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Tarot Inspired Life: Use the Cards to Enhance Your Life

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Create a More Meaningful and Spiritual Life through the Cards Make tarot the centerpiece of your spirituality with this brilliant guide to incorporating the cards into your daily life. Tarot Inspired Life is the perfect workbook to help deepen your tarot practice, enhance your creativity, and find greater purpose each day. This book encourages you to befriend your deck, personalize your spreads, and create a tarot journal. It's not just filled with keywords, descriptions, or correspondences. Discover how to use the cards for creative writing, meditation, and connecting to spirit guides. Learn how your deck can be an agent of change through invocations and seasonal rituals. Jaymi Elford's guidance inspires you to think outside the norm, follow your own path, and honor your unique interpretations of tarot.

312 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2019

25 people are currently reading
147 people want to read

About the author

Jaymi Elford

23 books39 followers
Jaymi Elford discovered her first deck at 13 and has been reading for others since then. You can find her slinging cards at parties, events, or in one-on-one sessions with clients. Tarot is Jaymi’s personal inner compass. She reads the cards for herself to seek guidance and gain insight. When it comes to living a tarot inspired life, Jaymi has a simple philosophy: clear the clutter, locate your anchor, and allow magic into all aspects of your world.

Not only is Jaymi an accomplished reader, she’s a respected member of the international Tarot community. She has taught at Readers Studio, BATS, and the NorthWest Tarot Symposium (NWTS). Jaymi also produces various other tarot media — writing and editing books on Tarot, crafting innovative essays for magazines, and she has an addiction to producing little white books for other decks. Lo Scarabeo published her first deck, Triple Goddess Tarot in 2017. Llewellyn Worldwide released her first book, Tarot Inspired Life, in 2019. She also co-hosts Tarot Visions, a podcast devoted to all things oracular.

She resides in Portland, Oregon with her partner and cat. Jaymi enjoys her non-Tarot time being out in the Pacific Northwest’s nature, reading all the books, writing, and playing games. Visit her at: www.innercompasstarot.com.

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5 stars
28 (36%)
4 stars
27 (35%)
3 stars
18 (23%)
2 stars
3 (3%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa Cynova.
Author 7 books181 followers
January 31, 2019
Disclaimers - I got this book from the publisher that Jaymi and I share - Llewellyn, and also Jaymi is one of my best friends.

I still would have rated it this highly if she weren't, because this is a really good, valuable book. I've been taking my time reading through it because if I'm honest, I generally don't read tarot books anymore. I've been looking at these cards for 30 years, and I think I've got it, you know? Death means change. Check.

This book isn't a book to learn the cards, though. It's a book that will help you learn yourself WITH the cards. It's full of ways to use the tarot to help you navigate your life, and ways to integrate tarot into your day to day.

From journaling, to writing prompts to meditating - Jaymi is going to help you get to a place where you cards are never far from you.
Profile Image for ☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆.
463 reviews137 followers
July 14, 2019
I highly enjoyed this book and the new journey it took me with the tarot. I actually learned a couple new insights on how to use the cards and have been reading for over 15 years now. I like how this book takes the sacred knowledge of the Tarot and intertwines it with daily practices to give us more meaning. I give this book 5 stars because I feel if a brand new reader were to read this book that they may be thrown off course a bit but I do think it's a worthy book to add to your collection. I enjoyed this book on my kindle and read it within a day!
Profile Image for Gail.
Author 9 books44 followers
December 30, 2019
Wow...this is a most excellent Tarot book. It inspires this weary old teacher/reader to reinvigorate her Tarot practice. Written in an accessible style, you are drawn into Elford’s expansive vision of Tarot as a daily companion, friend, and inspiration. Never pedantic, she provides a very good 360 degree overview of the history of Tarot. While she knows that the mythical origins of Tarot are romantic fiction, she joyfully enjoys them. So do I, as a guilty pleasure. Now I feel validated!

Through the Major Arcana, she provides a lovely vision of the archetypes of the Majors as well as a great exercise to create the readers own vision. Wonderful.

Throughout this wonderful book, there are exercises, creative ways to find your own relationship to a deck. I intend, as we go into a New Year and decade to use this book as a guide for my Tarot practice.

As part of the book, she gives several Tarot Invocations to effect lasting change in your life. It took me, as a Witch and Wiccan High Priestess to realize, in my life, these are Tarot inspired ritualized spells. More than one of them really spoke to me. I will be doing that on the first day of the New Year.

