Update: I’ve had more than 600 requests for my Tarot Scrivener template and many responses on how incredibly thorough and helpful it is. Thank you again to everyone who contributed to this blog and to those who have written to tell me how much they love the template. I’m truly happy to provide this service.
Wondering where and how to keep your Tarot journal notebook? I’m offering a free Scrivener template below, but we have such a range of options these days that it’s hard to decide which way to go. I’ve tried almost every journal possibility. Here are questions to ask yourself if you are trying to decide which way to go. I suggest writing down your responses:
- Do you prefer the experience of pen on paper or the ease of typing?
- Do you want a fixed record of your Tarot development or the flexible changeability of computer documents?
- Do you want to be able to carry your journal with you everywhere or do you like setting down at a regular place and time to write in your journal?
- Do you want your Tarot journal to be completely private or shared (at least in part)?
- Do you want it to emphasize your own drawings and sketches or be a repository for scans, photos and web research?
- Is it more about personal contemplation of the cards, recording spreads, or research?
- Do you prefer working within a well-developed structure or free-form (writing whatever strikes you at the moment)?
- Would cross-referencing links and tags be especially helpful?
- Would you like your journal to eventually become the basis of your own book on the Tarot?
Here are the main choices for your journal. Some people maintain several, for instance, recording readings on paper but writing study notes on the computer.
- A blank-book or spiral notebook. A permanent, developmental record of your progress and the ability to integrate personal artwork and sketches. These are mobile, but sometimes bulky, can be beautiful and let you write and draw with your favorite pens on creamy paper.
- Computer files. Use your favorite word processor (or consider Scrivener, Evernote or Notability). With integrated systems and wifi you can switch among desktop and mobile devices with ease: taking, modifying and reorganizing your notes anywhere. Use dictation if you prefer speaking. Integrate photos and links. You can even include audio or video recordings of readings.
- Blogs. A blog is not just for public sharing. You can set it to private or so only chosen individuals can read it. It can be a great resource especially for reviewing your readings (most recent comes up first) and writing about specific topics. Categories and tags allow you to cross-reference the same cards or symbols appearing in different contexts. Publicly blogging your ideas gives you an incentive to develop them.
- A 3-ring binder. For those who like hard-copy, you can use a computer, print out the pages and update individual pages as they change. You can add in handwritten notes & sketches on a variety of pieces of paper, even napkins.
What if you prefer a super-organized yet flexible system but aren’t sure where to begin or what to include? Or you dream of turning your Tarot studies and experiences into a book and would like help with how to do that?
I recommend the #1 writer’s resource for computers: Scrivener (for Mac and Windows). If you already use Scrivener then I don’t have to tell you how valuable it is. It is described as a powerful content-generation tool for long, complex writing projects. It allows you to seamlessly view your notes as a corkboard, outline, individual files or a single document. Along with tags and templates these are only a few of the structuring tools. You can work on your computer, tablet and phone, and sync through Dropbox. When you are ready, compile only those files you wish, and print, export to Word, or format directly into one of many eBook and insta-print designs.
To top it off, I’ve created a “Tarot Journal Template” for Scrivener, based on 50 years keeping a variety of Tarot notebooks, converting them into Tarot books, and editing other people’s Tarot books. The full template is hyper-organized into separate card and topic files and has “prompts” (such as for exploring each card’s layered meanings). It can also be easily modified and reorganized to suit your own preferences and needs.
List frequently used keywords & correspondences in the Corkboard for instant access.
I’m making this template available for FREE, but if you like and use it, I hope you’ll consider donating any amount to my blog (see the PayPal donate button near the top left of my page). To receive this template, you’ll need to email me:
Click here and type: “Tarot Journal Template” into the message box, then send.*
I’ll email you a .zip folder that includes instructions for importing the Tarot Journal into Scrivener.*I’ve received a disappointing number of requests with emails that don’t work. Please double-check your email address before sending.
Scrivener is very reasonably priced for a computer application prized by published novelists, script writers and academics. While you can begin using the template immediately, you’ll want to check out all the bells-and-whistles that make Scrivener so fabulous. The program has a fairly stiff learning curve but there are many youtube videos and instruction websites that will inspire and assist you.
I welcome suggestions and recommendations in the comments.
23 comments
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May 24, 2017 at 6:22 pm
Abby_Rosewolf
Mary, what a wonderful offer, and I might take you up on it. Honestly I have (and embarrassed to admit after all this time) not kept a consistent tarot journal for a respectable length of time. So any resource with any format would be fine.
I’d prefer a template I could use with my iPhone, but I’m sure going to avail myself of this!!
May 24, 2017 at 6:49 pm
mkg
Abby,
There is a Scrivener app for the iPad and iPhone. The iPhone version has some significant limitations but I’m not sure what they are. You might want to check out Notability and create your own set of files for it.
mkg
May 24, 2017 at 11:05 pm
Karen Lajoy
Will it work like Microsoft OneNote?
May 25, 2017 at 1:19 am
mkg
Karen,
I’ve never used OneNote, but I believe Scrivener is quite different.
May 26, 2017 at 9:46 am
Theresa Reed
I LOVE this, Mary! So brilliant! I have Scrivener and have not used it – this inspires me to do so!
May 26, 2017 at 10:05 am
mkg
Theresa,
The learning curve of Scrivener can be daunting (there are so many options for its use), but persevere with the help of tutorials on YouTube and enthusiast websites and you’ll see why so many love it. My Template is far more detailed than any others I’ve seen, but that is to accommodate the Tarot structure and various uses. Normally you start with just a couple of folders and expand as you write.
