Horse Shoe Spread

Horse Shoe Spread #1

 

 

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

Knight of Swords
 
Hidden Influences

King of Swords
  External Influences

XII – The Hanged Man
The Present

Nine of Swords
  Suggestion

VI – The Lovers
The Past

Four of Swords
  The Outcome

Knight of Coins

 

 

 

 

The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

Four of Swords

Taking a vacation or some needed 'downtime'. Rest and recuperation. A reminder to take care of yourself. Finding peace or a break from the stress of life. Escaping the 'rat race'. Introspection.

 

 

 

 

The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

Nine of Swords

Realisation that fears were blown out of proportion. Things are turning out to be not as bad as expected. Regaining hope or peace of mind. Finding or having someone to comfort you or to help you through difficult times.

 

 

 

 

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.

 

King of Swords

Having your mind made up and being closed to new ideas. Guarding your secrets or not sharing your knowledge. Intrusive meddling. Unfair decisions or bad advice. Following the letter of the law may allow you to ignore unfairness and cruelty in yourself and others. Having or exercising 'book learning' but not common sense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

Knight of Swords

Being headstrong, argumentative, opinionated, sarcastic or cruel. Having a hero complex. 'Shoot first and ask questions later'. Wanting to win at any cost. Avoiding confrontation. Ill-conceived plans are falling apart.

 

 

 

 

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.

 

XII – The Hanged Man

Patience. Humility. Making a small sacrifice so that a larger gain might be made. Seeking redemption. Entering a 12-step program. 'Letting go and letting God'. A unique perspective on a situation. Putting a project on hold in order to properly evaluate the situation.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

VI – The Lovers

An important decision needs to be made. Facing an ethical dilemma. Confronting difficult choices. Choosing a better path in life; taking the 'high road'. Choosing love in your life. A good relationship with another person (which may or may not be romantic).

 

 

 

 

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.

 

Knight of Coins

A new source of income doesn't come through. Struggling to make ends meet. 'All work and no play;' a 'stick in the mud'. Being possessive with your things or defensive about your work. Losing interest in your work.

 

 

 

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