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:
- The Past: Past events affecting the question.
- The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
- Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
- Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
- External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
- Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
- Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.
Your Horse Shoe Reading
Obstacle![]() The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fo |
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Hidden Influences![]() Ace of Cups |
External Influences![]() The World (Le Monde) |
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The Present![]() Seven of Coins |
Suggestion![]() Nine of Coins |
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The Past![]() The Moon (La Lune) |
The Outcome![]() Six of Batons |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
The Moon
(La Lune)
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.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Seven of Coins
Symbolism:
Seven coins are arranged in a slightly uneven yet intentional pattern, adorned with budding leaves, symbolising patience and growth. This card represents long-term investment, reflection on progress, and the anticipation of rewards.
Meaning:
The Seven of Coins represents patience and evaluation of progress. It suggests taking a step back to assess whether one's efforts have been fruitful. There may be a sense of waiting or uncertainty about the outcomes of hard work, but this card encourages perseverance and trusting in the process. It also warns against impatience or becoming too disillusioned with the slow pace of progress.
In relationships, it can signify reassessing the dynamics and questioning whether efforts are being reciprocated. Spiritually, it represents patience and the wisdom of understanding that results take time to manifest.
Keywords:
Patience, evaluation, progress, effort, assessment, perseverance, growth, waiting, dissatisfaction, long-term rewards.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Ace of Cups
Symbolism:
A single, ornate cup stands at the centre, often crowned with a flowing fountain or delicate embellishments, symbolising abundance and divine inspiration. The card radiates themes of emotional renewal, spiritual connection, and the beginning of fulfilling relationships.
Meaning:
The Ace of Cups represents emotional abundance, new beginnings in relationships, and the outpouring of love and compassion. It signals the birth of deep emotional connections, healing, and a time to open your heart to joy and creativity. This card encourages you to embrace vulnerability and allow emotions to flow freely.
In relationships, it signifies profound intimacy and love. Spiritually, it symbolises divine inspiration and the awakening of the soul to universal love.
Keywords:
Love, new beginnings, emotional abundance, compassion, intimacy, healing, joy, vulnerability, creativity, spiritual awakening.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
The Wheel of Fortune
(La Roue de Fo
Symbolism:
The Wheel of Fortune depicts a large wheel with figures ascending and descending its sides. It symbolises fate, luck, and the cycles of life. The turning motion suggests impermanence and change.
Meaning:
The Wheel of Fortune represents the ever-turning cycles of life, where fortune can rise or fall unexpectedly. This card signals change, opportunity, and the need to adapt. It reminds you to embrace the flow of events and trust in the greater pattern.
In relationships, it can indicate changes or new phases. Spiritually, it highlights the interconnectedness of life and the importance of surrendering to destiny's rhythms while remaining attuned to opportunities that arise.
Keywords:
Change, cycles, destiny, luck, opportunity, karma, adaptability, transition, impermanence, evolution.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
The World
(Le Monde)
Symbolism:
Symbolism:
A dancing figure surrounded by a wreath occupies the center, representing completion and harmony. The four corners of the card feature symbols of the elements or the four cherubs, signifying unity. The figure holds wands or batons, symbolising mastery and balance.
Meaning:
The World signifies completion, fulfilment, and wholeness. It represents the successful culmination of a journey and the integration of all aspects of your life. This card invites you to celebrate your achievements while embracing the interconnectedness of existence. It heralds a time of balance, unity, and alignment with your purpose. The World also indicates readiness for new adventures following the conclusion of one phase.
In relationships, it signifies harmony and mutual understanding. Spiritually, it reflects enlightenment and integration with the cosmos.
Keywords:
Completion, fulfilment, harmony, unity, wholeness, success, integration, achievement, enlightenment, new beginnings.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Nine of Coins
Symbolism:
Nine coins create a lush and balanced configuration, often surrounded by decorative flourishes or vines, representing abundance and independence. This card evokes themes of self-sufficiency, material comfort, and enjoying the fruits of one's labour.
Meaning:
The Nine of Coins symbolises self-sufficiency, comfort, and the rewards of hard work. It represents a state of contentment and luxury, achieved through independence and personal effort. This card encourages enjoying the fruits of one's labour and finding satisfaction in the material world without becoming overly attached to it.
In relationships, it may suggest a partner who values independence, or a period of solo fulfilment. Spiritually, it reflects the satisfaction that comes from aligning with one's personal goals and being at peace with one's accomplishments.
Keywords:
Self-sufficiency, luxury, abundance, independence, contentment, achievement, comfort, success, personal fulfilment, reward.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Six of Batons
Symbolism:
Six batons are arranged in a balanced and symmetrical configuration, with flourishing leaves representing triumph and vitality. This card evokes themes of victory, recognition, and the successful culmination of efforts.
Meaning:
The Six of Batons signifies victory, recognition, and public acknowledgment of achievements. It reflects success earned through effort and encourages confidence in your abilities. This card invites you to celebrate your accomplishments while remaining humble.
In relationships, it suggests mutual support and shared success. Spiritually, it symbolises alignment with your purpose and the rewards of perseverance.
Keywords:
Victory, success, recognition, confidence, triumph, achievement, support, accomplishment, honor, celebration.
