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![]() Ace of Coins |
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Hidden Influences![]() Ten of Wands |
External Influences![]() XIII – Death |
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The Present![]() Two of Coins |
Suggestion![]() Two of Swords |
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The Past![]() Seven of Cups |
The Outcome![]() Eight of Swords |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Seven of Cups
Daydreams, an overactive imagination, or general confusion make it hard to make a decision. Being wistful and fanciful. Seeing things the way you want (or fear) them to be, not as they are. You are being tested by alluring temptations. A confusing conflict between what your heart wants and what your head says. The need to weigh things more carefully and rationally.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Two of Coins
Making choices or decisions that will ease stress and tension in life. Several tasks require your attention, so maintain your balance and prioritise your efforts carefully. Being flexible and keeping things in perspective. Having fun at your work. Grace, style, and skill make things look easy.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Ten of Wands
Commitments are lightening up; a sense of weariness is lifting. Getting your priorities straight. Finally getting everything done despite all the problems and setbacks. Relief from stress and pressures. Receiving unexpected help. Quitting a bad job.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Ace of Coins
A new venture is faltering. Desired results are not delivered or will be delayed. Someone is late in providing payment, or payment is not complete. The inability to meet financial obligations. Someone who was 'born with a silver spoon in his mouth'.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
XIII – Death
Experiencing a dramatic or significant change in your life. A realisation that there is no turning back; a bell can't be un-rung. A time to discard whatever is not adding to your life. When one door closes, another will open. Taking 'down time' that is necessary for renewal, new growth, and transformation. Dealing with issues regarding death and dying.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Two of Swords
Decisiveness, objectivity. It's time to make an important decision in order to move forward. A wise or clever decision or compromise. Seeing both sides of an argument. Settling an argument. Arriving at a truce.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Eight of Swords
Gaining a healthy perspective of your problems. Ability to move forward after conquering self-imposed limitations. Not letting other people impose limitations or restrictions on you. Breaking through obstacles.
