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 Five of Wands (Strife) |
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Hidden Influences Three of Cups (Abundance) |
External Influences Prince of Disks |
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The Present XX – The Aeon |
Suggestion Seven of Swords (Futility) |
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The Past Knight of Disks |
The Outcome XII – The Hanged Man |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Knight of Disks
Element: Fire of Earth
Astrological Correspondence: Aquarius
The Knight of Disks represents the dynamic, action-oriented force within the Earth element, focused on practical innovation and intellectual transformation. The Knight is depicted riding a horse, stopped in a field ripe for harvest, symbolising his thoughtful yet purposeful approach to change. Unlike other Knights fuelled by raw energy, the Knight of Disks harnesses a clear vision that guides his methodical actions in the material world.
His element, Fire of Earth, signifies the application of passionate, transformative energy to the practical, grounded realm of materiality. The Knight of Disks is driven by the intellectual spark that ignites new ideas, and he can bring those ideas into tangible form, manifesting lasting change. His actions are grounded in practicality, and his innovative thoughts challenge the status quo while ensuring they are feasible and rooted in the physical world.
This card encourages us to think creatively, apply new solutions with a solid, practical foundation, and transform the material realm through intellect and purpose. The Knight of Disks teaches that change can be achieved through thoughtful, intentional actions that balance idealism with grounded reality.
In Relationships: The Knight of Disks can indicate a partner who is intellectual, innovative, and has a vision for the future. He may bring new ideas or approaches to a relationship, often seeking to create stability through innovation. However, the Knight of Disks may also point to a relationship where intellectual connection is prioritised over emotional intimacy.
In Work: The Knight of Disks suggests someone who is a visionary and can apply new ideas to achieve material success. It indicates a time when intellectual work and practical application can yield significant results. The card encourages thinking outside the box but in a way that is grounded in reality.
Spiritually: The Knight of Disks represents pursuing new ideas and knowledge. It encourages you to explore innovative approaches to spiritual practice while maintaining a grounded, practical approach. The Knight represents intellectual clarity and the application of new concepts in your spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: The Knight of Disks can indicate a lack of flexibility or a rigid, dogmatic approach to life. You may be overly focused on material gain or be unwilling to consider new perspectives or approaches. There may also be an overreliance on intellectual reasoning at the expense of emotional or spiritual insight.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
XX – The Aeon
(Judgement, Fire, Shin)
The Aeon represents transformation, evolution, and the awakening to a higher state of consciousness. Associated with Shin, the tooth, this card reflects the process of breaking through old paradigms to embrace a new spiritual era. Crowley's reinterpretation of Judgement as The Aeon emphasises rebirth on a cosmic scale, rather than individual reckoning.
The central figure is the translucent child-god Horus, representing the dawn of a new age. Above him, Nuit, the goddess of infinite space, arches across the sky, and Hadit, the fiery point of divine inspiration, burns at her core. The two incarnations of the same figure symbolise the transition from the old to the new. The vibrant reds and blues throughout the card evoke the dynamic forces of destruction and creation.
In Relationships: The Aeon signifies the potential for profound change. It suggests leaving behind outdated patterns and embracing a higher level of connection and understanding.
In Work: This card indicates a turning point, calling you to align with your true purpose and embrace transformative opportunities.
Spiritually: The Aeon symbolises awakening to a higher state of being. It calls you to release the past and step into your divine purpose with courage and clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Aeon warns of resistance to change, clinging to outdated beliefs, or fear of transformation. You are advised to trust the process of renewal and embrace the potential of the new era.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Three of Cups (Abundance)
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Cancer
The Three of Cups, or Abundance, represents celebration, emotional fulfilment, and the joy of unity. It symbolises the flow of emotional energy shared between individuals in a harmonious, collective experience.
The card depicts three chalices floating in the water, surrounded by a vast sea. This imagery speaks to emotional harmony and the satisfaction of celebrating together. The card conveys communal joy, highlighting the strength of emotional connections and the importance of shared experiences in creating lasting bonds.
