The Inner Tarot: A Modern Approach to Self-Compassion and Empowered Healing Using the Tarot

by Kate Van Horn

“On its surface, this is a book about tarot, but at its core, it's offering a radical and revolutionary path to true healing." ―Liz Moody, host of the hit The Liz Moody Podcast and author of 100 Ways to Change Your Life

Are you longing to rewrite your personal narrative, connect to your purpose and pursue it with confidence? Do you seek a grounded approach to connecting to your intuition, being seen, heard, and heart-led? "Anyone interested in falling in love with their mind, body, and spirit should look to the tarot," says intuitive healer and tarot reader Kate Van Horn. "Tarot has an uncanny knack for illuminating what already exists in our energies, bodies, and intuitions. When harnessed, it can serve as a helpful tool for profound self-acceptance and healing."

The Inner Tarot isn't just a book about how to read the cards. It's a guidebook for those ready to embark on a healing journey equipped with tools to help you foster your intuition, own your story, and harness your soul's purpose.

Just like a deck of tarot cards, the book is divided into two

• In Part I, you’ll learn to explore the nuances of pulling cards to ground you in the practice and discover the tools to become a confident reader. Consider it a crash course in card reading. Kate will also share tips for creating rituals around your deck, understanding numerology, reading reversals, crafting tarot spreads, and more.

• In Part II, Kate guides you through individual card interpretations as well as thought-provoking, heart-opening exercises intended to facilitate healing and honor your resilience and personal story. You’ll refer to this again and again as you create your tarot practice and make deeper connections with each archetype.

Discover a deeper approach to self-inquiry, a new depth in your experience, pride in your personal story, and an empowered approach to their communication.

Genres: Tarot, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Reference

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2024

Reviews

[ABCme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't even halfway through the digital ARC when I preordered this book in paperback. It's that good.
After a thorough subject introduction, a series of spreads is offered to guide the reader through the various stages of healing and empowerment. Both these words are used all the time in the tarot community, but I never heard them explained as well as in this book.
The Inner Tarot is a hands-on book, welcoming and surprising in its approach.
For example, I never read reversals, but the several interpretations presented in this book are fresh and inviting, offering a few new perspectives on reading reversed cards that I'm willing to try.
The minors are explained by their element, which is how I already read them, and although a lot of the meanings sound familiar, many new takes do come to light.
The majors are described as modern events while sticking to their traditional meaning.
I journalled throughout, taking full advantage of this wealth of information on healing and empowerment, trying out the suggested prompts in each chapter, meanwhile enjoying every moment I got to play and experience my cards in a new way.
The Inner Tarot is a breath of fresh air, written in easy accessible language, with useful spreads to boot. A wonderful book every tarot reader needs in their collection.

Thank you Netgalley and Sounds True Publishing for the ARC.

[Camila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ongoing read for me, UGH ITS SO GOOD.

Kate weaves magic into her words, I really do love her eloquence and vulnerability, as well as the pure love poured into this book.

Between the spreads, the prompts, the poetry, the lessons, there’s so much packed into The Inner Tarot.

Read it, use it to learn tarot, use it for healing.

You won’t regret it ❤️❤️

[Sassy Mystic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the exercises at the end of each chapter to help you as a card reader get better in tune with your tarot deck. The book is user friendly and helpful in learning the Tarot.

[Myreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up to learn more about tarot and saw a video of the author talking a bit about her practice and decided to start here and honestly, I got so much more than just basic tarot lessons here (though I got those too). This book is filled to the brim with love, hope, and healing. Beautifully written book that takes a reader through a journey of healing and empowers us all to look within for strength and comfort. Highly recommend

[Wake Up Neo · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite tarot book.

Sometimes you know early on that you vibe with the author's writing style and are going to really enjoy a book. I'm generally a little wary of anyone proclaiming to have 'a gift' but something the author said in the introduction immediately resonated with me as she recalled a moment of realization about self sabotage and living in fear of one's own power. Taking this candid admission and armed with a new favorite phrase "back-alley magic", I knew this was going to be a genuine and down to earth crash course in reading tarot. This is not my first beginners book but it's the one I had the greatest takeaway from. The author took the assignment to heart and and gives THE BEST introduction to tarot. Plus this is her first book! I adored her explanations and went through page by page with my own cards. If you do this, at the end your deck will be reordered to 'rest', ready to recharge (which I'm now adopting into my practice).

This book is very good. Even if you're not new to the subject or the title may seem focused on an aspect that's not specifically what you're after, -- this one is worth reaching for.

Thank you to the author & publisher for allowing me to read this book early in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I connected with Kate years ago and took both of her tarot courses when I was learning the deck. To be taught by Kate is such a gift - her patience, guidance, and deep knowledge and admiration for the tarot shine through in her teaching.

This book is no different! Kate’s honesty and vulnerability create a grounded foundation to learn such a spiritual tool. The poetry before each card’s description was my favorite part - even though it’s Kate’s personal story, I could find pieces of me in each passage.

