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 Death |
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Hidden Influences![]() The Man |
External Influences![]() The Anchor |
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The Present![]() The Snake |
Suggestion![]() The Owls |
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The Past![]() The Rods |
The Outcome![]() The Fishes |
The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
The Rods
The Rods represent family quarrels, arguments, heated debate, domestic trouble, strife, cleansing by fire, consequences, and the number two and duality. This card indicates the need to make some significant changes in your domestic situation.
The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
The Snake
Realm of Air
The snake has been searching and learning for a long time. Tried this, tried that, and so came nearer and nearer to the truth. It means the highest consciousness (yellow and white) following a long way of experiences.
Temptations, dark forces, cunning, deviousness, earthly intelligence, lower nature, and biological urges. The Serpent may represent someone trying to trick you. Be wary of people trying to take advantage of you, who may lead you down the wrong path. If the cards surrounding this card are favourable to you, this is a sign that you may be the one who is being devious.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
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.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
The Death
You see a wreath, as we use at a burial. In the area of air thinking comes to an end, and the Ring(25) is gonna be split of in the four elements again.
Transformation, adaptation, major changes, secrets uncovered, beginnings, and endings. The Death foretells that something will be coming to an end, which means you will need to adapt.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
The Anchor
Lifestyle, foundation, roots, gravity, and security in work or relationships. The Anchor indicates a firm base of success and profit from your endeavours. Now is a good time to aggressively work towards your goals.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
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.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
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.