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 Ace of Wands
Hidden Influences Three of Swords (Sorrow)		External Influences Prince of Disks
The Present Seven of Disks (Failure)		Suggestion Four of Wands (Completion)
The Past XV – The Devil		The Outcome Ace of Disks

 

 

 

 

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

 

XV – The Devil

(Capricorn, Ayin)

The Devil symbolises bondage, materialism, and the potent, often misunderstood forces of desire and instinct. Associated with Ayin, the eye, this card invites a piercing vision into the illusions and structures that bind us. Capricorn, the zodiac of ambition and discipline, infuses the card with themes of mastery over material and earthly limitations.

The central figure is a goat before a phallic structure, symbolising generative power and material dominance. This card is seething with esoteric symbols of competition within a person. The background, webbed in deep, earthy tones, suggests the shadowy nature of the forces at play. The card is alive with energy, hinting at temptation and the potential for liberation.

In Relationships: The Devil represents intense, often obsessive attraction. It can warn of relationships rooted in control or dependency, urging you to assess whether your connections are serving your growth.

In Work: This card suggests material success, often achieved through relentless ambition. However, it warns of becoming enslaved by wealth or status and advises balancing ambition with higher values.

Spiritually: The Devil symbolises the necessity of confronting and integrating one's shadow self. It calls you to transcend material attachments and awaken to higher truths.

When ill-dignified: The Devil warns of oppression, excessive materialism, or destructive desires. You are advised to liberate yourself by recognising and overcoming illusions and self-imposed limitations.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Seven of Disks (Failure)

Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Taurus

This card represents a period of introspection and re-evaluation concerning material efforts. It depicts a series of seven disks arranged in an unbalanced pattern, symbolising the results of investments and efforts that have not yet materialised or reached their potential. The image suggests that while the seeds of progress have been sown, they are not yielding the expected results, and there may be stagnation or lack of progress.

This card reflects a time when you must pause and assess whether your material endeavours are still on track. The Seven of Disks asks you to evaluate your literal and metaphorical investments and determine whether to continue with the current path or cut your losses. The energy of Saturn in Taurus brings a message of slow growth and caution, emphasising the need for patience and discipline. However, it also points to the potential for failure, suggesting that not all endeavours are destined for success.

The Seven of Disks encourages careful consideration of one's approach to material pursuits and reminds you that sometimes progress may take longer than anticipated, but the key lies in strategic reassessment and patience.

In Relationships: The Seven of Disks may indicate dissatisfaction or a sense that things are not progressing as expected. You may question whether your emotional investments are yielding the desired results. This card asks for patience and introspection before making decisions.

In Work: The Seven of Disks suggests a period of review, where you evaluate the outcome of your efforts. This card can indicate a feeling of stagnation or frustration with a lack of progress, but it also encourages careful assessment before continuing. It may signify the need for strategic adjustments or a new direction.

Spiritually: The Seven of Disks indicates a need for self-reflection. You may feel stagnant or question your spiritual path. It encourages patience and contemplation, asking you to assess where you are and what you seek before continuing on your journey.

When ill-dignified: The Seven of Disks can indicate failure, frustration, or lack of foresight. It suggests your efforts are misdirected or that you are being too critical of your progress. There may be a tendency to give up prematurely or to fail to evaluate the situation properly before making a decision.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Three of Swords (Sorrow)

Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Libra

The Three of Swords symbolises mental anguish, sorrow, and clarity from confronting painful truths. It represents the difficult, often harsh, realities of life that require one to face mental or emotional suffering head-on. The card depicts three swords touching at their points, reflecting the tension and sharpness of conflicting thoughts and emotions. This is a card of sorrow and emotional intensity, but also one that points to the healing power of facing the source of the pain.

With Saturn's influence in Libra, the Three of Swords emphasises the need for structure and discipline in dealing with mental and emotional hardship. While the card may signify heartache or betrayal, it also invites you to understand the lessons that emerge from these experiences. There is clarity in this suffering, as difficult as it may be, which leads to growth and transformation.

