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  Raidho |
||
Hidden Influences  Perthro |
External Influences  Ansuz |
|
The Present  Fehu |
Suggestion  Mannaz |
|
The Past  Isa |
The Outcome  Uruz |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
Isa
The Ice Rune represents stagnation and a cold, passionless reality. Your life may seem to be going nowhere at the moment, but if you persevere you will soon see better days.
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.
Perthro
The "Gambler's Rune" reversal warns that this is not a good time to take risks. Games of chance are not favoured. Do not give in to loneliness and despair.
Raidho
This indicates there could be delays in reaching your goals. Be careful not to become disassociated from those around you. Remember to stay in touch with people.
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.
Mannaz
Your interpersonal skills are experiencing a peak time. You are connected deeply with your core self and this by extension makes communication with others particularly valuable. Creative thought is flowing inside you and around you, making you especially attractive to others.
Uruz
This symbolises a disconnection from one's spiritual source. If you are in a rut, you may need to reconnect with your roots, to rediscover your strengths.