Sample Shustah Reading - The First House

Sample Shustah Reading – The First House

I want to post a complete sample Shustah card reading from beginning to end, but that could take me days to write up all the meanings for the required 42 cards. So, instead of going days without posting anything while I work on the complete reading, I’ve decided to break it up and write up each individual house as a separate post.

In the Astrological layout, each house influences the house directly opposite on the wheel. When I use this layout I read these opposing houses in pairs. For example, I start with the 1st House then read the 7th House. Next I read the 2nd House with the 8th House, etc. I will post the individual houses in this alternating order so the relationships between them can be easily seen. For specific information about the Astrological Wheel layout please click here.

This sample Shustah reading was done on May 30, 2007 for a young woman who is married with two small children.

The 1st House: The 1st House represents the personality of the self. It reveals how the querent presents herself to the world. The cards in the 1st House indicate the things closest to the querent, and can denote the beginning of a new phase in the individual’s life. The 1st House will usually set the tone for the entire reading.

Pages in the 1st House:

Black 9 – The Card of the Centaur (reversed)
Blue 6 – The Ouroboros
Yellow 2 – The Labyrinth (reversed)



The Centaur represents the energy of the sun sign Sagittarius. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, and signifies expansion, increase and abundance. In the reversed position in the 1st House, Sagittarius can indicate “feeling stifled,” or not being allowed to express oneself fully. Also, Jupiter doesn’t always know when enough is enough, and this card in the reversed position can also indicate being “fed up” with someone or something.

The Ouroboros denotes “continuous action” or “ever-lasting love.” This card represents marriage, and in the 1st House it indicates that a relationship is at the forefront of the individual’s mind at this time.

The Labyrinth indicates a change of direction or perspective which reveals something new and unexpected. In the 1st House, this card can denote a change of personal taste or preference. In the reversed position, this card can indicate running around in circles. It can feel like you’re “chasing your tail” or you’re “lost in a maze,” unable to find an answer or solution.

Interpretation of the 1st House:

The cards in the 1st House indicate that the querent feels that her ability to grow as an individual is not being supported by her marriage. The reversed Labyrinth suggests that she feels like she’s been going around in circles with the marriage. A change of perspective is sorely needed. It might be helpful for her to be a bit more objective, or readjust her expectations of the relationship.

The Centaur reversed in the 1st position also indicates that she may not be doing everything possible on her end to improve the situation. The Ouroboros in the middle position indicates that both parties want the relationship to work. The fact that The Ouroboros falls right-side up indicates that the marriage is probably not as bad off as the querent thinks. If this card had fallen reversed, it would have indicated serious problems. The Labyrinth in the 3rd position denotes that the marriage partner feels lost, and doesn’t know how to change, or what to do to make things better.

When we take a look at the opposite house (the 7th House of marriage and partnerships) we should find more clarification.

rif wrote:That's cool, and the cards are appealing. I'd hate to add yet another oracle system to the list though. With tarot, Lenormand and PCs as my main interests, I feel I have more than enough for years to come!

Thanks! And I can't say I blame you! I've really not done much with the Shustah over the past 10 years. Back in the early 1990's I used them in my professional work, but I found it distracting to use both Shustah and playing cards. I think focus is a good thing.

rif wrote:I do enjoy seeing these samples of other systems and cards though (I'm weak! you enable! 'nuff said). So if you post, I'll keep reading, as will others I'm sure. Thanks for typing and sharing this.

I appreciate you taking the time to check out the posts-- even if I can't persuade you to jump on the Shustah wagon.