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![]() Knight of Cups |
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Hidden Influences![]() Nine of Swords |
External Influences![]() Ten of Coins |
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The Present![]() Queen of Wands |
Suggestion![]() Ten of Swords |
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The Past![]() King of Coins |
The Outcome![]() II – The Priestess |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
King of Coins
Hospitality and charity. Exhibiting extravagant generosity. Good business or financial advice. Success in business ventures or projects. A philanthropist or benefactor. A 'sugar daddy'.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Queen of Wands
Fortitude and resolve. Having a positive approach, a sunny disposition, and good humour. A good natured or independent person who has their life in order. Meeting your responsibilities (at work, school, family, etc).
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Nine of Swords
Feelings of anxiety, dread, and hopelessness over a problem which will likely not be as bad as it initially seems. Obsessing over the worst case scenario. Problems sleeping due to stress. Being plagued with nightmares. Unfounded feelings of shame and guilt. Feeling suicidal or like you're losing your mind.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Knight of Cups
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.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Ten of Coins
Being burdened with financial responsibilities. The need to liquidate your assets. Investments do not turn out as expected. Financial dealings fall apart sending you back to square one. Problems with big businesses or institutions. A bad time to start new business dealings.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Ten of Swords
End of a bad time; a resolution will occur or problems will be resolved. Letting go of something, letting it die and fade away. Getting help from others. Finding the silver lining within a dark cloud. A need to stop over-analysing things and start listening to your intuition instead.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
II – The Priestess
Intuitively understanding underlying factors or unconscious motivations. Follow the guidance of your dreams. Meditation and contemplation is important now. Inner peace and tranquillity. Spirituality.
