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![]() Six of Coins |
External Influences![]() I – The Magician |
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The Present![]() Ace of Wands |
Suggestion![]() Queen of Cups |
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The Past![]() 0 – The Fool |
The Outcome![]() Two of Cups |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
0 – The Fool
Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Ace of Wands
A flash of inspiration; a spark of excitement. The excitement of a new interest, venture or enterprise. Someone with the energy to start a new project. Being creative with how you handle things. A revived passion or enthusiasm.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Six of Coins
Refusal or inability to pay off a debt. Financial sources drying up. Refusal of a request for money. A commercial or business venture needs more capital. A time to watch your spending. An unhealthy dependency on the generosity of others.
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.
I – The Magician
Having or developing important skills. This is a time when you should be able to succeed in a venture or project because of your experience and skills. A situation where concentration is required.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Queen of Cups
Gentleness, tenderness, and fidelity. Someone who loves romance or has great compassion for others. A time when feelings and hunches are reliable guides. A caring friend who offers support. Showing others kindness and unconditional love.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Two of Cups
Enjoying the company of another person. A new friendship or romance is developing. Being transformed by your love. Cooperation is needed after a conflict or dispute. Someone needs to be the bigger person to end a conflict. The amicable resolution of a conflict. 'Kiss and make up'.
