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  Laguz |
External Influences  Berkano |
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The Present  Ansuz |
Suggestion  Ehwaz |
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The Past  Jera |
The Outcome  Gebo |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
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.
Ansuz
Ansuz represents one's spiritual connection the universe. Some call it the "God Rune," which embodies reason, truth and justice. This may be a sign of your connection to your higher self-strengthening.
Laguz
Laguz reversed may mean sensual numbness and lack of creativity. Passivity, weakness, and lack of initiative can lead to stagnation.
Elhaz
It would be wise to watch out for hidden traps. It is a great time to search yourself for weaknesses and fill the gaps where necessary.
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.
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.
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.