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  5 of Diamonds |
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Hidden Influences  3 of Clubs |
External Influences  10 of Hearts |
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The Present  2 of Hearts |
Suggestion  Queen of Hearts |
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The Past  2 of Clubs |
The Outcome  7 of Diamonds |
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.
2 of Hearts
This card symbolises harmony and good feelings, even love. Fulfilment of the heart is often connected to relationships with others, but can also come from activities we deeply enjoy. Either way, this symbol stands for strong feelings.
3 of Clubs
Strong, enduring partnerships are indicated by the presence of this card. No matter which type of relationship this card refers to, it suggests a bond with great longevity.
5 of Diamonds
This is a symbol of bad mind. Thinking too much about trivial concerns wastes vital energy. To make matters worse, one's thoughts are the basis of their reality, so always keep in mind that worry and fear can actively cause harm in your life if you can't learn to control your thoughts and manifestations.
10 of Hearts
This sign indicates pleasures fulfilled yet somehow incomplete. A brooding passion overflows beyond the limits some are willing to accept. Insatiability is indicated by the presence of this card.
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.
7 of Diamonds
This represents an unfortunate time of loss. Losing is indicated – as in bad luck at gambling, fighting and losing, or building towards the construction of a monumental failure. Sometimes it may be better to just give up.