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![]() Eight of Wands |
External Influences![]() Two of Coins |
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The Present![]() Youth of Swords |
Suggestion![]() Knight of Cups |
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The Past![]() XIII – Death |
The Outcome![]() IV – The Emperor |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
XIII – Death
Clinging to old ideas, beliefs, situations, or relationships that no longer serve a purpose. Fear of change, or a refusal to change, which may hinder growth or make an inevitable change more painful when it eventually does happen. Being in denial about a significant loss.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Youth of Swords
An open minded approach. Someone who speaks plainly and with simple honesty; innocent sincerity wins the day. Simple answers are sometimes the best. Learning from your mistakes. A need to just tell it like it is.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Eight of Wands
Go for it! Clear skies and smooth sailing ahead. Rapidly moving toward the achievement of your goals. Good news is coming. Renewed vigour and energy for an endeavour. Spontaneity. Embarking on an exciting journey. Operating out of a sense of urgency.
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.
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.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Knight of Cups
A chance to meet new people. The start of a new relationship (romantic or otherwise). The desire to reach out to someone else. Someone who is a hopeless romantic, 'a lover, not a fighter'. Acting upon your emotions, intuition, or gut feeling.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
IV – The Emperor
The Father archetype, which implies things like strictness, providing for others, and having respect and recognition from others. The ability to rationally resolve issues and problems. Having structure, stability, and order in your life. An authority figure, a person who is in a position of power.
