Horse Shoe Layout
Difficulty: Easy
The Horse Shoe is a classic layout. It is more advanced than the three-tile reading, yet simpler than most other spreads. It is a versatile method that can be used for most queries, though there are other spreads which would go into more depth. Like the simple Past, Present, and Future spread, it contains these tiles in positions #1, #2, and #7, but also has four other tarot tiles that help the reader understand how to deal with the future better. The tiles are to be read as follows:
- The Past: Past events affecting the question.
- The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
- Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
- Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
- External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
- Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
- Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.
Your Horse Shoe Reading
Obstacle  Circles 7 |
||
Hidden Influences  Circles 3 |
External Influences  Circles 2 |
|
The Present  Wan 2 |
Suggestion  Circles 5 |
|
The Past  Green Dragon |
The Outcome  Bamboo 6 |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Green Dragon
Symbol: Commence
The Green Dragon tile suggests the time has come for you to begin a new project, or to take your life in a new direction.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Wan 2
Symbol: Sword
The Sword tile indicates a decision must be made before attainment of your goals can be reached.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Circles 3
Symbol: Phoenix
The Phoenix tile indicates great happiness and joy. The Phoenix is said to be reborn out its ashes. Accordingly, the Phoenix tile also denotes sure recovery from any setbacks encountered.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Circles 7
Symbol: Insect
The Insect tile indicates short-term gain through a short flurry of hectic work. It is important to realise that the gains the Insect tile offers are not lasting, or of long-term importance. At best they are a stopgap until more substantial goals come along.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Circles 2
Symbol: Pine Tree
The Pine Tree tile represents strength and resolve. It often refers to a powerful, determined man. While powerful, this person is not violent, but very skilled in attaining his goals through diplomacy.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Circles 5
Symbol: Dragon
The Dragon tile indicates good luck and large fortunes. Effort is not a prerequisite for the gain suggested by the Dragon tile. You cannot work towards acquiring the Dragon's gifts. They will come when they come, and will most likely be a surprise.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Bamboo 6
Symbol: Water
The Water tile denotes a need for communication. A trip may be necessary to communicate properly. You may be called upon to present proof of ownership or that an event actually took place.
