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 IV – The Emperor
Hidden Influences XI – Justice, Reversed		External Influences XV – The Devil, Reversed
The Present XVI – The Tower		Suggestion X – The Wheel of Fortune
The Past I – The Magician, Reversed		The Outcome XIV – Temperance

 

 

 

 

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

 

I – The Magician, Reversed

The Magician represents the power of manifestation. The first card of the Major Arcana embodies the energy of focused will, where potential is brought into reality through skill, action, and intention. Standing with one arm raised towards the heavens and the other pointing towards the earth, the Magician connects the spiritual and material realms. He bridges the divine and the earthly to bring about change. His tools—the wand, cup, sword, and pentacle—symbolise mastery over the four elements: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. He channels power through these instruments.

Reversed, the Magician can suggest that you are misusing your talents or not realising your potential. It may point to manipulation, trickery, or deceit by you or others. This card reversed may also indicate a lack of confidence, leading to missed opportunities or unrealised goals. It urges you to re-examine your intentions and see that your actions align with your desires, reminding you to be mindful of the power you wield.

In Relationships: The Magician suggests the power of intention and communication. It indicates that you can create a fulfilling romantic connection by being clear about your desires and aligning your actions with those intentions. It may also indicate the arrival of someone with powerful charisma or the need to harness your charm and creative energy to foster love. The Magician encourages conscious creation in matters of the heart, a reminder that you are the architect of your romantic life.

In Work: The Magician is a card of opportunity and self-empowerment in the professional realm. It signals that you possess the skills necessary to make your career aspirations a reality. This card encourages taking bold, deliberate action towards career goals and making the most of resources. The Magician suggests that the path to success is one where focus and determination play a vital role, and you have the power to manifest prosperity and recognition.

Spiritually: The Magician represents the mastery of one's inner power and the ability to direct energy with purpose. This card speaks to the harnessing of personal energy for growth, enlightenment, and transformation. It calls you to recognise your power, align your will with your spiritual goals, and work towards awakening your full potential. The Magician reminds us that the divine is not separate from us but exists within. It urges you to use your talents and awareness for higher spiritual development.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XVI – The Tower

The Tower represents sudden upheaval, destruction, and revelation. This card symbolises the collapse of established structures that were built on unstable foundations. A tall tower being struck by lightning, with people falling from it, signals that something in your life is about to be drastically altered, often through unexpected events or revelations. While the image may appear dramatic, the Tower invites a necessary shake-up or disruption that clears the way for transformation. The destruction is not meant to be detrimental, but to reveal the truth and tear down false beliefs, patterns, or illusions that no longer serve your best interests.

The Tower calls attention to areas of life where change is unavoidable and often uncomfortable. Though it can represent loss, chaos, or vulnerability, it also signals the potential for freedom and growth through the breaking down of illusions. You are encouraged to release your attachment to the old structure and trust that what remains after the dust settles will be stronger and more aligned with your true purpose.

In Relationships: The Tower indicates a sudden and unexpected change—this could be an argument, a breakup, or a moment of shocking revelation that forces both partners to confront underlying issues. While the upheaval may be painful, it offers an opportunity to rebuild the relationship from a more authentic place, free of illusions or false expectations. The Tower urges you to face uncomfortable truths and let go of outdated beliefs or patterns preventing the relationship from developing. This card can also signify a need to release unhealthy attachments to make way for a more genuine connection.

In Work: The Tower suggests an unexpected disruption in your professional life. This could be a sudden job loss, a major shift in a project, or the breakdown of a system that no longer works. The Tower indicates that a structure built on unstable ground is collapsing, and while this may initially seem like a crisis, it is ultimately a catalyst for change and growth. You are encouraged to embrace the chaos as an opportunity to reassess your goals and approach, shedding old methods or beliefs that no longer align with your vision of success. The Tower signals the need for radical change, pushing you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace radical new possibilities.

