Similar to the Horse Shoe #1, this variant provides insight on different levels. The first 2 cards begin the reading with the past and present, but then the cards switch to a different focus. Card #3 warns you about possible side effects that could accompany the future outcome, #7. The base card, #4 points out actions you may or may not wish to take concerning the issue. The external environment is shown specifically as the people around you and how they feel about what you have going on here. Things that might come into play which could cause setbacks are indicated in Card #6, another more specifically focused card than what is generally labelled the Obstacle or Challenge card in some other layouts.
Past Actions Effecting the Question 3 of Wands |
Possible Future Outcome King of Wands |
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Present Actions Effecting the Question 5 of Wands |
Possible Delays 7 of Cups |
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Future Results You Should Consider 6 of Pentacles |
Feelings of Those Around You 7 of Wands |
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Actions You Should Consider 10 of Pentacles |
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Past Actions Effecting the Question
A calm, stately personage, with his back turned, looking from a cliff's edge at ships passing over the sea. Three staves are planted in the ground, and he leans slightly on one of them.
Upright Meaning:
He symbolizes established strength, enterprise, effort, trade, commerce, discovery; those are his ships, bearing his merchandise, which are sailing over the sea. The card also signifies able co-operation in business, as if the successful merchant prince were looking from his side towards yours with a view to help you.
A posse of youths, who are brandishing staves, as if in sport or strife. It is mimic warfare.
Upright Meaning:
Imitation, as, for example, sham fight, strenuous competition, struggle, the search for fame and fortune, gold, gain, opulence.
A person in the guise of a merchant weighs money in a pair of scales and distributes it to the needy and distressed. It is a testimony to his own success in life, as well as to his goodness of heart.
Upright Meaning:
Presents, gifts, gratification, attention, vigilance, prudence, prosperity, generosity, aid, kindness.
A man and woman beneath an archway which gives entrance to a house. They are accompanied by a child, who admires two dogs accosting an old man sitting on the porch. The child is petting one of them.
Upright Meaning:
Gain, riches, family matters, the home, gift, dowry, pension, haven, country, neighborhood, comfort zone.
A young man on a craggy eminence brandishing a staff; six other staves are raised towards him from below.
Upright Meaning:
Valour, discussion, wordy strife, negotiations, war of trade, barter, competition. It is further a card of success, for the combatant is on the top and his enemies may be unable to reach him.
Strange chalices of vision, but the images are more especially those of the fantastic spirit.
Reversed Meaning:
Desire, will, determination, project, ambition.
The nature to which this card is attributed is dark, ardent, lithe, animated, impassioned, noble. The King uplifts a flowering wand, and wears what is called a cap of maintenance beneath his crown. He bears the symbol of the lion, which is emblazoned on the back of his throne.
Reversed Meaning:
Good-natured, but severe; austere, yet tolerant.