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 Ten of Pentacles
Hidden Influences Eight of Cups, Reversed		External Influences Five of Cups, Reversed
The Present I – The Magician, Reversed		Suggestion King of Cups
The Past Nine of Wands		The Outcome Page of Wands, Reversed

 

 

 

 

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

 

Nine of Wands

The Nine of Wands represents resilience, perseverance, and the strength to endure adversity. The ninth card in the Suit of Wands indicates that you have been through a series of challenges or struggles but are still standing strong, holding on to what you have worked for. Depicted as a figure standing defensively, with one wand raised and a weary expression, the Nine of Wands shows a person who has been through a battle, yet continues to guard their position. This card suggests you are at a critical juncture, where your ability to withstand your trials will determine whether you can achieve the eventual success you seek.

The Nine of Wands speaks to a moment of vulnerability, where you may feel exhausted or worn down by the challenges you've encountered. However, the card also indicates you are almost at the finish line. This card encourages you to draw on your inner strength and stay vigilant, even when it feels like you are running out of energy. The Nine of Wands reminds you that you can push through the last obstacles, and success is within reach if you are tenacious now.

In Relationships: The Nine of Wands indicates emotional exhaustion or defensiveness in the relationship. You or your partner may have been through emotional challenges, possibly involving past hurts, misunderstandings, or relationship struggles. This card suggests there is still a desire to protect the relationship, but it also indicates that one or both parties may feel worn out by the emotional toll. The Nine of Wands encourages you to maintain your boundaries and stay resilient, but to avoid becoming too defensive or shutting down. For those in a difficult or testing relationship, this card advises perseverance and faith in the relationship's potential for growth and healing. It also asks you to be aware of emotional fatigue and ensure you are not staying in a situation solely out of a sense of obligation.

In Work: The Nine of Wands suggests you have been through a series of struggles or obstacles in your professional life. You may feel the weight of setbacks or the pressure to maintain your success. This card encourages you to stay resilient and trust in your ability to overcome the final hurdles. While you may feel tired or worn down, the Nine of Wands indicates you are close to achieving your goals and that one last push of effort may be needed to achieve success. It is also a reminder to remain cautious and guard against burnout, as your energy levels may be low. The Nine of Wands advises you to pace yourself, acknowledge how far you've come, and use your inner strength to push through the last challenges.

Spiritually: The Nine of Wands represents a time when you are testing your endurance and strength. This card suggests you may feel weary or worn out, having faced trials or challenges on your spiritual journey. However, the Nine of Wands encourages you to remain steadfast and trust that you are close to a breakthrough. It signifies the need to continue on the spiritual path, even when things seem difficult or uncertain. You are urged to tap into your spiritual reserves and maintain your faith, knowing that perseverance will lead to greater insight and growth. The Nine of Wands also suggests the need for spiritual protection, reminding you to guard your energy and remain resilient in the face of challenges.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Eight of Cups, Reversed

The Eight of Cups represents emotional withdrawal, leaving behind what no longer serves, and seeking a deeper sense of fulfilment. This card depicts a figure walking away from eight stacked cups, leaving them behind as they venture towards a mountain or distant horizon. The Eight of Cups signals a time when you may feel emotionally dissatisfied, disconnected, or unfulfilled with your current situation, seeking something more meaningful. It suggests that while the material or superficial aspects of life may seem fine on the surface, an inner longing or desire for emotional depth, truth, and purpose is not being met.

Reversed, the Eight of Cups indicates emotional resistance or a reluctance to let go of something that no longer serves you. The reversal may suggest that you are holding onto a relationship, job, or situation out of fear or attachment, even though it is no longer emotionally fulfilling. This card reversed invites you to acknowledge your dissatisfaction and recognise when it is time to move on, even if it feels difficult. It can also indicate a need for emotional healing and a deeper understanding of why you may be clinging to the past or avoiding necessary change. The Eight of Cups reversed encourages you to gather the courage to leave behind what no longer brings you joy.