Spiritually: The Tower represents a profound awakening, where your beliefs or worldview may be shattered to make room for deeper understanding and enlightenment. This card invites you to confront the illusions or false constructs that have kept you from seeing the truth of your spiritual path. The Tower represents the moment of revelation that breaks down the ego, allowing the individual to see things more clearly. It is a reminder that spiritual growth often requires moments of upheaval, where the old self is destroyed to make way for the new. The destruction of the old is essential for the emergence of wisdom and self-awareness.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XI – Justice, Reversed

Justice represents fairness, truth, accountability, and the law of cause and effect. It embodies the principle of balance, emphasising the need for integrity, fairness, and impartiality. A figure holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and that truth will always prevail. The sword symbolises clarity, reason, and decision-making, while the scales represent equilibrium, weighing all sides of a situation before making a judgement. This card reminds us that justice is not just about external laws, but about personal responsibility and moral alignment with the truth.

Reversed, Justice can indicate imbalance, dishonesty, or a lack of accountability. It may suggest that you are facing an unfair situation or avoiding responsibility for your actions. This card reversed warns against injustice, whether self-inflicted or coming from external sources, and encourages you to look at situations objectively. It can also suggest that you are struggling with guilt, denial, or a lack of clarity in making a decision, urging you to align with your moral compass and seek fairness before proceeding. In a reversed position, Justice also points to the possibility of facing consequences for unfair or unjust actions.

In Relationships: Justice speaks to the need for honesty, fairness, and mutual respect. It may indicate a time for evaluating the dynamics of a relationship, ensuring that both partners treat each other with integrity and fairness. This card encourages you to approach romantic situations with clear communication and seek balance, where both partners' needs are considered and respected. If you are dealing with relationship issues, Justice may suggest the need to take responsibility for your actions or make amends. It can also indicate that the truth will determine the outcome of a romantic situation.

In Work: Justice signals a need for fairness in professional matters, including decision-making, disputes, and negotiations. It encourages you to act with integrity in the workplace, ensuring your actions align with ethical standards and legal requirements. This card may also suggest that you are facing a situation where justice will play a role, such as a legal matter or a need to resolve an issue that requires an impartial viewpoint. Justice reminds you that success will come from fair actions and by making decisions in alignment with your values. It also suggests karmic debts in the professional sphere may be settled, either through rewards for integrity or consequences for dishonesty.

Spiritually: Justice represents the principle of cosmic law, the balance between light and dark, and the understanding that everything is connected through universal laws. This card encourages you to reflect on your actions and beliefs, ensuring they are in alignment with higher truth. Justice invites the seeker to embrace personal accountability, recognising that spiritual growth comes from living a life balanced and true to one's values. It is a reminder that truth and fairness are universal principles that guide the spiritual path and that every action has a karmic effect. In the spiritual realm, Justice asks you to seek equilibrium, balance, and the deeper truth that lies beneath surface appearances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

IV – The Emperor

The Emperor represents authority, structure, leadership, and stability. As the fourth card of the Major Arcana, it embodies order, discipline, and the ability to create and maintain systems that provide security and success. Sitting upon a grand throne adorned with ram's heads, symbols of strength and leadership, the Emperor exudes power. He is the ruler of his domain, symbolising mastery over the material world and the ability to make decisions confidently. His crown and sceptre reinforce his role as a sovereign figure who governs with authority.

The Emperor is a symbol of structure and organisation, signifying the need for discipline and clear boundaries. He encourages taking responsibility, setting goals, and leading with strength and integrity. The Emperor calls for action grounded in practical wisdom and a solid understanding of the frameworks that govern our lives. His presence indicates the importance of authority in achieving long-term success and the need to stand firm in your beliefs and decisions.

In Relationships: The Emperor represents stability, security, and leadership. It suggests that a solid foundation is necessary for a relationship to thrive. You may be called upon to take on a more protective or responsible role or seek a partner who offers stability and structure. This card can also signify the need for boundaries and mutual respect within a relationship. The Emperor emphasises the importance of leadership and protection.

