Horse Shoe Layout
Difficulty: Easy
The Horse Shoe is a classic layout. It is more advanced than the three-tile 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 tiles in positions #1, #2, and #7, but also has four other tarot tiles that help the reader understand how to deal with the future better. The tiles 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 ![]() Circles 7 |
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Hidden Influences ![]() Orchid |
External Influences ![]() Wan 3 |
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The Present ![]() Circles 4 |
Suggestion ![]() Circles 5 |
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The Past ![]() Bamboo |
The Outcome ![]() Bamboo 7 |

The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Bamboo
Symbol: Scholarship
The Bamboo tile indicates an adaptable, useful spirit. The Bamboo tile is also associated with scholarly pursuits.

The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Circles 4
Symbol: Jade
The Jade tile indicates hard work resulting in spectacular results. Jade is thought to be an immortal stone to many. Therefore, is also denotes longevity of relationships, life and principled values.

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Orchid
Symbol: Refinement
The Orchid tile suggests there may be rare and refined experiences coming into your life. Enjoy them!

Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Circles 7
Symbol: Insect
The Insect tile indicates short-term gain through a short flurry of hectic work. It is important to realise that the gains the Insect tile offers are not lasting, or of long-term importance. At best they are a stopgap until more substantial goals come along.

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Wan 3
Symbol: Land
The Land tile suggests either a stable setting in which you are already thriving, or one that will exist in the near future. With stability your success and vision will grow.

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.�
Circles 5
Symbol: Dragon
The Dragon tile indicates good luck and large fortunes. Effort is not a prerequisite for the gain suggested by the Dragon tile. You cannot work towards acquiring the Dragon's gifts. They will come when they come, and will most likely be a surprise.

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Bamboo 7
Symbol: Tortoise
The Tortoise tile suggests impatience with the time certain aspects are taking to play themselves out. It is likely any open issues you may have will need extra attention and patience to resolve properly. The Tortoise also symbolises long life.