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  Bamboo |
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Hidden Influences  Circles 8 |
External Influences  West Wind |
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The Present  Wan 5 |
Suggestion  Wan 9 |
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The Past  Bamboo 8 |
The Outcome  Wan 4 |
The Past Tile represents past events that are affecting the question.
Bamboo 8
The Mushroom represents variety and uniqueness. It reminds that surprises can spring up anyplace at any time and leave lasting impressions. Persistence, progress, and regeneration are strong with this sign.
Wan 5
The House stands not for the family, but for the place of dwelling itself, its architecture and character. Depending upon your past, the house can represent a place of love and shelter or a place of confinement and torment.
Circles 8
The White Tiger is a masculine symbol of power, bravery, and authority. It often speaks of a man who is not afraid to stand up for himself or to assert himself.
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.
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
Wan 9
The Heaven tile signifies achievement, completion, and fulfilment. It suggests perfect contentment and a time you can be free to kick back and feast upon the fruits of your labours.
Wan 4
The Lute suggests that it would be a great time to take a vacation. Relaxation and a temporary disconnection from the duties of everyday life would be especially beneficial at this time. If you can't get away too long, at least take a break and meditate. The clarity will surprise you.