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![]() Nine of Cups |
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Hidden Influences![]() Youth of Cups |
External Influences![]() Queen of Coins |
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The Present![]() Six of Swords |
Suggestion![]() Six of Cups |
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The Past![]() XIV – Temperance |
The Outcome![]() Four of Coins |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
XIV – Temperance
Making necessary adjustments in your life; finding serenity and healing. A balanced perspective or approach. Compromising or cooperating to achieve objectives. Being patient or forgiving with someone. Finding growth opportunities in your hardships will make you stronger and more resilient. A 'wounded healer', i.e., someone who can help others due to having suffered similar problems or wounds.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
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.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Youth of Cups
Emotional immaturity or awkwardness in a relationship. Being confused by your feelings for someone or by a relationship. Avoiding a needed examination of your feelings about something. Letting your curiosity get you into trouble.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Nine of Cups
Dreams or wishes fulfilled. Enjoyment of luxury and friendships. Being satisfied with a positive outcome. The ability to appreciate what you have. Having a generous nature. Being happy for others when they succeed.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Queen of Coins
Being nurturing, a caregiver. A willingness to make sacrifices for others. Sharing your success with people you love. A practical and resourceful approach toward steady progress instead of taking risks in search of quick fixes or a fast buck. A time to work hard toward your goals; there are no easy solutions.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Six of Cups
An innocent enjoyment of life and its simple pleasures. Making a peace offering to restore domestic harmony. A reunion with old friends; finding a childhood friend. A need to revisit or resolve some aspect of the past. Coming to terms with old memories or forgiving past transgressions.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Four of Coins
Someone who is miserly, possessive, or overly cautious with his / her resources – a 'Scrooge'. Spending money unwisely or having problems saving money. Financial and material concerns are important at this time.
