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 XV – The Devil (Lost card, substituted here)
Hidden Influences Ace of Coins		External Influences XIII – Death
The Present Two of Staves		Suggestion VIII – Justice
The Past Knave of Staves		The Outcome XXI – The World

 

 

 

 

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

 

Knave of Staves

The Knave of Staves represents youthful enthusiasm, exploration, and new beginnings. This card signifies a time of discovery and creative energy, where the world is seen with fresh eyes.

Symbolism: The Knave, holding a staff and standing confidently, embodies the spirit of adventure and curiosity. The lush green ground beneath their feet suggests new beginnings rooted in fertile possibilities, while their elaborate, dark robes signify maturity and depth despite their youth. The golden background emphasises their potential and promise.

In Relationships: A new, exciting chapter in your romantic life. The Knave of Staves suggests the beginning of a passionate connection or the rekindling of youthful excitement.

In Work: A time of learning and exploration in your professional life. The Knave of Staves indicates being on the verge of an exciting new venture or creative project.

Spiritually: The beginning of a new spiritual path or awakening. This card invites you to approach your spiritual journey with open-mindedness and enthusiasm.

When ill-dignified: Immaturity, impulsiveness, or lack of direction. This suggests you may be rushing into something without considering the consequences.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Two of Staves

The Two of Staves symbolises duality, decision-making, and the balancing of forces. It represents a time when a choice must be made, but the way forward is clear only through contemplation and internal balance.

Symbolism: The two staffs, arranged symmetrically, reflect the concept of partnership, opposition, or balance. The delicate flourishes at the bases suggest that, though the decision may be significant, it need not be rushed. The flowery background continues the theme of elegance, inviting you to focus on the inner dynamics between opposing forces.

In Relationships: A decision lies ahead—whether to commit, balance differences, or choose a path together. This card invites careful deliberation before taking action.

In Work: A time to evaluate your options, whether expanding your horizons or staying the course. It speaks to the importance of balancing ambition with patience.

Spiritually: The Two suggests an inner conflict or a need to find balance within yourself. This card encourages introspection and a search for harmony.

When ill-dignified: Indecision, imbalance, or the inability to make a clear choice. You may be stuck in a state of conflict, unable to resolve opposing forces in your life.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Ace of Coins

The Ace of Coins symbolises new beginnings, prosperity, and material abundance. It represents the potential for success and growth, especially in financial or practical matters. This card speaks to opportunities that can lead to long-term stability and tangible rewards, laying the foundation for prosperity.

Symbolism: The coin represents a seed of potential, offering the promise of wealth, success, or material security. The subtle background allows the coin's design to take centre stage, highlighting the auspicious nature of this opportunity.

In Relationships: New beginnings or opportunities to build a secure and prosperous relationship. The Ace of Coins invites you to invest in a long-term, stable partnership.

In Work: A new opportunity for financial gain or career advancement. This is a time to focus on practical steps towards building a secure foundation.

Spiritually: A time to focus on manifesting your material and spiritual desires. The Ace of Coins calls for alignment between your physical and spiritual goals.

When ill-dignified: Missed opportunities, poor financial decisions, or a lack of effort to build towards long-term goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

XV – The Devil (Lost card, substituted here)

This card no longer exists, so the Marseille version is filling in. The Devil represents bondage, temptation, and the shadow self. It highlights the chains we impose upon ourselves through fear, obsession, or indulgence, urging us to confront these darker aspects to reclaim our freedom.

Symbolism: The Devil embodies primal instincts and the seduction of material or carnal desires. The chained figures symbolise voluntary entrapment, their loose bindings reminding us of the ability to escape our vices. The pedestal signifies false power, while the scene hints at the potential for redemption through self-awareness.

In Relationships: The Devil warns of unhealthy attachments, jealousy, or manipulative relationships. It challenges you to examine whether passion has turned into obsession.

In Work: This card can signify being trapped in a toxic work environment, greed, or overreliance on material success. It urges you to reflect on what fulfils you.

Spiritually: The Devil calls for self-awareness and shadow work. Confronting your inner fears or desires will lead to personal liberation.

When ill-dignified: When reversed or ill-dignified, the Devil signifies breaking free from constraints, overcoming addiction, or realising what binds you.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XIII – Death

Death signifies the inevitable conclusion of one cycle and the heralding of another. It's a powerful symbol of transformation, renewal, and the necessity of endings to foster new beginnings.

Symbolism: The skeletal figure with a scythe represents the impartial and unrelenting nature of time and change. The image of fallen bodies suggests the end of a phase, but the subtle floral designs interwoven with the scene offer hope, symbolising rebirth and the cyclical nature of existence. The golden background emphasises the universal truth of transformation and the inevitability of all life cycles.

In Relationships: This card suggests the end of an old emotional pattern or relationship, clearing the way for renewal. Let go of what no longer serves you to make space for new, healthier connections.

In Work: Death marks the close of one professional chapter. It's a time for endings, making way for new opportunities and growth. Embrace the transition instead of fearing it.

Spiritually: Death calls for a transformation, letting go of old beliefs or attachments. Spiritual rebirth requires an embrace of the unknown and a surrender to the cycles of existence.

When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, and fear of letting go. This can manifest as clinging to the past or an inability to move forward, hindering growth.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

VIII – Justice

Justice represents fairness, balance, and accountability. It signifies the importance of truth and the consequences of one's actions, urging you to act with integrity.

Symbolism: The seated figure holds a sword and scales, embodying fairness and the enforcement of law. The richly adorned gown and golden background highlight the divine and universal nature of justice, while the knight in the background underscores executive authority.

In Relationships: A need for honesty and balance. Justice may signal the resolution of conflicts or the importance of mutual respect.

In Work: Fair rewards for effort and accountability for mistakes. Justice encourages acting with integrity and taking responsibility.

Spiritually: Justice emphasises the law of karma and the importance of living a life aligned with truth and fairness.

When ill-dignified: Bias, dishonesty, or imbalance. It warns against unfair judgements or evading accountability.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XXI – The World

The World represents completion, wholeness, and the harmonious integration of all aspects of life. It is the last card of the Major Arcana, signalling the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

Symbolism: The two ethereal figures holding the globe or portal represent the union of duality and the achievement of balance. The rolling plains and distant mountains beneath the golden sky symbolise the vast potential of the world, and the figures' gesture of offering suggests a celebration of accomplishment. The card evokes cosmic harmony, completion, and the endless cycles of existence.

In Relationships: The World signifies a complete and fulfilling relationship, one where both partners are in harmony and balanced with each other. It's a time of celebration and unity.

In Work: Completion of a major goal or project. The World indicates the successful culmination of efforts, with new horizons opening up in your professional life.

Spiritually: A time of wholeness. The World signifies a sense of fulfilment and oneness with the universe, representing the final stage of spiritual evolution.

When ill-dignified: Incompletion, being stuck, or an inability to move forward. This card warns of a lack of closure or an unfinished journey that hinders your growth.