The Three of Swords urges you to acknowledge your sorrow, accept the lessons it brings, and move towards healing. It is a reminder that, although painful, confronting emotional distress opens the door to wisdom and resilience.

In Relationships: The Three of Swords often points to heartbreak, betrayal, or the end of a relationship. It suggests you may be facing emotional pain or a difficult separation. While painful, it can also indicate the end of confusion, as the truth gets revealed.

In Work: The Three of Swords can represent disappointment or betrayal within the workplace, perhaps a sudden failure, a broken partnership, or a loss. It signals a need to grieve and process the pain but also suggests clarity will emerge as you face the truth of the situation.

Spiritually: The Three of Swords points to the necessity of confronting inner pain or sorrow to achieve spiritual growth. This card invites you to face difficult emotions head-on and use them to develop strength and wisdom. It suggests that healing comes from acknowledging pain and moving through it with awareness.

When ill-dignified: The Three of Swords may indicate an inability to heal from old wounds, or a tendency to dwell in heartbreak without moving forward. You may be stuck in a cycle of mental suffering or unable to release old pain. It could also signify mental cruelty or the misuse of intellect in causing harm to others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

Ace of Wands

(Root of Fire)

The Ace of Wands bursts with raw, fiery energy, representing the essence of creation, power, and new beginnings. This card features a radiant, explosive pillar of fire, emanating brilliant golden flames. The flames twist and curl into serpentine forms, symbolising uncontained potential, primal force, and the dynamic nature of inspiration. Surrounding jagged lightning bolts reinforce the card's theme of sudden illumination and transformative energy. This is the unfiltered essence of fire—pure will, passion, and the unstoppable drive to bring something new into existence.

In Relationships: The Ace of Wands signals the beginning of a passionate and dynamic relationship, full of energy and potential. It represents the excitement of a new romantic connection or the rekindling of a passionate bond.

In Work: This card suggests a surge of inspiration or the start of an exciting new project. It encourages you to take bold action and trust in your creative abilities to manifest your ambitions.

Spiritually: The Ace of Wands represents the spark of spiritual awakening or a new phase in spiritual growth. It urges you to trust your inner fire and seek alternative paths of enlightenment and self-expression.

When ill-dignified: The Ace of Wands can indicate a lack of direction, wasted energy, or premature enthusiasm. It cautions against rushing into new ventures without a solid foundation or purpose. You should reflect on whether your creative impulses are grounded or merely fleeting.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Prince of Disks

Element: Air of Earth

Astrological Correspondence: Taurus

The Prince of Disks represents the active, dynamic force within the Earth element, embodying the drive and determination needed to manifest material success. The Prince is depicted as a youthful figure holding a large disk, symbolising his connection to the material world and his unwavering focus on achieving practical goals. His element, Air of Earth, combines intellectual energy and strategy with the solid, grounding qualities of Earth. This fusion empowers him to take disciplined action in pursuit of material gain and stability.

The Prince of Disks is steadfast, practical, and diligent, bringing order and purpose to his endeavours. He represents a force of transformation in the material realm, working tirelessly to build lasting structures, wealth, and prosperity. While the Princess embodies receptive and nurturing qualities of Earth, the Prince is the active counterpart, initiating the processes that lead to tangible results. His approach is grounded in intelligence and practicality, ensuring that his goals are not only visionary but also achievable.

This card signifies the power of focused effort and the importance of perseverance in creating lasting success in the physical world. It encourages a balanced, methodical approach to manifesting desires, and serves as a reminder that patience and hard work will lead to prosperity and stability.

In Relationships: The Prince of Disks indicates a steady, committed individual who brings stability and reliability. He may represent someone willing to work hard to ensure the relationship's success, and who values loyalty and practicality in love. The Prince often symbolises a partner who brings financial or material security to the relationship.

In Work: The Prince of Disks signifies diligence, persistence, and hard work. This card points to someone dedicated to their career who works steadily towards material success. It may also indicate someone undertaking a project that requires consistency and long-term effort to bring results.

