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  2 of Clubs |
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Hidden Influences  8 of Diamonds |
External Influences  3 of Spades |
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The Present  King of Diamonds |
Suggestion  Jack of Hearts |
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The Past  King of Hearts |
The Outcome  7 of Diamonds |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
King of Hearts
This represents a fair-haired man. He is honest but impetuous. He tends to be hasty and not think his decisions through. Therefore, one should be wary of accepting any advice from him.
King of Diamonds
This symbolises a fair-haired man who has natural magnetism in pursuits of material gain. He may be a skilful farmer, builder, natural scientist, or business man. In his stubbornness he may appear dull or unsophisticated to some.
8 of Diamonds
This card suggests knowledge of construction, agriculture, or material affairs. There is a slow and steady, unwavering progression – perhaps one who is late to bloom or saving the best for last.
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.
3 of Spades
This sign represents sorrow and sadness. It could indicate a relationship gone wrong, bad feelings, or break ups. Discord and melancholy are indicated by this card. However, if other hearts are adjacent to this card, it means faithfulness and honesty in relationships of all kinds.
Jack of Hearts
This Jack indicates a fair-haired younger person whether male or female. This may be a kind, attractive, and romantic person. Perhaps this represents a close friend. This person may appear calm and cool, but under the surface they are concealing a brooding passion.
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.