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![]() Ten of Coins |
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Hidden Influences![]() Nine of Wands |
External Influences![]() Five of Coins |
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The Present![]() Knight of Coins |
Suggestion![]() King of Cups |
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The Past![]() Knight of Wands |
The Outcome![]() Four of Swords |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Knight of Wands
Being spontaneous, eager for adventure, bold and courageous in a new enterprise. Living 'in the moment'. Someone who is the life of the party. A willingness to take a chance on a new way of doing things. Embracing change or being an agent of change.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Knight of Coins
Beginning to see tangible results. Achieving material prosperity. A possible new source of income; working a second job. Diligence, prudence, and hard work. Working hard to prove yourself.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Nine of Wands
Feeling ambushed or caught off-guard. Underestimating the opposition. Obstacles and difficulties have made someone bitter and defensive. The inability to let anyone into your life. The need to properly define your space in a relationship or a lack of respect for someone else's space.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Ten of Coins
Being burdened with financial responsibilities. The need to liquidate your assets. Investments do not turn out as expected. Financial dealings fall apart sending you back to square one. Problems with big businesses or institutions. A bad time to start new business dealings.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Five of Coins
Improvement in health, finances, or business. Help is on the way. Hardship and strife are finally easing up. Using your resources more effectively. Being welcome back into the fold. Moving away from materialism and toward a more spiritual life.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
King of Cups
Someone who seems caring and sympathetic, but who is manipulating the situation for their own benefit. Someone is acting in a manner that is unethical or morally ambiguous. Being secretive and brooding. The need to be more diplomatic or tactful.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Four of Swords
Taking a vacation or some needed 'downtime'. Rest and recuperation. A reminder to take care of yourself. Finding peace or a break from the stress of life. Escaping the 'rat race'. Introspection.
