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 I – The Magician
Hidden Influences XIX – The Sun		External Influences Five of Cups
The Present Six of Wands		Suggestion VII – The Chariot
The Past King of Wands		The Outcome Six of Coins

Someone with a sense of entitlement. Being arrogant, insufferable, or oppressive to others. Megalomania and a desire for power at any price. A charismatic leader who is dictatorial or is acting out of his own self-interest. Someone in authority who takes an unyielding position. Your creativity is being squashed by others.

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.

Partial success or success after some delays. 'Hiding your light under a bushel'. A missed opportunity. A need for a more energetic approach. Someone who is arrogant, egocentric, or self-absorbed.

You need more knowledge, experience or skills in order to succeed. Someone is being a trickster or huckster – sly, cunning or sneaky.

Feelings of loss or abandonment by a loved one. Feeling betrayed by someone you loved or trusted. A relationship has turned ugly and unpleasant, or a painful ending is coming. Seeing the glass as half empty instead of as half full. 'Crying over spilt milk'.

Feeling pulled in several directions at once. Feeling a loss of control in your life. An inability to properly master outside influences. Charging ahead rashly. Running roughshod over other people. Losing yourself in the role you have to play in order to succeed. Failure or a very costly victory.

Refusal or inability to pay off a debt. Financial sources drying up. Refusal of a request for money. A commercial or business venture needs more capital. A time to watch your spending. An unhealthy dependency on the generosity of others.