Unlock your inner wisdom: The transformative power of writing a fairy tale

Fairy tales hold a unique key to the symbolic language of our soul. When we write the words “Once upon a time,” we step through a portal into another world—a shamanic, metaphorical realm brimming with insight and transformation.

Fairy tales are never literal; they operate metaphorically, offering profound psychological significance. Each image and narrative holds power, not just as a story but as a multi-layered revelation. They open doors to perspectives and possibilities we might not have considered otherwise.

Writing a fairy tale is not a linear process—it’s an intuitive leap. Often, your logical mind may judge or dismiss the process. Let that go. Instead, allow the images to guide you. Write what comes, without attachment to how it “should” be. Trust the images—they have something meaningful to share.

If you find yourself stuck, try this: write the words “…and what I really want to say is…” and let the story flow. These words often unlock a deeper layer of wisdom and insight.

Sacred moments are those that bring surprise. If you already know what’s going to happen, you’re not in a sacred moment. Writing a fairy tale invites you into a sacred space where the unexpected can unfold. Treat the tale as a real place—a realm of wisdom waiting to be explored.

For example, here’s a fairy tale written by one of my students:

“Once upon a time, way up on a high hill, on a grassy spot surrounded by tall trees, there sat a young girl. She had eaten all the fruits off all the trees surrounding this grassy spot and now there was nothing left to eat. And that was OK, it’s just that she was so used to looking for rich, juicy red fruit, that she didn’t know what else there was to look at. And so she just needed to sit there, until her vision readjusted to this new inner and outer place and she could see with fresh eyes again, all the beauty in this world.”

This simple yet profound narrative illustrates how fairy tales can reveal perspectives and insights that might not emerge otherwise.

Fairy tales tap into the metaphoric realm, where images work on multiple levels at once, helping us tune into deeper layers of ourselves. When you engage with this terrain, space opens up—space for creativity, clarity, and new options you might never have considered.

The creative process isn’t linear. It leaps, surprising us. Your left brain may judge what you’re writing or try to shut it down, but let go of those judgments. Welcome whatever arises, and let the images themselves write the tale.

If you’d like to explore this process more deeply, watch this short video for guidance on writing your own fairy tale: Fairy Tale Writing Process.

Let yourself enter this sacred, creative space and discover the insights waiting for you.