is a fun way to combine daily cartomancy with a writing ritual.
Happy Writing!
Ace of Hearts
Write a poem about the first time you truly felt at home
How do technology, migration, and changing family structures redefine the meaning of home, family, and love?
Journal about the role of friendship in your life as an adult
Write a romantic comedy about two characters falling in love while renovating an old house
Two of Hearts
A couple adopts a mysterious stray pet with a supernatural ability
A young woman discovers she’s pregnant and begins to see visions of her future child
Reflect on a partnership (romantic, creative, or professional) that brought out a hidden talent or artistic ability in you
Explore the emotional excitement of a new romantic connection
Three of Hearts
Write a story about a character who attends a lavish celebration and meets someone who impacts their life
Explore the concept of fertility (literal or metaphorical)
Write a poem about a recent social event, and whether or not you enjoyed it
Write about the intersection of art and fertility
Four of Hearts
Write a story about a married couple rediscovering passion and excitement in their relationship
Write about a missed opportunity in love or life
Write about the intersection of sex and stability in relationships
Write a monologue from the point of view of a woman being pressured into marriage
Five of Hearts
A woman reconnects with her estranged mother after years of silence
Write about a relationship being tested when one partner undergoes a personal transformation
Explore the role of feminine energy in your life
Write a short play about three generations of women in one family
Six of Hearts
A man discovers an old box of letters from a childhood friend he hasn’t seen in decades
Write about a time you met someone and felt an inexplicable bond, as if you’ve met them before
Write a poem about the ache of nostalgia
Why do you think we are drawn to revisiting the past through reboots, retro fashion, and vintage trends?
Seven of Hearts
A character begins having vivid dreams about a life they’ve always wanted, but with a twist
Have you ever started over, and how did your life change?
Write a poem about a serene environment
Write about a time you were deceived by a family member
Eight of Hearts
A young woman inherits her grandmother’s cozy bed-and-breakfast
Write about a moment when you felt truly protected by someone
Write a poem about the bittersweetness of moving on
Write about a time when you realized your romantic feelings for someone were reciprocated
Nine of Hearts
Write about an aspiration you had that seemed impossible at the time
Write a poem about the tension between aspiration and accomplishment
Why do you think some achievements bring lasting joy, while others leave us wanting more?
Analyze wish fulfillment in fairy tales and folklore
Ten of Hearts
Write about a competitive game night among siblings
Write a poem about a quiet victory
Write a monologue from the point of view of someone developing feelings for a co-worker they couldn’t stand
Write about the pursuit of happiness in a world obsessed with achievement
Jack of Hearts
A young art student becomes the muse for a famous painter
Reflect on a time when you had a romantic admirer whose feelings you didn’t reciprocate
Explore a moment in your life when you felt insecure about your talents or abilities
Write a romantic comedy about a college student who accidentally sends a love letter to the wrong person
Queen of Hearts
Write about a single mother who opens her home to a struggling artist
Write about a time when you had to step into a nurturing role for someone else
How has your relationship with your family influenced your identity
Write about being family-oriented in modern society
King of Hearts
A protective older brother must confront his own insecurities
Explore the idea of being a family man
Write about how masculinity shows up in different music genres
Write a poem about a masculine figure in your life
Ace of Diamonds
A struggling entrepreneur receives a letter offering them a once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity
Reflect on what abundance means to you
How do access and privilege influence who gets to seize business opportunities?
Write about the symbolism of engagement rings
Two of Diamonds
A young professional receives two job offers on the same day: one promising financial stability and the other offering creative freedom
Write about a conversation that changed your perspective on money and success
Write a character-driven play about a family after one member loses their job
Write a sonnet about the moment a large payment is made or received
Three of Diamonds
A freelance artist lands their biggest commission yet, but their procrastination threatens to derail the project
Write about a creative project that brought you partial success
Write a narrative poem about someone who feels that they never “try hard enough”
How does society’s focus on outcomes overshadow the value of incremental growth?
Four of Diamonds
Write about a meticulous budgeter who wins the lottery but struggles to let go of their frugal habits
Write about the emotional side of saving money
Write a concrete poem in the shape of a dollar bill
How do you think attitudes toward saving and spending vary between Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z?