Spiritually: The Prince of Disks calls for a grounded and disciplined approach to spiritual work. He suggests that spiritual progress comes through steady, practical efforts and that one must apply the same dedication to spiritual growth as one would to material pursuits. The card also points to balancing spiritual goals with worldly responsibilities.

When ill-dignified: The Prince of Disks can indicate stubbornness or inflexibility, especially in material matters. It may suggest an overemphasis on work or the material world to the detriment of other aspects of life, such as relationships or spiritual growth. There may be a tendency to become too entrenched in your goals or ways of thinking, leading to stagnation.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

Four of Wands (Completion)

Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Aries

The Four of Wands represents the harmony and stability achieved after the completion of a phase of effort or creation. It reflects the satisfaction and joy of building a firm foundation and the sense of accomplishment that follows. The card depicts four wands crossed symmetrically, forming a balanced and stable structure like a wheel. Their placement emphasises equilibrium, with the energy of Venus bringing beauty and refinement to the fiery drive of Aries.

This card is a moment to recognise the results of focused effort, where the fiery initiative of Aries is tempered by Venus' sense of harmony and aesthetics. It signifies a pause to celebrate milestones, appreciate achievements, and enjoy the peace and security of a stable structure. While it marks completion, it also carries the potential for future growth, as stability provides a springboard for new ventures. The Four of Wands reminds us to acknowledge and honour the harmony we have worked to create.

In Relationships: The Four of Wands represents harmony and stability. It suggests the foundation of the relationship has been solidified, and the time has come to celebrate the commitment and mutual understanding that exists.

In Work: This card indicates a time of achievement and recognition. You have reached a point where you can enjoy the fruits of your labour and feel confident in your progress. It's a moment of consolidation before the next phase.

Spiritually: The Four of Wands represents spiritual peace and stability. It indicates balance and alignment, where you can take time to reflect and celebrate the progress you have made on your spiritual path.

When ill-dignified: The Four of Wands may suggest an unstable or superficial foundation. You might be focused too much on external appearances or celebrations rather than addressing deeper issues. It is a warning not to take the stability for granted, as cracks may be forming beneath the surface.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Ace of Disks

(Root of Earth)

The Ace of Disks represents the raw, unmanifested potential of the physical world. At the centre of the card lies a single disk, surrounded by a swirling energy that symbolises the seed of all material manifestation. This image reflects the potential for creating wealth, stability, and physical well-being. The Ace of Disks marks the initiation of a new cycle in the realm of material affairs, a beginning full of possibility and grounded in the Earth element.

This card embodies the promise of prosperity and abundance, signifying the fertile ground from which tangible results will grow. It suggests you are on the brink of a new opportunity that has the potential for lasting growth and concrete success. The Ace of Disks is a symbol of manifestation, inviting the energy of physical reality to align with your intentions, and pointing to the importance of patience, effort, and practical action in bringing desires into the material world.

In Relationships: The Ace of Disks represents a new, stable foundation for a relationship. It suggests a relationship could be grounded in the material realm, such as sharing resources, practical concerns, and tangible commitments. It is a positive sign for the long-term potential of a relationship if both partners are willing to invest in it practically and thoughtfully.

In Work: The Ace of Disks signifies the beginning of a new venture or enterprise with the potential for incredible material success. It suggests a strong foundation is being laid, and this card heralds new opportunities to make money or build a business. It encourages focusing on long-term goals and being practical in your approach to success.

Spiritually: This card represents grounding one's spiritual practice into the physical realm. It suggests a connection between the material and spiritual worlds, where the material world reflects the spiritual, and vice versa. The Ace of Disks invites you to manifest your spiritual insights in the physical world and recognise the divine in all things material.

When ill-dignified: The Ace of Disks can indicate missed opportunities in material matters or the failure to capitalise on available resources. There may be a reluctance to invest time and energy into practical affairs, or an inability to manifest your desires in the physical realm. It could also represent greed or an overemphasis on materialism at the expense of spiritual growth.