Tell us about your Tarot Journal

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 04 Feb 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

lunakasha	04 Feb 2004
I just started taking Joan Bunning's Beginner Tarot course online, and one of the first assignments we had was to keep a tarot journal. Now, in the past I had always used a regular spiral notebook to record my daily cards and more in-depth readings for myself...but the journal I am starting now is going to be SO much more than that. I am very excited about using my journal as a tool, to help me learn more about tarot, and about myself. My question is: how many of you keep a tarot journal? And if so, what do you include within it??? Do you use an ordinary notebook, a three-ring binder with different sections...or is your system completely unique??? Please inspire me/us with your ideas, and also tell us about how keeping a journal has helped in your process of learning tarot. Blessings, :) Luna

Aerten	04 Feb 2004
I use a two inch three ring binder. It's divided into two main sections, 'General' and 'Individual Cards.' The 'General' section really just has miscellany-- instructions for making a tarot bag, a few versions of The Fool's Journey, and spreads. The 'Individual Cards' section is divided up by number with little tabs (rainbow ones, actually :)) so I can find what I'm looking for quickly. I won't write down any meanings until I've found them applicable to my life. For example, I'll draw the four of cups, read a bit about it, and then see how the event related to the four of cups. Then I'll write down the interpretations that I found relevant. I also have a page about the number in general-- "Aces," "Twos," "Threes," etc. And on each page for each card is a list of all the days I've drawn them on :)

Mimers	04 Feb 2004
Hi Lunakasha, Keeping a journal was the best thing I did. I keep a separate one for readings and one for studies. In my reading journal i keep all of my readings. In my study one, I keep notes on all the cards. I am on my third journal for each and it's been about 2 years since I started. In my study journal I put notes about the cards. This is usually my first impressions. Notes on the symbolism in the card, and my meditations on the card. I also might add things other people have written if it really resonates with me. I also write for each card the following which you can find at this great site: http://www.nodntap.net/tarot/tut_links.shtml Quote: from the nodntap.net website If you REALLY feel adventurous, you might want to try to write about each of the following aspects of the card: Mental -- How it relates to your thoughts and concepts Spirit -- How it relates to your drive, enthusiasm, will power Emotional -- How it relates to your emotions and feelings. Physical -- How it relates to your material/financial well being, or to your health. Soulful -- How it relates to your soul and its journey or to your spiritual quest. Business -- How it relates to your work or career. Relationship -- How it relates to your relationship(s). Problematic -- The most problematic aspect of this card. Beneficial -- The most beneficial aspect of this card. I am doing this for every card and this helps when the cards are in possitions relating to that aspect. I also copy spreads I like into my journal, interesting things I have found concerning numerology and colors. Oh, I also wrote stories using the court cards and all the cards in the suit. This is a great way to understand the minors. In my stories the court cards are the family and the numbered cards are the families' story played out. It was a lot of fun! I always leave blank pages so I can go back and add things. I also found a table of contents handy for finding things. I use a regular composition notebook. Most of all, have fun with it and don't be too fussy with it, or you will not use it any more. Enjoy the journey! Mimi

lunakasha	04 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Aerten The 'Individual Cards' section is divided up by number with little tabs (rainbow ones, actually :)) so I can find what I'm looking for quickly. I won't write down any meanings until I've found them applicable to my life. For example, I'll draw the four of cups, read a bit about it, and then see how the event related to the four of cups. Then I'll write down the interpretations that I found relevant. And on each page for each card is a list of all the days I've drawn them on :) Thanks Aerten! Those are great ideas...I have already bought a 2-inch binder and divided into sections; so far I've got sections for my Lessons from Joan Bunning's online course, one for individual interpretations of each card, one to track my daily readings, one for outside readings (other than those I do for myself), and one section for general writing....I like your idea of keeping track of the days each card comes up. I appreciate the feedback very much! :) Luna

lunakasha	04 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Mimers In my study journal I put notes about the cards. This is usually my first impressions. Notes on the symbolism in the card, and my meditations on the card. I also might add things other people have written if it really resonates with me. I also write for each card the following which you can find at this great site: http://www.nodntap.net/tarot/tut_links.shtml I am doing this for every card and this helps when the cards are in possitions relating to that aspect. I also copy spreads I like into my journal, interesting things I have found concerning numerology and colors. Oh, I also wrote stories using the court cards and all the cards in the suit. This is a great way to understand the minors. In my stories the court cards are the family and the numbered cards are the families' story played out. It was a lot of fun! WOW Mimers...so much information here...my mind is spinning with possibilities!!! I love your idea about writing a story as a way of getting to know the cards...that sounds like so much fun!And thank you for providing that link... what an excellent resource! Just to get me started, I will be copying your entire post and including it in a *new* section of my journal: Aeclectic Resources. Thank you so much for inspiring me to move in directions I hadn't even thought of.... :D Luna

Majecot	04 Feb 2004
Hi Luna I just started Joans course too :D, but sad to say, I am not very good about my journal. I did journal my cards, and sometimes I keep record of my readings. I am trying to get better at it because it is very interesting to go back and re-read them. I do keep a better record of spreads cards and readings on my computer than I do in a note book. But unfortuantely I am not consistant with recording readings. I do like the idea of separate binders. Mine are kinda hodge podge. :| ( I am much more organized for work than home)

Logiatrix	05 Feb 2004
Hi, luna.... :D My tarot journal is a three-ring zipper binder divided into five sections: Notes: I collect notes from various sources I read, such as in books (especially if I don't intend to hang on to them), online resources, and from classes. Readings: I record and file my readings on pre-printed forms I made up (for very basic three and ten/twelve-card spreads); I also have a form for my I-Ching readings. I only do these more extensive readings when I wish to confront a very specific and signicant issue that I know will require continued reflection; the forms are very useful for that. Spreads: I have printed several spreads off of different online sites over the years, as well as accumulated copies from tarot books; all of those are saved in this section. However, over the last two years or so, I have preferred to create and collect my own spreads for my tarot journal. Journal: This is my all-purpose "journal-with-a-tarot-twist." My regular, everyday diary has evolved into this section, as I finally realized that tarot and my daily life are fairly inseperable. Here is where I whine, reflect, free-write, or contemplate my readings. I-Ching: I-Ching gets its own section for notes and readings, as I have found that I often prefer this Oracle over tarot or other card systems, when I want an honest reading for myself. :) This is the way I have kept my tarot journal for the last three years or so, only adding and subtracting a few minor things here and there. My experience with tarot would have been scattered and unfocused if I hadn't kept it in check within my trusty binder! I also like how I am able to track my progress, as I occasionally sift through my pages and look at what I have gathered. I can see what I didn't know, what I have finally learned, and what I have yet to take in. ;) PEACE, Tauni EDITED to add: I have also found that it is convenient to keep a portable notebook for my day-to-day readings--there's no way I could haul that big monster of a notebook around! :D

ol_crazy_Legs	05 Feb 2004
I also took that course online and i must say it very informative. You can learn alot from Joan. On the other hand I do keep a "Tarot Journal." Its a Spiral notepad with my interpretaion on the cards influenced from there real meanings. I also us it to record spreads in depth when there about My family, Close freinds, and myself.

