Horse Shoe Spread

 

 

Difficulty: Easy

The Horse Shoe is a classic tarot spread. It is more advanced than the three-card 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 cards in positions #1, #2, and #7, but also has four other tarot cards that help the reader understand how to deal with the future better. The cards are to be read as follows:

1. The Past: Past events affecting the question.
2. The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
3. Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
4. Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
5. External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
6. Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
7. Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Horse Shoe Reading

	Obstacle Prince of Wands
Hidden Influences The Universe		External Influences The Chariot
The Present 6 of Wands – Victory		Suggestion Ace of Cups
The Past 6 of Swords – Science		The Outcome 9 of Cups – Happiness

 

 

 

 

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

6 of Swords – Science

Mercury in Aquarius

Six swords in the form of a hexagram converge in the centre of the rose cross. There is wisdom in the symbolism of this card, a multifaceted intellect that goes straight to the heart.

Meaning:
A goal realised.
When ill-dignified: selfishness, conceit, intellectual pride.

 

 

 

 

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

6 of Wands – Victory

Jupiter in Leo

This card represents energy in its most balanced and powerful state. Six snake-rods are crossed with nine flames burning at the joints. This represents the male energy being reflected by the female in a state of perfect harmony and balance.

Meaning:
Triumph after strife. Success and gain, good news, expectations fulfilled.
When ill-dignified: excessive pride and insolence.

 

 

 

 

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.

 

The Universe

Earth

The spider in the man's head is a reference to Leary's octave rhythms. The spider and web indicate man's nature to perceive and even weave his own reality. The web also indicates being trapped in our own perception of reality. It may also hint at the nature of the interaction between this and other universes.

Meaning:
The realisation of the whole matter. The essence of the query itself. Synthesis. Crystallisation. Could represent something extremely important.
When ill-dignified: A cruel world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

Prince of Wands

11:00 – 1:00 Male
Leo

The Prince of Wands rides a chariot of fire pulled by a lion. In his right hand he bears the phoenix wand, a symbol of power and authority. Just as air fuels the fire, expansion is his nature.

Meaning:
A young man, just, noble, generous, impulsive, humorous, strong.
When ill-dignified: Brash, proud, prejudiced, intolerant, cruel.

 

 

 

 

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.

 

The Chariot

Cancer

Your soul is like the driver and your body is the vehicle for your personal exploration of the universe.

Meaning:
The charioteer is a link in a chain of command. Exploration of the universe, obedience, hope, triumph.
When ill-dignified: status-quo maintenance muscle.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

Ace of Cups

The Root of Water

The cup of Kether is the holy grail. Ten rays beam from the single source of light emanating from the cup. The cup is a vessel for the light. The beginning of a new way of feeling.

Meaning:
Joy, contentment, love, fruitfulness, beauty.

 

 

 

 

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.

 

9 of Cups – Happiness

Jupiter in Pisces

The water level here is the highest in the suit. The perfection of water in Yesod makes this the happiest card in the whole deck. In an ocean of paradise two dolphins playfully leap between floating cups.

Meaning:
A feeling of perfect happiness and well-being.