Tarot Journal: How to Start and Why It Matters

Guides and How-Tos
Written By Bianca King

My First Tarot Journal Entry (A Story)

I didn’t know what I was doing.
I pulled The Moon card, scribbled “confusion, dreams, illusions” in the corner of a notebook, and closed it.

Weeks later, I stumbled back on that page. At the time of that pull, I had been second-guessing every choice in my business, chasing ideas but never feeling certain. Reading those words again, I laughed — the card had mirrored me perfectly.

That was my first taste of what a tarot journal could really do: reflect back truths I wasn’t ready to see in the moment.

This post may contain affiliate links. I would never recommend a product that I do not truly love. The price does not increase for you. Thanks for supporting Sunflower Child Designs. See my disclosure for more info.

Table of Contents 📖

Jump to a Section:

What Exactly Is a Tarot Journal?

A tarot journal is a dedicated space to capture your card pulls, spreads, interpretations, and feelings. But it’s also more than that — it’s the bridge between symbolic archetypes and your lived experience.

👉 A tarot journal is where intuition, reflection, and story come together.

💡 If you love working with the moon alongside your tarot practice, I also created a free New Moon Ritual worksheet you can download to guide your intentions and journaling.

Why a Tarot Journal Really Matters

At first, journaling my tarot pulls felt optional — a nice-to-have. But over time, I realized it was the piece that made tarot meaningful, not just mystical.

Here’s why it matters:

  • It grounds the wisdom. Without writing, a reading can slip away. Journaling captures the insight before it fades.

  • It makes patterns visible. You can only notice that The Lovers or The Hermit keeps appearing if you can flip back and see it on paper.

  • It deepens your relationship with the cards. The more you record your impressions, the more you trust your own voice.

  • It tracks your personal evolution. Flipping through entries feels like a roadmap of your growth.

  • It turns tarot into ritual. A few minutes of writing transforms a card pull into a grounding practice.

For me, this is why my tarot journal has become non-negotiable. It’s not just about the cards I pull — it’s about the life I’m living in between them.

Tarot Journal Prompts to Try

When I first started, I often wondered, What do I even write? Here are some ideas that helped me:

  • Daily Card Pulls → one card, first impression, and how it plays out.

  • Past/Present/Future Spreads → weave the three cards into a short story.

  • Weekly Anchor → pull one card to guide your week, revisit on Sunday.

  • Feelings Before & After → capture your emotional state before and after your reading.

  • Symbols & Synchronicities → dreams, animals, numbers, or signs that tie in.

Tarot Questions to Ask (and Journal About)

One of the most powerful ways to use your tarot journal is by pairing your pulls with good questions. Instead of just asking “What card will I get today?”, try exploring deeper areas of your life. These questions give your readings focus and make your journal entries more meaningful.

✨ General Daily Questions

  • What energy is supporting me today?

  • Where am I being asked to grow right now?

  • What lesson is this season teaching me?

  • What truth do I need to face to move forward?

  • What message do I most need to hear today?

  • How is this card asking me to show up differently?

  • Where am I being invited to pay attention right now?

  • How is this card guiding me through today?

  • What hidden influence is shaping my experience right now?

  • What can I release today to feel lighter?

  • What gift is waiting for me if I stay open?

🔮 After a Reading

  • What should I pay attention to from this card/spread?

  • How can I embody the wisdom of this card today?

  • What action step aligns with this message?

  • What might I not be seeing clearly?

  • In this past/present/future spread, how are these cards connected?

  • What lesson is the past card reminding me of?

  • What choice is the present card highlighting for me?

  • What is the future card calling me to step toward?

💫 For Growth & Self-Reflection

  • What old story is this card inviting me to rewrite?

  • How can I step into more authenticity?

  • Where am I leaking energy — and how can I reclaim it?

  • What pattern is ready to shift?

  • How does this card mirror something I’ve been avoiding?

  • What emotion is this card bringing up in me right now?

