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  7 of Spades |
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Hidden Influences  8 of Hearts |
External Influences  6 of Spades |
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The Present  10 of Clubs |
Suggestion  8 of Clubs |
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The Past  King of Clubs |
The Outcome  Queen of Clubs |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
King of Clubs
The king signifies a dark-haired man. He is generous, faithful, open-minded and honest, though he can sometimes let pride go to his head. At his worst, he can unfortunately project his own repressions onto others.
10 of Clubs
This suggests you may have good fortune but at a cost greater than your gain. Be careful of the possibility of abuse. Do not allow malice or cruelty to take root in your soul. This card can mean entrapment, even imprisonment.
8 of Hearts
This card could represent either invitations or partings. Instability and the abandonment of success are indicated. There may be minor victories coupled with setbacks. At least the glass can be filled half way, so try to look on the bright side.
7 of Spades
This signifies a battle where your prospects are not good. The best you could hope for in this circumstance is a narrow victory costing at least as much as anything gained. More likely this battle is hopeless, though this is often difficult to accept.
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.
8 of Clubs
This card represents surprises that can suddenly appear out of nowhere. It symbolises explosive energy and suddenness. It can also suggest that meditation would be highly conductive at this time.
Queen of Clubs
This queen represents a dark-haired woman. Her traits include strength of character, attractiveness, and helpfulness. She is a nice person but can sometimes be temperamental.