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![]() 3 of Spades |
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Hidden Influences![]() 6 of Hearts |
External Influences![]() The Lovers |
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The Present![]() 7 of Diamonds |
Suggestion![]() 2 of Diamonds |
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The Past![]() 9 of Diamonds |
The Outcome![]() 9 of Clubs |
The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
9 of Diamonds
The emptying of your life or environment of anything that is surplus to requirement, or no longer has relevance. Reflecting on what has gone, not realising there is still much to be gained in other ways. Lack of preparation for a journey or destination whereby there may be an expectation for everything to be provided to you instead of by you. The emotion of disappointment now in passing, with a readiness to learn from the experience before moving on.
The Present 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.
6 of Hearts
Taking stock of yourself and where you have come from. This may give an indication of what is to come. Seeing yourself or others around you with eyes wide open, thus being aware of issues previously hidden. Being objective when viewing your previous actions, and by keeping emotion out of the equation it can lead to constructive enlightenment. Having no regret of previous actions, but acknowledgement of the fact they can prove to be valid life lessons for the future.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
3 of Spades
Loss of faith or believe, a pessimistic outlook in general. Internalising of negative emotions. A numbing of the soul or spirit to the extent we also become numbed to the pain or hurt that comes from external sources. The need to use insight to identify the real cause of pain or upset, as opposed to misperceived sources. The urge to cut within in order to release harmful or negative emotions.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
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.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
2 of Diamonds
Being met with choices or options although there is no clear indication as to which alternative will prove to be the most beneficial. Offering of a choice to another but without giving due guidance as to repercussions of each on offer. Insight may be the key to success. Being wary of what is on offer, questioning the motives behind what is being presented.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
9 of Clubs
Standing together with others in order to deal with any eventuality or obstacle. This can also indicate you are about to encounter an obstacle of your own which may not be easy to dispel with. The need to consider an approach before you actually encounter the obstacle, so as to be best prepared. The encountering of intense opposition.