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![]() 7 of Spades |
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Hidden Influences![]() 9 of Hearts |
External Influences![]() King of Diamonds |
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The Present![]() The Devil |
Suggestion![]() The Magician |
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The Past![]() Jack of Clubs |
The Outcome![]() 10 of Diamonds |
The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
Jack of Clubs
By nature a tendency to be impetuous or to be easily distracted. The characteristic of acting first and thinking later. A tendency to not think through repercussions of actions. A person who may not feel any sense of fear, and will tackle any task with vigour and enthusiasm.
The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
The Devil
The Devil is a whisper that comes from the depths of our heart; for what is temptation but a weakness most exploited by our desire.
As the seeker, The Devil suggests an attachment that has become unhealthy; therefore, we may need to explore what it is we have bound ourselves to and what that object of our desire represents to us before we are able to free ourselves from it.
As a situation, The Devil card advices us to be aware of becoming too involved; to the extent we are unable to perceive the situation clearly. As such, we may need to ask ourselves if decisions made are based on instant gratification or out of necessity.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
9 of Hearts
Personal nurturing whereby the true spirit has the chance to emerge and subsequently flourish. Replacing of negative thoughts and emotions of the self with more positive ones. Understanding that love of the self is more important than the love that is offered to another. Having confidence in showing to the world and those around you your emotional self as well as your physical self.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
7 of Spades
Being manipulated or being manipulative of others with no sound basis or objective for that manipulation. Turning against another who is actually on your side yet is being treated as a type of enemy. Waiting for an opportune moment to disadvantage another. Breakdown in communication leading to a standoff. Mistrust of another person or their motives.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
King of Diamonds
Making do with what you have at hand. Growing or cultivating for yourself, lessening the burden on others to provide for you. Create a sense of discipline and order with everything being in its appropriate place. Keeping of a level head, or having your feet on the ground when considering what is important in life. This could indicate a person who is very good regulating their financial or material life, identifying with and working with any fluctuations around them.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
The Magician
The Magician card indicates an initiation; it is a beginning in the process of creation. The tools are laid out; The Magician is not lacking in skill but in experience thus, the method used may be questionable. It is a stage of self-mastery and success will depend on how The Magician utilises both skill and tools laid out before him.
In a situation, The Magician card suggests a stage of active involvement and the need to evaluate options before making decisions.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
10 of Diamonds
If the main focus is the elderly gentleman there could be an indication of taking an objective view of previous actions or relationships. If the main focus is the kneeling figure, it could show there is a pull to hang onto childhood or anything represented by childhood. Alternatively, it could show the turning of a back on material gains with an acknowledgement that friends and family are more important. If the main focal point is the child itself, it may indicate innocence and childhood are about to be left behind, but with no fear being shown in relation to the forthcoming changes.