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 Emperor |
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Hidden Influences![]() 5 of Wands |
External Influences![]() 7 of Wands |
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The Present![]() 6 of Cups |
Suggestion![]() The Moon |
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The Past![]() 5 of Swords |
The Outcome![]() 4 of Cups |
The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
5 of Swords
An homage to Bosch and Bruegel, and a card symbolic of victory to the well-armed and pain to the unprepared or unwilling to defend.
The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
6 of Cups
I have no clue what I was thinking on this one. No clue, but if this card comes into play, remember to watch the horizon.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
5 of Wands
The means may be grotesque, but if they get you what you want you'd do well to use them.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
The Emperor
In this case King Sargon of Akkad. A great ruler in his own time rarely even makes the history books in ours.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
7 of Wands
The BLOB! The blob has taken the streets! It's reproducing, the blob will kill us all!!! THE BLOOOOB!!!!!!!!!!
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
The Moon
Tranquillity, calm, beauty, and for some reason I never understood, lobster. Don't ask me, blame antiquity.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
4 of Cups
When you order people to do something, be certain that your orders are clear.