When filling out your tarot journal, you can quickly run out of space, especially if you’re writing the card names every time. This is why a “tarot shorthand” is essential. Not only does it save space – it can save your hands!
You might use simple abbreviations such as Temp for Temperance and QP for Queen of Pentacles. I’ve seen other folks use Roman numerals for the Majors, meaning 0 for the Fool and IV for The Emperor. In some cases, drawing out symbols, such as a crescent Moon for the Moon or simple scales for Justice, can also work.
What’s essential is you figure out what makes the most sense for you and is easier to remember.
Consider creating a list with your shorthand codes at the front or back of your journal, similar to what bullet journaling folks like to do. This can come in handy if you intend to share your journal with someone else.
Here is the tarot shorthand method I use:
The Major Arcana
The Fool – FOOL
The Magician – MAGI
The High Priestess – HP
The Empress – EMPRS
The Emperor – EMPR
The Hierophant – HIERO
The Lovers – LOV
The Chariot – CHAR
Strength – STRENGTH
The Hermit – HERM
The Wheel of Fortune – WOF
Justice – JUST
The Hanged Man – HM
Death – DEATH
Temperance – TEMP
The Devil – DEV
The Tower – TOW
The Star – STAR
The Moon – MOON
The Sun – SUN
Judgement – JUDGE
The World – WORLD
The Minor Arcana
I use the same formula for each Minor suit: the number plus the initial for the suit. For example, Ace of Wands would be 1W, while Ace of Swords would be 1S.
For the Courts, I use:
P for Page
KN for Knight
Q for Queen
K for King
Using this example with the Pentacles would look like this:
PP for Page of Pentacles
KNP for Knight of Pentacles
QP for Queen of Pentacles
KP for King of Pentacles
For reversals, I use Rx, which is the retrograde symbol in astrology. This means the Devil reversed would be DEV Rx. You could use a simple R if you prefer.
Easy peasy.
Alright, I hope that helps you find a shorthand for your tarot journal. Of course, you can choose to write everything out too. Ultimately, it’s up to you.
xo
Theresa
The journal pictured is The Weiser Tarot Journal.
© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2023
image from personal collection
*Some of the links are Amazon links, which means I receive a small compensation if you purchase through that link. This does not impact the price of the item.
I’m Theresa Reed (aka, The Tarot Lady). I’ve been a full-time tarot reader for 30+ years — which, in my industry, makes me pretty badass.
I’m definitely not your average Tarot expert — I drop the F-bomb, I quote rappers, and I’m obsessed with pop culture + reality TV. Folks come to me for straight-talk + tough-love — without the woo-woo fluff. 
You must be logged in to post a comment.