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 VI – The Lovers
Hidden Influences XI – Strength		External Influences XV – The Devil
The Present XVII – The Star		Suggestion XX – Judgement
The Past XIV – Temperance		The Outcome XIX – The Sun

 

 

 

 

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

 

XIV – Temperance

Temperance represents balance, moderation, and the art of harmonising opposites. This card suggests a period of a careful blending of energies, creating harmony between diverse aspects of life.

Symbolism: Temperance is shown pouring liquid between two cups, symbolising the blending of forces or energies. Her wings suggest a spiritual connection, and her alchemical knowledge signifies a harmonious outcome. The card teaches the importance of moderation.

In Relationships: A balanced, harmonious relationship or the need for patience and moderation in love.

In Work: A time to blend different skills or approaches to find success. Collaboration and diplomacy are key.

Spiritually: A call for balance, peace, and alignment between the spiritual and material realms.

When ill-dignified: Excess, imbalance, or an inability to find middle ground.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XVII – The Star

The Star represents hope, inspiration, and divine guidance. This card signifies moments of clarity, healing, and the connection to higher aspirations.

Symbolism: The Star is a nude woman pouring water onto the ground and into a pool, symbolising the flow of spiritual energy. A star shines brightly above her, representing guidance and inspiration. The peaceful, open landscape conveys hope and renewal.

In Relationships: A time of healing, hope, and emotional renewal. This card suggests trust and faith in the potential for deep connection.

In Work: Inspiration, new opportunities, and alignment with your true calling.

Spiritually: A period of spiritual renewal, where divine guidance leads the way towards greater fulfilment.

When ill-dignified: Hopelessness, lack of faith, or feeling disconnected from one's spiritual path.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XI – Strength

Strength symbolises inner strength, courage, and emotional mastery. It represents the power of compassion and grace in overcoming challenges, rather than brute force.

Symbolism: A woman calmly subdues a lion, symbolising the triumph of inner strength over raw power. Her serene expression and gentle hands show mastery through patience and understanding.

In Relationships: Strength to overcome emotional challenges through understanding and patience.

In Work: Success through resilience, determination, and tact, not through force.

Spiritually: Mastery of inner impulses and alignment with higher virtues.

When ill-dignified: Weakness, impatience, or misuse of power in challenging situations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

VI – The Lovers

The Lovers represents choice, duality, and the connections that shape our lives. This card often signals a critical decision between love and duty, passion and responsibility.

Symbolism: A young man stands between two women, representing virtue and temptation, while a winged figure above aims a bow and arrow, guiding his choice. The lush background reflects the complexity and growth that relationships bring.

In Relationships: Choices in relationships, including romantic triangles, commitment, or the deepening of bonds.

In Work: A crossroads where personal values must be aligned with career decisions.

Spiritually: A call to balance inner conflicts and unite dualities in the quest for harmony.

When ill-dignified: Indecision, infidelity, or superficiality in relationships.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XV – The Devil

The Devil represents temptation, materialism, and the enslavement of desires. It points to the darker aspects of the self, where one is bound by addictions, fears, or unhealthy attachments.

Symbolism: The Devil is depicted as a horned figure with a monstrous appearance, standing over two chained figures. The chains are loose, indicating that freedom is possible, but the figures are unaware of their power to escape. The card represents self-imposed limitations.

In Relationships: Unhealthy attachments, temptation, or toxic relationships. A call to break free from negative patterns.

In Work: Materialism, greed, or feeling trapped in a situation. The need to release limiting behaviours.

Spiritually: The need to confront personal fears, addictions, or attachments that block spiritual growth.

When ill-dignified: Excess, obsession, or being enslaved by negative influences or desires.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

XX – Judgement

Judgement signifies awakening, rebirth, and the call for transformation. It represents a moment of reckoning, where one must confront past actions and make a decisive move towards spiritual renewal.

Symbolism: The card depicts an angel blowing a trumpet, summoning the figures below to rise from their graves. This symbolises resurrection, awakening, and the opportunity to start anew. The figures represent souls being called to accountability and transformation.

In Relationships: A transformative period in relationships, where past actions and decisions must be reconciled.

In Work: A time of reckoning, where decisions from the past may come to fruition, calling for a new direction.

Spiritually: Spiritual awakening and the need to answer a higher call. Transformation and rebirth are key themes.

When ill-dignified: Denial, avoidance of responsibility, or refusal to embrace the transformative potential of change.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XIX – The Sun

The Sun represents clarity, success, and vitality. It signifies moments of joy, abundance, and realising one's potential.

Symbolism: The Sun shines gloriously over a youthful couple, symbolising innocence, energy, and optimism. A multi-coloured brick wall shelters them, representing protection, growth, vitality, and success. The clear sky suggests obstacles are removed and clarity reigns.

In Relationships: Joyful, open-hearted love. The Sun represents happiness, clear communication, and successful partnerships.

In Work: Success, recognition, and the fulfilment of goals. Positive energy surrounds professional endeavours.

Spiritually: Enlightenment and the ability to see the truth clearly.

When ill-dignified: Arrogance, overconfidence, or a tendency to overlook important details in the pursuit of success.