Melissa`	05 Feb 2004
From the sounds of others, mine is rather simplistic. Then again I just started a journal when I should have been doing it months ago. :O I also use a 3 ring binder with tabbed sections. One section is of readings, printed out from others online or ones that I have given to myself. I don't write on the backs of the pages so I always have room for more notes. The other sections are divided up into majors and the suits. Maybe someday my journal will be more interesting! heh ~ Amaya

inanna_tarot	05 Feb 2004
Simple is the best way for me! My journal is a ring binder! The first bit is organised by day, so i'll have everything in order i.e. my daily card, and any other reading i do on that day are all together (so i dont loose it). Then i have a selection of interesting spreads with the spreads drawn by hand, its annoying sometimes, but its completely worth it. My next section is 78 pieces of paper, one of each card. Theres a few key words and then my general impressions of the card from the vibes i get and results from my daily draw. When my tarot course starts i could make an extra section, but i think i'll just put it all in the journal bit together, so i've got a really good progressive journal thats not all super organised and bitty. Sezo x

Moonbow*	05 Feb 2004
"tell us about your Tarot journal" Which one?? I have a ringed notepad (large) where I do everything in rough - could be readings - feedback - notes on cards etc. Then I have the following: Journal one - my 78 weeks study journal - each post I write on this ends up in the journal for future journal two - every reading I have ever done for anyone is written neatly in here so that I can look back ( I also date each reading, who its for and what deck I used) journal three - my Marseilles journal - each time I learn or find something new that I want to use, I write it in here under the appropriate card heading. journal four - Tarot of the Spirit meditation journal - I am meditating on each card - going through the deck and I write down my feelings and findings about each card journal five - not really a journal but a small notebook with keywords for each card which I can add to journal six - again this is for one deck - the Rohrig - my thoughts on each card. On top of these I have a folder with all the readings others have done for me so that I can see at a later date if anything comes true I also have a folder with all the Seekers questions, my replies and Larks feedback And finally..... a folder with any historical findings including some threads I have print off which may be of use for study Yep, I think that's it .... for now Moonbow* Phew!!

Kiama	05 Feb 2004
I only have one journal going on at a time, in which everything Tarot goes! I love pretty things, and I'm not a very dedicated person to journalling (I tried keeping a diary as a kid, but never got beyond one week!) So, my journal has to be pretty and make me want to write in it! My previous one was beige, textured, very simple yet enticingly beautiful... Reminded me of a beach. My current one that I have just finished is denim with silver and translucent beads sewn on in a pattern. My new one which I am just about to start is suede, a gift from my boyfriend for Christmas. What do I keep in them? - My Daily Draw studies, when I do them - Any observations I make whilst doing other things - Any quotes from books I think relate well to certain cards - Sketches of my own view of some of the cards - Collages: clippings that relate particularly well to cards - Spreads I discover online (with reference to where I found them.) And spreads I create myself - Meditation results - Musings about Tarot, its use, history, approaches, certain cards, etc. - Rants (Most recently: Robin Wood's Hierophant card.) - Links between the Tarot and other symbolic systems eg- Runes, Numerology - My Kabbalah studies - Studies from specific decks. (Most recently, the Mary-el and Thoth) - Outlines for new decks (Most recently, a better LOTR deck, a Disney Tarot, and the God Tarot.) - Readings I do for myself and others (If I do readings online for people, I will write them in the journal then type them up. If I do readings IRL, I'll ask the person if they don't mind me writing down the cards and a quick intepretation.) - Readings other people do for me. - Deck wishlist }) I put it all in the same journal according to date. I prefer it this way, and can usually find what I'm looking for surprisingly easily. :D Blessings, Kiama

inanna_tarot	05 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama - Links between the Tarot and other symbolic systems eg- Runes, Numerology - My Kabbalah studies Blessings, Kiama [/b] Oh thats a point! i write things like that in my runes section of my divination folder, and Kabbalah stuff at the moment is in my Kabbalah section of my BoS. Divination was in there, but it got too big with Runes and Astrology lol. Sezo x

Orion	05 Feb 2004
Hi Luna: I have a couple different items I work with. One is almost a reference manual for me in a 3 ring binder. Over the years, I have collected information and insight for every single card. I have two pages dedicated per card with my description, interpretations, and reveresed/upright meanings and keywords. I have part of this binder sectioned off with all the spreads I have come across and used. Next, I use a coil note book for when I am actually doing readings. I keep note of everything pertaining to the reading... who I am reading for, date, time, what deck I used, what spread I used, what cards were chosen, my interpretations, and reactions to the reading. I find this is great (especially when I read for myself or a close friend/family member), it is information I can come back to whenever I need to.

Summerdream	05 Feb 2004
Hello Luna, I'm afraid to admit I'm not too organized in my journal. I do have a file folder that has different spreads in it and a monthly calendar sheet where I keep track of my daily draws. I journal in a regular notebook each day, which card I drew, what it means to me and how it related to the day. I write in my journal in different colors corresponding to the suit colors (red= cups, purple=majors, green=pentacles, blue=swords and yellow=wands although when I write down my long entry I use black for wands because I can't read the yellow!). On my tarot calendar sheet I write in the entry each day and then at the end of the month use a colored pencil of the above suit colors and see which suits played a signifigant role that month. I keep track of the readings I have done for myself and others either in the back of my current notebook I am journaling in or in my file folder. I also have all my new deck spreads there. The thing that has helped me the most is an online tarot card database that my husband created. It lets me keep track of which card I draw everyday and also keeps a running total from year to year. Today marks the 2 year anniversary I have been doing it and for instance the card I drew the most this year was a tie between the hanged man and two of cups. Also, for example I never drew the death or empress at all this year. It give me quick access to see which suit I'm drawing the most, which card, majors, etc. It also keeps a running total since the first day I started doing this 2 years ago. My card that I've drawn the most in the 2 years combined is the ace of cups. I do like the idea of having a nice organized 3-ring binder which seperate sections for meanings of the cards as they imply in your life as you draw them, meditations, relfections, readings and so on. I guess I should go out and invest in one and get more organized that way too. It makes sense to me. Hope to see your around in the B&N class. Take care, Momof3girls:)

dolphinprincess	05 Feb 2004
I have a three ring binder that I used to store actual readings I do for others, or readings others have done for me... I also keep spreads in here and various notes.. Then I have a nice little spiral bound journal that I write in everynight when I pull my cards... This is more "personal"... Momof3girls - I love the tarot database idea.. funny, i use them all the time at work, but never thought to do this at home. i'll have to give it a try. thanks for the suggestion.

lunakasha	05 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama I love pretty things, and I'm not a very dedicated person to journalling (I tried keeping a diary as a kid, but never got beyond one week!) So, my journal has to be pretty and make me want to write in it Me too! I am a VERY visual person, and I also enjoy being creative and using that energy to create something meaningful, something that I actually enjoy working on! Kiama--love your ideas about including collage and sketches in the book...I was thinking about trying to do some rough sketches of some of the cards...you know, my interpretation of the card. Also, I am a COLLAGE-freak!!! I bought a black, 3-ring binder for my journal and am planning to collage the whole thing and make it BEE-utiful! Momof3girls--love your idea of keeping a database for quick tracking of daily cards...will talk to you about how I can get that going :D Never used Excel, but have been wanting to learn! Thanks to everyone for your overwhelming response here...I will be copying most of these posts onto a Word doc and including them in a section of my journal...SO MANY great ideas, I am overwhelmed and excited at the same time!!!! Hope to hear from others...more inspiration please! ;) Luna

Phoenyx*	05 Feb 2004
This is some great info! Thanks everyone.

