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![]() The Flowers |
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Hidden Influences![]() The Owls |
External Influences![]() The Child |
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The Present![]() The Book |
Suggestion![]() The Park |
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The Past![]() The Fishes |
The Outcome![]() The Man |
The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
The Fishes
Intellectualism, psychic abilities, material success, luxury, and wealth. Also, instability, excess, drugs, and alcohol. The Fishes are a sign of great fortune, but also a warning to set boundaries or luxury may lead to corruption.
The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
The Book
Realm of Water
The book keeps all the knowledge and consciousness inside. All this is present but not obvious or open. It means unconsciousness (dark colours and violet). It´s the opposite of the snake.
Wisdom, the Book of Life, facts, things are in good standing, learning, and the symbol of the teacher. The Book may represent a secret of great importance. This secret should be diligently sought after with an open mind, or you will gloss right over it.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
The Owls
Meditation, fantasy, further education, also two older people, perhaps a couple. Butterflies and nervous excitement. The Owls may indicate social fear and subsequent flight.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
The Flowers
A gift, love, friendship, celebration, high spirit, success, and upbeat emotions. The Bouquet signifies forming a positive attitude. This attitude gradually builds your confidence, leading to more and more success.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
The Child
The Child indicates youth, inexperience, naiveness, playfulness, and small size. The appearance of the Child may suggest a child coming into your life.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
The Park
Society, connection, peace, lack of worries, multi-faceted feelings, gatherings, and parties. The Park suggests loyal friends to share good times with.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
The Man
If you are a man, this is the card that represents you. All other cards in your reading are interpreted by their proximity to this card.
If you are a woman, this card represents a powerful man who will have a significant positive influence on your life: a friend, husband, significant other, boyfriend, love. Could also indicate action, aggressiveness, logic, or will-power.