Horse Shoe Spread

Horse Shoe Spread #1

 

 

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

Ace of Cups
 
Hidden Influences

Four of Coins
  External Influences

Youth of Swords
The Present

IX – The Hermit
  Suggestion

Ten of Swords
The Past

Eight of Swords
  The Outcome

Five of Swords

 

 

 

 

The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

Eight of Swords

Self-imposed limitations. Feeling powerless in a situation. Having a victim mentality. 'Paralysis of analysis' (i.e., lack of progress due to over analysing something). Inability to understand your situation or to communicate it clearly to others. A need to understand your concerns, reservations, or fears in order to conquer them. Being hampered by blind faith in something. Not seeing 'the forest for the trees'.

 

 

 

 

The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

IX – The Hermit

Pulling back in order to gain space to think things through. Taking the time necessary to review a situation on your own or with the help of a disinterested third party. Renunciation of material claims or desires. Embracing simplicity. 'Money can't buy you happiness'. An unorthodox teacher (a 'guru') has much to teach you.

 

 

 

 

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.

 

Four of Coins

A financial situation that has a stable foundation. You will receive the financial rewards you expect. Don't worry; you have all that you need. A warning to hold on tight to what you have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

Ace of Cups

A tentative or fragile relationship requires better care. A relationship is not proceeding as hoped, such as a love that is unrequited or a friendship that turns out to be superficial. A need for more love and compassion. Feelings of loneliness. The need to set emotional boundaries with a friend, colleague, or lover.

 

 

 

 

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.

 

Youth of Swords

An open minded approach. Someone who speaks plainly and with simple honesty; innocent sincerity wins the day. Simple answers are sometimes the best. Learning from your mistakes. A need to just tell it like it is.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

Ten of Swords

End of a bad time; a resolution will occur or problems will be resolved. Letting go of something, letting it die and fade away. Getting help from others. Finding the silver lining within a dark cloud. A need to stop over-analysing things and start listening to your intuition instead.

 

 

 

 

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.

 

Five of Swords

Petty acts and treacherous deeds are revealed. An end to gossip or slander. Being vindicated or absolved of guilt. A sense of remorse or guilt for bad behaviour. Forgiving or just turning a blind eye to a nasty situation.

 

 

 

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