What is automatic writing?

Automatic writing is a technique used to access the unconscious mind. It involves writing without conscious thought or planning, allowing the hand to move freely across the page and record whatever emerges. The writer doesn't actively choose the words or sentences; they act as a passive conduit for a seemingly external source of information or inspiration.

It's often associated with:

* Spiritualism and mediumship: Some believe automatic writing allows communication with spirits, guides, or other entities.

* Creative writing: Others use it as a tool to unlock creative blocks, explore subconscious themes, and generate ideas for stories, poems, or other artistic works.

* Psychological exploration: It can be a method for uncovering hidden thoughts, feelings, and memories that are normally suppressed or inaccessible.

Regardless of the beliefs surrounding it, the process itself involves simply holding a pen and letting it move across the paper without conscious control over the content. The resulting text might be coherent or nonsensical, legible or illegible, and often contains imagery and symbolism that the writer may not immediately understand.