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![]() Eight of Cups |
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Hidden Influences![]() Eight of Wands |
External Influences![]() V – The Hierophant |
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The Present![]() I – The Magician |
Suggestion![]() Youth of Swords |
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The Past![]() 0 – The Fool |
The Outcome![]() Knight of Wands |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
0 – The Fool
Naiveté or foolishness. Beware of acting irresponsibly. 'Look before you leap'.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
I – The Magician
Having or developing important skills. This is a time when you should be able to succeed in a venture or project because of your experience and skills. A situation where concentration is required.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Eight of Wands
Go for it! Clear skies and smooth sailing ahead. Rapidly moving toward the achievement of your goals. Good news is coming. Renewed vigour and energy for an endeavour. Spontaneity. Embarking on an exciting journey. Operating out of a sense of urgency.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Eight of Cups
Realising that your present circumstances are not acceptable. Leaving an unsatisfying or unfulfilling situation for something new. A desire for change. Following the advice of your heart. The possibility of a more fulfilling situation. A bittersweet ending to a relationship.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
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.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
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.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Knight of Wands
Being rash, unpredictable, undependable, impatient, pushy, or headstrong. Not looking where you are going. Being a 'loose cannon'. Jumping the gun creates problems. Over committing yourself. A need to let things unfold naturally.
