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![]() Knight of Coins |
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Hidden Influences![]() Six of Swords |
External Influences![]() I – The Magician |
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The Present![]() XI – Justice |
Suggestion![]() Queen of Cups |
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The Past![]() King of Swords |
The Outcome![]() Nine of Coins |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
King of Swords
Good advice or a fair decision. Tough-minded common sense. Being able to make fair and impartial decisions. Your knowledge, intelligence, and expertise are respected. A trusted advisor or expert. 'Knowledge is Power'.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
XI – Justice
Lack of self-discipline is creating problems. Being a bully or feeling bullied by others. Being overbearing or bossy. Lacking integrity and moral fortitude. Yielding to base instincts such as greed and jealousy. Seeing the worst in others.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Six of Swords
An inability to move beyond the current situation, or feeling stuck in that situation. A long, difficult road lies ahead to turn your life around. Living 'a life of quiet desperation'. Trying to escape a problem instead of resolve it.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Knight of Coins
A new source of income doesn't come through. Struggling to make ends meet. 'All work and no play;' a 'stick in the mud'. Being possessive with your things or defensive about your work. Losing interest in your work.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
I – The Magician
You need more knowledge, experience or skills in order to succeed. Someone is being a trickster or huckster – sly, cunning or sneaky.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Queen of Cups
Gentleness, tenderness, and fidelity. Someone who loves romance or has great compassion for others. A time when feelings and hunches are reliable guides. A caring friend who offers support. Showing others kindness and unconditional love.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Nine of Coins
Things may not be as secure as they seem. Building success on shaky ground. Material success that is fragile or fleeting. Imprudent spending that undermines your security. Feeling unfulfilled by what you have. Feeling driven to 'keep up with the Joneses'.
