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 Prince of Disks |
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Hidden Influences Nine of Swords (Cruelty) |
External Influences Ace of Disks |
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The Present XVII – The Star |
Suggestion Queen of Wands |
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The Past XV – The Devil |
The Outcome Five of Wands (Strife) |
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.
XVII – The Star
(Aquarius, Heh)
The Star represents hope, inspiration, and the flow of divine energy. Associated with Heh, the window, this card symbolises clarity and the opening of the soul to cosmic light. Aquarius, the zodiac of vision and humanitarian ideals, imbues the card with themes of enlightenment and universal connection.
The central figure is a nude woman, representing purity and vulnerability, pouring water from two vessels—one onto the earth and the other into a pool, symbolising the balance between spiritual and material realms. Behind her, a radiant star dominates the sky, surrounded by smaller stars, signifying guidance and hope. The background, rich with blues and violets, evokes the tranquillity of the natural world.
In Relationships: The Star suggests healing and renewed hope. It encourages you to trust in the flow of love and remain open to its guidance.
In Work: This card signifies inspiration and creative potential. You are advised to trust your intuition and align your efforts with a higher vision.
Spiritually: The Star symbolises a connection to the divine and the flow of universal energy. It calls you to share your gifts and have faith in the cosmic plan.
When ill-dignified: The Star warns of disillusionment, a loss of faith, or a failure to see one's potential. You are advised to reconnect with your inner light and trust in the process of renewal.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Nine of Swords (Cruelty)
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Gemini
The Nine of Swords features nine long swords pointing downward, with blood dripping from their blades. This stark imagery symbolises mental torment, anguish, and the destructive nature of obsessive thoughts. The swords are arranged in a neat, symmetrical pattern, creating a sense of overwhelming confinement. The dripping blood adds an element of suffering, underscoring the emotional pain that often accompanies mental distress.
The Mars in Gemini influence links this card to the struggle of the mind—Mars, the planet of aggression and conflict, is paired with Gemini, the sign of duality and scattered thought. This combination reflects mental cruelty: the mind in conflict, torn between multiple, often contradictory thoughts, leading to heightened anxiety and self-inflicted pain. The Nine of Swords indicates that the distress is exaggerated and often caused by the inability to control overactive, fearful thinking. This card suggests you may be trapped by your mind, but relief comes with confronting these fears and breaking free from the cycle of overthinking.
In Relationships: The Nine of Swords indicates excessive worry or anxiety, maybe stemming from irrational fears or doubts. It suggests your mind is clouded by negative thinking, and you may be overly focused on problems that have not yet materialised. The card urges you to confront your fears and seek clarity, as the situation may not be as dire as you believe.
In Work: The Nine of Swords indicates mental stress, burnout, or overwhelming worry about the future. It suggests a period of sleeplessness, anxiety over work-related issues, or a fear of failure. The card advises you to address your mental health and seek help if needed, as the stress may be disproportionate to the actual situation.
Spiritually: The Nine of Swords represents despair or inner conflict. It suggests your mind is filled with self-doubt, fear, or confusion, preventing spiritual progress. The card calls for mental healing and the release of unnecessary worry to create space for inner peace and clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Nine of Swords can indicate a worsening of mental anguish, where you cannot break free from obsessive thoughts or fears. It may suggest depression, overwhelming anxiety, or hopelessness, where the mind is trapped in a cycle of negative thinking.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
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.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
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.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Queen of Wands
Element: Water of Fire
Astrological Correspondence: Cancer
The Queen of Wands represents the emotional and nurturing qualities of Water combined with the dynamic power of Fire. As Water of Fire, she embodies the balance of intuition, compassion, and creativity with the strength and vitality of fiery inspiration. The Queen channels her energy in a way both magnetic and nurturing, guiding and protecting what she creates with emotional depth and wisdom.
This card signifies a person who possesses the ability to inspire and lead through emotional intelligence and nurturing energy. While the Princess and Prince represent the beginnings of creative expression and active drive, the Queen of Wands embodies the harmonious flow of that energy, managing it with confidence, care, and resilience. She is a visionary who nurtures her creations, empowering others with her dynamic yet empathetic approach. The Queen of Wands encourages you to trust your intuition, inspire those around you, and take a balanced, compassionate approach in your leadership and creative endeavours.
In Relationships: The Queen of Wands represents a relationship of passion and emotional depth. She is the nurturing force behind the bond, who maintains balance and harmony with great strength. Her love is fierce, protective, and encouraging, creating an environment where both partners feel empowered to grow.
In Work: This card represents a person in a position of leadership who uses both intuition and intellect to guide their endeavours. The Queen of Wands knows how to balance assertiveness with empathy, leading by example and encouraging others to step into their own creative power. In the workplace, she represents a role model or mentor figure, someone who nurtures the growth of others through her example and leadership.
Spiritually: The Queen of Wands is a leader who embodies creative expression and the nurturing aspects of spirituality. She encourages you to embrace your personal power and trust your intuition. There is an emphasis on self-love and self-expression in her influence, guiding you towards a harmonious relationship with your spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: The Queen of Wands can represent emotional volatility, arrogance, or an abuse of power. She may become controlling or demanding, using her charm to manipulate others. The Queen, in this state, may be too emotionally driven and fail to maintain balance, leading to disharmony or unnecessary conflict.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Five of Wands (Strife)
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Leo
The Five of Wands represents conflict, struggle, and the tension that arises from competing forces. The card features five crossed wands in an unbalanced configuration, with flames emanating erratically, symbolising disarray and discord. Saturn, the planet of limitations and discipline, meets the fiery and bold energy of Leo, creating a clash between authority, control, and the need for self-expression.
This card indicates a period of difficulty where challenges arise, either from external competition or internal conflicts. It reflects a situation where one's will and energy are met with resistance, demanding resilience and adaptability. Despite the chaotic energy, the Five of Wands also suggests an opportunity for growth through struggle, as obstacles force us to refine our approach and test our strength. It reminds you that conflict, while uncomfortable, can catalyse transformation and clarity.
In Relationships: The Five of Wands can indicate tension or disagreement. There may be a power struggle, competition, or a need to assert one's own desires. You are advised to navigate these challenges with patience and understanding.
In Work: This card suggests competition or conflict in the workplace. You may be facing challenges from colleagues or external forces. It is a time to maintain focus and rise above the noise to stay on course.
Spiritually: The Five of Wands represents the struggle between different aspects of the self. You may experience internal conflict or confusion about your spiritual path. It calls for introspection and a deeper understanding of the forces at play.
When ill-dignified: The Five of Wands suggests the conflict may be unnecessarily escalated, or you may be caught up in petty struggles. It warns against being distracted by trivial matters and encourages you to focus on the greater goal.