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 XVII – The Star (L'Étoile)
Hidden Influences XVIIII – The Sun (Le Soleil)		External Influences V – The Pope (Le Pape)
The Present XXI – The World (Le Monde)		Suggestion II – The Priestess (La Papesse)
The Past XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu)		The Outcome XIIII – Temperance

 

 

 

 

The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu)

The Hanged Man represents surrender, perspective, and the wisdom gained through sacrifice. It signifies the pause required for deeper insight and the willingness to let go of attachments to achieve spiritual growth.

Symbolism: A figure hangs upside down from a grafted tree, forming an almost serene cross-like posture. The inversion suggests seeing the world from a different perspective, while the living tree structure reflects the connection to spiritual growth. His tranquil expression emphasises acceptance and enlightenment through suspension.

In Relationships: A need for patience, reflection, or a fresh perspective on a relationship. It can also suggest letting go of control.

In Work: A time to pause, reassess, and allow things to unfold. Solutions may come from viewing challenges differently.

Spiritually: The Hanged Man invites the seeker to embrace surrender as a path to awakening and profound understanding.

When ill-dignified: Stubbornness, resistance to change, or avoiding necessary sacrifices. It warns against remaining stuck in unproductive situations.

 

 

 

 

The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

XXI – The World (Le Monde)

The World is the culmination of the journey, representing fulfilment, harmony, and unity. It signifies the integration of all aspects of life and the successful completion of a cycle, opening the way to new beginnings.

Symbolism: A central figure dances within a laurel wreath, symbolising victory and wholeness. The four corners often depict symbolic creatures (the lion, ox, eagle, and man), representing the elements, the fixed signs of the zodiac, or the four faces of a cherubim. The wreath signifies completion and eternity.

In Relationships: A harmonious, complete relationship or fulfilment of long-term goals in love. It reflects unity and shared purpose.

In Work: The successful culmination of a project or phase. Recognition and achievement mark this time of completion.

Spiritually: Le Monde invites the seeker to embrace the interconnectedness of all things, celebrating unity with the divine and readiness for new journeys.

When ill-dignified: Incompletion, stagnation, or feeling unfulfilled despite external success. It warns against losing sight of the bigger picture or resisting closure.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XVIIII – The Sun (Le Soleil)

The Sun represents joy, success, and clarity. It is the card of illumination and vitality, promising growth, harmony, and the fulfilment of goals through clarity and connection.

Symbolism: Two children stand joyfully under the radiant Sun, surrounded by a protective wall. The Sun itself symbolises divine energy and enlightenment, while the figures reflect innocence, unity, and shared happiness. The vibrant rays evoke abundance and the thriving life force.

In Relationships: Mutual happiness, harmony, and a joyful connection. Relationships flourish under the light of clarity and love.

In Work: Success and recognition achieved through positivity and effort. It suggests a time of clarity and accomplishment.

Spiritually: The Sun calls for embracing the light within and aligning with your true purpose, radiating joy and love outward.

When ill-dignified: Arrogance, burnout, or overexposure. It warns against taking blessings for granted or letting ego overshadow gratitude.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

XVII – The Star (L'Étoile)

The Star is a card of hope, inspiration, and renewal. It symbolises divine guidance and the gentle flow of healing energy after hardship.

Symbolism: A nude figure kneels beside a stream, pouring water onto the land and back into the source, representing the cyclical nature of renewal and the flow of inspiration. Above her, stars shine brightly, offering hope and illumination.

In Relationships: Healing and harmony. It suggests vulnerability and openness to connection.

In Work: Inspiration and the emergence of new opportunities. A time for trust in your creative vision.

Spiritually: The Star invites you to align with your higher purpose, finding peace in the guidance of the cosmos.

When ill-dignified: Doubt, loss of faith, or feeling disconnected from inspiration. It warns against losing hope during challenging times.

 

 

 

 

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

 

V – The Pope (Le Pape)

The Hierophant bridges the earthly and the divine, symbolising tradition, spiritual guidance, and the transmission of sacred knowledge. He represents the connection between the seeker and a higher truth through structure and ritual.

Symbolism: The Hierophant sits between two pillars, a gesture of blessing extended towards two kneeling figures below him. His triple cross sceptre represents spiritual authority, while the two fingers pointing to his heart suggest access to divine mysteries. His serene expression reflects wisdom tempered with compassion.

In Relationships: A relationship built on shared values. It can also signify guidance or mentorship within a partnership.

In Work: Success through adherence to structure, tradition, or established methods. Seek advice from a mentor or institution.

Spiritually: The Hierophant invites the seeker to explore established spiritual paths, finding wisdom in teachings passed down through generations.

When ill-dignified: Dogmatism, resistance to change, or blind adherence to tradition. It warns against sacrificing individuality for conformity.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

II – The Priestess (La Papesse)

The High Priestess is the keeper of wisdom and the custodian of sacred knowledge. She represents introspection, patience, and the search for truths hidden beneath the surface.

Symbolism: Seated and serene, the High Priestess holds an open book, symbolising esoteric teachings and mysteries revealed through disciplined study. Her veil represents the boundary between the seen and unseen, while the calm symmetry of her setting reflects inner equilibrium and balance.

In Relationships: Emotional depth and the unfolding of hidden dynamics. This card encourages trust in intuition over appearances.

In Work: A time for reflection and strategy rather than direct action. The answers lie in careful analysis.

Spiritually: The High Priestess invites the seeker to embrace silence and meditation, revealing the wisdom that resides within.

When ill-dignified: Stagnation, secrecy, or confusion. It warns against ignoring inner guidance or withholding necessary truths.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XIIII – Temperance

Temperance embodies balance, harmony, and the art of blending opposites into a unified whole. It is a card of moderation and integration, calling for patience and the gentle flow of energies.

Symbolism: An angelic figure pours water between two vessels, symbolising the interplay of opposites and the alchemical transformation process. One cup is blue, and the other is red, suggesting a balance between the material and the spiritual.

In Relationships: Harmony and mutual understanding within relationships. It suggests compromise and blending energies for a greater whole.

In Work: A need for patience and adaptability. Success comes through steady effort and the balancing of resources.

Spiritually: Temperance invites you to harmonise opposing aspects of your being and align with the universal flow.

When ill-dignified: Imbalance, impatience, or excess. It warns against pushing too hard or failing to find equilibrium.