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:
- The Past: Past events affecting the question.
- The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
- Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
- Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
- External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
- Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
- Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.
Your Horse Shoe Reading
Obstacle The Hanged One |
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Hidden Influences The Priestess |
External Influences The Devil |
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The Present The Sun |
Suggestion The Emperor |
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The Past Strength |
The Outcome The World |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Strength
The Strength card may suggest imposing one's will upon another whether intentional or not. It is a stage where we learn that true strength lies not in our ability to control what is in our external reality; rather it is about enduring hardships with grace and maintaining compassion.
The seeker as Strength advises us to explore aspects within that drives us to manipulate, control or influence people or situations without consideration. It may be an indication for us to realise that true strength lies not in exerting our will through force.
The situation as Strength may suggest a stage to evaluate the circumstances with objectivity. To maintain our position without compromise; if we perceive retreat as a weakness instead of strength.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
The Sun
Light gives clarity; from darkness we seek out the light and if it burns;
if it turns us to dust under the harshness of its glare,
that is the ultimate liberation for enlightenment frees the soul from its earthly bondage.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
The Priestess
The Priestess card may suggest non-reaction. Whether caused by tension or inner turmoil, it is a stage where opposing influences may require time to find balance once again.
The seeker as The Priestess cannot yet decipher the signs to understand them, thus it is necessary to watch, listen, learn and not react in order to make informed choices.
The situation as The Priestess may indicate a time to reflect on root causes of opposing influences that are contributing to tension in an environment.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
The Hanged One
This Hanged One is suspended in limbo but it is not a decision that is made in haste. This card suggests a stage where decisions are made based on unconditional sacrifice; without expectations of anything in return.
The seeker as The Hanged One may allow us to make choices that require some form of sacrifice; but they are made without conditions attached thus, it is an opportunity for growth and maturity.
The situation as The Hanged One suggests not making decisions in haste. If the outcome of any given situation depends on choices that we make; we may wish to reflect on how our contributions can and will influence the circumstances before making a move.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
The Devil
The Devil is a whisper that comes from the depths of our heart; for what is temptation but a weakness most exploited by our desire.
As the seeker, The Devil suggests an attachment that has become unhealthy; therefore, we may need to explore what it is we have bound ourselves to and what that object of our desire represents to us before we are able to free ourselves from it.
As a situation, The Devil card advices us to be aware of becoming too involved; to the extent we are unable to perceive the situation clearly. As such, we may need to ask ourselves if decisions made are based on instant gratification or out of necessity.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
The Emperor
The Emperor card represents structure; the need for it or lack of it. It is about setting standards to adhere to, limitations and boundaries of rules of engagement and maintaining them. At a stage when one cannot identify such boundaries, The Emperor provides an idealised example until rigid adherence becomes a burden of expectations.
As the Seeker, this card represents the need to identify standards that are meaningful rather than those imposed by others. To discard old boundaries or limitations for new ones is a stage of self-regulation by which one identifies the principles to live by.
In a situation, this card suggests that stability may be achieved when a sound structure is in place.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
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.