I haven’t been in my Tarot era for quite some time but I’m feeling inspired to dust off my deck and follow the prompts and exercises to reconnect.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been interested in Tarot, but so very intimidated by all of the cards and their meanings. This book has been unlike any other Tarot book I have read and made it feel easy.

Not only do you learn how each card has a positive (non scary) interpretation to it, but also a healing component. There are so many journaling prompts to guide you along your journey while learning the deck - which I found to be so helpful when trying to remember the cards and their meanings.

I preordered a physical copy of this book before I had even finished it. I can't wait to highlight and take notes.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sounds True Publishing for an e-arc of this book.

[Abeni Tinubu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Van Horn may be a first time author, but through the pages of The Inner Tarot, she makes it abundantly clear that she is a consummate storyteller. Tarot is made accessible, refreshing, and new through her nuanced pen. Her prose equal parts poetic and practical, she guides her readers though an in-depth discovery of the ancient 78-card system. Perhaps most enchanting, is her ability to weave her own personal narrative into each and every card to further enrich their meanings.

After sharing her own journey, she then encourages readers to take ownership of their own stories by offering a myriad of healing modalities that are anchored in Tarot, but by no means limited to it. Expect to fully embody the cards through journaling, somatic movement, breathwork, meditation, affirmations, psychic protections, and more.

Tender, vulnerable, and beautiful, The Inner Tarot is for anyone who has ever felt the whisper of their intuition, and dared to listen.

[Sarah-jane Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Netgalley

Kate Van Horn's debut book, The Inner Tarot, showcases her talent as a skilled storyteller as she delves into the ancient 78-card system with poetic prose and personal narratives. Readers are encouraged to explore their own stories through various healing modalities beyond Tarot, making this book a must-read for those in tune with their intuition.
Definitely a handy little book for any one starting out in tarot reading

[Daniela Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inner Tarot is *exactly* the kind of tarot literature we've needed for a long time. I so rarely come across a book that explains esoteric tools this way

Whether you're a seasoned tarot practioner or tarot-curious, this book re-shapes your relationship to the Major and Minor Arcana archetypes through vibrant motifs and storytelling

[Pixie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inner Tarot by Kate Van Horn may be one of the best books about learning the tarot that I have ever read. When I read through this book, I tried to tune into a younger version of myself. Having read the tarot off and on since 2007, I looked at this book for how it may have helped me better understand the practice of tarot if I had been able to access it from the very beginning. Kate did an excellent job creating multiple different inroads for new readers and old to build better relationships with their cards from journal prompts to meditations to quality explanations and examples. I most especially liked her section on reversals. I myself have always had a somewhat iffy relationship with reversals in the tarot and found her many different paths to understanding reversed energy enlightening.

The Inner Tarot by Kate Van Horn may be one of the best books about learning the tarot that I have ever read. When I read through this book, I tried to tune into a younger version of myself. Having read the tarot off and on since 2007, I looked at this book for how it may have helped me better understand the practice of tarot if I had been able to access it from the very beginning. Kate did an excellent job creating multiple different inroads for new readers and old to build better relationships with their cards from journal prompts to meditations to quality explanations and examples. I most especially liked her section on reversals. I myself have always had a somewhat iffy relationship with reversals in the tarot and found her many different paths to understanding reversed energy enlightening.

[Tory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had this book the first time I picked up a tarot deck but it is just as valuable now as it would’ve been then. The way Kate tells her story, and teaches the journey of the cards, is and so grounded and intentional. A must have!!!!

[Maci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best book to read if you're interested in learning more about Tarot. The author gives real, raw experiences and shares eloquently how it could pertain to you.

I often found myself thinking back on moments in my life when I'd read about a card and think, 'oh I bet I would have pulled this card.'

Tarot is looked down on from some, but I love how she put it.. 'Tarot is all about reading energy from the present' - there, she said it well. 🫶🏼

[N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a goodreads giveaway, and I'm grateful I did.
The writing is natural, flowing, easy to read and relatable. This is so much more than just a tarot book. The author speaks to a deeper more personal journey with the cards as a guide and ally.

[kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have for those who are interested with incorporating tarot cards in their lives. Kate Van Horn does an exceptional job making this very overwhelming tool/talent into one that is achievable.

I love the backstory as to where and how tarot cards started off as and how it came to be the way we know it today. This book is also sectioned off into Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and Court cards. It might be common sense to some, but breaking it down like this has helped me make more sense of its significance.

Even if you have some experience with tarot reading, but would like to learn more about it, this book is definitely a helpful guide!! I can't wait to purchase this book for some of my tarot reading friends!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Part 1 is very informative and not too different to the usual 'history of tarot' guidebooks out there. However, Part 2 is where it really changes your perspective. I can really see myself using this as a tool to deepen my readings. I really liked the prompts at the end of each chapter which helped put what I'd read into practice. Referring the Major Arcana to present world events, the minors by their elements and bringing new life to reversals (something I don't typically read) I am looking forward to many readings using this guidebook.

