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  Fehu |
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Hidden Influences  Ansuz |
External Influences  Jera |
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The Present  Raidho |
Suggestion  Ehwaz |
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The Past  Dagaz |
The Outcome  Eihwaz |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
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.
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.
Ansuz
This signifies communication difficulties. Disconnection with the self may lead to missed opportunities and personal failures. In times of uncertainty, do not give in to rumour.
Fehu
Fehu reversed represents infertility and stagnation. Don't let sluggishness keep you down. You can force yourself through this writer's block.
Jera
This rune literally means "year" and stands for the harvest of a good year's labours. It represents a permanent change for the better. Jera denotes fruitful, recurring cycles, and strong fertility.
Ehwaz
Ehwaz reversed indicates boredom and restlessness. Although you may hunger for something different, do not act in haste. Wait patiently for the right opportunity to present itself.
Eihwaz
Do not allow yourself to give in to confusion. That which you have built may be in jeopardy of crumbling. During times of weakness, we often discover what we are made of.