KEEPING A TAROT JOURNAL

by Karen Howard

I’ve had students ask “What do I write in my tarot journal?” and I’d like to offer the following suggestions.

The book or pamphlet (or in some cases fold out sheet) that came with your tarot deck can be helpful. Remember, however, that the symbols and interpretations are those of the person (or people) who created the deck. This is now your deck and you will be doing readings with it, so keeping a tarot journal will help you learn what you see in the cards.

Familiarize yourself with your deck by drawing a card each day, making sure to write the date, day of the week and time of day, because each can make a big difference in a reading. Then hold your deck and ask a question about a specific area of your life, or simply, "What do I need to know today?"
We'll get into more specific questions in another post.

• If you asked about a specific area of your life, note that.

• Write down the card you drew.


Some suggestions of what to write in your journal:

• Does this card surprise you?

• Describe the card. What do you see in it? (Look at details)

• Are there people in the card?

• Who are the people? Are you there?

• What is the overall emotion of the card?

• What are the people doing? What are they feeling?

• How do you feel about the people in the card? Do you like them? Why or why not?

• What is the dominant color in the card? How does it make you feel?

• What do you think is missing from the picture?

• Is there anything in the card that needs to change to make you feel more empowered?

• Is there anything in the card that makes you uncomfortable?

• Might any major situations in your life have affected the reading?

• What action do you feel the card may indicate you should take?

At the end of the day, look at the card again and see what happened during the day that is reflected in the card. Did you foretell something? Did the card relate to a particular incident during the day? Write that down.

After a week or two, read your journal and write down the following:

• Is the same situation happening over and over in your life?

• Are you getting the same symbols in the cards?

• Are the same cards showing up?

• Do you see any correlation between your card/interpretation and events in your life?

• Did you foresee anything?

• Do you feel you misinterpreted any of the symbols?

• Do you see any patterns?

This is when it’s time to deal with what the cards are telling you. If the same things keep popping up, you may not be getting the message. That’s when it’s a good time for introspection and perhaps asking your guides for advice. Be open to suggestions/ideas.

Remember, the cards aren’t telling you what to do; they’re offering advice and suggestions, and it’s up to you to decide what you do with them.