I think this book would be a great study text for a group. Both beginners and more experienced Tarotists will find this book inspiring. As always, the influence of a book is doing the work. Let Jaymi Elford guide you. She doesn’t do it for you, she is your guide.....

Profile Image for Eliza.
38 reviews39 followers
October 31, 2018
Tarot is very important to me. It was my introduction to the occult at age twelve, and continues to be a major fixture in my practices. I picked up this book hoping that, as the title implies, it would help me to further integrate Tarot into my daily routine.
Despite the title, this book really only works as a general introduction to Tarot. Even then, some of the information given (such as the elemental associations for the Tarot court) comes from what seems to be the author’s UPG rather than established tradition.
Now, I’m all for UPG in Tarot - it’s important to connect with your own symbol-set, even if it differs from tradition. So, yes, this wouldn’t be a problem for me, but the book doesn’t explain that it’s UPG. A beginner is going to be left wondering why Kings are associated with Earth here, despite most traditions associating them with Fire.
The most useful parts of this book are the sections where the author details Tarot-related crafts. These include Tarot card display stands, and also tips for deck modification. I’ve always been a fan of physical crafting, as well as deck modification, so I enjoyed these parts. They were also fairly new to me, compared to the rest of the book.
Another part I really enjoyed was “Inspiring the Muse,” where the author focuses on storytelling using the Tarot. This is a major hobby of mine, and I’m delighted to see a beginner-friendly Tarot book that devotes pages to it. In fact, the exercises in this part of the book are much more unique, and useful, than the more generic ones earlier on.
The ritual and meditative exercises in the book, refreshingly, would be appropriate for most belief systems. They aren’t overly-Wiccan or even overly-Pagan. Many still reference deities, and I dislike how the author just leaves places to insert deity names into the rituals.
I may not be religious myself, but better advice would be to tailor each ritual to the deity in question yourself, using the book as a loose guide. The meditations seem to lack a unique spark, and really resemble those you could find in almost any Tarot book geared towards spirituality.
There are also a lot of spreads in this book, along with the exercises. Most of them are quite good. Again, they aren’t terribly unique, but they’re highly functional and worth learning for beginners. The big exception to this would be the seasonal spreads, each of which is exactly the same (one card drawn for each month of the season).
I won’t sugarcoat things. I didn’t enjoy this book much. I learned hardly anything new from it. I also don’t see it as terribly well-written, comprehensive, or otherwise suitable for beginners.
Almost all of the exercises in the book can be found elsewhere, as well as most of the information. There are other books that cover these topics much better.
This is one to skip, I would say. I guess if you’re just getting started with Tarot, this book isn’t the worst introduction you could have, but it is quite far from the best, either. I’m giving this book three out of five stars - it just didn’t resonate with me.
Profile Image for Anna Alexander.
381 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2019
Full disclosure: Jaymi was my tarot teacher when I wanted jump into the deep end of the tarot pool and really learn the cards. I am also one of the readers mentioned in the acknowledgements section of the book as I watched this book grow from a rough draft to its polished completion.

That being said, if I didn’t like this book I would not give it a glowing review.

The main thing that sets this book apart from other Tarot 101 books is that Jaymi gives the reader tarot insight and exercises that go beyond her opinions of all the cards. She encourages you to use your imaginations when playing with and using the cards and gives guidance on how to use them beyond the Celtic Cross. She reminds us that TAROT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SERIOUS and can fun, inspire our inner muse, and even use them for games.

I recommend this book for anyone that wants to go beyond the 101 books and really jump into the deep end of the tarot pool.
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,345 reviews119 followers
January 2, 2019
Tarot Inspired Life by Jaymi Elford

Tarot is something I have dabbled in for a number of years so when I saw this book I wanted to see what it might have to offer. I already knew that the cards are a means to trigger the mind to “see” and foretell and find out but they can also be more and this book proposes some ideas that I had not encountered before. What ideas? Well, using the cards to inspire writing and construct plots was unusual and different and might be of interest to aspiring authors. And, I liked the idea of determining intent before doing a reading then creating a spread that will give specific meaning relevant to the query. There are many spreads out there but the idea of individualizing was and is intriguing. The matrix idea of setting up patterns of cards that allow the comparison of one suit against another and also the cards of like position within a suit with others that hold the same position in another group was intriguing. I have taken cards one at a time within a deck and meditated and let them talk to me but the idea of entering the card was a new one… There were new ideas and old and all in all I found this an intriguing book that I would like to have on my shelves. What I will be trying is laying out the matrixes and picking up the journal I started long ago that first introduced me to reading tarot. I will add to it and I may also pick a card daily and record through the year the card and events that occurred during the day.

Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars
Profile Image for Shannon.
26 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2019
This book does not offer card meanings, it offers ways to incorporate tarot into your everyday life that go beyond reading a simple spread. Easy reading, useful information. There's great information about building relationships with the cards so you won't feel obligated to rely on someone else's interpretations.
Profile Image for Leeza Robertson.
Author 25 books45 followers
July 26, 2019
A must-have for all Tarot enthusiasts. Move beyond the reading from this incredible book from Jaymi Elford. If you loved Kitchen Table Tarot, this is the book you need to follow it up with.
13 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2021
I had the pleasure of meeting the author Jaymi Elford at StaarCon 2020.

When I learned she had a book coming out and was presenting at LlwellynCon, she's literally the only reason why I attended virtually. I have opinions but they're not pertinent to this book review, so I'll hold them to myself.

I adored this book.

I love that she encourages the reader to form their own opinions, listen to their own intuition, journal to track their own personal experiences and messages from the cards, rather than say, "this is what the Eight of Swords means."

Don't get me wrong, the information in the LWB is super important and I adore ones that go in depth with the writer/illustrators insights and intentions.

However, their insight is not better than yours - where ever you are on your tarot journey - no more than your insight being better than theirs. Different people and different given circumstances will inform which - or both! - is most potent/appropriate.

Jaymi's writing style is clear, articulate, and full of nuggets for the newb and the pro - I've been reading & studying for over 20 years and she has an exercise that I can't wait to try with Cade Burkhammer's Wise Fool Tarot.

She manages to instill equal weight and importance on study, curiosity, and intuition, like WFT's illustration of The Heirophant sitting on top of volumes of all the world's sacred texts wearing an anarchy shirt.

I highly recommend this book for Tarot lovers where ever you are on your Tarot journey.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,574 reviews72 followers
June 14, 2019
Thank you to Jaymi Elford, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd., and NetGalley for allowing me the extreme pleasure of access to an advanced reader copy of “Tarot Inspired Life: Use the Cards to Enhance Your Life” for an honest review.

While I am a tarot reading of over twenty years, and someone who finds delight in both new decks, and holding true to the old, comfortable ones I've used along the way (oracle, tarot, and rune decks), this book was quite a delight to read over. I find myself pausing and trying out several exercises and activities it encouraged/instructed. I was very pleased to see this wasn't a beginners books, and that beginning was not dedicated to laying out all the meanings of the cards which can be found in several other texts.

While I would love to give this a full star higher, there were still errors that an editor needed to catch (phrasing, and missing letters/words).
Profile Image for Sally Wilsey.
643 reviews8 followers
July 16, 2019
I have always been interested in the Tarot and beauty of the cards. There are many decks that are just magical. I was so happy to see this book really delve into the history of the Tarot. The author also goes into the cards in a better way than I have seen in previous books. There is a chapter on Tarot Language that tells about the colors, symbols and more. Also on the types of readings. Then the book goes into the spreads, some of which I have seen and others that are new to me. It then goes into Daily Writing Practices, and Inspiring the Muse which goes into personalization creating a stand and more. Next is Getting Spiritual, Invocations for Transformations, Rituals for Transformation, and Putting it all together. I have to say this is probably one of the most detailed and instructive books on Tarot I have read.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for The Shakti Witch.
127 reviews17 followers
January 7, 2019
I found this book to be perfect for the beginner who wants a brief introduction prior to attending a course / workshop on the Tarot. That said there is plenty to gain from this title irrespective of what level you are at. From crafting to creative writing, there is lot here to inspire. With a long career in the publishing industry spanning both traditional and self publishing, I found the chapter on using the tarot to guide a prospective new author through the publishing process a bit dodgy but at least Elford does mention having a good distribution plan - an aspect largely often not considered by authors. I did find the section on creating tarot ritual with spreads correlating to lunar phases and the seasons the most interesting.
Profile Image for Darcysmom.
1,513 reviews
January 28, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Llewellyn Publications for free in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the author's approach to Tarot. The introductory material was great for a newbie like me but didn't seem to drag on in a way that would be redundant for an experienced reader. The exercises and layouts were fantastic. I read the books straight through for purposes of review. I will be going back much more slowly so that I can complete the exercises and play with the layouts.
I would have given this a full five stars, but the ARC had many errors (words missing letters) that made it hard to read.
Profile Image for Diah .
633 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2018
4/5

Such a solid book useful for anyone who wants to learn tarot, especially those who want to implement tarot in their daily lives. Complete with how-tos, explanation, meanings, incantations, and exercises on every chapter, this book will deepen your knowledge about tarot cards. I feel like this book is the compilation of every tarot books I've ever read.

