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![]() Two of Wands |
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Hidden Influences![]() Queen of Coins |
External Influences![]() 0 – The Fool |
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The Present![]() Nine of Coins |
Suggestion![]() VII – The Chariot |
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The Past![]() Six of Wands |
The Outcome![]() Eight of Wands |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Six of Wands
Success is not immediately forthcoming. Not receiving the recognition you deserve, or not getting the support you need. Victory leads to pride.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Nine of Coins
The ability to take care of yourself. Financial security and stability. Having a 'prosperity consciousness'. Contentment with what you have. A comfortable and happy home life. Gardening or working around the house.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Queen of Coins
A pretentious person who undermines the success of others. Fiscal irresponsibility may be causing difficulty. Depending on others to solve your problems rather than using your own resources. A 'gold digger'. Indulgence in sensual pleasures is putting your financial security at risk.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Two of Wands
A struggle between two people (or groups of people) that is fair and neither party has a clear advantage. No one is completely to blame – 'It takes two to tangle'. Arriving at a reasonable resolution to a conflict. It's time to 'put the pedal to the metal' in order to succeed.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
0 – The Fool
Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
VII – The Chariot
Feeling pulled in several directions at once. Feeling a loss of control in your life. An inability to properly master outside influences. Charging ahead rashly. Running roughshod over other people. Losing yourself in the role you have to play in order to succeed. Failure or a very costly victory.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
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.
