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  10 of Hearts |
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Hidden Influences  Ace of Spades |
External Influences  Jack of Clubs |
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The Present  Ace of Clubs |
Suggestion  4 of Clubs |
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The Past  King of Spades |
The Outcome  10 of Spades |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
King of Spades
This represents a dark-haired man of great ambition. He is accustomed to success and usually gets what he wants. He is very active, skilful, and clever, but can also be deceitful. At worst, he may be a tyrant in waiting.
Ace of Clubs
The first card of the Clubs suit suggests that there will be a new project leading to a string a successes and professional achievements. It reminds you that you have the power to exercise initiative, that you are in control.
Ace of Spades
The first card of the Spades suit suggests awakening to a new way of thinking, leading to a new level of personal awareness as well as spiritual awareness. The dawning of a new enlightenment.
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.
Jack of Clubs
This can be a reliable friend, often considered generous, charismatic, and funny. On the other hand, he can be brash, proud, and overbearing. Most likely he is impatient.
4 of Clubs
This signifies completion and fulfilment – the satisfaction of relaxation after a job well done. This can also mean the solidification of a bond.
10 of Spades
This is regarded as probably the worst symbol in the deck of playing cards. This card means absolute rock bottom, a period of mental breakdown and insanity. There will be an end to misery once the walls of your delusion fall to ruins. On the bright side, there will be a moment of clarity leading to rebirth.