  • How does this card’s symbolism connect to my current season of life?

  • What story am I telling myself — and what story could I rewrite?

🌑 For Shadow Work

  • What part of me resists this card’s message?

  • What truth am I avoiding right now?

  • How does this card mirror my fears?

  • What healing is possible if I face this shadow directly?

    💡 What Is Shadow Work?
    Shadow work is the practice of exploring the parts of yourself you usually keep hidden — your fears, insecurities, and old wounds. These are the pieces we often push away because they feel uncomfortable, painful, or “unacceptable.”

    When you journal about shadow cards, you’re not trying to “fix” yourself. Instead, you’re shining light on the places within that need compassion and attention. Over time, this helps you integrate those hidden parts, reclaim lost energy, and step into wholeness.

🌟 For Spreads & Big Picture Work

  • What is the past teaching me?

  • What is the present calling me to notice?

  • What is the future inviting me to prepare for?

  • What energy will guide me through this month/season/year?

✨ Pro tip: Write the question at the top of your journal page before pulling your card(s). Your answer will feel more grounded and intentional.

Looking for a Tarot Journal Template or PDF?

If you’ve ever searched for a tarot journal template, what you’re really looking for is structure — a guided page that tells you what to capture, without staring at a blank notebook.

That’s exactly why I love using tarot journal PDFs like the ones inside the witchy section of the All-in-One Life Planner.

✨ You can’t purchase just the Witchy section by itself — it’s part of the full All-in-One Life Planner. But that’s actually a win, because you’re getting tarot journal pages plus over 25 other categories (like self-care, goals, finances, and more), making it an incredible value if you want your magical + practical life all in one place.

Inside these printable planners, you’ll find ready-made templates designed for tarot journaling, including:

  • 🃏 Past / Present / Future spreads

  • 🔮 Card Pull templates

  • 🌙 Daily & Weekly pages with tarot/oracle sections

Because these are PDF tarot journal templates, you can print them as many times as you need — or keep them in a binder to build your own custom tarot journal.

Beyond Tarot: The Magic of the Witchy Planner

The Witchy Planner isn’t just a tarot journal PDF — it’s a whole magical companion. Alongside tarot templates, you’ll find:

  • 🌑 Moon Rituals & Phases — track new and full moons, set intentions, and journal reflections. (If you’d like extra support, grab my free New Moon Ritual worksheet to guide your practice.)

  • 🕯️ Spells & Rituals

  • 🌿 Herbs, Crystals & Oils

  • 🌸 Dream Journal pages

  • ✨ Manifestation layouts

  • and much more

💡 The Witchy Planner is one section of the All-in-One Life Planner, so you’re getting much more than just witchy content — you’re also unlocking a massive planner system that covers every area of life (25+ categories), magical and practical, all for one price.

Tarot becomes one piece of a much larger spiritual tapestry.

Making Tarot Journaling a Ritual

Here’s how I weave it into my evenings:

  1. Light a candle, make tea, or play music.

  2. Pull a card or spread with a clear intention.

  3. Write my first impressions.

  4. Capture any symbols or feelings that come up.

  5. Revisit the entry later to see how it played out.

Some days it’s a quick note, other days it turns into pages. Both are powerful.

Common Questions About Tarot Journals

🔮 Starting a Tarot Journal

What is tarot journaling and why should I do it?
Tarot journaling is writing down your card pulls, spreads, and reflections. It helps you anchor insights, track patterns, and build a deeper relationship with the cards — turning quick readings into a meaningful practice.

How do I start a tarot journal as a beginner?
Keep it simple: pull one card a day, write what you see and feel, and add a sentence about how it connects to your day. Consistency matters more than depth when you’re starting out.

What supplies do I need for a tarot journal?
At minimum: a notebook and a pen. If you prefer structure, a printable tarot journal template PDF (like the Witchy Section of the All-in-One Life Planner) gives you guided layouts.

