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  Jack of Clubs |
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Hidden Influences  4 of Clubs |
External Influences  2 of Diamonds |
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The Present  Queen of Spades |
Suggestion  Queen of Hearts |
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The Past  8 of Spades |
The Outcome  Ace of Spades |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
8 of Spades
Not being able to see the forest for the trees is the general vibe of this card – overlooking the most obvious details. Something or someone may have diverted your attention. This card embodies deception, interference, misdirection, deceit, jealousy and gossip. Division in all things is indicated.
Queen of Spades
This symbolises a dark-haired woman who may be attractive, seductive, and/or unscrupulous. You should be on your toes because deception is in the air. Is it possible that you are deceiving yourself?
4 of Clubs
This signifies completion and fulfilment – the satisfaction of relaxation after a job well done. This can also mean the solidification of a bond.
Jack of Clubs
This can be a reliable friend, often considered generous, charismatic, and funny. On the other hand, he can be brash, proud, and overbearing. Most likely he is impatient.
2 of Diamonds
This can mean a major change is coming. It is possible that a great love affair may be indicated. If so, it is growing stronger, but opposition from outside sources may be growing just as quickly.
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.
Ace of Spades
The first card of the Spades suit suggests awakening to a new way of thinking, leading to a new level of personal awareness as well as spiritual awareness. The dawning of a new enlightenment.