In my book, Talismans and Tarot, I talk about how you can weave together different elements of magic – Tarot divination, affirmations, visualizations, and the creation and use of talismans – to create the transformational change you desire.
You notice I mentioned affirmations there? Yes, they are manifestation magic! Once you learn the basics and get comfortable working with them, you can layer them into more complex (and delicious) magical practices.
Affirmations are positive, empowering statements you speak aloud regularly or say silently to yourself. By working with affirmations, you neutralize negative thought patterns that cause you stress, anxiety, and self-doubt, and replace them with an inner dialog that speaks to you with love and optimism. This fosters focus and self-esteem.
Many people dismiss affirmations as ineffective or poke fun at those who use them.
They think affirmations are just silly platitudes you use to tell yourself something that isn’t true.
They assume that those who use them are living in a fantasy world and asking a magical universe to send them whatever they want. And while it is true that telling yourself you are a millionaire doesn’t make you one, it is especially true if you have no plan to become one and don’t believe you ever will.
But this ignores the power that lies at the base of affirmations.
Powerful affirmations are based on self-knowledge, courage, and determination.
They come from deep within and express a desire that you know will bring positive change to your life. By repeating an affirmation, you teach your brain that this statement is true and motivate yourself to behave in ways that help you manifest the desire expressed by your words.
Effective affirmations inspire you to action.
Here are some important steps you can take to ensure your affirmations are powerful:
- Create a strong intention: Focus on one area of your life that needs love and care. Ask yourself what would make you happy and what kind of change you desire.
- Frame your statement positively: Don’t invite negativity into the mix; it just breeds more. For example, avoid statements like: “I’ll stop neglecting my health and ignoring my body.” Instead, say: “I support my well-being with a healthy lifestyle and self-care practice.”
- Be specific: Vague affirmations lack focus and clarity about the result you desire. Include timing in your affirmation if it makes sense. For example, don’t say: “I will get a university degree.” Instead, say: “I will graduate in spring 2026 with an honors degree in anthropology.”
- Use the present tense: This tells you and the universe that what you’re affirming is already true. The present tense expresses your conviction and trust in the outcome. Use definitive words like “I am” rather than “I want to” or “I will.”
- Use first-person pronouns: Pronouns like “me,” “I,” and “my” personalize your affirmation and keep it firmly focused on you.
- Include emotional words: Words that express how you feel show that you’re living your affirmation. For example: “I’m so happy to work at a company that appreciates my talent and dedication.”
- Make it about you: Don’t worry about how others perceive you. And don’t try to become someone else. Keep it focused on you. For instance, avoid statements like: “My family will be proud of me when I succeed.” Instead, say: “I take pride in my accomplishments.”
- Keep it short: Create clear and concise statements that are easy to remember and repeat.
- Make it real: Write your affirmations down and speak them aloud, even if that’s just in private. Stating your affirmation is the first step toward manifesting it.
- Visualize success: Imagine what your life will look like when you realize your intention. Experience it now; tell your brain to process those good feelings now.
- Meet yourself where you are: Acknowledge your feelings and challenges, and don’t force yourself into a place of toxic positivity. Focus on manifesting your future, while acknowledging where you are right now and what’s happening in your life.
In my book, I include an affirmation inspired by each of the 78 Tarot cards. Some are warm and fuzzy, and some are challenging. When a Tarot card comes up in your reading and whispers (or shouts) at you for attention, don’t ignore it. Work with one of my affirmations, and use mine as a jumping-off point to create your own with the steps listed above.
Today, I pulled the Hanging One (aka the Hanged Man or the Hanged One). My affirmation for this card is: “I know when to let go.”
Whoosh, that’s a tough one for me. I’m a sensitive overthinker, solopreneur, oldest daughter, and too observant for my own good. “Letting go” isn’t so easy for me. But today, when I said those words aloud, my body relaxed, my exhale was deep, and I knew exactly what I needed to let go of to get a good night’s sleep tonight. When unhelpful control or rumination patterns rise, I’ll remember the serene face of the Hanged One, and the magical affirmation he offers.
Why not pull a card NOW – what will you manifest with YOUR affirmation?
