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  Uruz |
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Hidden Influences  Jera |
External Influences  Sowilo |
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The Present  Dagaz |
Suggestion  Fehu |
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The Past  Eihwaz |
The Outcome  Wunjo |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
Eihwaz
Do not allow yourself to give in to confusion. That which you have built may be in jeopardy of crumbling. During times of weakness, we often discover what we are made of.
Dagaz
Dagaz represents the first rays of a new dawn. You are on the verge of some kind of breakthrough. You have the will and the ability to change reality. You may experience a period of lucidity that borders on the surreal.
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.
Uruz
This is often the omen of a transition or new beginning. Uruz represents the rune of harmony, order and personal power. You will be able meet the challenge so effectively that it may surprise you.
Sowilo
The Sun Rune symbolises power, warmth, growth and stability. Mental clarity in work and added warmth to your relationships is foretold by this rune. You will be able to achieve your objectives boldly.
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.
Wunjo
The reversal of this rune suggests tough times. Everyone hits a slump at some time or another. It speaks to one's strength of character as to how one meets such challenges. You will get through this and become stronger.