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![]() Nine of Spades |
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Hidden Influences![]() Six of Spades |
External Influences![]() Five of Diamonds |
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The Present![]() Queen of Hearts |
Suggestion![]() Two of Spades |
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The Past![]() Nine of Hearts |
The Outcome![]() Two of Clubs |
The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
Nine of Hearts
Happiness (Jupiter in Pisces): Effusive and expansive, the Nine of Hearts is a celebration of emotional well-being and the deep-seated joy that comes from embracing life's mysteries. Guided by the benevolent energy of Jupiter in Pisces, it signifies a state of bliss and inner harmony, where love, compassion, and gratitude infuse every moment. This card invites you to bask in the glow of happiness, celebrate your successes, and share your radiance with those around you.
The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Queen of Hearts
Cancer: A luminous, poetic soul, she exudes a dreamy and tranquil sensitivity that enchants all who come near. Deeply receptive, her nurturing nature is both a wellspring of inspiration and, at times, dependent on the energies surrounding her. She invites you to explore your inner landscape with creativity and compassion while maintaining the strength to stand on your own.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Six of Spades
Science (Mercury in Aquarius): In the precise, methodical energy of Mercury in Aquarius, the Six of Spades represents the culmination of intellectual endeavours. This card heralds the successful alignment of thought, analysis, and innovative insight—where every faculty converges on a clear, singular truth. It symbolises that through reason and collective understanding, even the most challenging problems can be dissected and resolved, paving the way for progress grounded in rationality.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Nine of Spades
Cruelty (Mars in Gemini): The Nine of Spades confronts you with a raw depiction of suffering and malice. Infused with the aggressive energy of Mars in Gemini, it reveals the darker facets of human interaction—lies, despair, and the infliction of pain borne from both external conflict and inner turmoil. This card acts as a stark reminder of the perils of untempered aggression and the importance of compassion, encouraging you to transform harshness into healing when faced with cruelty.
Suffering, pain, malice, loss, lies, despair, slander.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Five of Diamonds
Worry (Mercury in Taurus): The Five of Diamonds channels the cautionary energy of Mercury in Taurus, highlighting the strain that accompanies periods of stagnation or disruption in material pursuits. It speaks to the anxiety and potential loss that may arise from inertia or poorly timed ventures. This card advises you to address your concerns through practical reflection and clear communication—acknowledging that even moments of worry hold lessons that, once learned, can fortify your future efforts.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Two of Spades
Peace (Moon in Libra): In the delicate balance of the Two of Spades, contradictory qualities converge to form a fragile equilibrium. Influenced by the reflective Moon in Libra, this card speaks of reconciliation and the emergence of calm after strife. It suggests that true peace can arise from the integration of opposing forces—an eventual harmony where past conflicts settle into a state of bittersweet resolution and renewed understanding.
Pleasure after pain. Quarrel resolved.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Two of Clubs
Dominion (Mars in Aries): Exuding the assertive power of Mars in Aries, the Two of Clubs represents the clash and union of dynamic forces. It is a call to claim your domain with courage and decisiveness. This card speaks of emerging strength through bold action. It challenges you to balance assertiveness with strategic influence, reminding you that dominion arises when fierce determination is tempered with self-mastery and purpose.
Influence, courage, boldness, fierceness.