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![]() Four of Wands |
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Hidden Influences![]() Seven of Coins |
External Influences![]() Six of Swords |
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The Present![]() Two of Cups |
Suggestion![]() Three of Swords |
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The Past![]() III – The Empress |
The Outcome![]() Ten of Cups |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
III – The Empress
The Mother archetype, which implies mothering qualities such as nurturing, compassion, devotion, creativity, and fertility. An endeavour is coming to fruition. Love and sexuality. Hard work that pays off.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Two of Cups
Romantic notions are blinding you to the reality of the hard work required for a successful relationship. Reluctance or resistance to enter a relationship. An air of mistrust or tension between two people. The ending of a love affair, friendship, or partnership. A disagreeable end of a conflict.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Seven of Coins
Reaping what you have sown. Rewards have not yet arrived, but your continued hard work will bring favourable results down the line. Reassessing your goals or the strategy for achieving your goals.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Four of Wands
Taking time to enjoy the rewards of your efforts. Celebrating a rite of passage, such as a christening, graduation, wedding, or homecoming. Generally, any party or celebration. A shared sense of unity and harmony in your community.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Six of Swords
An inability to move beyond the current situation, or feeling stuck in that situation. A long, difficult road lies ahead to turn your life around. Living 'a life of quiet desperation'. Trying to escape a problem instead of resolve it.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Three of Swords
Facing a harsh reality. The pursuit of truth, no matter how painful it may be. A need to work through a pain experience or memory. Learning a hard lesson. Doing what you have to in order to survive. Making a necessary sacrifice. A period of loneliness.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Ten of Cups
A good situation is disrupted. The end of a good time in life. Family problems or disruptions in your home life. Having an overly idealistic view of what a relationship should be like. Happiness that proves to be as fleeting as a rainbow. An unhappy childhood or a dysfunctional family life.