Five of Diamonds
A real estate agent lands a big sale, but an unexpected expense threatens to unravel everything
Write about a time when your words had unintended consequences
Write a monologue from the point of view of a charismatic politician recounting their controversial rise to power
Write about your views on the cultural significance of property ownership
Six of Diamonds
A reclusive artist receives an anonymous gift that reignites their passion for creating
Write about a small town that thrives on generosity until a sudden lack of community spirit threatens to tear it apart
Write about struggling to let go of something or someone
Write about adrenaline in a high-stake situation
Seven of Diamonds
Write about a struggling entrepreneur who makes a risky financial decision
Write about winning the lottery and receiving unexpected pressures from the community as a result
Explore your views on karma and how they affect (or don’t affect) your financial life
Write about coworkers scheming against each other for a pay raise
Eight of Diamonds
A financial planner discovers a hidden pattern in their client’s investments
Write about a work-related change that forced you to reevaluate your financial planning
Write about the cyclical nature of going to work, coming home, waking up, and going to work again
Write about the symbolism of the eyes in literature and art
Nine of Diamonds
Write about unexpectedly going viral online
Write about the ethical implications of investing in companies that fund activities you’re morally against
Write about a time when you received a bonus or reward
Write about life in 2025 if electricity had never been discovered
Ten of Diamonds
Write about a marathon runner who uses their physical energy to push through a race
Write about a tech entrepreneur obsessing about speed and innovation and losing his humanity in the process
What values, traditions, or lessons have been passed down to you
Write a monologue where a character recounts their journey from poverty to long-term wealth
Jack of Diamonds
A young researcher at a university receives a cryptic message that leads to a groundbreaking discovery
Write about a young person who influenced your life in a meaningful way
Write a stream-of-consciousness piece about your in-laws
Write about the ideal college experience
Queen of Diamonds
Write about a successful businesswoman whose newest investment clashes with the community
Reflect on a time when you had to make a practical decision that went against popular opinion
Explore the challenges of having a public-facing career
Explore the role of practicality in leadership
King of Diamonds
A wealthy investor discovers his son is publicly protesting against his new real estate deal
Write 12 steps to combat workaholism in the style of an AA program
Reflect on how you achieve, or don’t achieve, work-life balance
Write about the ethics of being a billionaire
Ace of Clubs
A former athlete takes on the challenge of coaching a struggling youth sports team
Reflect on a time when you faced a significant obstacle in a social setting
Make a list of events in your life that were caused by good or bad luck
Write about how organizations like corporations, schools, or governments create or hinder opportunities
Two of Clubs
Write about two scientists, who hate each other, being forced to work together to find a cure for a deadly pandemic
Write about how you would react to a boss ending an already pointless meeting by saying “I’m giving you your time back”
Write a free verse poem about how time can feel like a gift and a burden
Explain to your 10-year-old self that you still need to do group projects as an adult
Three of Clubs
If your scattered energy could be seen and touched, what would it look like, and how would you gather it
A small-town librarian solves a decades-old mystery
Write a poem about common sense
Analyze the role of collaboration in shaping societal progress
Four of Clubs
A young couple discovers that the foundation of their home (literally or symbolically) is unstable
Reflect on a time when you felt a strong sense of security
Write an ode to your first car
Write about how communities, families, and friendships stabilize an uncertain world
Five of Clubs
A young carpenter enters a high-stakes woodworking competition against his mentor
Write about a moment when you faced a struggle at work
Discuss your thoughts on physical labor/working with your hands
Write a narrative poem about a sports team’s journey through a season
Six of Clubs
Write about unconventional forms of communications
You create a device that revolutionizes media consumption — what does it do?
Reflect on a time when you received recognition for your efforts
Write a monologue as a student who struggles with conventional learning methods
Seven of Clubs
Write about a customer who stands her ground at the autoshop when the mechanic says there’s nothing wrong with her car, but she knows there is
Write about the relationship between restlessness, perseverance, and burnout
Write about a time when paying attention to detail saved you money
Write a persuasive argument about why employees should negotiate their salaries more often
Eight of Clubs
Write about a travel blogger whose quick decision leads to an unexpected situation
Write a script between two co-workers arguing in corporate-speak only
Write a sonnet about a boring business conference
Write about how our fast-paced lifestyles impact our mental health, relationships, and sense of fulfillment
Nine of Clubs
You are about to achieve something impossible — write a list of the thoughts running through your head moments before you officially achieve it
Describe your day knowing you will only experience good luck for 24 hours
Write about a transformative experience that felt like a stroke of good luck or divine timing
Write a halftime speech as a football coach trying to motivate a losing team
Ten of Clubs
Write a human interest piece about a couple who live on cruise ships full time because it’s cheaper than paying rent
Write a comedy about a CEO who gets life-altering news about his business while he’s stuck in the middle of the ocean
Write a free verse poem about your relationship with ambition
Write about how social media and reality TV shape our understanding of success and influence
Jack of Clubs
Write a short story about a former athlete trying to find meaning in the corporate world
Write a comedy about a freshman intern who is unexpectedly made responsible for government secrets
Write a heartwarming story about a young co-worker connecting with the eldest employee in the company
Write about how innovative young people overcome obstacles in the workplace
Queen of Clubs
Write vignettes of a high school counselor trying to convince unmotivated students that they should go to college
Write a text-message exchange between an extroverted girlfriend and her introvert boyfriend discussing plans for New Year’s Eve
Write about the challenges of being a social butterfly in the digital age
Analyze the portrayal of women in leadership positions in the media
King of Clubs
Write the challenges of working with a charismatic but demanding business associate
You are a retired pro athlete about to invest your money in different industries and businesses — what are they?
