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 Youth of Wands
Hidden Influences VII – The Chariot		External Influences V – The Hierophant
The Present XVIII – The Moon		Suggestion Six of Cups
The Past XIII – Death		The Outcome Ten of Coins

Clinging to old ideas, beliefs, situations, or relationships that no longer serve a purpose. Fear of change, or a refusal to change, which may hinder growth or make an inevitable change more painful when it eventually does happen. Being in denial about a significant loss.

A time of deception, hidden agendas or unseen perils. There is some scheming going on behind the scenes. Suffering misunderstandings or confusion. Something eerie or haunting is going on. Hidden fears are coming to the surface. Feeling alone and abandoned, or that you have lost your way in life. Depression or nightmares.

Taking control of conflicting forces within a project. Moving forward despite these conflicting forces. Using strength of will to get things done. Taking personal responsibility for something. A positive outcome is suggested.

Someone who is friendly, boisterous, enthusiastic, and often mischievous. Entering into an undertaking with eagerness and daring. Beginners' luck. An initiation. Enthusiasm that inspires creative solutions. Someone who brings good news or reinvigorates a situation with youthful energy. The start of something big.

Conformity; sticking with conventional wisdom. A traditional rite, ritual, or ceremony. Religious teachings or education in general. Peer pressure. Listening to your conscience. Being devout; having faith in something.

Being overly sentimental. Someone is smothering a relationship by being overly protective. Inability to move beyond painful events from the past. Unwillingness to cut the apron strings from prior support systems. Someone is living in the past, which is blocking success in the present and future. Current problems are rooted in childhood traumas.

A good time to go into business for yourself or to take your career to the next level. Good dealings with big businesses or institutions. Wealthy people are involved. An inheritance. Trying to see beyond material things.