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:

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 Six of Cups
Hidden Influences Queen of Swords		External Influences King of Swords
The Present Five of Coins		Suggestion XVII – The Star
The Past Knight of Cups		The Outcome Six of Wands

Someone who is moody, brooding, overly sensitive, or temperamental. A need to build new relationships. Being too easily swayed by your emotions. A dreamer who is unrealistic. Making mistakes due to being out of touch with your emotions or feelings.

Experiencing financial strain or hardship. The need to get rid of unnecessary expenses and financial obligations. The need to ask for help. Not making the most of your resources or natural abilities. Feelings of abandonment. Being shunned or ostracised.

Having a keen understanding of other people. Wisdom based on past hardship and sorrow. Being brutally honest is what's called for now. Independence and self-reliance are more important than emotional ties. Not a great time for romance.

An innocent enjoyment of life and its simple pleasures. Making a peace offering to restore domestic harmony. A reunion with old friends; finding a childhood friend. A need to revisit or resolve some aspect of the past. Coming to terms with old memories or forgiving past transgressions.

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.

Pessimism. Taking a 'glass is half empty' approach instead of viewing it as half full. Not being able to recognise the value of a situation or opportunity. Holding on to desperate or unrealistic hopes. Having your head in the clouds when you need to keep your feet on the ground instead.

Setting off into a conflict or battle with optimism and with the support of others. Victory through hard won battles. Getting recognition for your success. Celebrating your victory.