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![]() King of Wands |
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Hidden Influences![]() VI – The Lovers |
External Influences![]() Seven of Coins |
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The Present![]() King of Swords |
Suggestion![]() Youth of Cups |
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The Past![]() King of Coins |
The Outcome![]() Knight of Swords |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
King of Coins
A miser or someone who ignores issues of poverty and deprivation in others. A warning about being motivated by greed. Materialism is the root problem. Cheating others out of what is rightfully theirs. Being inflexible, stubborn, or set in your ways.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
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'.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
VI – The Lovers
An important decision needs to be made. Facing an ethical dilemma. Confronting difficult choices. Choosing a better path in life; taking the 'high road'. Choosing love in your life. A good relationship with another person (which may or may not be romantic).
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
King of Wands
Leadership and the abilities associated with it – charisma, a sense of purpose, a desire to make a difference, a willingness to assume power, a sense of destiny, dedication to a cause, and self-confidence. Someone who is passionate and inspiring to others.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Seven of Coins
Reaping what you have sown. Rewards have not yet arrived, but your continued hard work will bring favourable results down the line. Reassessing your goals or the strategy for achieving your goals.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
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.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Knight of Swords
Being headstrong, argumentative, opinionated, sarcastic or cruel. Having a hero complex. 'Shoot first and ask questions later'. Wanting to win at any cost. Avoiding confrontation. Ill-conceived plans are falling apart.