In Relationships: In romantic terms, the Three of Cups signifies a relationship enriched by friendship, mutual joy, and emotional companionship. It speaks to the celebratory aspects of love, where two people come together not only as lovers but also as friends, sharing in mutual happiness and enjoyment.
In Work: In a professional context, the Three of Cups indicates successful teamwork, collaboration, and a celebratory atmosphere within the workplace. This card suggests a time to celebrate collective achievements, where the entire team or group works well together to achieve success. There is an emphasis on positive, uplifting energy in the work environment.
Spiritually: The Three of Cups is about emotional unity and connection with others on a soul level. It may represent a time when the seeker feels deeply connected to a community or a higher purpose, where spiritual joy is shared with others. This card encourages you to celebrate your spiritual journey and share your light with others.
When ill-dignified: The Three of Cups can indicate overindulgence, excessive partying, or shallow relationships. It may suggest a lack of depth in social interactions, where people are more concerned with surface-level pleasures than meaningful connection. This card warns against using distractions like excessive drinking or partying to avoid deeper emotional work.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
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.
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.
Seven of Swords (Futility)
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Aquarius
The Seven of Swords features six swords pointing downward, surrounding one large, central sword. The swords' arrangement creates a sense of imbalance, indicating confusion, strategy gone awry, or mental conflict. The large sword in the centre represents a central issue or challenge, while the six surrounding swords suggest attempts at intellectual or strategic action that fail to resolve the problem.
The Moon in Aquarius influence brings emotional confusion or distorted perceptions, where rational thought may be clouded by fears or hidden motives. This card points to the futility of relying solely on cleverness or deceit to solve problems. Instead, it urges you to face the situation directly, as manipulation is unlikely to bring lasting resolution.
The Seven of Swords warns of misdirected efforts, cautioning you to know the consequences of trying to escape or avoid the truth through deceit or cunning. It signals a time of reassessment, urging a clearer, more honest approach to mental challenges.
In Relationships: The Seven of Swords may suggest dishonesty, hidden motives, or the need for careful communication. It could indicate that one partner is concealing something important, or a relationship is built on mind games. The card calls for transparency and openness to avoid betrayal or misunderstanding.
In Work: The Seven of Swords may indicate that you are using strategy, perhaps even deceit, to achieve success. It suggests a need to be cautious of the ethics of your actions, as victory gained through dishonesty can be short-lived. Alternatively, the card may indicate a situation where you are being strategic, working behind the scenes to plan for future success.
Spiritually: The Seven of Swords indicates a need for discernment and caution. It may signify a situation where you are hiding your true spiritual intentions or are not being entirely honest with yourself. The card urges you to confront secrets or falsehoods to achieve spiritual clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Seven of Swords can signify outright deception, manipulation, or betrayal. It can also point to avoidance of the truth or a tendency to hide behind false pretences. This card warns against the misuse of intellect for personal gain, urging you to reconsider the ethics of your actions and motivations.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
XII – The Hanged Man
(Water, Mem)
The Hanged Man represents surrender, transformation, and the wisdom gained through self-sacrifice. Associated with Mem, the waters, this card embodies the flow of unconscious depths and the mysteries that lie beyond the material world. It is not a card of suffering but one of enlightenment through letting go.
The central figure is suspended upside-down, forming a cross with his legs, a symbol of balance and sacrifice. His arms form a triangle, evoking the union of spirit and matter. Behind him, the swirling blue-green background suggests the ocean of the subconscious. The serene expression on his face reflects the tranquillity found in surrendering to a greater truth. Around him, rays of light emanate, signifying the revelation that arises from this state of suspension.
In Relationships: The Hanged Man suggests a need for patience, selflessness, and understanding. It encourages you to see things from your partner's perspective and release control.
In Work: This card indicates a period of pause or sacrifice, where immediate goals may need to be set aside for long-term growth. You are advised to trust in the process and focus on the bigger picture.
Spiritually: The Hanged Man symbolises enlightenment achieved through surrender and the release of ego. It calls you to embrace the transformative power of stillness and contemplation.
When ill-dignified: The Hanged Man warns of stagnation, resistance to change, or clinging to outdated beliefs. You are advised to let go of what no longer serves you and embrace the wisdom of surrender.