Keeping Records of Readings.....

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 08 Dec 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Indigo Rose	08 Dec 2003
When I first started reading Tarot, I would write my readings down in a note book. Last summer I found a better way. I have been using index cards.(5 x 8) I keep them in a nice box, and have date dividers by month. This helps me keep track. I can go back and revisit them to see how well I did interperting them, and where I need to improve.

Belladonna	08 Dec 2003
That's a great idea! I used to take in depth notes of every reading I did in a notebook, but I couldn't keep up with the number of readings I was doing for friends and family (and then I went professional.) I still do it for close friends or family members when I know the subject of the reading will come up for discussion at some point in the future. But I love the idea of index cards! I can keep it to simple and basic points, have a record of the deck, spread and cards drawn, the question or issue, the date, and my response... You can even follow up on the reading by recording events that pertained to it on the back of the card!

Astraea	08 Dec 2003
Thank you for that excellent idea, Indigo Rose. Keeping written records of readings is very important (in my view), but writing detailed accounts in a notebook can become a chore. Almost every time that I haven't recorded a reading, I have regretted it -- your filing box idea is a great way to keep current and trace the development of readings.

Agathe	08 Dec 2003
I started keeping records of my readings 2 weeks ago, as amazing as it may sound. It's all thanks to you AT guys :o). I am sooo convinced it'll help me in many ways. Indigo, I think your way is really great. I hope you won't mind if I steal your idea. Love, Agathe

ros	08 Dec 2003
great idea! I learn something in every reading I do. A lot of the time after I've done a reading, I think of something I should have said & didn't & then the next time that is the first thing I remember about that card.

Majecot	08 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Astraea Thank you for that excellent idea, Indigo Rose. Keeping written records of readings is very important (in my view), but writing detailed accounts in a notebook can become a chore. Almost every time that I haven't recorded a reading, I have regretted it -- your filing box idea is a great way to keep current and trace the development of readings. I feel the same way, I regret when I don't write them down and it does feel like a chore. Indigo Rose I just may try your idea... heck it sure can't hurt :D

rexenne2003	08 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Indigo Rose When I first started reading Tarot, I would write my readings down in a note book. Last summer I found a better way. I have been using index cards.(5 x 8) I keep them in a nice box, and have date dividers by month. This helps me keep track. I can go back and revisit them to see how well I did interperting them, and where I need to improve. Very cool idea! I have been keeping a detailed journal for some time now, and it is almost full (160 pages). Can you explain more about the info you put on the cards? And how will you remember how you interpreted a reading six months from now?

Indigo Rose	08 Dec 2003
Sure Rexenne. I include on the index cards the date and time, the name of the reading, the deck used, who it was for, and of course the reading itself. I will usually use the flipside of the card to write notes about the reading. In my notes, I try to include key features of the reading like numbers, astrological emphasis, and how the cards flow together to tell the story. Of course all of my readings aren't kept in such great detail, just ones that I really want to remember well or that I have investigated deeply. I think my next "fun" project where this is concerned is to decorate my box really cool. :)

Jewel-ry	08 Dec 2003
Hi Indigo Rose, What a great idea! I do keep notes of my spreads in a journal but its very difficult to keep tabs on them sometimes. Think I might try this. Thanks J :)

rexenne2003	08 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Indigo Rose I think my next "fun" project where this is concerned is to decorate my box really cool. :) [/b] What a wonderful idea! And why not? If you have a decorated tarot box that you store your cards in, then that would only compliment it! I will give this a try. Maybe giving readings won't take so long (last time took two hours because I wrote everything down, it was a long one), or so much of a chore this way.

Star Spirit	09 Dec 2003
I also keep a notebook for my readings, although there aren't very many in there right now (mostly just larger readings, ie. more cards, that i thought were significant). I like the idea of index cards, but where would I find something like that?

skytwig	09 Dec 2003
I create blank spread sheets in Word and print them out for filling in as i do them. I use blank Text boxes and move them around to the positions i want. Then I have a place at the top for the date and the question and the deck..... At the bottom of the page, i have a blank Table with positions on one half, meanings on other side, and a place for notes. Then I just print up as many as i need for a while and keep them in the notebook. I actually put the word document into a Template for quick printing...... (Is this my Virgo moon or what!!! :laugh: )

rexenne2003	09 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Dead Star I also keep a notebook for my readings, although there aren't very many in there right now (mostly just larger readings, ie. more cards, that i thought were significant). I like the idea of index cards, but where would I find something like that? If you live near a Dollar Tree store they will have them, along with any departement store(Target, Walmart, Kmart, Shopko, Big Lots, etc).

