AI Overview

In the Book of Revelation, the black horse and its rider, often interpreted as famine, symbolize distress, calamity, and the scarcity of food, with the rider holding scales, signifying the rationing of essential goods. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Biblical Context:The black horse appears in Revelation 6:5-6, where it is described as being ridden by someone holding scales, and a voice is heard saying “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius. And do not harm the oil and the wine”. 
• Symbolism of Famine:The scales in the rider’s hand are a clear indication of famine, as they are used to measure and ration food during times of scarcity. 
• Other Interpretations:While the primary interpretation is famine, some also see the black horse as representing the contrast between the rich and the poor, or the consequences of societal unrest and war. 
• Other Meanings:In other contexts, “black horse” can also refer to a “dark horse” – a previously unknown person or thing that wins or succeeds unexpectedly. 
• Examples:
  • In Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, the Headless Horseman rides a black horse, adding to the story’s eerie atmosphere. 
  • In some cultures, black horses are associated with rituals and specific roles, such as being presented during ceremonies. 

A Shamanic Vision

https://shamandrummer.tumblr.com/post/688118841441714176/black-horse-symbolism

The next imagery that I saw was a galloping black horse. Black horses are messengers and carriers of positive, mysterious energy. Seeing a black horse in your meditation means there is an energy that is about to enter your life. This energy will have a positive effect on your life, though it may not be obvious at first. This energy can come into your life in a myriad of ways. It could be a person, a career change or an unexpected event. Actually, it could be anything. The key here is that the sequence of events that will be set into motion by this energy will have an overall positive effect. If you see a black horse, be on the lookout for something extraordinary on the horizon.

Black horses symbolize the ability to overcome obstacles and come out on the other side. It is also widely known to be a symbol for death. This does not always mean death in the literal sense; in this case it means leaving behind things which no longer serve you. The black steed symbolism is both death-defying and death-seeking. In other words, it is symbolic of death and rebirth. It signifies the closing of one door and the opening of another. It can also symbolize the need for you to take a leap of faith. Trust your intuition even if you can’t see the reason or the result. 

If a black horse appears in your life, you may need some reassurance that you are powerful enough to take on any challenge that comes your way. While many people hold on to things that no longer serve them out of fear, you must be brave enough to take the power and do what you need to do in order to come out on the other side. A black horse is an omen of powerful and courageous transformation. The notion of death and rebirth portends that the black horse will bring an end to things and relationships which no longer serve you. In doing this without fear or hesitation, the horse is transforming and creating a better version of you. 

Horse medicine teaches you to be true to your authentic self. Though you may be quite attached to your plans, ideas, self-image, social position, security and relationships, it is time to strip away old ideas and habits; eliminate the outmoded or worn out. Dive into the problem without thought of immediate gain or purpose. This is the end of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. Now is the time for bold action.