Part of the Sky Above Earth Below Oracle Deck I created in 2014. Mixed Media

Horse (Freedom, Travel)
Horse sprints across the land. Horses have a long legs and powerful muscles, using speed to escape predators. Wielding their hooves, horses will fight if they need to. This strong sense of balance between fight or flight allows horses to live their nomadic life. Living in open country, horse will travel great distances to to find new grazing land. It was this roving lifestyle that made horses synonymous with travel. Horses have a diverse array of colours and markings each with its own unique vocabulary. Strict herbivores, horses will graze on grasses and grains. Living in herds allows horses to blend as a large group. This is a defense mechanism against predation. Herd size can vary. True wild horses will generally have smaller herds, while feral horses may have larger ones. The sheer size of a horse gives it great abilities; especially using it’s strength to pull or carry heavy loads. Horses can be quite communicative, using vocalizations, scent marking, and body language in ways that may be more complex than previously thought.

In Norse mythology the god Odin rode a horse with eight legs. In Greek myth, the sea god Poseidon used waves crashing into the shore to create the first horses. The Hindu sun god Surya, and the Greek sun god Apollo, were both depicted as riding chariots pulled by horses. In China, horses are seen as symbols of freedom. A stallion’s prowess has led to the horse as being a symbol of sexuality in many cultures. In Native American cultures, horses were introduced by European settlers. They quickly entered folklore and become linked with the land, and power. Pestilence, War, Famine, and Death are the Four Horseman of the apocalypse in Christian myth, each riding a different horse. In Celtic myth horses are linked with feminine qualities. The horse-goddess Epona, whose worship spread to Rome, was the only Celtic deity to be worshipped there. Use of horses among humans is widespread; used for sport, work, show, food, and even in warfare; or as mounts for police.

When Horse sprints into your cards it may represent big movement on the horizon. Are you feeling constricted, or having difficulties settling down? Is it time to move on, or allow others to move on? What have you been pulling along that you need to be free from? Horse is deeply connected to the element of earth.

Astrology- (Celtic Jul 8- Aug 4) This Celtic sign is known as The Ruler and is linked to the Holly. Exuberant Horse is naturally competitive and will give you a run for your money. Horse has loads of talent and confidence, allowing it to excel at business. Those born under this sign need to be cautious about being headstrong and may stray into perfectionism if they aren't careful. Charming Horse likes to make an entrance but will remain gregarious, even flirty. As great leaders, Horse also works well as one of the herd, so long as their many talents are noticed and don't go to waste.

(Chinese 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038, 2050 or Jun 6- Jul 6) This Chinese sign is proud and passionate. Horse likes to be a productive and industrious member of society. This fire sign is sociable and generous; a dandy on the outside with a conservative mind. Horse needs to be cautious about being too headstrong and may be prone to outbursts of defiance. Clever and talented, Horse may enjoy the finer things in life; even if they don't always show it. Adventurous Horse is curious by nature and easily adapts to any situation.

(Western Sagittarius Nov 22- Dec 21) The western zodiac of Sagittarius is linked to the horse by its name, The Centaur (sometimes The Archer). This fire sign has the great ability for focus; and can, at times, be rather intense. Honesty of intention and ethics are important to philosophical Sagittarius. Those under this sign may need to work on their patience. They may get caught up in disputes due to their idealistic opinions. Sagittarius like to travel; especially when learning about the world around them. With an incredible ability to come back from failure, this sign is expansive and optimistic.

Stars and Constellations
Stamina, Charisma, Share the Load, Speed, Links to the Land