In Relationships: The Eight of Cups suggests you may experience emotional dissatisfaction or disillusionment. You may be considering leaving a connection that no longer fulfils you, or you may already be ready to leave a relationship that has lost meaning. It can indicate the need for personal growth, reflection, and emotional independence. The Eight of Cups encourages you to be honest with yourself about your feelings and recognise when a relationship is no longer serving your emotional needs. For singles, the card may indicate the need to move on from emotional baggage, letting go of relationships or situations that prevent them from opening up to new, more fulfilling connections.

In Work: The Eight of Cups suggests a desire to leave a job, project, or career path that no longer provides emotional or professional satisfaction. You may feel unfulfilled, disengaged, or disconnected from your work, prompting a search for more meaningful work or a different path altogether. This card calls for the courage to leave behind what is comfortable or familiar to pursue a more fulfilling career, even if the path ahead seems uncertain. The Eight of Cups may also indicate that you seek a new sense of purpose in your professional life, encouraging you to follow your passions or seek deeper meaning in your work.

Spiritually: The Eight of Cups represents the quest for deeper meaning and fulfilment. It may indicate that you feel unfulfilled, disconnected from your spiritual path, or seek something more profound. This card calls for introspection and the willingness to leave behind old beliefs, practices, or habits that no longer support spiritual growth. It suggests a journey of seeking greater truths or wisdom and may involve solitude or reflection to reconnect with the inner self and find greater peace. The Eight of Cups encourages you to follow your inner calling, even if it requires stepping into the unknown or leaving behind old comforts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

Ten of Pentacles

The Ten of Pentacles represents long-term stability, legacy, and the culmination of wealth and success. This card embodies the energy of abundance, security, and the establishment of a solid foundation for future generations. A family gathers around a flourishing home, with multiple generations enjoying the fruits of accumulated wealth; the Ten of Pentacles speaks to the culmination of hard work and the creation of a lasting legacy. It signifies the achievement of material and financial success, along with the satisfaction that comes from securing the well-being of both oneself and loved ones.

This card suggests you are on the path to achieving significant financial security, stability, or success that will benefit not only you but also your family, community, or even future generations. The Ten of Pentacles emphasises the importance of family ties, heritage, and the wealth of contributing to a broader legacy. It is a reminder that wealth is not just about material abundance, but about the connections and bonds built over time and the lasting impact one can leave on the world. This card invites you to take pride in the stability and legacy you are creating and embrace the sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching this stage of prosperity.

In Relationships: The Ten of Pentacles represents long-term commitment, family, and the creation of a solid foundation for future generations. This card signifies stability, harmony, and the potential for building a lasting future together. It suggests the relationship is secure and rooted in shared values, and it may even indicate that you and your partner are building something tangible—whether that's a family, a home, or a shared life purpose. For those seeking love, the Ten of Pentacles can indicate the potential for a stable and lasting partnership that will stand the test of time and offer the security and commitment desired. The card also suggests that love, when nurtured over time, can provide fulfilment and lasting abundance.

In Work: The Ten of Pentacles indicates the achievement of a high level of success, financial abundance, and career stability. It suggests your efforts have not only brought financial security but have also created a legacy. The card may indicate the completion of a major project, the establishment of a thriving business, or the successful culmination of a long-term career. It also speaks to the importance of building a career that aligns with your values, creating wealth not only for oneself but for others as well. The Ten of Pentacles encourages you to focus on long-term goals and consider how your current efforts contribute to building a legacy that will endure.

