Author Kelly O’Hearn shares how channeled tarot readings inspired the soul of her captivating novel.
When most writers begin a novel, they lean into outlines, storyboards, and careful plotting. But for author Kelly O’Hearn, the journey into Whispers in the Forest, the second novel in her mystical Arcanum series, began not with a pen or keyboard—but with a deck of tarot cards and an open heart.
As both a seasoned tarot reader and intuitive storyteller, O’Hearn brings a unique voice to the world of metaphysical fiction. Her work is infused with magic, memory, and mystery—but more than that, it’s rooted in deeply personal, channeled experiences. In this article, we’ll explore how tarot influenced the soul and structure of Whispers in the Forest—a lush, reincarnation-rich tale that blends spiritual discovery with old-world romance and modern-day transformation.
Tarot as a Gateway to the Soul
O’Hearn’s connection to tarot began long before she ever sat down to write fiction. In 2012, after experiencing a profound personal shift during a health crisis, she turned to tarot as a tool for healing and self-reflection. “The cards became my mirror,” she explains. “They reflected my subconscious and revealed truths I hadn’t yet found the words for.”
When she began pulling cards related to her past lives, vivid narratives started unfolding—stories that felt personal, ancient, and strangely familiar. One such story became the inspiration for Whispers in the Forest, which follows New York perfumer Sarah Fuller on a trip to Provence, where she not only discovers rare roses but also uncovers visions of a past life as a healer in medieval France.
Building a Narrative from Intuition
Unlike conventional plot-driven storytelling, O’Hearn’s creative process began with a ritual. She would sit in silence, shuffle her cards, and ask a question: “What story wants to be told today?” The spreads she received became the foundation for character development, emotional arcs, and even specific plot points.
In one reading, the Lovers card appeared next to Judgment and the Moon. “That combination was a revelation,” she says. “It spoke to a hidden love from another life, coming back into the present for healing and closure. That became the heart of Sarah’s journey.”
Rather than scripting every beat, O’Hearn allowed the cards to guide her organically. “Tarot helped me surrender to the story that was asking to be written, not just the one I thought I wanted to tell,” she says.
Characters Born from Archetype
Tarot is steeped in archetypes—the Empress as the divine feminine, the Hermit as the seeker, Death as transformation. For O’Hearn, these weren’t just symbols—they were blueprints for her characters’ souls.
Sarah, the protagonist of Whispers in the Forest, is drawn to fragrance because scent connects her to something timeless. She is, in essence, the High Priestess: intuitive, observant, and caught between worlds. Her romantic counterpart—a mysterious man with a presence both familiar and elusive—embodies both the Magician and the Hanged Man, suggesting power mixed with sacrifice.
By aligning her characters with tarot archetypes, O’Hearn gave them depth beyond the page. “I wanted each character to feel like an energy you’ve encountered before, perhaps even in your own life,” she explains.
Story Structure as a Tarot Spread
Even the structure of Whispers in the Forest mirrors a tarot reading. The novel moves like a Celtic Cross spread—beginning with a core conflict, unfolding into past influences, present challenges, and future possibilities. The turning points of the story often align with metaphysical shifts that one might encounter in a reading: realization, release, and renewal.
This nonlinear, layered style not only reflects the reincarnation themes of the book but also creates a reading experience that feels immersive, symbolic, and soul-stirring.
Why Readers Feel Seen
One reason Whispers in the Forest resonates so deeply is because it taps into the collective unconscious. Readers often report feeling like they’ve “lived” the story before, or that certain passages stir long-forgotten memories. This isn’t an accident—it’s the natural outcome of storytelling born from intuitive channeling.
“Tarot helped me write with the soul in mind,” says O’Hearn. “Rather than impose a plot, I asked what emotional truths needed to be told. That’s why the story feels like a remembering.”
Tarot and the Writer’s Journey
Kelly O’Hearn’s journey as a writer is a testament to the creative power of intuition. In a world that often demands logic, structure, and deadlines, she dared to trust her inner voice. And the result is a novel that feels both timeless and timely—a tale of love, memory, and destiny wrapped in lavender-scented air.
For writers seeking inspiration, or readers curious about the mystical layers of storytelling, O’Hearn’s process is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best stories aren’t planned—they’re divined.
Whispers in the Forest is available now and is the second installment in the Arcanum series. Whether you’re a lover of tarot, reincarnation, or slow-burning spiritual romance, this book promises a journey unlike any other.
Visit ArcanumTheSeries.com to learn more about the Arcanum series, tarot-inspired storytelling, and upcoming releases from Kelly O’Hearn.