Free association with tarot cards: Unlock your problem-solving creativity

In a previous post, I explained why tarot cards are such excellent tools for solving complex problems. I have also modified several existing creativity techniques to use tarot cards.

Let’s look at one creativity technique that I adapted for tarot, namely 'free association'. (See the list of techniques I modified for tarot later in this post.)

What is free association?

Do you remember using random words or images to solve problems? (Go back to this article if you need to refresh your memory.) Instead of using a dictionary or word list to find random images, you can use free association.

Free association is the basis of many creative problem-solving techniques. If you free associate, you let something trigger something else. For example, the word ‘table’ might make you think of chairs, plates, forks, knives, legs, shoes, socks, holes, dig, spade … and so on.

And there you have ten random words to use!

How can we use free association with tarot cards?

Previously (for example, in Let the image do the talking and in the article referred to above), I showed you how to use the image on a tarot card to stimulate fresh ideas. The free-association technique is similar, but instead of the image alone, you let everything you associate with the card serve as a random stimulus.

Here is an example:

Let’s say I want ideas to deal with traffic congestion on my way to work in the morning. I shuffle my Rider-Waite deck and draw the Magician.

Immediately, without thinking about it, I list words and phrases that come to mind.

My list looks like this:

magic

wands

roses

robes

tricks

concentration

intent

Harry Potter

“listen to me!”

unicycles

a traffic controller

a train conductor

hands-free

throwing rocks

“ready, get set …”

“Miss, may I be excused?”

From some of these associations, the following ideas pop up. (And, as with brainstorming, I list even seemingly crazy ideas: some of them can be modified to less crazy but effective solutions.)

Use a magic carpet.
Build a sling that can throw me from my house to my workplace.
Buy a car that drives itself so I can work in it.
Take a bus. Buses are ‘magically’ seldom late because of exclusive bus lanes.
Take a train, which won’t get stuck in traffic.
Drive to a point before the traffic gets heavy, and take a bus from there.
Cycle to work.
Starting earlier or later might help me avoid traffic (to negotiate) with my employer.
Leave earlier; eat breakfast in the car.
Do isometric or stretching exercises in the car while stuck in traffic.
Traffic controllers can ease or exacerbate the problem. Replacing an inefficient traffic controller would help.
Practise mindfulness or deep breathing while stuck in traffic.
Use the time to make phone calls (using a hands-free kit!).
Have one-on-one meetings with colleagues using my phone.
Use ‘magic’ technology to dictate letters or to listen to emails or articles.
Listen to audiobooks.
Do something creative, like composing a poem or planning a surprise birthday party.

The seemingly ‘crazy’ ideas, like the magic carpet, can lead to thoughts like taking a taxi or hiring a chauffeur. And cars that drive themselves already exist.

The Sceptic's Tarot

Tarot cards for creative thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and journalling