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  Circles 6 |
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Hidden Influences  Circles 1 |
External Influences  Bamboo |
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The Present  Summer |
Suggestion  Bamboo 6 |
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The Past  Bamboo 9 |
The Outcome  Fall |
The Past Tile represents past events that are affecting the question.
Bamboo 9
The Willow stands for diplomacy and adaptability, especially regarding tough times and harsh environments. Strength and flexibility are traits of this sign, as the willow bends but will not break. This sign often foretells a need for compromise.
Summer
The Woodcutter represents success through activity. The woodcutter puts Fire, Wood and Metal to work for him in his craft. He represents skilled labour, ambition, and creativity.
Circles 1
The Pearl symbolises attainment luxury and wealth. It also warns of the need for humility. Do not allow things to go to your head or you may inadvertently squander your blessing and lose the respect of those around you.
Circles 6
The Peach stands for feminine beauty, extravagance, and unfortunately indolence. It means femininity in general, and more specifically suggests that a particular woman is a factor in this reading.
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.
Fall
The harvest depends upon the effort you put in. The Farmer represents massive gains through hard work and dedication. It is a sign of self-sufficiency, abundance, and generosity.