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![]() 5 of Pentacles |
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Hidden Influences![]() Ace of Wands |
External Influences![]() 2 of Swords |
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The Present![]() The Sorcerer |
Suggestion![]() 8 of Wands |
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The Past![]() 5 of Wands |
The Outcome![]() King of Wands |
The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
5 of Wands
The means may be grotesque, but if they get you what you want you'd do well to use them.
The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
The Sorcerer
AKA The Magician in traditional Tarot.
The sort of guy who knows, wills, dares and keeps his mouth shut.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
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.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
5 of Pentacles
Air conditioning is not a luxury, it's one of the most important things humankind ever invented. Comfort too is not to be taken lightly, if you aren't comfortable you can't enjoy what's before you, and if you can't enjoy what you've got, what's the point in living?
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
2 of Swords
There is nothing that can't be destroyed by a powerful enough weapon, but be sure you have the right weapon for the job.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
8 of Wands
The means by which you arrive are not necessarily the means by which you'll stay.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
King of Wands
Money is the king of all motivators. There is nothing in this world enough money can't buy. The people who tell you otherwise clearly don't have enough of it.