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 XVIII – The Moon
Hidden Influences King of Wands		External Influences Four of Cups
The Present Six of Wands		Suggestion XXI – The World
The Past Knight of Swords		The Outcome Seven of Wands

Being clever and persuasive. Being idealistic or on a quest of some sort. Someone rushes to someone else's defence during a difficult time. Being a hero to someone else. The need to follow your head and not your heart.

Success is not immediately forthcoming. Not receiving the recognition you deserve, or not getting the support you need. Victory leads to pride.

Leadership and the abilities associated with it – charisma, a sense of purpose, a desire to make a difference, a willingness to assume power, a sense of destiny, dedication to a cause, and self-confidence. Someone who is passionate and inspiring to others.

Finding out what is really going on. Something that was unclear or ambiguous is now understood. Uncovering or revealing deceit, dishonesty, and self-deception. Experiencing romance. Looking into the mysteries of life. Letting your imagination run free, which may lead you to new insights and discoveries. Finding hidden messages or meaning in your dreams.

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.

A satisfying completion, the fulfilment of your desires, attaining a goal, achieving deserved recognition. You have learned much from the hard work put into reaching your goal. Being ready to wrap things up. Overcoming limitations, such as poverty, a handicap, etc. Feeling your connection to another person or group of people.

The need to stand your ground and defend your position – with success being the probable outcome. Facing your problems head on. Effort, fortitude, and bravery can bring about victory. Taking the moral high ground. Feeling able to overcome your problems; being confident that you are well-positioned and in the right.