Should I use a physical notebook or a digital one?
Both work! A notebook makes journaling feel ritualistic, while digital journals (like apps or PDFs) are portable and easy to search. Some people even blend both.

How can I make journaling a consistent habit?
Pair it with an existing ritual — morning coffee, evening tea, or before bed. Even two minutes is enough to make it stick.

What are some basic spreads for beginners to use in a journal?

  • Daily single card

  • Past / Present / Future spread

  • Weekly anchor card

✍️ What to Write in a Tarot Journal

What should I record after a reading?
Write down the card(s), your first impressions, symbols, emotions before/after, and any insights that connect to your life.

How can I journal about a single card daily?
Note the card, a keyword or phrase, your first impression, and how it showed up during the day.

What are some prompts for journaling on specific cards?

  • What part of me does this card reflect?

  • How does this card challenge or encourage me right now?

  • What story is this card inviting me to rewrite?

How can I track my tarot readings for self-growth?
Create a section in your journal for monthly reflections where you highlight recurring cards and themes.

How can I use my journal to compare different decks?
Do the same spread with two decks. Record how the imagery, symbolism, and personal interpretation differ.

What are some creative ways to use my journal, like drawing or poetry?
Sketch cards, doodle symbols, write poems inspired by your pulls, or collage. Creativity deepens your connection to the cards.

🧠 Interpreting and Reflecting on Readings

How do I interpret my own readings without a guidebook?
Start with your gut. Write your first impressions first, then reference a guidebook if you want extra insight.

What if my first impressions of a card don’t match the traditional meaning?
That’s okay. Your personal interpretation is often the one that matters most in the moment.

How can journaling help me understand my readings over time?
Looking back helps you see how your initial impressions lined up with life events. Over time, this builds confidence in your intuition.

How do I analyze patterns in my readings over days, weeks, or months?
Highlight repeating cards or themes. Ask: What is the lesson that keeps showing up for me?

What does it mean when a certain card keeps appearing in my readings?
Usually, it signals an area of life needing attention or healing. Journaling lets you explore its meaning in your personal context.

How can I use my journal for shadow work or processing difficult cards?
Write prompts like:

  • What part of me doesn’t want to see this?

  • What truth am I resisting?

  • What healing becomes possible if I face this card’s message?

🌟 Specific Tarot Journal Spreads and Ideas

What are some popular spreads for journaling?

  • Daily one-card draw

  • Three-card past/present/future

  • Celtic Cross

  • Relationship spread

  • Year-ahead spread

How can I create my own unique spreads?
Base them on questions you’re exploring. For example: “Mind / Body / Spirit check-in” or “Obstacle / Support / Next Step.”

How do I do a daily, weekly, or monthly tarot journal spread?

  • Daily: one card + reflection

  • Weekly: pull an anchor card at the start of the week and revisit it later

  • Monthly: pull a spread at the beginning of the month and track how it unfolds

What is a ‘year ahead’ or moon-phase tarot spread?

  • Year ahead: pull 12 cards, one for each month, and journal them as the year unfolds.

  • Moon phase: pull a card at the new moon and another at the full moon to guide intention-setting and reflection. You can pair this with my free New Moon Ritual worksheet for deeper journaling and intention-setting.

How can I use my tarot journal for goal-setting?
Pair your goals with card pulls. For example, if you draw The Magician while setting a business goal, write about what tools and resources you already have to succeed.

How can I use my journal for shadow work or processing difficult cards?
When difficult cards show up, your journal becomes a safe space to explore them. Write prompts like:

  • What part of me doesn’t want to see this?

  • What truth am I resisting?

  • What healing becomes possible if I face this card’s message?

💡 Shadow work explained: Shadow work is simply bringing awareness to the parts of yourself you usually keep in the dark. Instead of rejecting fear, anger, or shame, you meet them with curiosity and compassion. Over time, this helps you integrate those parts and uncover the wisdom hiding in your shadows.