Spiritually: The Ten of Pentacles represents creating a legacy through spiritual growth, family, or community. It can indicate a fulfilment from nurturing relationships, contributing to unity, and creating a lasting impact on others. This card suggests your journey is not only about personal growth but also about how you use your wisdom, resources, and experiences to benefit the greater good. The Ten of Pentacles encourages you to think about the long-term effects of your spiritual practices, teachings, and contributions, and how you can create a legacy for the future.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Five of Cups, Reversed

The Five of Cups represents loss, grief, and emotional disappointment. This card depicts a figure standing before three spilled cups, symbolising feelings of sorrow or regret as two cups remain upright behind them, representing remaining emotional support or opportunities being overlooked. The Five of Cups is a card of emotional pain and mourning, pointing to a time when you may be dwelling on mistakes, missed opportunities, or the emotional pain caused by loss. It can indicate mourning, disappointment, or a tendency to focus on what has gone wrong, leaving little room for hope.

Reversed, the Five of Cups indicates emotional recovery, healing, and a shift away from grief. You may be starting to let go of disappointments and open up to the emotional opportunities that lie ahead. This card reversed suggests that while you may have faced significant loss or regret, now you are in a position to heal, move forward, and regain hope. It may also indicate a need to process and release any lingering emotional wounds to make room for new emotional growth. The reversal of this card calls for you to acknowledge and release the past.

In Relationships: The Five of Cups signals feelings of regret, loss, or emotional heartbreak. It may point to a relationship that has ended, an emotional struggle, or lingering sadness over a past love. You may be grieving the end of a connection or dwelling on disappointments within your current relationship. This card encourages you to process your sorrow and heal from old wounds while recognising that not all hope is lost. The Five of Cups suggests that while it's important to mourn, it's equally important to recognise the potential for new love or emotional healing. For singles, the Five of Cups may indicate that you still hold onto heartaches, preventing you from moving forward in new relationships. The card advises you to heal and open your heart to new possibilities.

In Work: The Five of Cups suggests regret, disappointment, or a feeling of loss related to professional endeavours. You may be mourning a missed opportunity, an unmet goal, or a setback in your career path. It can represent a time when you feel you've failed or made mistakes, causing you to focus on what has gone wrong rather than what remains. The Five of Cups encourages you to acknowledge your emotional pain but also reminds you to look at the opportunities still available. The remaining cups symbolise the potential to turn things around, learn from mistakes, and use the experience as a stepping stone for future success. The card advises you to be open to growth and healing in your professional life, not consumed by regret.

Spiritually: The Five of Cups represents emotional pain, grief, or letting go of old spiritual beliefs or practices that no longer serve you. It may signify a period of mourning, where you feel disconnected from your spiritual path or are experiencing doubt. However, the Five of Cups also suggests that spiritual healing and renewal are possible, and that you should focus on what remains and the potential for spiritual growth. This card encourages you to look beyond disappointments and be open to new spiritual experiences or insights that may lead to healing and renewal. It is a reminder that spiritual recovery can come after periods of turmoil.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

King of Cups

The King of Cups represents emotional mastery, compassion, and wisdom. As a ruler of the suit of cups, this king embodies the perfect balance between emotion and intellect, demonstrating how to navigate the realm of feelings with maturity, understanding, and composure. He is a figure of emotional authority, someone who has learned how to handle intense emotions without being overwhelmed. The King of Cups is empathetic and caring, but he knows when to show restraint and when to express his feelings, always maintaining control over his emotional responses.

This card symbolises emotional stability, where you are encouraged to approach situations with a rational mind, compassionate heart, and sense of emotional awareness. The King of Cups calls on you to step into your emotional maturity, cultivating balance in your personal and professional lives. His presence suggests the need to channel emotional wisdom, offering guidance and support to others, while also being true to your feelings. He invites you to lead with love, showing empathy and understanding, yet always staying grounded and composed.

In Relationships: The King of Cups represents a strong emotional connection based on mutual respect, understanding, and balance. This card suggests you may experience a relationship where emotional maturity and stability play a central role. The King of Cups is supportive, compassionate, and capable of offering guidance and comfort in times of need while maintaining emotional composure. This card indicates a period of emotional harmony, where both partners communicate openly, understand each other's needs, and offer unconditional love and support. The King of Cups encourages you to express your feelings with integrity and approach love with a calm, steady heart.

