The Tarot Journal
Hello there, everybody!
Today I'm going to be talking about a few things touching on the Tarot Journal. Such as, the big obvious one, of what a Tarot Journal is. The reasons why you should definitely think about starting one. I'll also be giving you some examples of what you may want to put in your Tarot Journal. Aaaand show you some very messy examples of mine. Starting with this beat up one here.
It's a bit raggedy, I know, but it was my very first one!
Honestly, guys, I have HORRIBLE handwriting as well! Plus, I have dyslexia, so you'll have to forgive me, but now you've been forewarned... I'm really not kidding, everyone. It's such an assault to the eyes that I've been wanting to start my own Grimoire and haven't yet just because of that. I absolutely LOVE those awesome handmade leather ones, but it would be a complete waste of money for me! Instead, I've decided to make a Grimoire Binder within the last week so that I can type things up and then print them out nicely. It seems like a solid solution, and the plus side, I get to rearrange it whenever I want to!
Look at this mess!
I have to REALLY concentrate on making it even this legible lol!
Now, first things first, what is a Tarot Journal? Well... It's pretty much what you would think it is. It's like any other journal that you write in every day, except that this one is strictly devoted to Tarot. It's something that you should try to make time for daily and will become a valuable resource to you in time. It's an excellent thing to do, especially if you're a beginner with Tarot, although I will tell you it's something that I still use to this day.
I'm sure you're all thinking, Well Wren, that's all great and everything, but what's actually in one? And why is it a resource for me?
Here are a few examples of what you can put in yours. Though, in the end, it's entirely up to you what goes in it.
Card Meanings
Daily Draws
Readings
Impressions/Emotions
Spreads you try out
Spreads you make
Pictures of Cards
Tips & Tricks
Numbers and their meaning
Print outs
Etc.
Really whatever you feel may be beneficial to you in the long run.
My very first cheat sheet of numbers!
Here's the thing, I still reference my old ones, all the way back to that first one I showed you. A lot of experienced readers and seers do. You get that little niggle in the back of your mind. Hmmm... This situation and reading seem similar to another I once did. How did that turn out? Then you pull out your journals and find it. You might want to look at a chart you put in one or pull a spread back up to retry.
It helps you develop as a reader, and it's super helpful as you're learning because you can go back and see how you interpreted a card previously. Or you can go back to a spread you did, and because you're looking back on it, you can tell which card was essential to the reading. Perhaps, instead, you realize that a card should have been interpreted differently than you did. That's the benefit of that 20/20 hindsight, really. It helps us to grow and evolve through learning.
For me, I still use them as I do readings. It's evolved from that first journal into almost a form of automatic writing. I usually get barraged with words, images, and emotions all at once. It's way too much to say, and typically, they're not even complete thoughts. Writing them down as they come helps me to sort through and organize them into something cohesive.
And your writing, as well as what you write, will change the more you do it. Because let's be frank here, most people initially only write down the standard meanings at first. There's nothing wrong with that. In my opinion, it actually helps you to learn the general archetypes quicker. You'll get more out of it faster if you start out by doing that and adding in your own personal thoughts, feelings, and interpretations.
What should you use as a journal? Anything. It's that simple. Like I showed you, that first one of mine is a cheap Dollar Store spiral notebook. I had $0 at the time, and it's all I could afford. I still use spiral notebooks to this day. They're better quality, have more paper, hardcovers, and with pockets to place print outs in - always spiral notebooks in the end. They also stack, move, and store easily if that's a concern for anyone. I don't see the need to spend too much money on them with my big messy handwriting that has to be spaced out to read it! (I blame them making me a righty when I was a lefty - still haven't recovered from that!)
There are a lot of options to choose from. You've got spiral notebooks, legal pads (I almost went with that the first time because they're so cheap), composition books, or binders with loose-leaf paper and print outs. Some small diary-type journals, the more expensive handmade leather ones, or there are even some made especially to be Tarot Journals. Some people keep one on their PC or phones. I couldn't do it because of my stream of consciousness when I'm writing in my journal and the spreads I build in it, but some people swear they work.
You use what you have with the resources you have access to, even if it's nothing but a folder with loose paper. Just beware that you could end up with missing papers that way... The important thing is to get a journal and use it. It can be a massive help and guide for you to follow. It only has to work for you, no one else.
I hope that was insightful and helped you guys out if you had and questions about Tarot Journals. Join us again next week for more Divination inspiration!
Monday, of course, we'll have our Weekly Divination Outlook.
Next Wednesday, we'll be going over the next Major Arcana Card, #3 The Empress! So be sure to come back to class and learn all about it. I certainly look forward to it!
If you're someone who's just starting out in Tarot, I highly encourage you to start from the beginning with Tarot Class: Intro to the Cards. I go over some general information on the cards and break them down for you a bit. Another good one to look at would be The Three Card Spread and its Many Uses. It's great for beginners and experienced readers alike.
Next Friday, I'm not too sure what I'll be covering. Hopefully, I figure it out this weekend or at least by Monday!
I want to thank you for dropping by and reading this! Please stick around and explore if you'd like. And be sure to give me a follow on Instagram and Pinterest.
Let me know how you're doing and what you're thinking in the comments down below. As always before you comment, please remember to be kind and respect one another. Be sure to check out the Forum and make sure you read Wren's Rules of Engagement!
