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 7 |
||
Hidden Influences  Bamboo |
External Influences  Bamboo 9 |
|
The Present  North Wind |
Suggestion  West Wind |
|
The Past  Circles 7 |
The Outcome  Wan 1 |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Circles 7
Symbol: Insect
The Insect tile indicates short-term gain through a short flurry of hectic work. It is important to realize 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.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
North Wind
Symbol: Water
The North Wind tile indicates there will be difficult moments ahead. These can be canceled out if the South Wind Tile is in your reading as well.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Bamboo
Symbol: Scholarship
The Bamboo tile indicates an adaptable, useful spirit. The Bamboo tile is also associated with scholarly pursuits.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Wan 7
Symbol: Seven Stars
The Seven Stars tile signifies creative growth and power. Creativity should be applied to the area this tile appears. This is a place to let your imagination run free. The Seven Stars tile also indicates hope for the future.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Bamboo 9
Symbol: Willow Tree
The Willow Tree tile represents adaptability and survival in the face of harsh conditions. The Willow bends before the bitter winter winds, but does not break. The Willow tile suggests compromise. You must be willing to give some to get some.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
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.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Wan 1
Symbol: Entering
The Entering tile indicates that barriers you now face will soon be lifted. Opportunity and success are ahead, but you must have the courage and energy to take advantage of them.
