The seven-card Horse Shoe is a convenient, basic layout that can be used to answer different types of questions, especially concerning questions where insight would be helpful. Like several other spreads, it has cards representing the past, present, and future.
The pinnacle of the Horse Shoe, looking like the top of the mountain, shows the obstacle or challenge that needs to be addressed and overcome. Card #6 suggests a course of action to meet this challenge. The final card shows the outcome or future, should this advice be followed.
Other clues are provided in Cards #3 and #5, which indicate hidden or outside influences that come into play, affecting the journey to your goal.
Obstacle  4 of Diamonds |
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Hidden Influences  6 of Spades |
External Influences  Queen of Hearts |
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The Present  Ace of Hearts |
Suggestion  Jack of Diamonds |
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The Past  2 of Clubs |
The Outcome  10 of Spades |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
2 of Clubs
This is a symbol of ownership, territory, and concern with possessions. The energy of this card represents power and domination, but not necessarily with selfish intentions. Sometimes dominion can be mostly a matter of security, but this card reminds us to be careful concerning this matter.
Ace of Hearts
The first card of the Hearts suit suggests new attitudes opening one up to friendship, love, and personal contentment that can lead to a shared happiness between like-minded individuals.
6 of Spades
This symbolises a process at work that ultimately leads to success. It is a sign of reassurance that your method is sound, and that perseverance will certainly lead to success.
4 of Diamonds
Your place is established and you should feel secure in this. Changes for the better are suggested, perhaps an inheritance or upswing in business. Some of your so-called friends may reveal themselves as secret "haters" instead. Try not be hurt or offended by their shortcomings.
Queen of Hearts
This card suggests a fair-haired woman with a gentle and pleasant personality. She is almost stereotypically passive and receptive. This card is particularly influenced by the energies of the adjacent cards in a reading. She may have the heart of a poet.
Jack of Diamonds
This Jack symbolises a relative. This person may be self-interested. Be wary of a selfish, jealous, or unreliable family member's advice. Alternatively, this card could also represent a bearer of bad news.
10 of Spades
This is regarded as probably the worst symbol in the deck of playing cards. This card means absolute rock bottom, a period of mental breakdown and insanity. There will be an end to misery once the walls of your delusion fall to ruins. On the bright side, there will be a moment of clarity leading to rebirth.