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 ![]() Jack of Spades |
External Influences ![]() Jack of Hearts |
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The Present ![]() 7 of Diamonds |
Suggestion ![]() 7 of Clubs |
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The Past ![]() 3 of Spades |
The Outcome ![]() 7 of Spades |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
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.
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.
Jack of Spades
This symbolises a dark-haired young man who probably is not certain about what he wants. He may mean well, but his laziness is a hindrance to his team in matters of work. He has a lot of ideas but lacks the initiative to follow through.
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.
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 Clubs
This symbol of prosperity and honour suggests an uphill battle which you are more than capable of winning. The value of this experience can be incalculable in regards to both personal development and opening up new opportunities. However, this card can foretell the possibility of romantic interference.
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.