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![]() Six of Coins |
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Hidden Influences![]() XII – The Hanged Man |
External Influences![]() Eight of Coins |
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The Present![]() Knight of Cups |
Suggestion![]() XX – Judgement |
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The Past![]() Two of Coins |
The Outcome![]() Ten of Wands |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Two of Coins
An inability to balance or juggle all of your obligations and commitments. Someone has bitten off more than they can chew and are feeling overwhelmed. Mishandling of finances. 'Robbing Peter to pay Paul'.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Knight of Cups
Someone who is moody, brooding, overly sensitive, or temperamental. A need to build new relationships. Being too easily swayed by your emotions. A dreamer who is unrealistic. Making mistakes due to being out of touch with your emotions or feelings.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
XII – The Hanged Man
Patience. Humility. Making a small sacrifice so that a larger gain might be made. Seeking redemption. Entering a 12-step program. 'Letting go and letting God'. A unique perspective on a situation. Putting a project on hold in order to properly evaluate the situation.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Six of Coins
A gift or loan is forthcoming. Generosity or the repayment of it. Debts repaid. Gratitude and appreciation for the generosity of others. Sharing the wealth. Requests for money or assistance will probably be granted.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Eight of Coins
Willingly doing the work required for success, everything down to the lasts detail. Dedication to your job. 'Practice makes perfect'. Success comes one step at a time. A need to pay close attention to details. Working at home or for yourself. Industriousness.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
XX – Judgement
A lack of common sense. A hasty or ill-considered decision that brings an unwelcome change to your life. Clinging to the confines of conventional thinking. A reluctance to move forward with your life. Holding on to a grudge.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Ten of Wands
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.
