Horse Shoe Layout
Difficulty: Easy
The Horse Shoe is an old classic tarot layout. It is more advanced than the 3-card reading, yet simpler than most other layouts. It is a versatile method that can be used for most queries, though there are other layouts which would go into more depth. Like the simple Past, Present, and Future layout, it contains these cards in positions 1, 2, and 7, but also has 4 other cards that help the reader understand how to deal with the Future better. The cards are to be read as follows:
- The Past: This card represents past events that are affecting the question.
- The Present: This card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
- Hidden Influences: Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
- Obstacles: This is the challenge. Obstacles might be avoided, or you may have to deal with them.
- External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts about this situation from people around the querent.
- Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
- The Final Outcome: This card represents what would happen if the suggestion is followed.
Your Horse Shoe Reading
Obstacle  Wan 4 |
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Hidden Influences  Circles 1 |
External Influences  West Wind |
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The Present  Wan 3 |
Suggestion  Circles 8 |
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The Past  Circles 5 |
The Outcome  Wan 9 |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
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 Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Wan 3
Symbol: Land
The Land tile suggests either a stable setting in which you are already thriving, or one that will exist in the near future. With stability your success and vision will grow.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Circles 1
Symbol: Pearl
The Pearl tile denotes the attainment of wealth and a life of luxury. The task will be to balance the spiritual self with the physical self.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Wan 4
Symbol: Lute
The Lute tile indicates a need for relaxation, a break from the stress of your everyday life. For people nearing the end of their career it may suggest that the time for them to retire has come.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
West Wind
Symbol: Metal
The West Wind tile represents an obstacle that must be faced before you can make progress towards your goals. This obstacle may be anything, from a person to needing to find work.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Circles 8
Symbol: White Tiger
The White Tiger tile is epitomizes masculinity in its purest form. The male represented by the White Tiger is brave and assertive. He will fight to protect what he feels is right.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Wan 9
Symbol: Heavens
The Heaven tile suggests completion. This tile denotes a time for you to consider moving on to your next goal.
