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![]() XVIII – The Moon |
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Hidden Influences![]() Four of Cups |
External Influences![]() VII – The Chariot |
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The Present![]() Youth of Cups |
Suggestion![]() Two of Wands |
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The Past![]() Queen of Wands |
The Outcome![]() King of Coins |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
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).
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Youth of Cups
The possibility or beginning of a romance. Making a new or renewed commitment to another person. Discovering new feelings about a situation or person. Opening your heart to someone; the need to be more open-hearted about a situation. Using your imagination.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Four of Cups
Awakening from a period of boredom or apathy. Finding motivation. Recognition that you need to find meaning in your life. Increased social engagements and interactions. Being open to new opportunities.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
XVIII – The Moon
A time of deception, hidden agendas or unseen perils. There is some scheming going on behind the scenes. Suffering misunderstandings or confusion. Something eerie or haunting is going on. Hidden fears are coming to the surface. Feeling alone and abandoned, or that you have lost your way in life. Depression or nightmares.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
VII – The Chariot
Taking control of conflicting forces within a project. Moving forward despite these conflicting forces. Using strength of will to get things done. Taking personal responsibility for something. A positive outcome is suggested.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
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.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
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'.