Nevada	05 Feb 2004
I journal on letter-size yellow legal pads. Everything--personal journals, Tarot journals, readings. They may go into a 3-ring binder for a while, but their final home is in a file cabinet in my home office, divided into categories such as Readings, Spreads, Study Notes, Writing Ideas, etc. It sounds more organized than it is. :laugh: This is just the most recent system. I think I'll stay with this one for some time, though. Nevada

Aerten	05 Feb 2004
Yes, good advice, indeed! I'm going to have to get my journal up to snuff now. Oohhh, the excitement of planning :)

lunakasha	05 Feb 2004
THANKS everyone! This is sooooo much fun! I have gotten so many ideas from everyone here, it's great stuff! I have decided to add another section to my journal, which I had sort of been trying to figure out in my head...listening to everyone's suggestions definitely helped me pull it together. So, I decided to include a section called The Art of Tarot, and in it I will include anything visually stimulating which represents tarot....this would include pictures of actual tarot cards, photos from magazines that remind me of either tarot images or definitions of some of the cards, collages that I create, drawings of cards...and so on! What do you think? Please let me know if you think of anything else that might be included in this section! I agree with you Aerten: I definitely enjoy the planning and organizing process...and then it will be time to actually PUT STUFF in it!!! :) Luna

Strange2	06 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Momof3girls The thing that has helped me the most is an online tarot card database that my husband created. It lets me keep track of which card I draw everyday and also keeps a running total from year to year. ... It give me quick access to see which suit I'm drawing the most, which card, majors, etc. I use a spreadsheet that does pretty much the same thing: totals by card, suit, majors, minors, etc. Being of a logical mind set, I started doing this to see if there were any patterns or frequencies in the cards being drawn, or if over time the selections were spread out evenly across the deck. After 2 1/2 years and 386 readings, there indeed are patterns in cards that appear with more or less frequency. For example, the Hierophant has come up 23 times, while the Chariot has only appeared 5 times. Queens, Aces and Fives are the most common of the minors, while the Tens are least frequent. Very interesting to see the patterns, and the discipline of recording each reading keeps me in tune with ongoing Tarot work and studies. On the journal side, I use a common 3-ring binder, with sections to record thoughts on readings, general research notes, and separate pages for each card for reflections and AHA moments. I also have some see-through vinyl holders to place the cards from my morning readings, for viewing during my commute to/from work.

lunakasha	06 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Strange2 I also have some see-through vinyl holders to place the cards from my morning readings, for viewing during my commute to/from work. I have a similar system, which is more portable than my 3-ring binder. I have a small, 6 1/2 X 4 3/4 inch photo book....I call this my "Spirit Book", and it goes with me everywhere! I always place my daily tarot card on the inside of the front cover, so I can reflect on it throughout the day. Also in my Spirit Book are photographs of my beloved boys (cats), pictures of my spirit animals (Wolf, Fox and Lion) and photocopied images of some of my favorite, most beautiful tarot and oracle cards. Everything contained in this book is significant to me, and the artwork is always more inspirational than mundane, challenging me to rise to a higher level within. :) Luna

TemperanceAngel	07 Feb 2004
Thanks for this thread, it inspired me to tell my new students about my first journal. I have studied tarot on my own for years, and I found my journal invaluble and used my first one for at least 7 years. I would write down my readings and my friends' as well, if they let me. I would look back over my readings and add comemets to the readings in a different color pen and date them as well. Over the years of looking at my first readings I saw the cycles of my life in the cards and started to really understand the cycles of the cards. I noticed that my thoughts or inspiration or dreams or wishes started to manifest and I realised that I really could make my 'dreams come true', so to speak. The power of thought or suggestion is very strong :) I did things like would just note the colors of the cards in my readings or emotions or Majors or Minors or numbers etc etc etc. It was one of my most interesting and fascinating experiences, including the way it helped me to understand me, to grow, personal transformation and from this I learned to understand and tolerate different things about people on many different levels. I also learnt to never think you can't do anything, and that dreams do come true ;) XTAX

VGimlet	07 Feb 2004
I've had journals since I was a kid, and so a tarot journal is just one more to add to the pile.. Right now, while I'm still studying specific decks, I have a spiral notebook for each deck. Rider Waite green cover for last year. I wish I'd left more space for writing about each card in this one - I didn't have room for all I could have said about the minors. Thoth black cover this year. I'm leaving lots of room to write about cards, and not so much for readings. Marseille next year (red?) I scan my study decks, shrink them down *very* small, laminate them, cut them out, and carry them around while I study them, and when I've finished with that card, the tiny laminated copy also goes in the journal. Right now my card readings are going in the back of the journals. I am on the look out for a special three ring binder to use for later . My personal journals end up being scrap books too, and I want to go that way with my tarot journal eventually.

lunakasha	07 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by VGimlet Right now, while I'm still studying specific decks, I have a spiral notebook for each deck. Rider Waite green cover for last year. I wish I'd left more space for writing about each card in this one - I didn't have room for all I could have said about the minors. Thoth black cover this year. I'm leaving lots of room to write about cards, and not so much for readings. Marseille next year (red?) I scan my study decks, shrink them down *very* small, laminate them, cut them out, and carry them around while I study them, and when I've finished with that card, the tiny laminated copy also goes in the journal. WOW...Thanks VGimlet!!! I really like your idea about laminating the miniature cards and studying each one individually. Also, color-coded notebooks for studying different decks is an excellent idea...my biggest problem right now would be deciding on which deck to work with...I tend to go from one deck to another, rather than commiting to one deck at a time! :) Luna

Phoenyx*	07 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha I tend to go from one deck to another, rather than commiting to one deck at a time! :) Luna Same here, I tend to bounce back and forth between my dragons, my Thoth and my Riders.