I suggest in keeping a little journal to record your experience with the exercises.

(Digital arc provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review)
Profile Image for Trina.
163 reviews
February 24, 2019
I’ve read a lot of tarot books over the years. Some are my go-to books that I bought over 20 years ago because they still have lots of valuable information that can be reread and re-evaluated and others are books that had a few helpful ideas but were basically just a rehash of other books on the market. This book seems to fall into the latter of the 2. It had, for me, a few helpful ideas but nothing that stood out for me that would make me give it more than 2 stars. A disappointing read after so much hype.
Profile Image for Angel .
1,536 reviews46 followers
April 6, 2020
Quick impressions: This is a book that packs a lot in a bit over 300 pages from basics of how to read the cards to tips on going pro and networking. It also offers a lot of techniques and exercises to engage with your Tarot deck and keep on learning. It has stuff for both beginners and advanced Tarot users. This is one I would buy.

(Full review on my blog later).
Profile Image for L.A. Jacob.
Author 19 books11 followers
October 24, 2019
A book on Tarot that doesn't cheat and have three-quarters of it taken up by interpretations. Also goes into spellwork, meditation, and how to contact and work with your muse. Even the bibliography is worth it.
Profile Image for Melissa.
66 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2021
I thought that Tarot Inspired Life by Jaymi Elford was a really fun book to read and the exercises and the seasonal/moon phase spreads were fun to work with as well. I also thought her take on Taking Tarot To The Next Level was insightful as well.
Profile Image for Angie on Books.
47 reviews13 followers
November 14, 2018
This is probably the best Tarot book I've read. It's informative and gave me some ideas I haven't thought of, like interpreting the colors of the cards. It's also a workbook with several exercises each chapter. Of course, it goes into each card but it also addresses them as a whole.

Tarot for Writer's is a great book on the subject of writing but Elford's ideas are excellent. I was so happy to see how much attention she paid to writers. It was probably the best chapter of this book and of all the Tarot books I've read.

I'll be buying this book in physical format, and I don't often do that.
Profile Image for Jo.
649 reviews4 followers
October 18, 2018
#TarotInspiredLife #NetGalley

A very theoretical and interesting book. I suggest this book to intermediate and advanced Tarot readers. This is one of the more detailed books that cover everything from history to modern day techniques.
Profile Image for Anne.
Author 15 books286 followers
October 23, 2018
I am fairly new to the topic of tarot, so I found this volume extremely helpful. The history given was very interesting but what I liked most of all where the many, many ideas for using the cards in one’s every day life, and for the purpose of personal self growth and spiritual development instead of using the cards to read for someone else.
Profile Image for Sherri.
155 reviews14 followers
December 4, 2018
This is my favorite book that I have come across about tarot. It explains the cards, arcanas, and suits with direct clarity and invites the reader to study the cards through different exercises to make their own observations and connections. That is only the first chapter. After that, the author covers many uses for tarot, including creativity. Although I received a free ebook copy of this book for review, I plan to add the physical book to my shelf as soon as it is available.
Profile Image for Andrea Johnston.
213 reviews9 followers
November 12, 2018
Good workbook to learn more about the ins and outs of Tarot. I did have to download the book twice, however, as the text was completely messed up on one of my devices but mostly worked on the other. It did make the work tricky to follow but the information is solid and quite interesting. Also offers a number of ways to work on your own tarot readings and to delve deeper into the meanings of the cards. A very interesting read once the correct format was downloaded!
899 reviews18 followers
December 1, 2018
A focus on the reader doing things with the deck than the information. Goes through a variety of topics - not just goes through the cards. An interesting mix of information and things to do.
Profile Image for Sheila Lord.
518 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2018
If there’s anything you need to know about tarot and the card meanings this book is a definite must to add to your collection , there’s so much information I will definitely be using this as a reference and guide.......
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