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 I – The Magician (Le Bateleur)
Hidden Influences V – The Pope (Le Pape)		External Influences XIII – Death (La Mort)
The Present VIII – Justice		Suggestion XII – The Hanged Man (Le Pendu)
The Past XX – Judgement (Le Jugement)		The Outcome III – The Empress (L'Impératrice)

 

 

 

 

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

 

XX – Judgement (Le Jugement)

Judgement signifies awakening, transformation, and the call to a higher purpose. It represents a time of reckoning and renewal, offering the opportunity to align with divine will and embrace rebirth.

Symbolism: An angel blows a trumpet from above, awakening figures rising from coffins below. The trumpet symbolises divine calling, while the figures' praying hands reflect surrender and readiness for transformation. The scene suggests liberation and the promise of a new phase of existence.

In Relationships: Healing, forgiveness, or a transformative phase. It may signify a second chance or a fresh start.

In Work: A moment of clarity or a major decision that aligns your work with your higher purpose. Renewal is on the horizon.

Spiritually: Judgement calls you to awaken to your true calling, embrace forgiveness, and prepare for a spiritual rebirth.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, self-doubt, or avoidance of accountability. It warns against ignoring the call to transform.

 

 

 

 

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

 

VIII – Justice

Justice signifies truth, balance, and the law of cause and effect. She represents the impartial hand of the universe, delivering outcomes that align with one's actions and intentions.

Symbolism: Seated on a throne, Justice holds scales in one hand and a sword in the other. The scales symbolise balance and fairness, while the sword represents the clarity and decisiveness required to enact justice. Her direct gaze emphasises accountability and integrity.

In Relationships: Honest communication and equitable partnerships. It calls for evaluating the fairness and balance within relationships.

In Work: Decisions made with integrity will lead to just rewards. It is a time to act ethically and weigh all options carefully.

Spiritually: Justice reflects the law of karma and encourages alignment with higher principles to achieve spiritual clarity.

When ill-dignified: Corruption, dishonesty, or imbalance. It warns against biased decisions or failure to take responsibility for your actions.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

I – The Magician (Le Bateleur)

The Magician represents skill, potential, and the power to shape reality. As the first step in the Major Arcana, he symbolises the individual's awareness of their tools and the initiation of personal mastery.

Symbolism: The table before him holds simple tools—a cup, a coin, a blade, and a wand—representing the raw elements of life and their mastery. His wide-brimmed hat, resembling the lemniscate, speaks of infinite potential and dynamic creativity. The uneven terrain below mirrors his capacity to balance uncertainty with control.

In Relationships: A time to take initiative or charm your way into new connections. The Magician highlights personal magnetism but warns against manipulation.

In Work: A signal to harness your skills and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Confidence and action are key.

Spiritually: The Magician is the bridge between spirit and matter, teaching you to use divine gifts responsibly.

When ill-dignified: Deception, arrogance, or scattered energy. It warns against using talents for selfish or destructive ends.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

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 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.