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  Berkano |
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Hidden Influences  Hagalaz |
External Influences  Ehwaz |
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The Present  Thurisaz |
Suggestion  Eihwaz |
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The Past  Laguz |
The Outcome  Wunjo |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
Laguz
Laguz reversed may mean sensual numbness and lack of creativity. Passivity, weakness, and lack of initiative can lead to stagnation.
Thurisaz
This rune is about walking the line and holding things in balance. There may be conflict, hardship and obstacles, but be assured that remaining focused and in control of yourself will make these difficulties easy. This rune symbolises protection from one's enemies.
Hagalaz
The sign of hail represents massive destruction and devastation. Times of chaos can be difficult to navigate, but there are times when disastrous disruption unfortunately become necessary. Do not allow yourself to get carried away in the storm.
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.
Ehwaz
The "Horse Rune" is a sign of adaptability, transition, movement and travels. You may be closing in on your goals. Most basically, this rune means progress.
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.
Wunjo
The reversal of this rune suggests tough times. Everyone hits a slump at some time or another. It speaks to one's strength of character as to how one meets such challenges. You will get through this and become stronger.