Spiritually, we can link the horseshoe with a talisman or amulet that protects us and our personal space. The crescent form of the horseshoe links the symbol to pagan Moon goddesses of ancient Europe such as Artemis and Diana, and the protection invoked is that of the goddess herself. The horseshoe is always taken as a lucky symbol and, traditionally, if it is turned upwards it represents the moon and protection from all aspects of evil. When turned downwards, the power is reputed to 'drain out' and therefore be unlucky. In ordinary everyday life, symbols that have a long history become fixed in, and used by, our unconscious - often to represent other happier times or times when there has been more happening. Nailing an iron horseshoe to a door is said to repel evil spirits, ghosts and witches, iron being a folkloric specific against such things. It will generally have this significance in dreams; each belief system has developed its own particular myths and stories. The horseshoe is also connected as a lucky symbol to weddings. Traditionally, dreaming of a horseshoe indicated there would shortly be a wedding in your family or peer group. Nowadays it is more likely to signify the commitment of a meaningful relationship. You might also like to consult the entries for Iron, Goddess/Goddesses, Moon and Wedding/Wedding Dress/Wedding Ring.