May 27, 2017 at 6:24 am
The Hit List - The age of no reasons - The Tarot Lady
[…] Mary K Greer is so brilliant – check out this post: Your Tarot Journal & a Scrivener Template. […]
May 29, 2017 at 9:49 am
SuEllen Shepard
Hi Mary,
When I purchased Scrivener I purchased a guide for $10.It comes in 3 different formats so that is awesome too! Thanks again for sharing this with us!
May 29, 2017 at 12:13 pm
Angela
Pen and notebook and possibly binder to keep it organized and also would like to be able to print things out and use those as well. So if I do it like this do I have to purchase skriver?
May 29, 2017 at 2:54 pm
mkg
SuEllen,
I haven’t looked at the guide. I imagine it will be very helpful. But don’t forget the YouTube videos if you like audio/visual assistance. Scrivener is really an amazing program and not that difficult at its most basic. The issue only exists when you realize and want to take advantage of its huge potential.
May 29, 2017 at 2:59 pm
mkg
Angela,
If you are using a pen, notebook and binder then there is no way to “print things out” unless you make photocopies of your written material. Even if you use a computer there is no need to buy and use Scrivener unless you feel its organizing system would be helpful. If you are not comfortable using a computer then you might find Scrivener too difficult a place to start. Find a friend who knows computers to help you find the right application for you to use.
mkg
May 29, 2017 at 7:34 pm
SuEllen Shepard
Hi Mary,
I use a Windows computer and there is also a manual that installs. The PDF is at:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Scrivener\resources
I like using manuals so I can do a search for the specific thing I need.
The YouTube videos are great too!
May 30, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Carol
Mary, I would love to try your Scrivener template. I hope there isn’t an issue with my email address. I requested the template last week, but have not received it as of yet. I saw where you posted some emails were bouncing, but I don’t believe mine is, as I am getting all emails, even received your newsletter. Just wondering. 🙂
May 30, 2017 at 2:26 pm
mkg
Carol,
I’m glad you are checking. My records show that I sent it twice when your request first arrived (there must have been a not-deliverable notice), and I just sent it a third time. Hope it arrives. Usually it doesn’t arrive because the person leaves an incorrect email address, but your problem seems to have to do with either spam or the attachment not being acceptable.
mkg
June 29, 2017 at 9:11 am
Anamoly
Not long after I got Scrivener, I was reading “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card”, also by Mary K Greer. I used her suggestions in that book to set up my own journal on Scrivener. When I saw this, I immediately wondered how alike our setups would be given that she was my guide, so to speak in setting up mine. I couldn’t wait to compare when I got the email last night. While they share many similarities, I am overwhelmed by the prompts and guides in hers. This is so much more than I was expecting in a simple template. I went to bed dreaming of all the things to do with it. I really suggest checking it out if you have Scrivener. I already consider it as priceless a resource as I consider her books.
Mary, you have outdone yourself (AGAIN)! This is above and beyond what I was expecting. Thank you.
June 29, 2017 at 1:47 pm
mkg
Anamoly,
Thank you so much for your feedback and kind words. I deliberately tried not to put in too many prompts that stress my own approach in the Template, as I wanted it to serve everyone and any approach. The prompts I did include are meant more to stimulate one’s own ideas – priming the pump and generating agreement or disagreement about how the Template should/could be organized.
I love that it stimulated you to “dream of all the things to do with it.” I consider that the ultimate success.
Mary
July 9, 2017 at 11:25 am
Cheeky Damsel
This is the first I’ve ever heard of Skrivener. It sounds like an incredibly useful tool for documenting things like a Tarot practice or other activities. Thank you for posting about this, I will definitely look into it!
September 8, 2017 at 8:12 am
Jeff Silverstein
Bravo! This template is an amazing resource. Having worked with Scrivener, I know how much work went into it. Writers don’t easily share their “secret” template tricks so this is very generous. The moment I opened it I clicked the Pay Pal link to give a donation – and I’d strongly encourage you to do that if you’re using it. It’s worth at least the price of the next deck you don’t really need. : )
For non-novelists or non-screenwiters Scrivener can be a bit overwhelming – but investing time to learn it is a shortcut to being able to organize any project, blog, book, or just brainstorm. If you ever dreamed about writing something (even if it wasn’t about Tarot) you should try it. If Mary Greer’s brilliant template is your excuse to learn it, it’s even more valuable. Udemy offers scores of courses on Scrivener that always go on sale for 10 dollars.
And don’t toss your beautiful bound journal and fountain pen if you’re in love with them. Simply take a phone shot or scan of your paper pages – and import them right into any folder you choose. You can take photos of spreads, people, places and drop them right in. You can also create and name your own folders within this template – you can make it your own.
September 15, 2017 at 10:41 pm
mkg
Jeff,
Thank you so much for your detailed review/comment. That’s a great tip about including photos from a hard-copy journal – why didn’t I think of that! I’d love to hear about any other tips or changes you make as you use the template. I’m hoping people will be creative with it.
Mary
May 29, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Anomaly
I’ve had this Tarot template for almost a year now and thought I’d come back to say I am still loving it and using it almost every day. I did add a folder for oracle decks and also added an abbreviations sections to the glossary. I added a story section to the card templates because I make up a story about the card if I feel stuck. I’ve probably made some other tweaks to personalize it more but I can’t really remember what they might be at this time. This resource is a goldmine!
May 30, 2018 at 12:49 am
mkg
Anomaly,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the template. I love hearing about the additions you made — perfect!
Mary
September 4, 2018 at 5:19 pm
Linkage: Stars, summer, and sluts | Spiral Nature Magazine
[…] ever brilliant Mary K. Greer offers a free Scrivener template for your tarot journal, and offers some tips on things to consider in constructing […]
November 8, 2019 at 1:58 pm
Lynda J Schuessler
Thank you so much for the template. I can’t to get it and try it. I’m working through Tarot for Yourself and I know this will be amazing.