Horse Shoe Spread

Horse Shoe Spread #1

 

 

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

I – The Magician
 
Hidden Influences

Eight of Coins
  External Influences

Four of Cups
The Present

Ace of Wands
  Suggestion

Five of Cups
The Past

Ace of Swords
  The Outcome

XVII – The Star

 

 

 

 

The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.

 

Ace of Swords

The discovery of a new insight. Beginning to 'Know Thyself'. A learning experience. Being open to new ideas or points of view. Justice, fairness, and honour. Success after a struggle. The mental clarity to overcome conflicts.

 

 

 

 

The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.

 

Ace of Wands

A flash of inspiration; a spark of excitement. The excitement of a new interest, venture or enterprise. Someone with the energy to start a new project. Being creative with how you handle things. A revived passion or enthusiasm.

 

 

 

 

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.

 

Eight of Coins

Unwillingness to devote the time and effort required to succeed. Distractions or problems at work. Cutting corners or skipping steps. Feeling dissatisfied or impatient with your work. Boring or unfulfilling work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacle - This is the challenge.

 

I – The Magician

Having or developing important skills. This is a time when you should be able to succeed in a venture or project because of your experience and skills. A situation where concentration is required.

 

 

 

 

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.

 

Four of Cups

Inability to recognise the good in a relationship or a situation. Feeling depressed, bored, or apathetic about something. Experiencing melancholy. Trying to escape problems through empty pleasures. Being jaded. The novelty of a new situation has worn off and it now seems mundane and boring.

 

 

 

 

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.

 

Five of Cups

The end of a painful time is drawing near. Seeing the glass as half full instead of as half empty. Getting over grief and sorrow. Seeing a loss as the beginning of a new stage in life. Consoling someone who has experienced a loss.

 

 

 

 

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.

 

XVII – The Star

Pessimism. Taking a 'glass is half empty' approach instead of viewing it as half full. Not being able to recognise the value of a situation or opportunity. Holding on to desperate or unrealistic hopes. Having your head in the clouds when you need to keep your feet on the ground instead.

 

 

 

View Spreads Schema