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 Wands
Hidden Influences Eight of Cups		External Influences XIV – Temperance
The Present Two of Wands		Suggestion Three of Wands
The Past Five of Coins		The Outcome Seven 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.

An enterprise is faltering due to infighting. An intractable conflict where neither side is willing to budge an inch. An unfair fight. The need to achieve self-mastery before you can gain the upper hand in a conflict.

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.

Taking time to enjoy the rewards of your efforts. Celebrating a rite of passage, such as a christening, graduation, wedding, or homecoming. Generally, any party or celebration. A shared sense of unity and harmony in your community.

Inflexibility causes problems in resolving issues. An inability to be open to others' viewpoints or to find a middle ground or compromise in a troublesome situation. Taking extreme measures when a more balance approach is required. Adhering to either extreme of abstinence or self-indulgence.

An enterprise that looked promising fails to deliver. Short-sightedness, unrealistic plans, or overconfidence cause problems for a new venture. The road ahead seems filled with roadblocks. A need to expand your horizons. Getting bogged down in details and losing the 'big picture'.

Reaping what you have sown. Rewards have not yet arrived, but your continued hard work will bring favourable results down the line. Reassessing your goals or the strategy for achieving your goals.