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 XVIII – The Moon (La Lune)
Hidden Influences XVI – The Tower (La Maison Dieu)		External Influences II – The Priestess (La Papesse)
The Present XIII – Death (La Mort)		Suggestion X – The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fortune)
The Past V – The Pope (Le Pape)		The Outcome III – The Empress (L'Impératrice)

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XIII – Death (La Mort)

Death signifies transformation, endings, and renewal. While often feared, this card speaks to the cyclical nature of life and the necessity of clearing away the old to make way for the new.

Symbolism: A skeletal figure wields a scythe, cutting through the remnants of the past—hands, heads, and plants alike. The barren ground reflects the stripping away of what no longer serves, while the sprouting flowers hint at rebirth and growth emerging from decay.

In Relationships: The end of a relationship or a transformative phase within one. It signals profound changes, often for the better.

In Work: A major shift, such as the end of a job or the restructuring of goals. It's a call to embrace new opportunities.

Spiritually: Death teaches the power of release and the necessity of embracing life's cycles to achieve transformation.

When ill-dignified: Fear of change, stagnation, or clinging to the past. It warns against resisting the natural process of renewal.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XVI – The Tower (La Maison Dieu)

The Tower signifies sudden upheaval, revelation, and the destruction of false structures. It is a powerful reminder that chaos and doom often precede transformation and growth.

Symbolism: A tower struck by lightning blows its top as figures fall to the ground. The lightning represents divine intervention, while the tumbling balls and figures symbolise the collapse of illusions and false foundations. The falling crown signifies the downfall of pride. Despite its dramatic imagery, the card hints at liberation and renewal.

In Relationships: A dramatic change, often revealing truths that must be addressed.

In Work: Sudden challenges or shifts that dismantle old systems. It's a chance to rebuild on a stronger foundation.

Spiritually: The Tower urges the seeker to let go of illusions and embrace the profound truth revealed in moments of crisis.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, denial, or clinging to crumbling structures. It warns against ignoring the signs of impending transformation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

XVIII – The Moon (La Lune)

The Moon symbolises intuition, mystery, and the subconscious. It reflects the realm of dreams, illusions, and emotions, inviting you to explore the depths of your psyche and confront hidden truths.

Symbolism: The Moon casts its dim light over a mysterious scene: a dog and a wolf howl beneath its glow, representing the duality of tame and wild instincts. A crayfish emerges from the water, symbolising the hidden depths of the subconscious rising to the surface. The two towers suggest boundaries between reality and the unknown.

In Relationships: Emotional complexity, hidden dynamics, or the need to trust your intuition. Beware of illusions or misunderstandings.

In Work: A period of uncertainty or unclear direction. It encourages careful reflection and trusting inner instincts over external noise.

Spiritually: The Moon calls for introspection and exploration of the shadow self through dreams, intuition, and subconscious symbols.

When ill-dignified: Confusion, deception, or fear of the unknown. It warns against being lost in illusions or succumbing to anxiety.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

X – The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fortune)

The Wheel of Fortune symbolises the ever-turning cycles of life, fate, and destiny. It teaches the importance of adaptability and trust in the rhythms of change.

Symbolism: The wheel is adorned with figures ascending and descending, representing the rise and fall of fortunes. Its circular motion evokes the cyclical nature of existence, while divine forces implied by the card's design suggest that some aspects of life are beyond human control.

In Relationships: Changes in relationship dynamics or the appearance of new opportunities. Trust in the flow of events.

In Work: A shift in circumstances, often bringing unexpected opportunities. Stay flexible and open to change.

Spiritually: The Wheel of Fortune reflects the interconnectedness of life's cycles, encouraging surrender to the divine plan.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change or clinging to outdated patterns. It warns of losing perspective during times of transition.

 

 

 

 

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

 

III – The Empress (L'Impératrice)

This card signifies the creative force in its most abundant and fertile form. It represents growth, nurturing, and the life-giving power of nature.

Symbolism: Her sceptre symbolises authority rooted in creativity and love, while the shield bearing an eagle emphasises vision and protection. The Empress's seated posture on her throne exudes a sensual yet controlled energy, symbolising the harmony between fertility and structure. Her crown and flowing robes represent her connection to divine beauty and earthly abundance.

In Relationships: The blossoming of love or a nurturing, supportive relationship. It is a call to cultivate affection with care and patience.

In Work: A time of prolific creativity and the manifestation of projects. Trust your ability to bring ideas to fruition.

Spiritually: The Empress guides you to honour your divine creative potential, celebrating the interplay between spirit and matter.

When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, stagnation, or excessive control. It warns against smothering growth or being consumed by material concerns.