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 runes 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. Rune #6 suggests a course of action to meet this challenge. The final rune shows the outcome or future, should this advice be followed.
Other clues are provided in Runes #3 and #5, which indicate hidden or outside influences that come into play, affecting the journey to your goal.
Obstacle  Dagaz |
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Hidden Influences  Raidho |
External Influences  Laguz |
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The Present  Tiwaz |
Suggestion  Gebo |
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The Past  Berkano |
The Outcome  Othala |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
Berkano
The Rune of birth may symbolise a time of great personal insight and development. Naturally this is also a sign of abundance and fertility, so love may very well be in the air.
Tiwaz
The Warrior Rune represents pure, masculine power and the ability to fight for what you want and win it. Be careful to mitigate your aggression, as the cost of attaining your goals can outweigh the gains.
Raidho
You may be embarking on some type of journey soon, whether it be actually traveling to a new place or a spiritual journey. This journey represents a major change.
Dagaz
Dagaz represents the first rays of a new dawn. You are on the verge of some kind of breakthrough. You have the will and the ability to change reality. You may experience a period of lucidity that borders on the surreal.
Laguz
The feminine rune stands for strong fertility, as in deep sensuality. Laguz represents the life cycle of water in its different forms – constant renewal and rebirth. Femininity and intuition.
Gebo
When gifts are given, be careful to consider unseen obligations. This rune suggests strong bonds with others. It often refers to family, deep friendships, and even marriage.
Othala
Othala reversed represents chaos and hopelessness. A general lack of roots can even lead to homelessness. Take care of that which you have, or you could end up losing more than you can imagine.