Exploring a problem · 7 positions

V-shaped horseshoe: seven cards

V-shaped horseshoe: seven cards uses 7 positions to examine the timeline, the subject, external conditions and your attitude. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.

V-shaped horseshoe: seven cards1. Past situation; 2. Current situation; 3. Near-term possibility; 4. The person or issue in focus; 5. Surrounding influences; 6. Your attitude; 7. Possible overall result1234567
Numbers identify positions; the reading sequence is explained below. Other versions may assign different roles.

Practice deck: all 78 RWS cards

Version and dealing convention

This version uses position 4 for the person or issue being examined. A version that assigns it “best response” uses the same role as the hexagram; do not change the role after drawing.

A question to try

What can I examine about the timeline, the subject, external conditions and your attitude?

Before you draw

  1. Write one open question and define its scope. Keep factual questions separate from symbolic reflection.
  2. Choose the position order and decide whether to include reversals before drawing.
  3. Read each card in its role, then compare the positions. Note uncertainty and one practical next question.

Position guide

  1. 1

    Past situation

    This position explores “Past situation”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

  2. 2

    Current situation

    This position explores “Current situation”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

  3. 3

    Near-term possibility

    This position explores “Near-term possibility”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

  4. 4

    The person or issue in focus

    This position explores “The person or issue in focus”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

  5. 5

    Surrounding influences

    This position explores “Surrounding influences”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

  6. 6

    Your attitude

    This position explores “Your attitude”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

  7. 7

    Possible overall result

    This position explores “Possible overall result”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

How to connect the positions

Reading sequence (read grouped roles together as explained below): 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7

Read the numbered positions in order, then compare related roles rather than treating each card as an isolated prediction. Write one practical question or action suggested by the comparison.

What to watch for

A symbolic reading cannot verify hidden facts or make an outcome certain. Keep observations separate from assumptions and revisit the interpretation when circumstances change.

Your practice

Practise this spread

Draw distinct cards to practise matching a meaning to a position. Read the prompts and compare them with the complete card meanings.

The draw happens in this browser. It is not saved or sent as a personal reading.

Your cards will appear here after you draw.