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  9 of Spades |
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Hidden Influences  King of Diamonds |
External Influences  5 of Diamonds |
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The Present  8 of Clubs |
Suggestion  3 of Hearts |
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The Past  3 of Clubs |
The Outcome  Queen of Hearts |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
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.
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.
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.
9 of Spades
General orneriness and maliciousness are the vibes of this card. This symbolises a period of pain and suffering. There is a possibility of abuse. Be careful to avoid cruelty – both from yourself and others.
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.
3 of Hearts
This is the card of overflowing fertility and abundance. This can even mean addition to the family, as in pregnancy or adoption. Kindness, hospitality, and creativity come with this sign.
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.