tmgrl2	17 Feb 2004
Thanks Luna for directing me from my Bunning Thread to this one. I just started so find the suggestions in this thread helpful...I tend to write notes of everything I read...I printed out Aeclectice Thirteen's notes on each card...I added in notes from other sources...now I am on to Bunning. As I move forward, some of my early notes have been absorbed into my memory banks and some information I discard. As far as journaling, I do have a binder and today is "The Fool"...doing one card a day and thinking of it's meaning as I go through the day...so today I played the Fool, and threw out my early plans to do taxes and spent a few hours instead reading the Baba thread about the new Prague deck...it felt good to be spontaneous..I did get the taxes done too... I will write down some thought tonight on my day..in the journal page for The Fool...I had already copied onto that page key points from my other sources, which only took up part of a page, even though I had done lots of reading on the Fool from various sources. Later I will do one day readings, but no haste needed here...I want to make progress, not rush through and when I feel ready I'll start some basic readings for myself. Again thanks for directing me here. I like the idea of turning the reading ultimately into a story that fits the question or situation. terri

lunakasha	17 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by tmgrl2 Thanks Luna for directing me from my Bunning Thread to this one. I just started so find the suggestions in this thread helpful...today I played the Fool, and threw out my early plans to do taxes and spent a few hours instead reading the Baba thread about the new Prague deck...it felt good to be spontaneous..I did get the taxes done too... You are so welcome, Terri :) I got so many great ideas from this thread, and I am now getting ready to start journal #2!!! The first one is getting too big now, it is getting more difficult to open and close the binder without losing skin :eek: Glad you had some fun today, being Fool-ish! :) Luna

tmgrl2	17 Feb 2004
That's the beauty of the Tarot, isn't it?! I studied graphology and did color readings YEARS ago...but this is such a wonderful way to shift one's focus to the "hidden" parts of ourselves (and others, if we choose to use Tarot in this fashing). Yes, I did have fun being Fool-ish...I usually do though, even though I work full-time, my husband is blind and not well...I always have time to do enjoyable things (with him, when he can) but also with friends and even by myself now...go to movies alone since he can't anymore...life just keeps on moving forward and we need to move with it on all planes to keep that serenity flowing....again thanks. terri

Phoenyx*	17 Feb 2004
I've started working as well on my Tarot Journal as well. I got a three inch three ring binder, and some five subject notebooks from the dollar store. I'm using wire cutters to get the wire out of the notebooks, because I've got a hunch that the wire that binds them is taking up most of the room in the journal itself, instead of being able to only put in 3 notebooks, I might be able to fit in 4 or maybe even 5 of them, not to mention being able to add and subtract stuff in between. I've just got so little time to do what I need to do with it. :(

lunakasha	17 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Triquetra I've just got so little time to do what I need to do with it. :( I hear ya!!! My problem is that I have a hard time putting it down once I get started...and then I feel guilty about not keeping up with other things (family, friends...important stuff!). For me, tarot is becoming such a huge part of my life, and I feel like I am learning so much about myself through tarot, that I feel it is time well-spent. For the first time in my life, I am learning the value of taking time for ME...and it feels GREAT!!! The tarot journal has been such a revelation...it is the perfect format for me to rediscover my creativity, as well as documenting my journey of self-discovery through the tarot. :) Luna

Phoenyx*	17 Feb 2004
I agree wholeheartedly Luna! With my fiance reading Tarot as well, though not as much as I, it's wonderful to have someone to talk about it with. As much as I'd love to get him involved here, he's not really a messageboards type person. :D

Umbrae	17 Feb 2004
So, you’d like to know about my Tarot Journal. Which one? I have a lot of them. I like spiral bound steno pads. First I write on one side, then flip the pad over and write on the other. I used to have a lot more of them – containing all the spreads I've ever done, random thoughts, new meaning thoughts… at one time I wrote every thing down... Some have been lost, thrown away by others, some I retained, battered… I like to take them out and read them every so often – I comment about how silly I was back then to myself…wonder why I’d forgotten other things, find jewels every so often (“Really, I wrote that then? WOW!”). Yeah…don’t cut the wire out…just buy a new one every so many months. Number them for later reference…over a lifetime, you’ll created some good reading…

nocturnaldreamr	18 Feb 2004
i use a maroon coloured 3 ring binder that says in gold letters "Guest Services Directory ROOM COPY PLEASE LEAVE FOR NEXT GUEST" ....hahaha, yah.. it was a little souvenier that i took home with me from when i was out in Whistler, BC.... I have printed out tarot spreads that i have found online (ones that i found here at Aeclectic.... it has it's own little section...and then thats followed by other spreads that i found online). I have lined paper and i just write what a readings says and it goes after the corresponding spread. i also have blank paper to draw out my cards, im a visual learner.. and well.. I LOVE crayons.. so, it works =o) i write the dates on my readings.. if i remember.. it's sorta all over the place. i started off all organized and now it's been re-adjusted...by moi, and i understand it fully

ScarabFlight	18 Feb 2004
I use note cards that have holes in them to jot down impressions or ideas that click with me from this website. After I write all my stuff down I can reorganize them into their respective piles and place them in their very own mini 2 ring binder. (it's so cute) I love the idea of the 3 ring binder and using crayons!!! I have a few really pretty notebooks but I can't bring myself to write in them so I usually just use the cheapest ones I can find, that way I can feel free to write, write, write with out "messing" the notebook up. :) Thanks everyone for such great ideas! This place and all of you are super. :D

Majecot	18 Feb 2004
Well I started off good.. I have one for my journaling just the cards.then there is the "private" one for my rambleings.. then I have one for readings.. which I am absolutley deplorable at.. I have a terrible habit of.. ok I get the date down, then I sometimes remember the spread. and then I might write the deck down.. then the cards.. and that is where I usually stop. I do actually have a couple readings written down so that they can be understood, ( I am working on that part). I am ashamed to say that I exhibit some very un-Virgo-like qualities when it comes to my tarot journalling. I am so scattered all over the place, I must have 4 different books plus my 3 ring binder which I keep all my prints from my computer. Strangely enough, I actually keep better track of things on the computer than on paper. I have a folder for readings, one for 78 weeks study, readings for me, one for spreads..and so on and so on... my computer files are very virgo-like.

Bean Feasa	18 Feb 2004
I hate those ring binders, the pages always seem to tear around the holes and then you have to stick little reinforcing circles on them, and life's just too short (rant rant!) So I use foolscap notebooks, usually hardback ones. I have a general one in which I record (erratically, I'm afraid) daily draws, meditations and general thoughts on Tarot. Then I have one for exercises from Nina Lee Braden's book Tarot for Self Discovery, one for Mary Greer's Tarot for yourself and one for Christine Jette's Tarot Shadow Work. This all sounds a lot more impressive than it actually is... my entries aren't at all as regular as I planned. But even a little work gets me a little farther along the path :) Kate

tmgrl2	18 Feb 2004
Hi Luna...great thread you started...wonderful ideas...again glad you directed me here....I realize now I have been journaling on and off during my life...Once in my 40's I threw out all my dream journals that I kept on and off since teen years. Wish now I had kept them...seemed self-indulgent at the time. I also had "color" journals when I worked with a psychic in Florida...I do journal dreams periodically in a journal I keep by my bedside..but with my caretaking and full-time work right now (one year till retirement!) I don' t do all of this as much as I would like. For the Tarot, since it is new to me, I am doing the color coded one-card-a-day starting with the Fool until I have gone thru all 78. I make notes night before from various books, (Bunning is just one) ...then reread my notes from Aeclectic Thirteen pages and add some of my own. Yesterday, I did the Fool. So for now, I will do one a day, while a learn (with occasional readings for myself)...if I miss a few days, I'll just remember process...my other responsibilities take up time (on vacation this week) and I, too, could do this for HOURS! Thanks for this great thread!

