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 tiles 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. Tile #6 suggests a course of action to meet this challenge. The final tile shows the outcome or future, should this advice be followed.
Other clues are provided in Tiles #3 and #5, which indicate hidden or outside influences that come into play, affecting the journey to your goal.
Obstacle  Chrysanthemum |
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Hidden Influences  Bamboo 7 |
External Influences  Fall |
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The Present  Bamboo 2 |
Suggestion  Plum Blossom |
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The Past  Circles 5 |
The Outcome  West Wind |
The Past Tile represents past events that are affecting the question.
Circles 5
The Dragon tile embodies good fortune. It tends to mean a massive and sudden gain not tied to any specific efforts made on your part. This tile suggests that a pleasant surprise may be right around the corner.
Bamboo 2
The Duck symbolises enduring partnerships – long lasting relationships with the strength to overcome all obstacles. It suggests fidelity and trustworthiness, just as ducks are monogamous for life.
Bamboo 7
The Tortoise symbolises the world or universe and its consciousness of the self. This may be a time when it is best to move slowly. Patience will be important. This is a symbol of slow and steady progress, prosperity, and longevity.
Chrysanthemum
The Chrysanthemum is a symbol of entertainment and leisure time. Social activities will be happy and fulfilling. You might even want to take a vacation and have the time of your life.
Fall
The harvest depends upon the effort you put in. The Farmer represents massive gains through hard work and dedication. It is a sign of self-sufficiency, abundance, and generosity.
Plum Blossom
The Plum represents spring, youth, innocence, inexperience, and childlike happiness. It may be a sign that you need a fresh perspective on something. Something in your life may need to be re-evaluated.
West Wind
The West Wind tile signifies some kind of obstacle blocking your path that must be overcome before you can make true progress.
White, autumn, metal, tiger