Automatic writing is defined as writing that is produced not from the conscious mind. This means that when one is automatically writing, they are channeling the writing from an outer source or one’s own subconscious.

Automatic writing is also sometimes referred to as “trance” writing as many believe that in order to fully be able to channel messages, one must first go into a trance. Therefore, this practice is primarily done by mediums able to go into a deep trance to receive messages from outside themselves.

There are believers who have written of witnessing mediums or psychics going into trances and automatically writing. One such medium by the name of Mabel Collins was believed to have gone into a trance while writing several novels and the information contained in those novels therefore may have been channeled from otherworldly sources. She was witnessed to have started writing and then while “asleep” or uncommunicative, continued to write the books she was working on. Much of her writings were guidelines on how to study mysticism. Today, they would still be a relevant read for those interested in new age topics.

Another well-known writer by the name of Ken Carey, who wrote “The Starseed Transmissions” trilogy, did not know he had the power to “channel” light beings until he became quite ill and, for unknown reasons, got down an old typewriter and began to write what he now says are messages he received from star beings and, later, from an entity who introduced himself as Christ. Although Carey’s writings are decidedly steeped in Christian reference, the fact that some of what he writes goes beyond most people’s casual understanding of spiritual matters might lead one to believe that he was able to channel other-worldly entities in order to automatically pen several books.

And then there are people who believe that Nostradamus had the ability to go into trances and automatically write the visions he saw.

As interesting as these accounts are, perhaps the only way automatic writing could possibly be proven not to be a hoax is by conducting a simple experiment whereby two people are separated either in different rooms, different places, or even different countries and then told to try and channel thoughts from the other person. The person from whom messages are being channeled will be writing the message while the “channeling” medium is allowing himself or herself to receive the message clairvoyantly and is automatically writing it down at the same time.

Is this possible? There have been private, unpublished accounts of this very experiment being successful between a Hungarian minister/spiritualist living in the United States and corresponding regularly with a medium in Hungary. Their writings were so similar when compared as to make one believe that yes, automatic writing is not only possible but probable.

If nothing else, it is always fun to test these things out for ourselves. The next time you find yourself without anything to do, why not get comfortable, go into a meditative state, and have pen and paper handy to write whatever comes to mind. Who knows? You may just be the next great author of a book that is entirely written by someone or something else outside your realm.