Majecot	18 Feb 2004
tmgrl2 How sad that you threw away your girlhood diaries. I have started to journal that way on and off over the years and stopped and thrown them out as well. I think they would make for some interesting reading now. have you joined us in the 78 week study yet?

tmgrl2	18 Feb 2004
No..what is the 78 week study? I am doing my own one-card a day study with Bunning, Pollack, Aeclectic Tarot...today is the Magician... I like some of what I have been reading in Pollack's Illustrated Guide and in several of her other books.. I, too, am sorry that I threw them out...I do have some from past 10 plus years saved in a file where I keep notes from writings... Bunning is good, but the other readings with discussion of the individual cards in relation to others and with reversals, is very helpful...so I spend about an hour journaling notes from these various sources as a "starter" notebook/journal re meanings and interpretations...I have the Aeclectic Thirteen in a separate binder and go back to that. I am relishing these few days off...next week, back to work and appointments after work (some is personal....workouts, massages, ) so not all work..but hope to do at a card every few days... plmk about the 78 week study...

Majecot	18 Feb 2004
Here is the link to the 78 Weeks Overview Most of us started with the Magican but you can start with any card you like. The idea is to spend 5 minutes a day with one card for a week. I am quite enjoying it. And it actually its the very thing that motivated me to better my journaling skills. Enjoy :)

tmgrl2	18 Feb 2004
Thanks...will do this...I think one card a day is TOO much. This sounds much more doable for me

tmgrl2	18 Feb 2004
Found the 78 Weeks Thread...posted my thoughts on The Magician....will do a bit of catch up, but try to stay with sequence and post as I do...thanks. Another excellent idea...I got caught up reading the discussion last night about the Hebrew Alphabet and its relation to Tarot and the genesis of the alphabet. I was spinning. This is really a practical thread for me as a beginner and hopefully, later, when I am somewhat more practiced.

Alissa	18 Feb 2004
I have one generic Tarot journal that has a navy blue cover, and I still intend to cover it with gold stars in indeliable ink one of these days, so it looks like the backs of my Universal Waite deck. For that journal, I "flip" or "reverse" it. I've started writing at each of the book's ends, and eventually it will meet in the center. One end has a list of spreads I like to keep around for reference. The opposite end has various journal entries, and a few early readings for myself. I also have a separate journal, a gold embossed lovely of a maiden asleep in the clover, that I use for my Faery Oracle deck. After an initial spurt when the book was new, it is now, woefully, still hardly used. I keep most of my readings on file in my file cabinet, separately.

lunakasha	18 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Alissa I have one generic Tarot journal that has a navy blue cover, and I still intend to cover it with gold stars in indeliable ink one of these days, so it looks like the backs of my Universal Waite deck. For that journal, I "flip" or "reverse" it. I've started writing at each of the book's ends, and eventually it will meet in the center. One end has a list of spreads I like to keep around for reference. The opposite end has various journal entries, and a few early readings for myself. I also have a separate journal, a gold embossed lovely of a maiden asleep in the clover, that I use for my Faery Oracle deck. After an initial spurt when the book was new, it is now, woefully, still hardly used. I keep most of my readings on file in my file cabinet, separately. WOW, what a great idea, Alissa: the "flip and reverse" method! I will have to try that too! I also like your idea of adding gold stars to your navy blue notebook...you could even use the little aluminum stars stickers like we used to get in grade school :D (No, I didn't get many ;)) Great ideas, everyone! I am very pleased with the response to this thread so far...it has definitely inspired me, and I am glad we are all able to share ideas and comments here about my favorite subject! :) Luna :) Luna

Thea Lynx	19 Feb 2004
My Tarot journal has expanded this year to a large three ring binder. The first section is for my daily cards. The next is for any particular spreads I do - My your 2004 spread, my Calendar Spread, the spread I did on my birthday, a special spread for the first of the month (usually from the book that is particular to the deck I am currently working) The next section is for class notes. Whether the class I take at a local metaphysical bookstore or the on-line course you are also taking, the notes I want to keep, I put in there. I also have a section for layouts that I have received in class, but have not yet done. Finally, there is a section for my deck list (ever growing) and my wish list (growing even faster) I had started out with a spiral notebook, discovered I needed to move things around too much, switched to a small ring binder and went to the big one that finally has room for everything I want. Thea Lynx

Jeanette	19 Feb 2004
Well, I started off w/a 3-ring binder, separated into different sections, very tidy & scientific. I wrote down all the card meanings, took notes from different books, online sources, etc. Then I started a smaller journal that was just going to be readings, and that has blossomed. Oh, it still has readings in it (once in a while) and interesting spreads jotted down, but it has gotten out of control! Anything at all interesting to me gets noted in that little journal (which is all filled up, and I'll have to start a new one soon...). Recipes, newspaper clippings, bits of poetry, whatever I think I may want to refer back to in the future gets put in there. So, definitely start something and just keep at it!

Aure	21 Feb 2004
I am just starting a journal for the very first time (hooray!) I founda very old chinese note book that looks a little battered but it is still in good shape. It looks mysterious... I made separate sections for each card (major arcana, minor arcana by numbers and the court cards) and then a separate section for general stuff. What kind of stuff do you write on each card page? I need some tips! P.S. Radiant Rider-Waite still hasn't arrived... It has been almost three weeks!! And Bunning's book will also be delayed I'm told..

purple_scorp	21 Feb 2004
I found this thread really interesting, especially since all of our journals seem to be so different, yet so similar. I've just read three separate posts that summarise my journal. Firstly I have to tell you that I was a journal junkie. I had separate journals for each of my psychic dabbles. One for my readings, one for everybody else's, one for my synchronicity experiences, one for my psychic development, one for my tarot lessons etc etc.....ei...yi.....yi! It all got too much. Now I just use one journal, a hard-covered A4 book. I flip it over and use both ends. The front has everything spiritual/psychic in my life, including readings (with cards shown in spread position), visions in my purple paper (I try to draw these but I'm not good at it, so I put a written explanation as well). Basically I put anything that's relative to my life at that time. Could be horoscope, dreams, coincidences, readings for other cards/runes/stones etc, spirit guide message, or just my feelings about a person or a place. The back contains my experiences with individual Tarot cards. I draw a card and write down my interpretation. Then I wait for life to mimic or reflect that card. After I feel I have experienced that card (might take a day, a week, a month, two months), I write of my experience, then move on and draw another card. I have a name/numerology book and I've given my journal a name that befitted its contents. In the start of each new journal, I say, hello and welcome to XXXX number one, two, three, four or whatever volume I'm up to. Cheers purple_scorp

lunakasha	21 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by purple_scorp It all got too much. Now I just use one journal, a hard-covered A4 book. I flip it over and use both ends. The front has everything spiritual/psychic in my life, including readings (with cards shown in spread position), visions in my purple paper (I try to draw these but I'm not good at it, so I put a written explanation as well). Basically I put anything that's relative to my life at that time. Could be horoscope, dreams, coincidences, readings for other cards/runes/stones etc, spirit guide message, or just my feelings about a person or a place. The back contains my experiences with individual Tarot cards. I draw a card and write down my interpretation. Then I wait for life to mimic or reflect that card. After I feel I have experienced that card (might take a day, a week, a month, two months), I write of my experience, then move on and draw another card. Thanks purple_scorp! That sounds great, the way you keep it all organized in one big book! I like the way you write and draw pictures to describe the cards, and that you spend as much time as you feel necessary to focus on the card (whereas I choose a new card each day). Very interesting...thanks for sharing! :) Luna

