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  Elhaz |
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Hidden Influences  Jera |
External Influences  Hagalaz |
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The Present  Laguz |
Suggestion  Fehu |
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The Past  Raidho |
The Outcome  Mannaz |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mannaz
This sign indicates a down time, perhaps depression. Now may not be the best time to make important decisions. If you are not thinking clearly, put your trust in those you have always trusted. This may not be the best time to make new friends.