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![]() Youth of Swords |
||
Hidden Influences![]() Queen of Cups |
External Influences![]() Ace of Wands |
|
The Present![]() King of Coins |
Suggestion![]() Five of Cups |
|
The Past![]() Six of Coins |
The Outcome![]() IX – The Hermit |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Six of Coins
A gift or loan is forthcoming. Generosity or the repayment of it. Debts repaid. Gratitude and appreciation for the generosity of others. Sharing the wealth. Requests for money or assistance will probably be granted.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
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'.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Queen of Cups
Gentleness, tenderness, and fidelity. Someone who loves romance or has great compassion for others. A time when feelings and hunches are reliable guides. A caring friend who offers support. Showing others kindness and unconditional love.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
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.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Ace of Wands
A new venture, enterprise, or project that was anticipated doesn't come through. The failure of a project that was begun without the proper energy and support. Someone who is hyperactive or who has megalomania. A need for more creativity in order to succeed.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Five of Cups
The end of a painful time is drawing near. Seeing the glass as half full instead of as half empty. Getting over grief and sorrow. Seeing a loss as the beginning of a new stage in life. Consoling someone who has experienced a loss.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
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.