Shade	21 Feb 2004
I used to keep a cute little hardbound journal with an oak tree on it but taht wnet missing somewhere and I switched to a $1 notebook which I actually like better as it has a lot more room for me to write. I'm including other omens I come across in the journal as well.

mac22	21 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha My question is: how many of you keep a tarot journal? And if so, what do you include within it??? Do you use an ordinary notebook, a three-ring binder with different sections...or is your system completely unique???Blessings, :) Luna I keep a 3-ring binder journal It's now in vol 30. :D I list the deck, date, time of day, the client, the weather,where the spread was done and then I note the spread... and as time goes by how accurate the reading was on a 1-10 scale. The binder is divided into readings & tarot study, by card & deck.

lunakasha	21 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by mac22 I keep a 3-ring binder journal It's now in vol 30. :D I list the deck, date, time of day, the client, the weather,where the spread was done and then I note the spread... and as time goes by how accurate the reading was on a 1-10 scale. The binder is divided into readings & tarot study, by card & deck. Volume 30???? WOW!!!! That's a lot of writing, a lot of history there, mac! How long have you been journaling, if you don't mind my asking? It must be a wonderful reference book for you, to go back and look at different readings through the years, and to compare your interpretations of all the cards and decks....wow! I hope I can stay as dedicated to mine as I am right now...it is a lot of work, but definitely worthwhile and FUN! :D :) Luna

mac22	21 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha Volume 30???? WOW!!!! That's a lot of writing, a lot of history there, mac! How long have you been journaling, if you don't mind my asking? It must be a wonderful reference book for you, to go back and look at different readings through the years, and to compare your interpretations of all the cards and decks....wow! I hope I can stay as dedicated to mine as I am right now...it is a lot of work, but definitely worthwhile and FUN! :D :) Luna Well I've been studying the tarot & doing readings 30+ yrs . It's a great reference manual...It gives me insight into the cards.. but even better it gives me insight into my own psyche & abilities...

ultraviolet	22 Feb 2004
I have lots of Tarot journals. I use college ruled notebooks with different colors on the front. Then I put words and stickers on the covers so that I can differentiate between them. I have one for random tarot stuff... personal Tarot work, spreads I'm trying out, questions I'm pondering, what symbols mean to me, etc. I have one just for tarot spreads. I make sure to record who created each spread and where I found it. I have several journals for keeping track of my readings. I tend to go through these rather quickly. Then I have journals for specific tarot decks. I have one for Cosmic Tribe, one for Tarot of Prague, one for the Faeries Oracle, and I'm starting a new one for the Wheel of Change Tarot. In these journals, I write about each card individually and then I write about numbers, combinations, and stories until I use up all the paper. My favorite one is a beautiful green leather bound journal with blank paper inside for sketching symbols and image ideas. Oh, and I have another one just for the 78 weeks of study. That's it for right now, but there are many more to come. :D ultraviolet

CreativeFire	24 Feb 2004
Enjoyed reading through the thread and picking up lots of great ideas for my tarot journalling ... :-) Started off quite a few years ago with a box in which I would put my Tarot books (with sticky yellow post-it notes on interesting pages), print outs from the net, scribbled pages of insights, thoughts etc. However being a fairly organised person, found this a bit difficult to live with after a while. So my "Tarot Resolution for 2003" was to write out my Tarot Journal. Found a lovely black leather bound journal, with blank pages and gold edging on the pages and hand wrote out in black ink all the info from my box that I related to, card by card - started with the majors and worked my way thru. Also spent time decorating / colouring / symbolising some of the pages and included scans (RWS) of each card. Also put in pages on colours, numbers, spreads etc. 184 hand written pages later in Dec 2003 it was finished - a labour of love !! I also sometimes now use it in some of my photos - have attached a pic at the bottom for anyone who wants to take a peek :-) Have always loved hand writing and as I spend a lot of time in front of computer / keyboard with work and other hobbies - found it very relaxing and enjoyable! Attached a large pewter pentacle to the front cover and also make ribbon bookmarks with charms on the ends (swords and crystal) to mark the pages. May sound a bit silly but like to think of it as like starting a family heirloom of sorts - can be passed on to my child, grandchildren etc. I know I would have loved to have been given something like this - just hope one of my descendants is into Tarot! Also have a carry around size journal in which I note down all my readings for myself and others with info on spreads, cards, date, name, notes etc. Have started my Tarot Journal for 2004 in which I am also writing out my posts to the 78 week study and other info that I am learning along the way (also scans of different cards from different decks) - trouble is I can type way faster than I can hand write - so am going to have to start typing shorter study posts otherwise it could be slow going :-) Thanks for the great ideas about the ring folders with tabs, this will be excellent way to organise my notes and print outs etc and then I can mark the pages when I have written them into my journal - so many great ideas - so little time! CreativeFire

Imagemaker	24 Feb 2004
Your journal looks so beautiful, Creative Fire! Probably publishable :) The legacy of journals is wonderful. I have my mother's from when she was 16. It's a treasure my father dug out after she died. And the handwriting is a personal gift, compared to typed pages. My handwritten tarot journals are portable decorated, spiral-bound scribbles of spreads, notes on cards, quotes, and thoughts. I started keeping different ones on different decks, then that got too scattered. Back to one book with sections marked by folded corners. I also have a binder of printed pages of card info collected from the web. I've abandoned much of my longtime standard journal writing for tarot-focused journaling--my life appearing in another form!

Alissa	24 Feb 2004
CreativeFire, your journal ROCKS my WORLD!!! That is beauuuuutifulllllllll....... Will you make me one now? (Only kidding... sorta). :D

lunakasha	24 Feb 2004
CreativeFire: Your journal sounds incredible, truly unique and magickal! Obviously you have put your heart an soul into every page, and it shows...thank you for sharing the photo and giving us a look into how your journal evolved from a box of treasures into the lovely work of art that it is today. Very inspirational, which was my hope and purpose in starting this thread :D :) Luna

CreativeFire	24 Feb 2004
Thanks Imagemaker, Alissa and Lunakasha - it is nice to sort of show it to people who appreciate what it is. As most of my friends are not into Tarot - they see it and think that I am some sort of looney to have spent all that time and effort on a Tarot book :-) - but that's okay I loved doing it and have no problem them thinking me a bit wierd LOL. Imagemaker, you are very lucky to have such a wonderful treasure of your Mum's - must be great to sort of look thru her eyes when she was young. Alissa - LOL - would love to be able to do this stuff full time - but unfortunately have to eat! CreativeFire

Phoenyx*	24 Feb 2004
oh my gosh, Creative Fire, that journal ROCKS! *wishes she could be that creative*

purple_scorp	24 Feb 2004
Dear Creative Fire, what a truly inspirational and beautiful work of art. Congratulations on creating such an important heirloom (can you adopt me, I'd love to inherit that!) You've now made me rethink the way I've presented my own journal. When I started on my spiritual journey, I thought it was important to document everything....the tools of my trade, my beliefs, inspirational conversations I'd had, stimulating books that I'd read etc etc. I've literally left a trail mapping the important steps in my journey, with the idea, that maybe one of my descendants might like to see the path I took. So I have the content, but alas, it is just scribbled down. I thought that I had something special, until I saw yours (that's the jealous side of scorp coming out). You have now inspired me to take it one step further. Cheers purple_scorp

