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 Queen of Spades
Hidden Influences Temperance		External Influences The Empress
The Present King of Spades		Suggestion 3 of Hearts
The Past 4 of Clubs		The Outcome The Priestess

 

 

 

 

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

4 of Clubs

Co-operation with others to achieve a common goal. Utilising of individual skills to the benefit of the team as a whole. Acknowledgement of our own personal limitations and knowing when we need to call on the help of others. The willingness to muck in as opposed to acting as a passive observer.

 

 

 

 

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

King of Spades

Standing your ground and being equal to the posturing of another. Not acquiescing or walking away when threatened or intimidated. Mutual respect offered and received when faced with the energy of another who would have otherwise assumed a superior role. Ability to bring a perceived threat down to a tolerable level through the use of clear communication. Acceptance of differences and similarities we have with others. This could indicate a person who will face any challenge head on and can back up their actions with appropriate words where necessary.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Temperance

Temperance demonstrates the ability to maintain equilibrium between opposing elements; she is the bridge between extremes.

The Seeker as Temperance suggests a path of moderation; seeking internal balance before one is ready to face external challenges. This card may indicate the need to resolve conflicting aspects within ourselves before we are able to restore peace into our environment.

As a situation, this card indicates a stage of mediating between opposing views; finding the middle ground to facilitate progress; restoring order in a disruptive environment. As such, we may need to explore options that allow amicable solutions to present themselves rather than allow one or the other extreme to take over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

Queen of Spades

Doing what is needed to pave the way for a new beginning or regrowth regardless of how long it may take to manifest. Honest communication or wise counsel. Observing others allowing them to learn by their own mistakes before offering guidance as to how the lesson can pave the way for future endeavours. Knowing when silence is the most appropriate way of dealing with another person or issue and when to be to the point verbally. This could indicate a person who will be honest in their communication with themselves as well as others, impervious to the fact they may at times appear insensitive.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

3 of Hearts

The demonstration of being a true friend in circumstances where others may choose to turn a blind eye. Being with someone and accepting them for what they are and who they are. A state whereby it is possible to feel comfortable with the energies of another, even though both parties may be partaking in different activities. The ability to watch over someone we care about without taking on the role of judge and jury should we disagree with their actions.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.