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 2 of Spades
Hidden Influences King of Hearts		External Influences 5 of Diamonds
The Present Strength		Suggestion 4 of Hearts
The Past Page of Spades		The Outcome Ace of Spades

 

 

 

 

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

Page of Spades

Concise method of expression using appropriate methods or tools for any given situation. Changing the environment around you by replacing anything that harbours memories of the past or elicits less than conducive emotion. Change of approach whereby the bigger picture becomes more apparent.

 

 

 

 

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

King of Hearts

Retaining focus and control of emotions when faced with intense adversary. Being open to the fact it is okay to ask for help or support when it is required. Feeling of numbness on an emotional level. The creating of waves, yet at the same time maintaining a firm grasp on personal thoughts and/or emotions. This may indicate a man who is prone to emotional outbursts, but in the main does work hard at keeping a lid on things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

2 of Spades

Mental anguish or upset. The feeling that circumstances have played a part in the fact you cannot remove obvious restrictions. A position of stalemate in a situation being reached. A real need for lateral thinking if a solution is to become apparent. The ceding of personal power, with the principal belief being that this is how the status quo is meant to be.

 

 

 

 

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

 

5 of Diamonds

Experiencing of hardship. Acknowledgement that suffering can be partnered with dignity, particularly if it is open to public scrutiny. Either being supported, or the offering support at a time of need. Being receptive to the energies of others, particularly if they are there to help or protect against external influences.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

4 of Hearts

Possible conflict of emotion or thought. An imbalance of subconscious needs when compared to conscious desires. Requirement to stay calm and focused when faced with external disharmony or conflict. The need to understand when to get involved in restoring harmony and when to let the parties involved sort things out for themselves.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Ace of Spades

The feeling of walking on a knife edge, not wanting to put a foot wrong through fear of the subsequent fall. A danger of going round in circles with no progress or new experienced possible. The start of something that may require intense mental focus or fortitude. The need to break away from usual habit patterns or routines.