CreativeFire	26 Feb 2004
It's wonderful Purplescorp, when that spark of inspiration kicks in! My only regret is that I have never wrote down alot of my early stuff, how I ended up on this path etc, like you have - so it sounds like you will have some wonderful things to write in your journal. This thread has inspired me to get back into my 2004 journal (it is nearly March already), which has taken a bit of back seat with spending so much time on AT! LOL I will have to share my cheat tip now - not being that good at calligraphy (for the page headings) - you can get some great old style writing stencils from Newsagents (stationers) that help in the creative process. Also you can pick up some wonderful stickers, embossing borders etc from Scrapbooking places as well. I am just amazed at some of the dedication that people have in recording their info - like Mac22 with 30 volumes! That definitely would be an amazing read. Enjoy yourself :-) CreativeFire

laura_borealis	26 Feb 2004
CreativeFire, I'm in awe too -- you've created a true work of art. Do you use fountain pens? My husband is a fountain pen junkie and calligraphy wannabe, he'd love to see your journal. My own journal is nothing so nice, though it fits me. I use a composition book (those cheap kind with the black and white covers). I had a page on each card, but they're pretty well full so I may have to start a second section. Before and after, and scattered in between the pages on each card, are quotes from books and songs, xeroxed material from books taped in, crappy little sketches, and so on... oddly, last night I was looking at it again and found a note from a couple years ago with measurements for some silk fabric I was washing to see how much it would shrink (several inches in one case) so you see, my tarot journal isn't something I treat with reverence. It's like my sketchbooks and regular journals, anything goes.

Nitegoddess	27 Feb 2004
I have a large three ring binder divided in to 8 sections, I currently only use 7 of the 8 sections. These sections include: Numerology, Tarot, Daily 1 card & 3 card draw (each on seperate spreadsheets), Readings, Notes on a Tarot Course I took, Notes on each card one page for each card, Color meanings in candles, last section now is loose leaf paper but I intend on using it for my Sacred Circle study when I receive my cards. I also have a small journal approximately the size of 4x6 I use that for general meanings for the cards. That one I take my time and do it in different colors. The daily card I write down what time I drew the card, weather outside, my feelings prior to pulling the cards and a one word descript of the card I pulled. The three card draw I do when I am in silence and when i really can concentrate and I do the same as I do for the one card draw. I find that when reviewing what card or cards I drew the mood is sometimes similiar. I also am looking into palmistry. But first my devotion is going to be the Sacred Circle when I receive it. :TMOON

lunakasha	27 Feb 2004
Hi Nitegoddess! I look forward to the Sacred Circle study group as well, and have a section in my journal designated for that group..... I am getting ready to start a SECOND journal (currently using a 2-inch binder divided into 8 sections) so that will be challenging, figuring out which sections will go into each one! But the process itself is so much fun, especially with all of the wonderful ideas I've gotten from this thread...many thanks and hugs again to everyone who has taken an interest in journaling and has shared their thoughts, ideas and creations with all of us! :D I wanted to mention also that one of my *favorite* sections to work on so far is what I have labeled: Art of Tarot. In this section I include color photocopies of many of my favorite decks, including those that are OOP or simply out of my price range ;), such as some of the Folchi decks, the Amber, Greenwood and, of course, the Gilded Tarot...it makes waiting for the Llewllyn version slightly less painful! :) Luna

M-Press	27 Feb 2004
Hi there! What a wonderful thread, and so nice to see what everyone is doing... I agree, that Creative Fire sure has a very...creatively appropriate journal! I never intended to have one, and sisn't know I had it till recently. I started back in 1996 this little hardcover notebook, which I called "Occult book", and was about all tarot and other oracle readings. It has the date, the question and tha cards drawn, with no comments. Now I have pages in with spreads, but I'm really fond of all the 3-card ones, so... What I like about it, is the fact that it goes back so many years. Not only I like to look at what cards came up then, but also what were the questions asked. (One year I was only asking about a particular guy-now I laugh at it so hard!!!) I only have a few pages in it, and I try to write small, so it can last. Since I'm working on my own book though now, I have a lot of material I wrote on my computer. I have a folder "tarot Learning" where I keep spreads and interesting things I hear or read about cards. I also have a A4 ring binder with a page for every card, but that has mainly keywords. I'm a tidy person, but when it comes to these things, I really trust what's "inside", the impressions I have "inhaled", and try not to obsess over recording everything...that puts pressure on me... When I need to write on it though, then that's a great opportunity to get it all out... ;)

lunakasha	04 Mar 2004
Hey, I was wondering if I could ask for some help from all of you tarot journal enthusiasts..... I am getting ready to start Journal #2...probably another 2-inch binder, this is working well for me. The question is: how should I rearrange everything between the two books??? The sections I have right now are: BNU Lessons; 78 Cards (2-3 pages per card, my notes); Daily Cards (record of dates and cards drawn); Art of Tarot (photocopies of favorite cards); Aeclectic (resources, fave posts from AT); Readings (done by me for others, or for me by others); Resources (self-explanatory) and Journal (my own readings for myself, plus anything else I feel like writing about!) I would like to add sections for Spreads and also specific decks, such as the Sacred Circle, in preparation of a study group.... I am open to suggestions from any of you as to how I should divide these sections between the two binders, just so that it is well-organized and user-friendly :P Also, if you think of some different sections that might be good to add....please let me know! Thanks so much....I am anxious to hear what you guys think! :D Luna

CreativeFire	04 Mar 2004
Hi Lunakasha Sounds like you are pretty organised already ;) but maybe it would be a good idea to have mainly your "reference" stuff in one journal and the more current things you are adding to in your new one so that you are not jumping back and forth all the time - using mainly your new one for your study groups etc. I also have a section in my journals on books (as I love reading tarot books!) - so that I can write down any that I find in threads that are recommended etc - like my book wish list :) I also have a little section on numbers, combinations, symbols etc that I come across that are of interest and can sometimes refer back to when looking at a different deck etc for further insight. Wishing you the very best for your new journal! CreativeFire PS. Laura_borealis - I don't use fountain pens in my journal - as I found that I would end up with ink all over my fingers (and everything else :) ) so I use a uni-ball fine ink pen that almost comes out like a fountain pen.

lunakasha	05 Mar 2004
Thanks CreativeFire! I was thinking along those lines....keeping the resouce stuff in one journal and the "journal/writing/creative" sections in the other...makes sense! I hadn't thought of keeping a book wishlist...I like it!!!! Oh no...more wishlists = more $$$ gone! LOL...but hey, I do love books, so what can I say??? I am still trying to figure out how I will decorate both journals...I start with a black, 2-inch binder and I am thinking of collaging both of them, possibly with photocopies of different cards, or something along the lines of tarot/magickal/celestial imagery.... Has anyone tried this??? I mean, gluing paper to the binder as a collage? I thought I would then protect it (from peeling) by covering with clear contact paper....just wondering if anyone has tried this and how did it come out??? Thanks again, CF, and anyone else who might like to "jump in"! :D Luna

