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 The World
Hidden Influences The Hermit		External Influences Redemption
The Present Imprisoned Instincts		Suggestion The Empress
The Past The Soothsayer		The Outcome The Magician

 

 

 

 

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

The Soothsayer

The Soothsayer represents the concept of conformity; both secular and spiritual. It is a stage of learning socially acceptable behaviour and ideals.

As the seeker, the Soothsayer suggests a time of reflection, based on what is expected of us and if those expectations coincide with our own.

As a situation, the Soothsayer indicates a phase of learning as well as understanding the environment one is in; and adapting to it without losing oneself in the name of conformity.

 

 

 

 

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

Imprisoned Instincts

Imprisoned Instincts is traditionally known as the Wheel of Fortune card in tarot. While it denotes sudden change for better or worse, nothing in life happens overnight. Sometimes, we are aware of signs of change and address them or we may overlook them and pay for consequences later.

As the seeker, this card indicates that methods of coping to circumstance surrounding us contribute to what happens in the future. Thus, taking responsibility for decisions we make empower us to create the future we wish for ourselves. Taking action is a choice; doing nothing to change our circumstances is also a choice.

As a situation, Imprisoned Instincts suggest a change and while the circumstances may be out of our control but how we deal with what happened/happens is. Perhaps it is time to assess at personal methods of coping and not the event itself.

 

 

 

 

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

 

The Hermit

The Hermit card indicates a time of self-reflection or self-imposed solitude. It is a stage when we sense the need to explore how we view the world or relate to situations and people around us.

As the person, The Hermit card suggests a need for serenity; withdrawal from external conflicts to evaluate our beliefs, priorities or principles.

As a situation, The Hermit card suggests an objective exploration of all feasible options that may lead to the most desirable resolution within a conflict.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

The World

From the Fool, we have come a full circle. What is there left to do but start over?
With a song in her heart and a prayer upon her lips, she steps out of the abyss into the World.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Redemption

It is where we will find the eye of the needle and cross it;
a place none may follow but it's going to be alright because we are finally ready to take
responsibility for choices we made; we are finally ready to face ourselves.
Who amongst us fear Judgement?
In search of redemption; what we reap as our reward is what we have sown all along.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

The Empress

The Empress card suggests a stage of gestation; it is defined by how one develops providence into something more. If an opportunity presents itself, this card represents the need find the balance between knowing when to foster growth and when to let go.

As the Seeker, this card represents the reality that too much attention stifles development, too little and it verges on neglect.

In a situation, The Empress card is a reminder that opportunities are abundant, it's what we do with them that determines success or failure.

 

 

 

 

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

 

The Magician

The Magician card indicates an initiation; it is a beginning in the process of creation. The tools are laid out; The Magician is not lacking in skill but in experience thus, the method used may be questionable. It is a stage of self-mastery and success will depend on how The Magician utilises both skill and tools laid out before him.

In a situation, The Magician card suggests a stage of active involvement and the need to evaluate options before making decisions.