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  Orchid |
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Hidden Influences  Wan 2 |
External Influences  Chrysanthemum |
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The Present  Wan 5 |
Suggestion  Circles 1 |
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The Past  Bamboo 4 |
The Outcome  White Dragon |
The Past Tile represents past events that are affecting the question.
Bamboo 4
The Carp signifies peace, contentment, tranquillity, and freedom from the pressures of everyday life. The tile's vibrant colours symbolise a gain of material and/or spiritual wealth.
Wan 5
The House stands not for the family, but for the place of dwelling itself, its architecture and character. Depending upon your past, the house can represent a place of love and shelter or a place of confinement and torment.
Wan 2
The Sword stands for an important decision you will need to make. You must be careful to use balance as you weigh your decision, or risk damage to yourself if not others.
Orchid
The Orchid represents refinement, luxury, and the attainment of rare and precious things. Enjoy these times, but be careful not to give it to excess.
Chrysanthemum
The Chrysanthemum is a symbol of entertainment and leisure time. Social activities will be happy and fulfilling. You might even want to take a vacation and have the time of your life.
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.
White Dragon
The White Dragon represents the unknown mysterious influences of the universe at work. Unknown factors may come into play, so be prepared for potential surprises.