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 Empress
Hidden Influences Jack of Spades		External Influences Imprisoned Instincts
The Present Jack of Hearts		Suggestion 4 of Diamonds
The Past 10 of Diamonds		The Outcome King of Spades

 

 

 

 

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

10 of Diamonds

If the main focus is the elderly gentleman there could be an indication of taking an objective view of previous actions or relationships. If the main focus is the kneeling figure, it could show there is a pull to hang onto childhood or anything represented by childhood. Alternatively, it could show the turning of a back on material gains with an acknowledgement that friends and family are more important. If the main focal point is the child itself, it may indicate innocence and childhood are about to be left behind, but with no fear being shown in relation to the forthcoming changes.

 

 

 

 

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

Jack of Hearts

A feeling of vulnerability, or belief we cannot cope with what life is about to throw at us. The release of emotion in either a positive or harmful way. The wearing of the heart on the sleeve. Expansive expression of emotions in balance with how thought processes are portrayed.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Jack of Spades

Dishonest communication, or lack of respect for how words can be twisted and be taken out of context. A requirement to see through the façade being presented in order to get to the real truth of a matter. Failure to understand the seriousness of a given situation. Seeing the funny side of a situation thus lessening the impact it may have on us otherwise. The not giving or receiving of a direct or straight-forward answer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Imprisoned Instincts

Imprisoned Instincts is traditionally known as the Wheel of Fortune card in tarot. While it denotes sudden change for better or worse, nothing in life happens overnight. Sometimes, we are aware of signs of change and address them or we may overlook them and pay for consequences later.

As the seeker, this card indicates that methods of coping to circumstance surrounding us contribute to what happens in the future. Thus, taking responsibility for decisions we make empower us to create the future we wish for ourselves. Taking action is a choice; doing nothing to change our circumstances is also a choice.

As a situation, Imprisoned Instincts suggest a change and while the circumstances may be out of our control but how we deal with what happened/happens is. Perhaps it is time to assess at personal methods of coping and not the event itself.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

4 of Diamonds

The coveting of possessions, or taking a protective stance in order to prevent loss. Obsession about what is desired as opposed to focussing on what is already at hand. Hoarding or collecting of more than is actually necessary. Giving an unhealthy or inappropriate sense of importance to certain items under ownership.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.