Jeanette	06 Mar 2004
Well, I haven't tried covering a binder with contact paper so I don't know how that would work out. My son does collages on assignment books (he cuts out many different-sized pics of sports figures, then patiently uses a glue stick to adhere them). After he is satisfied with the arrangement, he covers it with contact paper. They seem to hold up pretty well (he's done quite a few for friends). When I worked at a library and we were processing new books, we covered a lot of the paperbacks with contact paper to help prolong their shelf life. The nice way to do it is to leave about an inch or more overhang around the three edges of the side you are working on. Then, on the corners, simply make a diagonal cut (you'll be removing a triangular piece of contact paper). Then, when you fold the three edges to the back side, you'll have a nice, flat juncture, and not a bulky blob of contact paper. It takes a little practice to get the corners looking really nice, but it's worth it. I just wonder if the contact paper would really stick well enough to be durable (if the binders are plastic, it might peel off too easily). But, that also gives you the option of changing the collage from time to time! The glue stick works to stick the pictures, and rubber cement is nice too. Glue sticks let you reposition for a short time, and there's also spray adhesives. Good luck with your venture and let us know how you make out with it!

lunakasha	07 Mar 2004
Thank you, Jeannette! I am going to give it a try, with the contact paper (and thanks for the advice on making neat corners! :D) I have also done collages on notebooks, using glue sticks (I agree, they are nice because you can move things around before it dries completely), but have not tried the contact paper yet. The problem is, if you don't cover the collaged paper with something, the edges tend to get caught and start peeling off.... I am still working on figuring out how I want to design the cover....maybe using color photocopies of different cards and gluing them in some kind of pattern....the planning is the best part, IMO! I will post here with my results..... :) Luna

Jeanette	07 Mar 2004
There is also decoupage! You cut out the pics, and there is a sort of watered-down glue that you brush on over everything. You can give several coats for a very durable finish (but once it's done, that's that!).

CreativeFire	08 Mar 2004
Lunakasha, collaging your covers with colour copies of cards sounds a great idea! Maybe you could do a mandala of a spread that stood out for you at one time or something like the cards in a positive learning spread. You will now have to make the hard decision of what deck/s to use ;) It would be great if you could post a picture when you have finished. Enjoy. CreativeFire

Macavity	08 Mar 2004
Something I discovered the other day was that "pocket sized" A.G.Muller (rebadged by U.S.Games?) RWS and Thoth decks FIT into those transparent A5 4x4 and A4 9x9 "pocket pages" that are used for Pokemon or "Sports" Cards and... something else called Yu-Gi-Oh? (P.S. What's that when it's at home? As we say here!) :D Anyway, I bought an A5 (I'm tired of A4!) card album manufactured by Ultra-PRO. This takes 8 cards, back-to-back, in one A5 clear insert. I can now intersperse those with A5 plain or lined paper. I kinda dislike keeping a deck "captive" in plastic, but it's a LOT cheaper than some of my (repeated) inkjet page printing experiments! }) Looks quite professional too... Macavity

lunakasha	08 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by CreativeFire Lunakasha, collaging your covers with colour copies of cards sounds a great idea! Maybe you could do a mandala of a spread that stood out for you at one time or something like the cards in a positive learning spread. You will now have to make the hard decision of what deck/s to use ;) It would be great if you could post a picture when you have finished. Enjoy. CreativeFire Thanks, CreativeFire! Yes, it is going to be difficult to decide which cards to use....I like your idea of making them into a mandala.....ooh, that would be awesome!!!! I am going to have to take some time and figure out what I want to do...hopefully if it comes out OK, I will try to post a picture here :) :) Luna

lunakasha	08 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Macavity I kinda dislike keeping a deck "captive" in plastic, but it's a LOT cheaper than some of my (repeated) inkjet page printing experiments! }) Looks quite professional too... Macavity Hi Macavity! This sounds like a great way to enjoy your cards.....I keep a little photo book, which I call my "spirit book", and I like to keep color photocopies of some of my favorite cards in it. I also have pictures of some of my favorite animals in there....I don't keep the actual cards in it because I am afraid of losing them (they don't fit very tight in the sleeves and could slip out). But I do keep my daily card in the front, so I can be inspired throughout the day! :) Luna

dolphinprincess	08 Mar 2004
Well, I just updated my journal this weekend.. :D I bought dividers for my large binder.. I have a section on Majors and a section on Cups, Wands, Pentacles, and Swords. Each day I try to draw a card from one deck.. then pull it from several others.. then journal on the similarties / differences... I also added a section for my Faeries Oracle to journal on each Faerie and a section for my Angel Blessings deck... Then there is a section for Spreads, My Readings, Misc. Notes... and the final section has alphabet dividers so I can keep track of any readings I do for others that I print out... It is a work in progress, but getting there :D .... but one thing it doesn't have is a creative cover! My next project.... !

lunakasha	08 Mar 2004
Sounds great, dp!!! I am excited about designing the cover....decisions, decisions!!! Hey, have you gotten your Merryday yet??? Maybe you could start another section for that deck??? LOL...like you needed more sections, right? I should start a section for it too, maybe that will inspire me to spend more time with it! ;) :) Luna

Badturtle	09 Mar 2004
I used to keep my tarot journal on my notebook computer however this was before the age of the pen tablet and I always felt limited to using...words... So now I use a small bound book journal (unlined pages) that is wrapped in a suede cover with a leather spine and with two suede strings to tie it shut. I love the tactile impressions of handling this journal and as I fill up one small book, I can always purchase another to fit into the cover. I can also carry it many more places easily which is important to me as inspiration can strike anywhere. In addition to tracking my tarot readings and thoughts here, I also use it to note my general insights, realizations and intentions about life.

Phoenix Rising	12 Mar 2004
i use a exercise book, I record all my readings for others and mine, spreads, studying certain cards, any notes or advice, tips for others, everything to do with tarot I write it in, I write it as if it's a diary as long as it's something to do with tarot. My initial thought actually was if later on my daughter wanted to do tarot then I would have all the notes in it for her, to make it easier. I love having my journal, I can confide in it as a friend because people around me aren't into tarot, so I can put all my thoughts into my journal.

lunakasha	12 Mar 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Lucille i use a exercise book, I record all my readings for others and mine, spreads, studying certain cards, any notes or advice, tips for others, everything to do with tarot I write it in, I write it as if it's a diary as long as it's something to do with tarot. My initial thought actually was if later on my daughter wanted to do tarot then I would have all the notes in it for her, to make it easier. I love having my journal, I can confide in it as a friend because people around me aren't into tarot, so I can put all my thoughts into my journal. That sounds great, Lucille....especially the idea of sharing it with your daughter one day....I am sure she will treasure it, whether she takes an interest in tarot or not, because the journal is such a personal thing...it is like a sharing a part of you. Thanks for sharing with us! :) Luna

seneris	15 Apr 2004
I've been working on a tarot jorunal since I started Joan Bunning's online course a month ago. I have two blank books so far, A5 en A4. In the A5-format book I wirte al the excersises, and notes on each individual card, and in the A4 I glued copied uncoloured pictures (blown up from http://www.sacred-texts.com/tarot/pkt/index.htm On the pictures I marked the symbols. I like the A5 format better, but I didn't have any more blank books that size. I like writing in my journal. Hope I finish the course.

The Tell us about your Tarot Journal thread was originally posted on 04 Feb 2004 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.