Horse Shoe Spread

Difficulty: Easy

The Horse Shoe is a classic tarot spread. It is more advanced than the three-card reading, yet simpler than most other spreads. It is a versatile method that can be used for most queries, though there are other spreads which would go into more depth. Like the simple Past, Present, and Future spread, it contains these cards in positions #1, #2, and #7, but also has four other tarot cards that help the reader understand how to deal with the future better. The cards are to be read as follows:

1. The Past: Past events affecting the question.
2. The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
3. Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
4. Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
5. External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
6. Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
7. Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.

Your Horse Shoe Reading

	Obstacle The Moon (La Lune)
Hidden Influences Five of Coins		External Influences Three of Coins
The Present Justice (La Justice)		Suggestion Deuce of Batons
The Past Three of Swords		The Outcome Ace of Swords

Symbolism:
Three swords intersect, forming a dynamic triangular arrangement, often accompanied by minimal decoration. This design represents conflict, heartache, or the challenging growth that follows emotional or mental pain.

Meaning:
The Three of Swords signifies heartache, betrayal, or grief. It is a card of emotional pain but also serves as a reminder of the healing and growth that follow. This card encourages you to confront and process your pain to move forward.

In relationships, it reflects loss, separation, or betrayal. Spiritually, it emphasises the transformative power of overcoming emotional trials.

Keywords:
Heartbreak, sorrow, betrayal, grief, emotional pain, healing, loss, separation, growth, transformation.

Symbolism:
Justice sits on a throne, holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The sword represents truth and decisiveness, while the scales signify balance and fairness. Her gaze is direct, indicating clarity and impartiality. The symmetrical composition of the card underscores equilibrium and order.

Meaning:
Justice represents truth, fairness, and the consequences of one's actions. It urges you to act with integrity and to weigh all factors before making decisions. This card often appears when a decision needs to be made or when karma is at play, reminding you that actions have lasting repercussions.

In relationships, Justice emphasises honesty and mutual respect. Spiritually, it calls for alignment between your actions and higher principles.

Keywords:
Truth, fairness, balance, integrity, accountability, karma, decisions, clarity, consequences, order.

Symbolism:
Five coins create an irregular arrangement, with sparse decoration reflecting struggle or imbalance. This card symbolises financial hardship, instability, and the opportunity to find support during challenging times.

Meaning:
The Five of Coins represents financial loss, scarcity, or hardship. It reflects feelings of isolation or being "shut out" from security or comfort. However, this card also offers the reminder that help is often available if one is willing to seek it, whether in the form of external support or a change in mindset.

In relationships, it indicates feelings of neglect or abandonment. Spiritually, it encourages reaching out for support and reframing one's perspective on hardship to find hope in the darkest times.

Keywords:
Loss, scarcity, hardship, abandonment, isolation, financial struggle, poverty, lack, seeking help, resilience.

Symbolism:
The Moon hangs high in the sky, casting a dim, mysterious light over a landscape. A dog and a wolf howl at the moon, representing instincts and the untamed subconscious. A pool sits between two towers, suggesting the unknown. A crayfish crawls out of it, symbolising hidden emotions emerging.

Meaning:
The Moon represents intuition, mystery, and the subconscious. It suggests a time of uncertainty where not everything is as it seems. This card invites you to trust your instincts and explore hidden depths. It also warns against illusion or confusion, urging clarity.

In relationships, it can indicate emotional complexity or hidden dynamics. Spiritually, it calls for embracing intuition and the mysteries of the psyche.

Keywords:
Intuition, mystery, subconscious, illusion, uncertainty, emotions, dreams, instincts, exploration, hidden truths.

Symbolism:
Three coins are arranged in a triangular pattern, accompanied by simple yet elegant ornamentation, symbolising craftsmanship and collaboration. This card evokes themes of skilful creation, teamwork, and steady progress.

Meaning:
The Three of Coins reflects teamwork, mastery, and collaboration. It highlights the importance of working with others toward a common goal, whether in a creative, financial, or professional endeavour. This card speaks to the satisfaction of seeing one's work valued and appreciated, and it encourages developing one's skills in a collective environment.

In relationships, it indicates a partnership where both individuals contribute their strengths. Spiritually, it represents the process of refining one's craft and the rewards of effort through cooperation.

Keywords:
Teamwork, collaboration, craftsmanship, recognition, mastery, dedication, effort, skill, partnership, accomplishment.

Symbolism:
The Deuce of Batons in the Marseille Tarot depicts two crossed wooden batons adorned with leaves, symbolising growth, balance, and potential. The design conveys a sense of stability and duality, reflecting the initial stages of collaboration, decision-making, or planning.

Meaning:
The Two of Batons represents planning, decision-making, and the initial steps toward a goal. It emphasises the need to assess opportunities and weigh options before taking action. This card encourages foresight and a bold approach to achieving your ambitions.

In relationships, it suggests evaluating the potential for growth. Spiritually, it invites you to consider how your actions align with your higher purpose.

Keywords:
Planning, decisions, foresight, potential, ambition, exploration, preparation, boldness, vision, strategy.

Symbolism:
A single, upright sword dominates the design, often crowned with laurels or floral motifs, symbolising clarity and power. This card evokes themes of mental focus, decisive action, and the emergence of truth.

Meaning:
The Ace of Swords signifies a breakthrough, clarity of thought, or the beginning of intellectual endeavours. It heralds a new phase where truth, logic, and reason will guide your actions. This card encourages decisiveness, honesty, and a commitment to facing challenges with integrity.

In relationships, it may suggest open communication or a new understanding. Spiritually, it represents cutting through illusions to achieve enlightenment.

Keywords:
Clarity, breakthrough, truth, mental focus, logic, decisiveness, honesty, intellectual pursuit, triumph, communication.