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

IV – The Emperor
 
Hidden Influences

VII – The Chariot
  External Influences

XVII – The Star
The Present

Five of Coins
  Suggestion

Ten of Swords
The Past

Two of Swords
  The Outcome

Three of Cups

 

 

 

 

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

 

Two of Swords

A dilemma with no clear answer in sight. An ugly conflict, perhaps where one party is being deceitful or underhanded. A stalemate. A no win situation. A forced or unsatisfactory decision or resolution to a problem. Avoiding making a decision until you're forced to.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Five of Coins

Experiencing financial strain or hardship. The need to get rid of unnecessary expenses and financial obligations. The need to ask for help. Not making the most of your resources or natural abilities. Feelings of abandonment. Being shunned or ostracised.

 

 

 

 

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

 

VII – The Chariot

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

IV – The Emperor

Seeing everything as being black and white or 'set in stone'. An abuse of power and authority. Challenging authority through insubordination. Being burdened with too much responsibility. A failure to act rationally. A coward, tyrant, or bully. Having issues with your father.

 

 

 

 

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

 

XVII – The Star

Finding, regaining, or holding on to hope. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The calm after the storm. Meditation. Seeking inner tranquillity or a spiritual awakening. A time to develop a special talent or ability.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

Ten of Swords

Desperate actions in desperate times. A mess that no one wants to take responsibility for. Hitting rock bottom. Plans fall apart. Continuing to obsess about a situation even though it is finished already. Overkill. Feeling like you've been stabbed in the back. 'He who lives by the sword dies by the sword'.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Three of Cups

Be careful of overindulgence; too much of a good thing can cause problems. The cancelation of a celebration or party. Hanging with a bad crowd. Betrayal of friends. 'Misery loves company'.

 

 

 

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