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  Summer |
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Hidden Influences  Bamboo 9 |
External Influences  Rooster |
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The Present  Wan 8 |
Suggestion  Circles 2 |
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The Past  Bamboo |
The Outcome  White Dragon |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Bamboo
Symbol: Scholarship
The Bamboo tile indicates an adaptable, useful spirit. The Bamboo tile is also associated with scholarly pursuits.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Wan 8
Symbol: Knot
The Knot tile represents both bonding and severing. If the Sword tile (2 Wan) is in your reading then the time to sever ties with someone or something is at hand. Conversely if the Duck tile (2 Bamboo) is in your reading then there is bond that will strengthen. If both appear in your reading, then you have a relationship of some kind that is of undecided value.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
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.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Summer
Symbol: The Woodcutter
The Woodcutter employs three of the 5 elements central to Chinese philosophy: Fire, Wood and Metal. He is ambitious and full of drive and energy. He represents gain and success through dedicated work.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Rooster
A proud and dominant animal who likes to strut his stuff. The rooster is the ultimate symbol of reliability and punctuality, as he never misses his morning duty of crowing at the dawn. Naturally this creature symbolizes new beginnings. Also he is a protector of the home domain.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
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.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
White Dragon
Symbol: The Unknown
The White Dragon tile denotes unknown factors in your reading. Exactly what these factors are is beyond our vision, but they will have an impact on your life.
