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 Hermit
Hidden Influences The Fool		External Influences The Empress
The Present Duality		Suggestion The World
The Past The Star		The Outcome The Devil

 

 

 

 

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

The Star

The Star shows the process of formation or disintegration of a nebula. The light from this process takes millions of light years to reach our galaxy millions of years so it is not "the present" moment as we see it. The Star card in The Diary suggests that all tangible things are subject to a cycle of creation that moves at its own pace and direction.

As the seeker, this card indicates that there are aspirations that are yet to be met or have already been fulfilled and it is time to either create the energy necessary for its formation; or allow it to disperse if the creation process is completed. Wishes are thoughts that are formed in the consciousness and it is up to the seeker to manifest it; or allow it to dissipate if it has already run its course.

As a situation, this card suggests a time of evaluating what is required to bring about the reality one wishes to create in one's future that is eventually to form a destiny. It may also suggest that dreams are the seed that requires one's effort to manifest into reality provided the steps are taken to ensure its growth. Without first identifying the situation one wishes to create, the possibility dissipates into unfulfilled aspirations.

 

 

 

 

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

Duality

Duality (traditionally known as Justice) is the card that represents cause and effect. Taking responsibility is not about assigning blame or surrendering to consequences blindly; rather it is about owning up to the circumstances we have helped create for ourselves.

Duality as an individual in a reading reminds us to weigh the severity of our actions carefully for every choice that we face and subsequent decision that we make sets the wheel in motion.

Duality as a situation may indicate the need to remain objective and impartial in assessing options that are open to the individual. Sometimes, clarity of thought cuts through confusion where emotions cloud the judgement.

 

 

 

 

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

 

The Fool

The Fool starts on a journey naive of what to expect, there will be unanticipated surprises. Not one to conform to social norms, The Fool may need to adapt to what lies ahead as the outcome will be unpredictable.

Expect the unexpected; the situation as The Fool indicates that the outcome may not turn out as planned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.