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

Six of Wands
 
Hidden Influences

Five of Wands
  External Influences

Six of Swords
The Present

XII – The Hanged Man
  Suggestion

Four of Cups
The Past

V – The Hierophant
  The Outcome

King of Swords

 

 

 

 

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

 

V – The Hierophant

Taking a non-conformist or unconventional approach. Blindly following someone else's advice. Being closed-minded. Someone who is obsessive compulsive or does doing everything by the book. Being sacrilegious or irreligious.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XII – The Hanged Man

Involuntary sacrifice. Martyrdom or playing the role of a victim. Experiencing reversals or setbacks. Unwillingness to make a sacrifice so that a larger gain might be made. A need to step back and get a fresh perspective.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Five of Wands

Finding a way to make a chaotic situation be productive instead. Rising above the chaos and turmoil around you. 'You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs'. Complications or problems in your life can be overcome with some effort. The end of struggles. You are being held back by your conflicted feelings about something.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

Six of Wands

Setting off into a conflict or battle with optimism and with the support of others. Victory through hard won battles. Getting recognition for your success. Celebrating your victory.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Six of Swords

Escaping stress and conflict. Seeking peace after a conflict. Cutting your losses and moving on. Stepping back or moving away from a difficult situation to gain a valuable perspective of it. A trip to or a visitor from a faraway place. Trying to overcome a bad habit or self-destructive mindset, perhaps with the help of a support group.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

Four of Cups

Awakening from a period of boredom or apathy. Finding motivation. Recognition that you need to find meaning in your life. Increased social engagements and interactions. Being open to new opportunities.

 

 

 

 

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

 

King of Swords

Having your mind made up and being closed to new ideas. Guarding your secrets or not sharing your knowledge. Intrusive meddling. Unfair decisions or bad advice. Following the letter of the law may allow you to ignore unfairness and cruelty in yourself and others. Having or exercising 'book learning' but not common sense.

 

 

 

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