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 Diamonds |
||
Hidden Influences  8 of Hearts |
External Influences  King of Diamonds |
|
The Present  5 of Hearts |
Suggestion  Queen of Hearts |
|
The Past  3 of Hearts |
The Outcome  Queen of Clubs |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
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.
5 of Hearts
This card means dissatisfaction and disappointment. Expectations have not been lived up to. This state of mind indicates confusion and indecisiveness. This is also a card of jealousy. jealousy, inability to make a decision, disappointment
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.
9 of Diamonds
Material gains are heralded by this card. There will be an increase in resources through accomplishment or inheritance, or perhaps some other surprise. Business may pick up.
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.
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.
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.