Emily	09 Dec 2003
Hi Indigo Rose, I also keep all my readings in journals but I like your idea of index cards much better, mainly because I was keeping a journal for different decks, daily draws and longer spreads and my notes seem to be all over the place. I can keep them altogether on index cards. :)

rexenne2003	09 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Emily Hi Indigo Rose, I also keep all my readings in journals but I like your idea of index cards much better, mainly because I was keeping a journal for different decks, daily draws and longer spreads and my notes seem to be all over the place. I can keep them altogether on index cards. :) Here's another idea...you can write down the layout and reading outline on the note card, assign it a number and then when you have the time or want to practice more, go back to the journal and write the corresponding number to the index card and write away! Be sure to add a note to the note card saying that you have a detailed interpretation so that you don't forget and do the same one again. I dunno if this was what was suggested in the first place or not, but if so, great! Now where is that filing box I know I have....grrrr..never around when you need it.

Star Spirit	09 Dec 2003
I don't live near many stores, but I like these ideas (I might try skytwig's, since I can do that right on my computer). Thanks :D

Orion	09 Dec 2003
Hi All! I have been involved with Tarot for almost 8 years now, and I only started keeping a journal about a year ago. What a difference... I find it to be such a great reference to look back on! I should have started on a journal sooner! For the time being, I use a coil note book. I love the idea of the index cards too! A great way to be creative! My journal enteries are the same set up for every reading I do, regardless who I am reading for. I list the spread I am using, what Tarot Deck I am using, and the way the cards fell in the spread. I make special note of any cards that 'jump out' of the deck while shuffling. My sister, who is into Angel and Fairy Cards, told me she will analyze cards that jump out during the shuffling process. I now pay closer attention to this. I find give me some added direction, especially when I am doing a reading about a specific question or problem.

Strange2	10 Dec 2003
I record my readings and thoughts on these in a loose leaf journal. I also record the basic info about these readings in a spreadsheet, and then use that spreadsheet to see trends, patterns, etc. The spreadsheet has a column for each card, and then each reading is posted in a separate row. I use the spreadsheet calculation features to count how many times each card has come up over a given year. It's interesting to see the frequency or infrequency of a particular card appearing in readings. For example, in the 358 readings I have recorded (mostly 3-card spreads) since June 2001, the Chariot card has only come up 4 times, while the Hierophant has come up 22 times.

Star Spirit	10 Dec 2003
Quote: I use the spreadsheet calculation features to count how many times each card has come up over a given year. It's interesting to see the frequency or infrequency of a particular card appearing in readings. For example, in the 358 readings I have recorded (mostly 3-card spreads) since June 2001, the Chariot card has only come up 4 times, while the Hierophant has come up 22 times. That's really interesting Strange. I'll have to try that sometime, it would be interesting to see that.

skytwig	10 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Strange2 I use the spreadsheet calculation features to count how many times each card has come up over a given year. It's interesting to see the frequency or infrequency of a particular card appearing in readings. Oh my goodness, Strange2, you have given me an excuse to open EXCEL!!!! Never thought of using Excel for card reading trends!!! Wow, that will be fun!! :laugh:

Nevada	10 Dec 2003
:D If there were an award for first class threads, this would be my nomination! Thank you everyone for the great ideas! I've been tracking readings, on plain yellow old legal pads that are jumbled together with a lot of other stuff. Now I plan to be sooo organized. I LOVE Aeclectic! Nevada (skips away singing) P.S. I think those Faeries are affecting me, and they haven't even arrived yet--well, the cards haven't anyway. :)

skytwig	10 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Nevada Nevada (skips away singing) P.S. I think those Faeries are affecting me, and they haven't even arrived yet--well, the cards haven't anyway. :) Yes, they are with you already.... they've been with you all along, Nevada! You've just opened the door to hearing them!!! Wuhoooooo! :)

Indigo Rose	15 Dec 2003
I love the ideas here with using the computer. As for the index cards, I bought mine at Office Max. I was thinking it might be cool to make some homemade on cool paper. Really the ideas are endless. I love Skytwig's comment about the Virgo moon...LOL...that is me; but now that I have the organizational part of this down, my Pisces sun wants to create something really COOL and out there with all of this...LOL :)

rexenne2003	15 Dec 2003
Any tutorials on using a spread sheet?

skytwig	15 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by rexenne2003 Any tutorials on using a spread sheet? Do you have Excel, rexie? I taught myself how to use it... just kept reading help and trying different things..... What you want to do is use numbers, like a one instead of things like x's for marking in the columns.... that way you can get per centages... You could put the names of the cards down the side of the form and the dates at the top.... then when you get a card, put a number 1 in the box..... Play with it, you can always delete the worksheet and start again....... skytwig :)

rexenne2003	15 Dec 2003
I have Word 97, does that have a spread sheet template in it?

badkitty	15 Dec 2003
Hi, While I am a new member and a novice reader, I am an accomplished organizer (some would say anal.) My first thought on reading about the index cards was that you can get colored index cards too and either use different colors for different decks, or a certain color for reading you feel are extra significant, or if there are just a few people you read for regularly give them a color of their own.

Indigo Rose	15 Dec 2003
GREAT ideas!! You must have some Virgo in your chart somewhere! :) LOL

The Keeping Records of Readings..... thread was originally posted on 08 Dec 2003 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.