Seven-card Horseshoe
A storytelling spread from past to outcome, including hidden influences and obstacles.
5 min read
By the end you'll
- Know the meaning of the 7 Horseshoe positions
- Read the middle card, the turning point of the story
The 7-card Horseshoe is laid out in a V shape and tells the story from the past through to the outcome. It suits questions that need an overview, timing, and things to watch out for.
- 1 Past · 2 Present · 3 Near future: the main timeline
- 4 Hidden influences: factors the querent can't see, often the key to the whole matter
- 5 Others around you: influence from other people
- 6 Obstacles: what has to be overcome
- 7 Outcome: where things are heading if they carry on as they are
Reading order
- Read the timeline, cards 1–3, to see the direction
- Read card 4 and ask how it changes your understanding of the matter
- Read cards 5–6 as outside forces
- Sum up with card 7, with conditions taken from card 6
Tip: Card 4, at the bottom of the horseshoe, is the turning point. Read it well and the whole spread falls into place. See the full example in the Lv4 lesson.
Summary
- 1–3 are the timeline
- 4 is the key
- 6 sets the conditions for the outcome in card 7