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 layouts, it has tiles 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. Tile #6 suggests a course of action to meet this challenge. The final tile shows the outcome or future, should this advice be followed.
Other clues are provided in Tiles #3 and #5, which indicate hidden or outside influences that come into play, affecting the journey to your goal.
Obstacle  South Wind |
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Hidden Influences  Bamboo 5 |
External Influences  Bamboo |
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The Present  Bamboo 8 |
Suggestion  Bamboo 6 |
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The Past  Wan 1 |
The Outcome  Wan 7 |
The Past Tile represents past events that are affecting the question.
Wan 1
The Entering tile suggests that although doors may be closed to you at the moment, they will soon begin to open. You will soon overcome the ideas that have been blocking you. Opportunities are coming, so be prepared to take advantage of them.
Bamboo 8
The Mushroom represents variety and uniqueness. It reminds that surprises can spring up anyplace at any time and leave lasting impressions. Persistence, progress, and regeneration are strong with this sign.
Bamboo 5
The Lotus flower represents fertility and more specifically birth. It may indicate an addition to the family or perhaps a new project to occupy your days. This is also a symbol of healing and constant regeneration, also self-sufficiency.
South Wind
The South Wind tile is a particularly favourable sign. It foretells an end to problems allowing for new progress.
Red, summer, fire, phoenix
Bamboo
The Bamboo tile symbolises school and times of learning. You may benefit from learning a new skill. This tile suggests that now is the ideal time for writing or teaching.
Bamboo 6
The Water tile is about communication and traveling. You may be looked to for advice on something regarding your unique experience.
Wan 7
The Seven Stars tile indicates imagination, creativity, and inspiration. This is the time to apply your creativity, to let your imagination run wild. You are the creator of your own future.