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 Four of Swords
Hidden Influences Two of Wands		External Influences Ten of Wands
The Present XII – The Hanged Man		Suggestion Youth of Swords
The Past Knight of Cups		The Outcome Three of Swords

A chance to meet new people. The start of a new relationship (romantic or otherwise). The desire to reach out to someone else. Someone who is a hopeless romantic, 'a lover, not a fighter'. Acting upon your emotions, intuition, or gut feeling.

Involuntary sacrifice. Martyrdom or playing the role of a victim. Experiencing reversals or setbacks. Unwillingness to make a sacrifice so that a larger gain might be made. A need to step back and get a fresh perspective.

A struggle between two people (or groups of people) that is fair and neither party has a clear advantage. No one is completely to blame – 'It takes two to tangle'. Arriving at a reasonable resolution to a conflict. It's time to 'put the pedal to the metal' in order to succeed.

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.

Commitments are lightening up; a sense of weariness is lifting. Getting your priorities straight. Finally getting everything done despite all the problems and setbacks. Relief from stress and pressures. Receiving unexpected help. Quitting a bad job.

Lying or spying. Spinning information, spreading rumours or misinformation. Naiveté, gullibility. A simplistic or simple-minded approach. Overlooking the obvious.

Avoiding painful truths. Unscrupulous actions. Having no regrets for your actions. Moving on and leaving the past behind you. Struggling to recover from psychological wounds.