Final Thoughts 🧠✨

Your tarot journal becomes a sacred witness — not just to the cards you pull, but to the way your life unfolds.

For me, tarot journaling matters because it bridges the mystical and the practical. It’s where the wisdom of the cards meets the everyday choices of my life.

If you’re ready to start your own tarot journal, grab a notebook or check out the Witchy Planner Section included on the All-in-One Life Planner. They’re designed to hold not just your tarot, but your whole magical journey.

✨ One day, you’ll flip through your journal and realize — it’s not just about cards. It’s about the story of you becoming.

All-in-One Life Undated Planner Fillable PDF with 25+ Categories | for Organization, Budgeting, Home Management, Wellness, and more
Quick View

💌 Want More? Join the Freebie and Newsletter!

Get cozy journaling tips, free printable planner pages, and creative inspiration in your inbox!
📩 Join the email list here.

Love These Ideas? Pin Them to Spread the Inspiration!

📌 Sharing is caring! Thanks for supporting and helping this blog grow—pin your favorites and spread the inspiration!

All-in-One Life Undated Planner Fillable PDF with 25+ Categories | for Organization, Budgeting, Home Management, Wellness, and more
Quick View
All-in-One Life Undated Planner Fillable PDF with 25+ Categories | for Organization, Budgeting, Home Management, Wellness, and more
$29.99

Common Questions About the All-in-One Life Planner

  • This planner helps by breaking big responsibilities into manageable steps. Instead of keeping everything in your head, you have a place to write it down, prioritize, and track progress. Plus, seeing your tasks, routines, and goals in one place creates a sense of control and balance.

  • There’s no wrong answer — daily is great, but even a few times a week can create momentum.

  • Yes! The planner is a fillable PDF. This means that you can prefill most of the text on a page. For example if you are using a weekly habit tracker you can prefill the habits that you are tracking so you do not have to handwrite them in every week. Simply reprint the page.

  • Absolutely! The All-in-One Life Undated Planner is flexible, whether you thrive on structure or need a place to organize your thoughts when life feels chaotic, this is meant for you.

  • Click here for the All-in-One Life Undated Planner.

  • Yes! This is a printable planner, meaning you can print only the pages you need and use them in a binder, disc-bound system, or even as loose sheets. The planner also includes print guides to help you get the best quality prints.

  • Absolutely! While it is designed as a printable planner, you can also use it digitally on apps like GoodNotes, Notability, or any PDF annotation tool for a paperless experience.

  • The planner is designed for U.S. Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), A4, and A5 sizes, giving you flexibility in how you use it. You can choose the size that best fits your needs, and if needed, adjust your printer settings to scale it accordingly.

  • Yes! The planner includes blank templates, lined paper, dot grid pages, and more, allowing you to add personal notes, sketches, or additional sections that fit your needs. Plus, vital sections are available as fillable PDFs, so you can conveniently type and organize information digitally before printing or using it on a tablet.

  • Definitely! Whether you’re new to planning or an experienced planner, this undated, flexible system allows you to start small and expand as needed. A Quick Start Guide is included to help you navigate the sections.

  • That’s the beauty of this planner! You only print and use the sections that work for you. Some people may focus on habit tracking, while others use it for goal setting, self-care, or journaling—it's designed to adapt to your lifestyle.

  • Yes! The planner includes a variety of guided prompts and challenges, such as the 30-Day Self-Care Challenge, 75 Soft & Hard Challenge, Gratitude Challenge, and various journaling exercises for self-reflection and motivation.

  • This planner is for personal use only, meaning you cannot resell or distribute it. However, you can purchase additional copies for family, friends, or colleagues who might also benefit from it.

  • Once you complete your purchase, you will receive a download link where you can access all the planner pages immediately. From there, you can print or use it digitally!

 
 
Bianca King
Next

Top Picks for the Best Undated Planner to Help You Stay Organized