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:
- The Past: Past events affecting the question.
- The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
- Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
- Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
- External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
- Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
- Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.
Your Horse Shoe Reading
Obstacle Deuce of Coins |
||
Hidden Influences Eight of Swords |
External Influences Ace of Batons |
|
The Present Deuce of Cups |
Suggestion Four of Swords |
|
The Past Ace of Coins |
The Outcome Eight of Batons |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Ace of Coins
The Ace of Coins symbolises the pure essence of material abundance, stability, and potential. It represents the seed of prosperity and the opportunity to build a strong foundation for success.
Symbolism: A single coin stands at the centre, adorned with floral motifs and a rectangular border. Its design reflects wealth and harmony, suggesting that prosperity is aligned with natural order and balance.
In Relationships: A grounded and stable beginning where trust and security are prioritised.
In Work: A promising opportunity or new venture in the material realm, offering long-term potential for success.
Spiritually: The card reflects alignment with earthly abundance and the ability to manifest your spiritual aspirations in tangible ways.
When ill-dignified: Missed opportunities, greed, or focusing only on material gain. It warns against neglecting deeper values in pursuit of wealth.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Deuce of Cups
The Deuce of Cups symbolises emotional unity, balance, and harmonious partnerships. It represents the coming together of energies in love, friendship, or collaboration.
Symbolism: Two elegant cups stand symmetrically, connected by a shared floral motif, symbolising the bond between two entities. The balanced design reflects harmony and mutual respect.
In Relationships: A romantic bond deepens, or a new partnership begins with mutual understanding and affection.
In Work: Collaboration and teamwork thrive, fuelled by shared values and trust.
Spiritually: The card reflects the union of dualities within oneself, urging the seeker to embrace inner harmony.
When ill-dignified: Disconnection, imbalance, or strained partnerships. It warns against selfishness or a lack of reciprocity in relationships.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Eight of Swords
The Eight of Swords represents restriction, fear, and feeling trapped. It reflects limitations that are often self-imposed and calls for clarity and courage to break free.
Symbolism: Eight swords create a tightly woven, restrictive pattern. The intricate design evokes entrapment, yet the sprouting flowers suggest the possibility of growth through perseverance.
In Relationships: Feeling stuck or unable to express your emotions. It calls for open dialogue and introspection.
In Work: A sense of being overwhelmed or constrained by external pressures. Clarity and decisive action can release you.
Spiritually: The card urges the seeker to confront fears and release mental barriers on the path to freedom.
When ill-dignified: Paralysis by fear, victimhood, or refusal to take action. It warns against allowing self-doubt to control your life.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Deuce of Coins
The Deuce of Coins represents balance, adaptability, and the management of priorities. It highlights the flow and rhythm of practical matters.
Symbolism: A blue ribbon bearing the name B.P. Grimaud links two coins, symbolising the interplay between dual forces. The design reflects the need for equilibrium and flexibility in navigating change.
In Relationships: Finding a balance between personal and shared responsibilities.
In Work: Juggling tasks or managing resources effectively. It encourages adaptability in the face of change.
Spiritually: The card represents the balance between spiritual and material pursuits, urging the seeker to maintain harmony.
When ill-dignified: Instability, over-commitment, or neglecting one priority in favour of another. It warns against losing balance in your endeavours.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Ace of Batons
The Ace of Batons is the pure essence of fire, symbolising creation, vitality, and the drive to manifest. It represents the spark of inspiration and the potential for growth, a seedling of creativity waiting to take root.
Symbolism: A hand holding a single, upright wand emerges from an ornate framework, adorned with budding leaves that symbolise vitality and the promise of expansion. The wand's prominence emphasises raw, unshaped potential.
In Relationships: The Ace suggests the beginning of a passionate connection or the revival of excitement in an existing relationship.
In Work: A burst of creative energy or the inception of a bold project. This card encourages seizing opportunities with enthusiasm.
Spiritually: The card represents the divine spark of inspiration, urging you to channel your inner fire towards personal growth.
When ill-dignified: Misplaced energy, false starts, or a lack of direction. It warns against overextending without focus.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Four of Swords
The Four of Swords symbolises rest, recuperation, and mental clarity achieved through stillness. It reflects the need for pause before taking further action.
Symbolism: Four curved swords form an oval frame, with interwoven bindings at the top and bottom, creating a sense of structure and containment. At the centre of the composition, a single blooming flower emerges, symbolising peace, recovery, and renewal. The flowing curves and woven intersections suggest a more organic approach to rest and contemplation. The imagery highlights the importance of finding harmony within stillness, reinforcing the idea that mental clarity arises when balance and inner peace are embraced.
In Relationships: A period of emotional detachment or taking space to reflect on a relationship's direction.
In Work: A time for rest or strategic planning. Progress will come after regrouping and gathering strength.
Spiritually: The card invites retreat into meditation or introspection to realign with higher truths.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, resistance to rest, or avoidance of necessary reflection. It warns against burnout or neglecting self-care.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Eight of Batons
The Eight of Batons symbolises rapid progress, momentum, and swift resolution. It encourages focus and decisiveness to make the most of opportunities.
Symbolism: Eight batons align dynamically, creating a sense of motion and direction. The flowers sprouting atop the batons reflect the energy of growth propelled forward rapidly.
In Relationships: Fast-paced developments in relationships or sudden clarity about emotional matters.
In Work: Momentum builds as goals approach completion. This is a time for decisive action.
Spiritually: The card reflects accelerated growth and alignment with a higher purpose. Trust the flow of events.
When ill-dignified: Chaos, missed opportunities, or rushing without purpose. It warns against letting haste lead to mistakes.