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![]() Ace of Wands |
||
Hidden Influences![]() 3 of Pentacles |
External Influences![]() 4 of Cups |
|
The Present![]() 10 of Wands |
Suggestion![]() 4 of Pentacles |
|
The Past![]() 9 of Wands |
The Outcome![]() 5 of Wands |
The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
9 of Wands
Thank you Mario, but your princess is in another castle. Besides, this one's blocked by a cypress tree fence. Lofty goals are nothing if you can't get to them.
The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
10 of Wands
The average Tarowandian can spend up to 65% of its life span brushing its teeth. No matter what the fates bring, never forget to brush your teeth twice a day and floss. Also be sure to see a dentist twice a year to check for cavities, and brush your gums too to maintain a healthy pink colour. Red gums mean you may be susceptible to GINGIVITIS.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
3 of Pentacles
Nature grows in the most desolate, diseased places. Study how nature does it to survive your own climate.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Ace of Wands
A wand is a means to a magical end. If you don't like what you're seeing, use yours to change the channel.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
4 of Cups
When you order people to do something, be certain that your orders are clear.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
4 of Pentacles
It doesn't always come out the way you wanted. That doesn't mean you can't still enjoy it.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
5 of Wands
The means may be grotesque, but if they get you what you want you'd do well to use them.