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![]() The Norn |
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Hidden Influences![]() 7 of Pentacles |
External Influences![]() 10 of Swords |
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The Present![]() 7 of Swords |
Suggestion![]() 5 of Cups |
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The Past![]() 6 of Wands |
The Outcome![]() Page of Cups |
The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
6 of Wands
If you're stuck, the first step to freedom is to examine what's holding you in place.
The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
7 of Swords
An Homage to Kurosawa. Seven swords belonging to seven Samurai.
In a realistic movie, even masters can die, and life has a tendency to move like the most implausible plot.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
7 of Pentacles
'And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof'. –Rev 5:5
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
The Norn
2:00 – Card 10
AKA The Wheel of Fortune in traditional Tarot. Female, Air, Gemini.
Symbolic of fate, and what is fate but change? Everything changes in time; change is the only constant. What one cannot control one must predict, and act in accordance with. Opposition to the inevitable yields only pain.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
10 of Swords
Classic iconography. Classic significance: Absolute destruction.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
5 of Cups
The problem with a hand of glory is that wax melts and glory fades.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Page of Cups
AKA Jack of Hearts in traditional playing cards. One eyed as a result. If the world seems backwards, it's not.
The world is right where it's always been, it's more likely yourself that's gotten turned around. Nah just kidding, the world's gone nuts. Deal with it as best you can and don't forget which way is up – It's the opposite of the way your tears fall.