Explore how charisma can be both a gift and a burden
Write a scene about a business associate who must choose between a lucrative deal and his loyalty to a longtime colleague
Ace of Spades
Write a short story about a person who survives a near-death experience
Write about a moment when you experienced a symbolic death and rebirth
Write a dark comedy about a group of friends who host a “funeral” for their old lives
Write a poem about the first time you experienced anxiety
Two of Spades
Reflect on a time when indecision led to conflict in your life
Explore the idea of separation as a catalyst for growth
Write a dramatic short story about an already separated couple arguing after receiving bad news
Write a script for a news anchor who needs to report on a violent event
Three of Spades
Reflect on a time when third-party interference caused heartache in your life
Write a short story about a young woman doing a “loyalty” test on her boyfriend, and it goes horribly wrong
You’re in charge of how the world responds to the next pandemic — write a 12-step plan to keep the world safe
Write about a situation where deception is necessary
Four of Spades
A woman with a serious illness is forced to recover in a remote cabin
Write about a time when a delay led to an unexpected breakthrough
Explain your views on solitary confinement
As a “cool aunt,” give advice to your imaginary niece about how to avoid a toxic relationship
Five of Spades
Write about a time you had to walk away from a situation
Write a dark comedy about a surgeon who goes to work angry
Write a poem about your most significant breakup
Explain how you feel about the phrase “winners never quit, and quitters never win”
Six of Spades
Write a horror about a man who boards a haunted train after being chased by the cops
It’s your last night in your hometown — what do you do?
Write a one-act play about strangers bonding over a delayed flight
Write about a man who goes on a cross-country road trip in his late father’s car
Seven of Spades
Write a dramatic story about a co-dependent couple whose relationship is built on secrets
Write about a time you felt stuck in a situation, and how you broke free
Write a monologue as a recovering addict asking someone for a second chance
Write about the cultural narratives around addiction and co-dependency
Eight of Spades
Write about a time you experienced unrequited love
Write a snarky email quitting a job where there is rampant unfairness and imbalance of job duties
Write a stream-of-consciousness piece from the perspective of someone trapped in an elevator alone for an hour
Write a poem about the suffocating nature of anxiety
Nine of Spades
Write about a man who loses everything in a natural disaster
Write about a moment when you felt a loss of control
Reflect on a time when you experienced a profound loss
Describe a nightmare you’ve never forgotten
Ten of Spades
Write a short story about someone who discovers their partner’s infidelity on the same day they lose their job
You’ve successfully made it to the bottom of the deepest part of the ocean. What do you find?
If you had to guess, what subconscious belief(s) drove you to your worst life decisions?
If you had to rebuild your life tomorrow, where would you start?
Jack of Spades
Your kindest neighbor becomes possessed by a trickster spirit — describe their shenanigans
A troubled youth joins the military to escape their past, trouble ensues
Write about a moment when you felt detached or disconnected from those around you
Write about your opinion on how your country handles mental illness in young adults
Queen of Spades
Write a comedic scene between two widowed rivals at the country club arguing about whose husband left them the bigger estate
Write about an older woman who's been independent her whole life, having to ask for help as her health declines
Discuss the difficulties of revealing a separation or divorce after decades of marriage
Reflect on a time where you had to stand up to a spiteful rival
King of Spades
Write a short story about a judge facing a moral dilemma
Write about a formerly high-ranking veteran returning home after a dishonorable discharge
Write a comedic speech as a foreign diplomat who mistranslates a very important phrase
How do you think leaders, judges, or military figures influence cultural values and conflicts?
Let me know if you found these cartomancy writing prompts useful!
Thank you for making it this far. I have a new download available: What every tarot card means in a money reading. Perfect for tarot readings regarding business, workplace, or personal finances (for entertainment purposes only, obviously).
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