Keeping a Tarot Journal, Part 1

Most tarot teachers and authors advise keeping a tarot journal. I don’t know about you, but I love journaling and especially combining journal keeping with tarot. This entry begins a series of articles that explore what various authors and teachers say about journaling and tarot.

This first foray is from one of my favorite authors, Christine Jette. Her book, Tarot for All Seasons, takes us on a journey through the Wheel of the Year, providing rituals and spreads inspired by the Sabbats and moon phases. But for now, let’s see what she says about journaling:

Keeping a journal allow syou to put into words your innermost thoughts without fear of criticism. A journal is your personal property and can be kept confidential, much like a diary. Many beautiful blank books are available, but you need not spend a lot of money on your journal. A three-ring notebook is adequate, and you can add entries on loose-leaf paper. Perhaps you’ll want to decorate the outside of your notebook. Creativity unlocks intuition—make the journal a unique expression of you.

The benefit of keeping a tarot journal comes from the process of writing your thoughts, feelings, insights, and observances. You can be sad, silly, angry, profane, or anything else you to be without fear of reprisal. The journal becomes the chronicle of your life story. Whether you share it with anyone is up to you. As your reread entries, you will find the journal to be a record of growth, wisdom, healing—and magic.

If you notice some of the cards repeating themselves in your seasonal layouts, there is a message calling for your attention. A theme in your life, represented by repetitive cards, needs examination. Sometimes the cards’ messages are not immediately clear. By keeping a tarot journal, you can review confusing readings next week, next month, or next Sabbat. You may be surprised at how much sense the cards make at a later date.

Honor all information you receive, regardless of whether you grasp it today. Adopt an attitude of respectful regard and do not dismiss cards you like or don’t understand. The message is in the cards—if you stay with the cards. Over time, with patience and practice, the puzzle pieces will fall into place.

Journal entries can be jotted down at odd moments, but you may want to establish a regular time for writing about your tarot experiences through the seasons. Once the value of journal keeping has been established, you will find it becomes a trusted friend—a valuable ritual during which you record your feelings, trauma, pain, joy, triumphs, and insights.

Record and date every seasonal tarot layout and keep it in your journal. With each reading, you are one step further in your journey towards wisdom. Keeping  a record over time allows you to monitor your inner development and observe the miracle of the Wheel of the Year—and your ability to change with it.

Three Journal-Keeping Tips

1. Pick a journal that you love but that you’re not afraid to write in (if it’s too fancy, you might worry about “making mistakes.”).
2. Always date your entries.
3. Review your readings every few months to note how events unfolded.