The Horseshoe aka the Goldilocks of Tarot Spreads

The 7 card Horseshoe is considered, the “Goldilocks,” of Tarot spreads, not too long, not too short, just right. Discovery of this spread really streamlined my professional Tarot readings.

I began my professional Tarot readings exclusively using the 10 card Celtic Cross spread for both my face to face, and email Tarot readings, but eventually switched to the Horseshoe spread.

The historic and iconic Celtic Cross spread is considered, the ”Gold Standard,” because its 10 cards give a great deal of insight into the Querent’s (reading requester’s) question. However, I soon became weary of typing up interpretations for 10 cards for my professional email readings.

I also received some comments from Querents, who didn’t care to hear/read so much of what they already knew, e.g., their thoughts, feelings, attitude, hopes or fears regarding their question. They were referring to 4 of the card positions in the Celtic Cross spread.

I was then delighted to discover the 7 card Horseshoe spread, that omits 3 of the Celtic Cross spread’s redundant cards, keeping only the Attitude card. I find the Horseshoe spread’s 7 cards to give ample insight into the Querent’s question, and take less time to type up for an email reading, to boot. Score!

For these very reasons the Horseshoe spread is now my go to spread for both my face to face, and email professional Tarot readings.

The Horseshoe Spread

1. Recent Past
2. Present
3. Near Future
4. Surrounding Energies
5. Your Attitude
6. Outcome
7. Answer/Advice

I should note that, like most well worn Tarot spreads, there are many versions floating around, with substitutions for some of the card positions, or laid out with the horseshoe shape pointing upwards.

As far as versatility, the Horseshoe spread is well suited for just about any reading topic, whether it be the Querent’s relationship, carreer, finances, Spiritual path, or Life Purpose, etc. I use this spread for virtually every topic. If you haven’t already, I hope you will give the Horseshoe spread a try. Happy Taroting!

Note: To book a professional Tarot reading with Jeannette see our Book a Reading page.