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:

1. The Past: Past events affecting the question.
2. The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
3. Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
4. Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
5. External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
6. Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
7. Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.

Your Horse Shoe Reading

	Obstacle VIII – Strength
Hidden Influences Two of Cups		External Influences Two of Coins
The Present IV – The Emperor		Suggestion Nine of Wands
The Past Seven of Wands		The Outcome King of Coins

The need to stand your ground and defend your position – with success being the probable outcome. Facing your problems head on. Effort, fortitude, and bravery can bring about victory. Taking the moral high ground. Feeling able to overcome your problems; being confident that you are well-positioned and in the right.

Seeing everything as being black and white or 'set in stone'. An abuse of power and authority. Challenging authority through insubordination. Being burdened with too much responsibility. A failure to act rationally. A coward, tyrant, or bully. Having issues with your father.

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'.

An unjust decision, perhaps based on bias, bigotry, or deceit. Delays in the delivery of a decision. Irresponsibility. An inability to make a decision. Being treated unfairly or with prejudice.

An inability to balance or juggle all of your obligations and commitments. Someone has bitten off more than they can chew and are feeling overwhelmed. Mishandling of finances. 'Robbing Peter to pay Paul'.

Feeling ambushed or caught off-guard. Underestimating the opposition. Obstacles and difficulties have made someone bitter and defensive. The inability to let anyone into your life. The need to properly define your space in a relationship or a lack of respect for someone else's space.

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.