In Work: The Emperor is a powerful card of success, structure, and authority in the professional realm. It suggests you may be in a position of leadership or will soon be called to take charge of a situation or project. This card encourages discipline, responsibility, and strategic planning in career goals. The Emperor advises you to approach your work with a strong sense of organisation and control, building a foundation to support long-term growth and achievement. Success is likely through creating order and taking decisive, informed action.

Spiritually: The Emperor represents the manifestation of spiritual authority and the use of disciplined energy to create structure and order in one's spiritual practice. It invites you to approach your spiritual journey with focus and responsibility. This card suggests that spiritual growth can be achieved through setting intentions, building a solid foundation, and taking determined action. The Emperor also calls for integrating spiritual teachings into everyday life, using wisdom and strength to create stability.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XV – The Devil, Reversed

The Devil represents temptation, addiction, materialism, and the shadow self. It embodies the forces that bind us to unhealthy patterns, illusions, and attachments. A powerful, frightening figure symbolises the internal and external forces that trap us in cycles of desire, fear, and self-doubt. This card is about the darker side of human nature—the impulses, obsessions, and habits that may seem alluring at the moment but ultimately prevent growth and freedom. The chains are loosely fitted on the figures, suggesting that the freedom to break free from these constraints is possible, but only when you recognise your own power and the nature of your attachments.

Reversed, the Devil can indicate a breaking free from bondage, temptation, or unhealthy attachments. It suggests you are beginning to free yourself from negative patterns, addictions, or toxic situations that have held you captive. However, the reversed Devil also cautions that the work of liberation is ongoing. While the chains are loose, it can take time to confront lingering fears or attachments before you are free. This card reversed encourages continued self-awareness, growth, and healing, reminding you that true freedom comes from within and requires conscious effort to remain free from temptation and negative influences.

In Relationships: The Devil suggests you may be entangled in a toxic or unhealthy relationship dynamic. This could include co-dependency, manipulation, or addiction to the relationship itself. The card warns against staying in situations where attachment or control are the primary forces at play. It may also point to unhealthy patterns in your behaviour, such as fear of intimacy or a reliance on superficial desires rather than deeper emotional connection. The Devil invites you to take a step back and examine your motivations in relationships, encouraging you to break free from unhealthy attachments and embrace healthier, more empowering connections.

In Work: The Devil may indicate that you are trapped in a cycle of materialism, greed, or unhealthy work habits. It could suggest an over-reliance on success or external validation, or feeling bound to a job, career, or ambition that no longer serves your highest good. This card can also point to unhealthy competition, control issues, or toxic environments in the workplace. The Devil encourages you to assess where you are compromising yourself in pursuit of career success or material gain. It suggests that fulfilment comes from aligning with your authentic purpose and breaking free from self-imposed limitations.

Spiritually: The Devil speaks to the shadows within the self—the unresolved fears, ego attachments, and limiting beliefs that keep you from experiencing freedom and enlightenment. This card invites you to confront your inner darkness and the forces that bind you to the lower aspects of your nature. The Devil challenges you to examine your relationship with fear and temptation and recognise how these forces may be blocking your spiritual growth. This card calls for liberation, urging you to break free from whatever is holding you back from experiencing spiritual truth.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

X – The Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune represents cycles, fate, destiny, and change. The tenth card of the Major Arcana embodies the ever-turning wheel of life, where circumstances shift unpredictably, and the forces of fortune and destiny influence our lives. The Wheel features symbols such as the creatures of Ezekiel's vision and the Sphinx, representing the ongoing movement of time and the interplay between fate and free will. The card speaks to the cyclical nature of existence, where moments of fortune and misfortune rise and fall, reminding us that no situation lasts forever.

