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 IX – The Hermit
Hidden Influences VII – The Chariot		External Influences Seven of Staves
The Present Nine of Swords		Suggestion Five of Swords
The Past Three of Staves		The Outcome Seven of Swords

 

 

 

 

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

 

Three of Staves

The Three of Staves represents progress, expansion, and the results of initial efforts. It signifies a moment of growth where the seeds of potential are beginning to bloom into tangible results.

Symbolism: Three crossing staves evoke stability and forward motion. The slight variations in bark texture symbolise growth, as even though the path is steady, each step brings new lessons and experiences. The harmonious arrangement represents the alignment of efforts, bringing about balance as you move towards your goals.

In Relationships: Expansion of your emotional connection or relationship. The Three of Staves signifies a positive progression, whether in deeper commitment or new shared experiences.

In Work: Growth and advancement in your professional life. This card marks the fruiting of previous efforts and signals that success is on the horizon.

Spiritually: The Three of Staves invites you to continue your spiritual journey confidently, for your path aligns with your higher purpose.

When ill-dignified: A lack of growth or stagnation. This may indicate that you are not making progress or your current actions are not leading to the desired results.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords represents anxiety, nightmares, and mental distress. It signals a time of intense worry or fear that is often exaggerated or self-created. This card highlights the impact of negative thoughts and the toll they take on your mental health.

Symbolism: The formation of eight swords opposing the one below reflects the intense focus on worry, creating anxiety or mental overload. The repetitive pattern of the swords emphasises the sharpness of the thoughts that cause distress.

In Relationships: Anxiety, regret, or guilt. The Nine of Swords can indicate that fear or obsessive thoughts are clouding your ability to move forward.

In Work: Worry or mental stress related to your job or professional situation. This card points to the emotional toll that stress and overthinking are taking on you.

Spiritually: A period of spiritual doubt or anxiety. The Nine of Swords advises you to confront your fears and trust that they are only mental projections, not reality.

When ill-dignified: Escalated stress or overwhelming fear that leads to paralysis. The Nine of Swords warns against letting anxiety dominate your life or prevent you from taking action.

 

 

 

 

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

 

VII – The Chariot

The Chariot symbolises determination, willpower, and triumph through self-discipline. It represents the ability to move forward and achieve success by mastering conflicting forces.

Symbolism: The stationary horses reflect control rather than speed, while the charioteer's detailed attire and golden background emphasise victory and refinement. The calm pose suggests strength in discipline over chaos.

In Relationships: A time to take charge of your relationship's direction. The Chariot signals progress but warns against domination.

In Work: Triumph through focus and determination. It's a call to harness all resources and overcome obstacles confidently.

Spiritually: The Chariot encourages the mastery of inner conflicts to progress along the spiritual path.

When ill-dignified: Loss of direction, lack of control, or excessive force. It warns against being carried away by ambition or unchecked emotions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

IX – The Hermit

The Hermit symbolises introspection, solitude, and the search for wisdom. He represents the retreat from worldly distractions to find enlightenment within.

Symbolism: The Hermit's lantern lights the way, symbolising inner guidance. His heavy robes and staff reflect humility and steadfastness, while the muted tones and golden accents emphasise the sacred nature of his solitary journey.

In Relationships: A period of introspection. The Hermit may suggest a need for space or reflection before moving forward.

In Work: Time to step back and assess your goals. The Hermit advises seeking clarity and wisdom before making decisions.

Spiritually: The Hermit represents the inner search for truth and enlightenment through meditation and solitude.

When ill-dignified: Isolation, withdrawal, or a refusal to seek help. It warns against becoming too introspective or disconnected.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Seven of Staves

The Seven of Staves represents defence, resistance, and standing your ground. It symbolises the courage to protect what you've built and assert your position, even in the face of opposition.

Symbolism: The seven staves arranged in a symmetrical pattern suggest a challenge to your stability or position, yet they also indicate the strength and resilience required to protect it. The uneven arrangement reflects the dynamic energy of struggle and resistance. The pale tan background continues the theme of elemental energy, grounding the conflict within a broader context.

In Relationships: A time to defend your boundaries or assert your position. This card may indicate a need to stand firm in your values or beliefs, especially if they are being challenged.

In Work: A period of resistance in your professional life, where you must protect your ideas, position, or accomplishments from competition or opposition.

Spiritually: The Seven of Staves represents spiritual defence, a time to stand firm in your beliefs and spiritual practices. It invites you to protect your inner peace from outside forces.

When ill-dignified: Over-defensiveness, stubbornness, or aggression. This may indicate that you are unnecessarily guarding yourself from challenges or are too resistant to change.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

Five of Swords

The Five of Swords represents conflict, competition, and mental struggle. It suggests a situation where victory may come at a cost, with tension and discord present. This card can indicate a win achieved through manipulation, dishonesty, or at the expense of others.

Symbolism: The swords are arranged in an unbalanced formation of four-on-one, highlighting the disharmony and imbalance created by conflict. The uneven positioning of the blades reflects the instability caused by mental or emotional discord, while their fine craftsmanship hints at the complexity of the situation.

In Relationships: Conflict or mental challenges. The Five of Swords suggests that a fight or disagreement may have left scars, and one must decide whether to continue fighting or walk away.

In Work: A competitive or combative environment. This card warns that achieving success at the expense of others may lead to resentment or long-term harm.

Spiritually: Mental conflict or inner turmoil that disrupts your peace of mind. The Five of Swords advises resolving spiritual disputes and finding reconciliation within yourself.

When ill-dignified: Deception, defeat, or unnecessary conflict. The Five of Swords warns against manipulative behaviour or unnecessary mental battles that lead to no real resolution.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Seven of Swords

The Seven of Swords represents secrecy, deception, and strategy. It speaks to situations where you may feel the need to be clever, sneaky, or evasive to get what you want. This card can indicate an act of stealth or even betrayal, but it also highlights the need for careful planning and discretion.

Symbolism: The unbalanced arrangement of the swords suggests movement, stealth, and uncertainty. The overlapping blades hint at hidden motives or the complexity of a situation that requires more than just straightforward action.

In Relationships: Hidden agendas or deception. The Seven of Swords advises caution, as someone may not be entirely honest with you or you may be hiding something.

In Work: Strategic planning or taking calculated risks. The Seven of Swords can suggest that you are working behind the scenes to achieve your goals, but caution is needed to avoid deceit.

Spiritually: Secrets or hidden truths within your spiritual path. This card encourages you to examine any areas where dishonesty or avoidance might be hindering your growth.

When ill-dignified: Betrayal, dishonesty, or evasion. The Seven of Swords warns against deceitful actions or neglecting the truth for personal gain.