In Work: The King of Cups suggests you are or will soon be in a position of leadership, where your emotional intelligence, wisdom, and empathy will be highly valued. This card indicates you may be called upon to guide others, offering support, mentorship, or emotional guidance in your professional environment. The King of Cups represents a leader skilled in their field who can manage relationships, build trust, and create a harmonious atmosphere. This card also emphasises the importance of maintaining emotional balance in the workplace, ensuring you do not allow stress, pressure, or conflict to affect your emotional state. The King of Cups advises you to rely on your emotional intelligence to succeed, leading with compassion, patience, and wisdom.

Spiritually: The King of Cups represents emotional and spiritual maturity, along with a strong connection to the higher self. This card suggests you may have reached a stage in your spiritual journey where you can approach your path with understanding, balance, and inner calm. The King of Cups encourages you to trust your emotional wisdom and intuition, knowing that your feelings can serve as a guide towards spiritual fulfilment. This card also suggests the need for emotional healing for you or those you serve, encouraging a compassionate, healing approach to others on their spiritual journey. The King of Cups teaches that spiritual growth is not just about intellectual understanding but also mastering the emotional realm with love, empathy, and wisdom.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Page of Wands, Reversed

The Page of Wands represents enthusiasm, curiosity, and the spirit of adventure. It embodies the energy of a youngster eager to explore new ideas, projects, or possibilities. This card reflects a time of inspiration, where you are full of creative potential and ready to embark on a new journey, whether in career, relationships, or personal growth. Depicted as a figure holding a wand, gazing into the distance, the Page of Wands suggests you are looking ahead with excitement, anticipation, and a sense of limitless potential. The Page is not weighed down by doubts or fears, but filled with the eagerness to discover and experience what lies ahead.

Reversed, the Page of Wands can indicate a lack of direction, scattered energy, or hesitation in pursuing new opportunities. You may feel uncertain about your next steps or struggle with self-doubt in taking creative or professional risks. It may suggest you are not committed to a new endeavour or are procrastinating when starting something new. The reversed Page of Wands warns against being too impulsive or chasing many ideas at once. It advises you to regain clarity, refocus your energy, and take more deliberate action towards your goals. It also asks you to tap into your creative potential and overcome any fears or hesitations preventing you from moving forward.

In Relationships: The Page of Wands indicates a time of excitement, new beginnings, or fresh energy. This card suggests a renewed sense of passion, spontaneity, and adventure. It may point to an exciting phase where the partners discover additional aspects of each other or explore new possibilities within the relationship. For singles, the Page of Wands represents the potential for a new romantic connection, one characterised by lightness, fun, and discovery. The Page's energy encourages you to approach love with an open and adventurous spirit, willing to take risks and explore new connections. This card may also suggest that you are attracted to someone who embodies youthful energy, passion, and creativity.

In Work: The Page of Wands signals the beginning of a new creative project or an exciting professional opportunity. It indicates you may embark on a new venture or enter a field that sparks your curiosity and enthusiasm. The Page of Wands encourages you to approach your work with passion, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. This card suggests a time to explore innovative ideas, take bold steps, and trust your creative impulses. It may also indicate youthful energy in the workplace, where you are learning new skills, developing your talents, and gaining confidence in your abilities. The Page of Wands urges you to take initiative, embrace new challenges, and pursue exciting opportunities.

Spiritually: The Page of Wands represents a time of exploration and growth. You may be discovering new paths, philosophies, or practices that ignite your inner fire and curiosity. This card encourages you to be ready to explore new ideas or teachings. The Page of Wands is a reminder to embrace the adventure of self-discovery, be curious about the mysteries of the universe, and remain open to the spiritual lessons that lie ahead. It suggests you are in a phase of learning and growth, where the exploration of new spiritual practices may lead to greater understanding and enlightenment.