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  Wyrd |
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Hidden Influences  Eihwaz |
External Influences  Isa |
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The Present  Berkano |
Suggestion  Fehu |
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The Past  Perthro |
The Outcome  Elhaz |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
Perthro
The "Gambler's Rune" reversal warns that this is not a good time to take risks. Games of chance are not favoured. Do not give in to loneliness and despair.
Berkano
Your life may not seem so clear to you during this time. Berkano reversed may mean dissatisfaction and problems with the family. Someone might not be pulling their weight. Be careful to protect that which is yours.
Eihwaz
Eihwaz represents the Yew tree and its incredible strength and flexibility. While the Yew may bend, it does not break. It suggests that you are on the right course and have the strength and ability to meet your goals.
Wyrd
Used only in rune casts, Wyrd is not part of the runic alphabet. When this rune appears, it often symbolises a major change. If this rune is drawn in a single-rune cast, it suggests to ask this question again at a later time.
Isa
The Ice Rune represents stagnation and a cold, passionless reality. Your life may seem to be going nowhere at the moment, but if you persevere you will soon move on to better days.
Fehu
This is one of the mother stones – the rune of unbridled creative energies. Being associated with Frey, this Rune is a powerful omen of fertility. The presence of this rune in a reading only adds weight to its meaning.
Elhaz
This rune is about the thrill of the hunt. You have the power and stability to support and protect those near you. You have what it takes to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals.