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![]() Four of Coins |
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Hidden Influences![]() IX – The Hermit |
External Influences![]() Eight of Coins |
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The Present![]() Knight of Wands |
Suggestion![]() X – The Wheel of Fortune |
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The Past![]() I – The Magician |
The Outcome![]() XX – Judgement |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
I – The Magician
Having or developing important skills. This is a time when you should be able to succeed in a venture or project because of your experience and skills. A situation where concentration is required.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Knight of Wands
Being rash, unpredictable, undependable, impatient, pushy, or headstrong. Not looking where you are going. Being a 'loose cannon'. Jumping the gun creates problems. Over committing yourself. A need to let things unfold naturally.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
IX – The Hermit
Pulling back in order to gain space to think things through. Taking the time necessary to review a situation on your own or with the help of a disinterested third party. Renunciation of material claims or desires. Embracing simplicity. 'Money can't buy you happiness'. An unorthodox teacher (a 'guru') has much to teach you.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Four of Coins
A financial situation that has a stable foundation. You will receive the financial rewards you expect. Don't worry; you have all that you need. A warning to hold on tight to what you have.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Eight of Coins
Willingly doing the work required for success, everything down to the lasts detail. Dedication to your job. 'Practice makes perfect'. Success comes one step at a time. A need to pay close attention to details. Working at home or for yourself. Industriousness.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
X – The Wheel of Fortune
Delay in new beginnings or missing out on new opportunities. Having resistance to change. Unexpected problems and obstacles. Fate is not smiling at you right now. 'Shit happens' but 'this too shall pass'. Getting caught up in the dramas of life.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
XX – Judgement
Renewal, regeneration, and (metaphorical) rebirth. Hearing a calling; experiencing an epiphany. Exhibiting good judgment. Thinking 'outside the box'. Forgiving someone who has wronged you. Opening a new chapter in life or passing a significant milestone.
