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![]() 0 – The Fool |
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Hidden Influences![]() VII – The Chariot |
External Influences![]() Ace of Cups |
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The Present![]() X – The Wheel of Fortune |
Suggestion![]() King of Swords |
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The Past![]() Six of Wands |
The Outcome![]() Youth of Cups |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Six of Wands
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.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
X – The Wheel of Fortune
The beginning of a new cycle or a new chapter in life. The end of a difficult situation. Opportunities from unexpected sources. Rapid and/or important changes are coming. Good fortune and luck. Having equanimity saves you from all the drama going on around you.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
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.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
0 – The Fool
Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Ace of Cups
An opportunity exists for a new relationship – anything from friendship to lover to new family member. A time to heal a relationship, to renew a commitment to others, or to reconnect with someone from your past. Advice to trust your feelings and follow your heart. Emotions are at the core of the situation.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
King of Swords
Good advice or a fair decision. Tough-minded common sense. Being able to make fair and impartial decisions. Your knowledge, intelligence, and expertise are respected. A trusted advisor or expert. 'Knowledge is Power'.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Youth of Cups
Emotional immaturity or awkwardness in a relationship. Being confused by your feelings for someone or by a relationship. Avoiding a needed examination of your feelings about something. Letting your curiosity get you into trouble.
