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![]() Five of Coins |
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Hidden Influences![]() Four of Coins |
External Influences![]() Youth of Coins |
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The Present![]() I – The Magician |
Suggestion![]() Knight of Coins |
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The Past![]() Five of Cups |
The Outcome![]() XIX – The Sun |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
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 Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
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.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Four of Coins
A financial situation that has a stable foundation. You will receive the financial rewards you expect. Don't worry; you have all that you need. A warning to hold on tight to what you have.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Five of Coins
Experiencing financial strain or hardship. The need to get rid of unnecessary expenses and financial obligations. The need to ask for help. Not making the most of your resources or natural abilities. Feelings of abandonment. Being shunned or ostracised.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Youth of Coins
The need to learn useful skills or to learn more about a financial or material matter. Inexperienced or inept financial dealings. Losing the initiative on a business deal. Vain hopes for a quick reward. Naïve business dealings; falling for a scam.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Knight of Coins
Beginning to see tangible results. Achieving material prosperity. A possible new source of income; working a second job. Diligence, prudence, and hard work. Working hard to prove yourself.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
XIX – The Sun
Enjoying or celebrating success. Having energy and vitality, being optimistic and active. Triumph over obstacles. Recognition for work done. Trusting others and experiencing a sense of unity. Coming out of a dark period. Critical reasoning leads to clarity and understanding.
