# V-shaped horseshoe: seven cards

Exploring a problem · 7 positions

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.

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

- Write one open question and define its scope. Keep factual questions separate from symbolic reflection.

- Choose the position order and decide whether to include reversals before drawing.

- Read each card in its role, then compare the positions. Note uncertainty and one practical next question.

## Position guide

### 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. Current situation

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

### 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. 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. Surrounding influences

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

### 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. 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.

## Cards to explore alongside this spread

[The Hermit ↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/cards/hermit/)[Justice ↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/cards/justice/)[The Star ↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/cards/star/)
[Study guide →](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/study-guide/)

## Explore another structure

[Reading layout · Getting started · 3 positions

### Past, present and possible direction

A three-card timeline for examining how a situation developed and which current conditions may shape its next stage.

↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/three-card/)[Reading layout · Exploring a problem · 4 positions

### Core question spread

Four positions separate the central issue, a difficulty, a response and an available resource. Useful when a question has become tangled.

↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/core-question/)