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 Hearts |
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Hidden Influences![]() Joker |
External Influences![]() Five of Spades |
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The Present![]() Jack of Diamonds |
Suggestion![]() Queen of Diamonds |
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The Past![]() Queen of Clubs |
The Outcome![]() Three of Hearts |
The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
Queen of Clubs
Aries: Radiating a calm yet potent presence, she blends serene attractiveness with the dynamic drive of Aries. Her relaxed strength and persistence make her a formidable force, though she shows little tolerance for opposition. She encourages you to stand firm in your convictions, adapting with grace while asserting your will in pursuit of creative endeavours.
Strength relaxed. Persistent, adaptive, but intolerant of opposition.
The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Jack of Diamonds
Taurus: The Jack of Diamonds embodies youthful practicality and a keen sense for the material world. Representing a person skilled in pragmatic affairs, he is dependable, resourceful, and attuned to the tangible aspects of life. This card may indicate a youthful figure—perhaps a messenger or a guide—who values stability and efficiency, yet may find himself at odds with more spiritual or abstract perspectives.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Joker
The Joker exudes playful disruption and unexpected vitality. It invites you to break free from the routine and consider that sometimes a sudden change can lead to new opportunities. It encourages a bold, creative stance—urging you to experiment with unconventional approaches and trust in the energy of spontaneity.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
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.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Five of Spades
Defeat (Venus in Aquarius): The Five of Spades embodies the sting of loss and the undercurrents of malice that can fracture resolve. With Venus in Aquarius tinting its energy, this card reflects moments of weakness and spite—times when external pressures and internal conflicts sap your strength. It cautions that defeat might be a necessary, though painful, lesson, urging you to recognise vulnerability as a stepping stone towards reclaiming dignity and reasserting your personal integrity.
Weakness, loss, spite, malice, trouble, dishonour, anxiety. A driver of wedges.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Queen of Diamonds
Capricorn: The Queen of Diamonds exudes a grounded, nurturing power that is both practical and affectionate. Her influence is marked by a sense of duty and well-cultivated charm that brings warmth to even the most restrictive environments. She symbolises a person—or an energy—who combines the rigour of material success with kindness, nurturing the prosperity of those around her while maintaining a firm grasp on reality.
A practical, kind, domesticated, affectionate, charming woman
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Three of Hearts
Abundance (Mercury in Cancer): Overflowing with the energy of creative fertility, the Three of Hearts celebrates the fullness of life. It speaks of bountiful emotional riches, the nurturing of relationships, and the joy found in shared kindness and hospitality. This card encourages you to embrace generosity and allow your heart to be a wellspring of inspiration, fostering growth and fulfilment in both personal and communal realms.
Fulfilment, conclusion, plenty, fertility, hospitality, kindness, creation.