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 Clubs |
||
Hidden Influences ![]() 4 of Clubs |
External Influences ![]() King of Hearts |
|
The Present ![]() 10 of Spades |
Suggestion ![]() 6 of Clubs |
|
The Past ![]() 7 of Diamonds |
The Outcome ![]() 8 of Clubs |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
6 of Clubs
This card suggests a lucrative business partnership, and opportunities for success in business.
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.