The Wheel of Fortune signifies that change is inevitable, and you are entering a phase where luck, external forces, or destiny will play a key role in your life. This card often points to a turning point, suggesting that a shift in circumstances is on the horizon. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to embrace the flow of life, trust in the process, and understand that everything moves in cycles. It calls for acceptance of both the highs and lows, for they are both integral parts of the journey.

In Relationships: The Wheel of Fortune signifies that changes are coming, often unexpectedly. It may indicate a turning point in a romantic relationship, where new dynamics or events will shift the course of the connection. This card suggests you should be open to the ebb and flow of emotions, as relationships go through cycles of growth, transformation, and occasional turmoil. The Wheel reminds us that love is not static, and that fate or timing may play a crucial role in romantic endeavours. It encourages flexibility and acceptance, knowing that changes, while sometimes difficult, bring opportunities for renewal and growth.

In Work: The Wheel of Fortune suggests change is imminent, whether it's a shift in job, career path, or professional circumstances. This card can indicate that your efforts are about to bear fruit or external forces, such as a new opportunity or unexpected event, will alter the course of your professional journey. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to stay adaptable, as fortune may favour you or present challenges that require a shift in perspective. It also signifies that luck or timing will be a factor, and you should be ready to seize opportunities that arise.

Spiritually: The Wheel of Fortune speaks to the interconnectedness of all things and the cyclical nature of life. It reminds you that everything is in constant motion, and that spiritual growth often comes through periods of both abundance and hardship. This card encourages you to trust in the divine timing of your journey, knowing that each phase, whether of challenge or ease, has a lesson to offer. The Wheel of Fortune also invites you to recognise that fate plays a role in your spiritual path and be open to the mysteries of the universe, even when things are beyond your control.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XIV – Temperance

Temperance represents balance, harmony, moderation, and healing. This card embodies the principle of integrating opposites and finding equilibrium within oneself and in the world. An angel or ethereal figure pours water from one cup to another, the imagery of Temperance suggests the blending of two elements to create something harmonious. The flowing water symbolises the steady flow of energy, while the angel's wings and serene expression point to a divine guidance in achieving harmony. This card teaches the importance of moderation, patience, and self-control in all areas of life.

Temperance encourages you to find a middle ground, avoid extremes, and seek moderation in your choices and actions. It invites balance not only in the material world but also in the emotional and spiritual realms. This card speaks to the need to blend various aspects of life—whether work and play, self-care and socialising, or mind and body—into a cohesive whole that nurtures well-being and inner peace. It suggests that patience and a calm, measured approach will lead to the best results.

In Relationships: Temperance suggests that balance and harmony are key in your relationship. It may indicate the need for moderation in how emotions, time, and energy are shared between partners. This card encourages you to avoid extremes—whether in expectations, communication, or attachment—and instead find a balanced approach that fosters mutual respect, understanding, and patience. Temperance speaks to a steady connection, where both partners support each other's growth while maintaining their individuality. It can also indicate healing in relationships, whether overcoming challenges or finding a new sense of balance and understanding between two people.

In Work: Temperance signifies a time for finding balance in one's professional life. This card encourages you to manage your workload, relationships, and responsibilities with grace and moderation, avoiding burnout and stress. It may suggest the need for collaboration or the blending of unique skills or talents to achieve success. Temperance reminds you that steady, thoughtful progress, rather than hasty or extreme actions, is the key to long-term success. This card can also point to a need for healing in the workplace, whether it's resolving conflicts or restoring calm to a stressful environment.

Spiritually: Temperance represents the pursuit of inner balance and integration. This card invites you to align your physical, emotional, and spiritual selves into a harmonious whole, finding peace through moderation, patience, and acceptance. It encourages you to seek spiritual growth through balance rather than extreme practices or rigid beliefs. Temperance suggests that spiritual enlightenment can be achieved when the seeker is in harmony with both the inner self and the external world. It is a reminder that the path to spiritual fulfilment is about maintaining balance and being open to divine guidance.