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 ![]() Ace of Diamonds |
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Hidden Influences ![]() Two of Hearts |
External Influences ![]() Five of Diamonds |
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The Present ![]() Six of Spades |
Suggestion ![]() Six of Hearts |
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The Past ![]() King of Spades |
The Outcome ![]() Three of Clubs |

The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
King of Spades
Gemini
An active, skilful, witty, clever, fierce man.

The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Six of Spades
'Science'
Mercury in AquariusA goal realised. All intellectual faculties agree on the matter at heart.

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Two of Hearts
'Love'
Venus in CancerPerfect harmony between male and female radiates warmth and ecstasy. Love, union, friendship, warmth, comfort, passion, affinity, intercourse.

Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Ace of Diamonds
The Root of Earth
Materialistic concerns, contentment, earthly power and success.

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Five of Diamonds
'Worry'
Mercury in TaurusIntense strain accompanying a period of inactivity. Anxiety, loss.

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.�
Six of Hearts
'Pleasure'
Sun in ScorpioNatural harmony, satisfaction, beginnings of steady increase

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Three of Clubs
'Virtue'
Sun in AriesRealisation of hope. Noble cause. Pride and arrogance.