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 Queen of Hearts |
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Hidden Influences The Lovers |
External Influences 5 of Clubs |
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The Present 7 of Diamonds |
Suggestion 3 of Clubs |
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The Past King of Diamonds |
The Outcome The Hanged One |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
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.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
7 of Diamonds
Paying attention to the finer detail or to what is actually present as opposed to what could be. Taking ownership of only what is needed, allowing excess or clutter fall to the way side. Possibility of lost opportunities due to too narrow of a focus on what is already present. Being happy and content with what you have, not wanting to chase anything that is not needed or necessary at this time.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
The Lovers
The Lovers card is a stage related to choice and decision-making. It represents how people of influence in our lives effect our choices, thus, it is a card that is also related to interpersonal relationships.
As the seeker, The Lovers card indicates a pivotal stage where the Seeker is faced with options but the challenge lies not in making the "Right" or "Wrong" decision. Rather is a reminder that the easy way out may not necessarily lead to a long-term solution.
As a situation, The Lovers card suggests weighing options not for hedonistic gain but long-term consequences.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Queen of Hearts
The ability to 'read' on an emotional level thus seeing what may be hidden from us (often classed as being able to see behind the mask). The ability utilises a different angle of approach thus having a deeper understanding in comparison to others who only have two dimensional abilities. Overcoming or conquering of fears. Taking control of emotions whereby calm can then ensue. This could indicate a person who keeps their feelings to themselves, preferring to only show what they feel comfortable in showing, with a lot happening below the surface.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
5 of Clubs
Dilemma of moving forward with a risk of something we value or cherish being left behind. Being held back through misguided ideas of unselfish service to others. When associated with selfish actions it can indicate an expectation that others will follow in our path or share in our chosen dream, even if it is not their destiny to do so.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
3 of Clubs
Leaving behind of constraints, or the use of our spiritual wings to soar higher. The confidence to stretch ourselves and reach higher than we thought was initially achievable. The keeping of our feet on the earth, where we focus on what is within reach as opposed to trying for something that is possibly beyond our means. Can also indicate not wanting to extend our abilities through fear of being met with failure.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
The Hanged One
This Hanged One is suspended in limbo but it is not a decision that is made in haste. This card suggests a stage where decisions are made based on unconditional sacrifice; without expectations of anything in return.
The seeker as The Hanged One may allow us to make choices that require some form of sacrifice; but they are made without conditions attached thus, it is an opportunity for growth and maturity.
The situation as The Hanged One suggests not making decisions in haste. If the outcome of any given situation depends on choices that we make; we may wish to reflect on how our contributions can and will influence the circumstances before making a move.
