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 Lovers
Hidden Influences Temperance		External Influences The Magician
The Present Ace of Clubs		Suggestion 9 of Spades
The Past 8 of Spades		The Outcome Ace of Hearts

 

 

 

 

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

8 of Spades

Issue of either feeling either trapped or protected, often by the energies of another. The relinquishing of personal freedom. Putting yourself out to ensure the safety or well-being of another. Either being smothered by the attentions of someone else, or being the person who is doing the smothering.

 

 

 

 

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

Ace of Clubs

New challenges which require movement, effort, energy or focus. A possible choice of aiming higher or reaching out sideways/laterally in our endeavours. Hesitancy or lack of confidence in moving away from what is seen as a comfort zone or position of safety.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

The Lovers

The Lovers card is a stage related to choice and decision-making. It represents how people of influence in our lives effect our choices, thus, it is a card that is also related to interpersonal relationships.

As the seeker, The Lovers card indicates a pivotal stage where the Seeker is faced with options but the challenge lies not in making the "Right" or "Wrong" decision. Rather is a reminder that the easy way out may not necessarily lead to a long-term solution.

As a situation, The Lovers card suggests weighing options not for hedonistic gain but long-term consequences.

 

 

 

 

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

 

The Magician

The Magician card indicates an initiation; it is a beginning in the process of creation. The tools are laid out; The Magician is not lacking in skill but in experience thus, the method used may be questionable. It is a stage of self-mastery and success will depend on how The Magician utilises both skill and tools laid out before him.

In a situation, The Magician card suggests a stage of active involvement and the need to evaluate options before making decisions.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

9 of Spades

Feeling of despair or of being trapped. The incorrect belief there is no movement possible within a current predicament. Current aims or objectives tantalisingly out of reach. Indications that a problem or obstacle needs to be examined from a different angle or viewpoint if a way forward is to be identified. Giving up too easily on a task believing there is no hope.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Ace of Hearts

The possibility of extremes of emotion being experienced in equal measures. The real chance of being brought down to a ground level of being should we feel we have become over confident or egotistical. The start of an emotional roller coaster ride, possibly accompanied by a willingness to take risks even though it may cause us to crash harder as a result.