[Patty Alvarenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an inspiring and grounding book. I attended Kate’s pre-launch event and was a complete fool (hehe) to the tarot world before attending. Her book was extremely approachable and informative as a beginner.

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Inner Tarot: A Modern Approach to Self-Compassion and Empowered Healing Using the Tarot
by Kate Van Horn

I received an eBook ARC of this book to review honestly. All opinions are my own. My biggest problem with this book was not the author's fault, as far as I know, but a problem with the NetGalley app. I am NOT dinging the author for the problem of the font being SO tiny as I am only able to open the NG app on my Samsung phone, and not on my Kindle Fire where I usually read books.

I've been using tarot, oracle, and angel cards, along with Runes since I was about 25. I truly wanted to like this book, thought it might actually help in understanding more of myself, but this book just didn't do it for me. I'm not sure why.

One part agree with was creating space. For me, that included soft music, a notebook to write down the cards drawn and my thoughts regarding the reading .It appears I intuitively was cleansing/recharging my deck without actually realizing it.

I feel like I didn't get as much enjoyment out of this book as I could have due to being so difficult to read. Even going to my laptop and using the browser app was difficult as it would only scroll less than a line at a time. Sigh.

[Angela P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate's approach to tarot is refreshing. First, her book approaches tarot in a way that encourages the reader to dig deep. Her writing is compassionate, raw, and honest. Kate shares her own anecdotes about what led her to tarot. It's easy to trust a writer when they can share so openly. Second, the card interpretations are simple, but they still lead the reader to think (and perhaps, journal) about what comes up. She provides ideas for journal prompts as well as meditations (my favorite is for the Ace of Swords). For reversals, readers are encouraged to engage, once again, with how the cards apply to specifically to them--not simply reading it as the "opposite" meaning for the card. I also love that the book is perfect for friends who are tarot-curious or even afraid of tarot because she writes about tarot in a way that allows people to see it can be supportive, not scary. It doesn't have to be about predicting the future, but simply looking within. I look forward to continuing to use the book in my morning ritual.

[BookCupid · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been years that I've been reading tarot. Once you find Spirit, it's impossible to ever let go.

I always find it hard when I see readers hopeful, and waiting for me to tell them that their love is corresponded or that they will get the promotion, only to see that the cards see differently. This takes me to what I enjoyed about this book, the positive prompts. Although unfortunately, people will still be affected by the read, I'll be happy to suggest them.

For a reader like me, who wakes up early to talk to Spirit on a daily basis, this reminds me that healing takes time, that I can turn stubbornness into resilience, and that it's more than okay to ask for signs.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I've never heard of tarot before going to this book's book tour. I had my first ever tarot reading and used this book to understand the cards more. WOW!! The book is such an incredible compliment a tarot reading and great for beginners. I'm able to see additional insights from my own perspective and have found so much meaning in Kate's descriptions. I think some of her descriptions & channeled messages were meant for me to read in this exact moment. This is a must read book if you're remotely interested in tarot.

[Katie Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had to opportunity and pleasure to have one on one readings and guidance with Kate over the years. This book has been a gentle expansion on my spiritual and healing journey. I am a beginner with the deck, but her guidance, lessons, and prompts have allowed me to get a create a deeper connection to the cards and their meaning. I am excited to have this book in my spiritual toolkit.

[Jim Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough journey with the author into how to use the Tarot as a tool for self-exploration and healing that goes beyond just listing the meanings of cards. The section on numerology was very helpful, but now I need to know where those meanings are derived. Is it like math and delivered from Prometheus?

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the first part. It was okay. I didn't want to commit to every card, so I returned it. I believe I can trust my own intuition and guidebooks with the decks I own to dive deeper.
It didn't really offer anything new or groundbreaking for me. Maybe if I had found it a few years ago, I would've enjoyed it more.

[Arkasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is good and beginner-friendly tarot book. It is very much focused on the healing/uplifiting/self-discovery aspects of tarot, not so deep on the meaning/symbolism aspects.

eARC provided by NetGalley and Sounds True Publishing.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful discussion of the tarot. A great readalike for Tarot for Change, with a shared focus on internal reflection and growth. I’m excited to return to this in my practice and work through the journal prompts!

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for beginners or anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of tarot. This book really helped me learn more about the meaning of each card and the power of tarot in general. I like how the author included exercises to connect with each card.

[Marcello Tarot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molto scorrevole, compassionevole, spesso un po’ troppo spirituale e con il termine “guarigione” onnipresente quasi sempre fuori luogo o incomprensibile nel contesto.
E i caratteri usati sono troppo piccoli.

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! My favourite book on Tarot.

[Angie Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, 6 stars, all the stars. So much of what I really needed to hear. So much healing. Bravo to the author. I’ll be rereading this over and over until death do us part. Incredible!