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![]() Seven of Cups |
||
Hidden Influences![]() King of Coins |
External Influences![]() Three of Swords |
|
The Present![]() Ace of Coins |
Suggestion![]() Four of Swords |
|
The Past![]() Four of Wands |
The Outcome![]() Nine of Wands |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Four of Wands
Obstacles are blocking a rite of passage (such as a christening, graduation, wedding, or homecoming). You need to put more effort into creating a solid foundation for the future success of something. Someone is being a 'party pooper' or a 'wet blanket'.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Ace of Coins
A new venture is faltering. Desired results are not delivered or will be delayed. Someone is late in providing payment, or payment is not complete. The inability to meet financial obligations. Someone who was 'born with a silver spoon in his mouth'.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
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'.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Seven of Cups
Daydreams, an overactive imagination, or general confusion make it hard to make a decision. Being wistful and fanciful. Seeing things the way you want (or fear) them to be, not as they are. You are being tested by alluring temptations. A confusing conflict between what your heart wants and what your head says. The need to weigh things more carefully and rationally.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Three of Swords
Facing a harsh reality. The pursuit of truth, no matter how painful it may be. A need to work through a pain experience or memory. Learning a hard lesson. Doing what you have to in order to survive. Making a necessary sacrifice. A period of loneliness.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Four of Swords
Being stuck in a holding pattern. Laziness. Avoiding a conflict rather than resolving it. A vacation or an expected respite from struggles and conflicts does not come or is cut short. Not getting the rest you need. Having problems sleeping.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Nine of Wands
Overcoming obstacles. Persistence despite setbacks. Gaining strength and fortitude as the result of hardships and difficulties – 'That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. Being prepared to fight if you have to, but not anxious for conflict. Choose your battles carefully. Setting firm boundaries in a relationship.
