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 Moon
Hidden Influences The Soothsayer		External Influences The Hermit
The Present The Tower		Suggestion The Priestess
The Past The Emperor		The Outcome The Hanged One

 

 

 

 

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

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 Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

The Tower

Is it be better to hold on to a lie because it gives us hope;
or is it be better to know a truth that throws us off the edge of deception into the abyss below?

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

The Moon

Jahanam is where dreams are woven; this is where cats learn to fly and birds carry swords;
this is where the Lady Moonshine hides the face of the Sun God
so that we may see the truths hidden in the dark and drive ourselves insane.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.