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  Wan 6 |
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Hidden Influences  Bamboo |
External Influences  Bamboo 1 |
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The Present  West Wind |
Suggestion  Circles 9 |
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The Past  Bamboo 3 |
The Outcome  Bamboo 6 |
The Past Tile represents past events that are affecting the question.
Bamboo 3
The Toad represents an ugly time that cannot pass soon enough for you. However, you will get through these troubling times soon and all will be well. Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew.
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
Bamboo
The Bamboo tile symbolises school and times of learning. You may benefit from learning a new skill. This tile suggests that now is the ideal time for writing or teaching.
Wan 6
The Fire tile stands for inspiration, passion, and intelligence, but also warns of the potential great danger. To not heed the warning from this tile could result in disaster beyond your wildest imagination. Keep an eye on your resources. This tile indicates they may be in jeopardy.
Bamboo 1
The first tile of the mah-jong set represents success in general. At the same time the "peacock" also warns that success can lead to egotism and arrogance. A positive change in your life path is foretold.
Circles 9
The Unicorn means foresight and prophecy. It suggests a visionary with "psychic" abilities, one who is strongly connected to the spiritual source. It suggests the ability to quickly size up individuals and situations intuitively. A symbol of wisdom.
Bamboo 6
The Water tile is about communication and traveling. You may be looked to for advice on something regarding your unique experience.