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![]() XIV – Temperance |
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Hidden Influences![]() 0 – The Fool |
External Influences![]() VII – The Chariot |
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The Present![]() III – The Empress |
Suggestion![]() II – The Priestess |
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The Past![]() XXI – The World |
The Outcome![]() VI – The Lovers |

The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
XXI – The World
A satisfying completion, the fulfilment of your desires, attaining a goal, achieving deserved recognition. You have learned much from the hard work put into reaching your goal. Being ready to wrap things up. Overcoming limitations, such as poverty, a handicap, etc. Feeling your connection to another person or group of people.

The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
III – The Empress
The Mother archetype, which implies mothering qualities such as nurturing, compassion, devotion, creativity, and fertility. An endeavour is coming to fruition. Love and sexuality. Hard work that pays off.

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
0 – The Fool
Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.

Obstacle - This is the challenge.
XIV – Temperance
Inflexibility causes problems in resolving issues. An inability to be open to others' viewpoints or to find a middle ground or compromise in a troublesome situation. Taking extreme measures when a more balance approach is required. Adhering to either extreme of abstinence or self-indulgence.

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
VII – The Chariot
Taking control of conflicting forces within a project. Moving forward despite these conflicting forces. Using strength of will to get things done. Taking personal responsibility for something. A positive outcome is suggested.

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
II – The Priestess
Intuitively understanding underlying factors or unconscious motivations. Follow the guidance of your dreams. Meditation and contemplation is important now. Inner peace and tranquillity. Spirituality.

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
VI – The Lovers
A relationship ending or turning sour (it may or may not be romantic). 'Star-crossed lovers;' an ill-fated relationship. The inability to make a choice for any number of reasons – fearing to commit to a decision, being indecisive, or having inner conflict. Choosing the 'low road' in life.