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  Elhaz |
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Hidden Influences  Uruz |
External Influences  Perthro |
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The Present  Gebo |
Suggestion  Thurisaz |
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The Past  Berkano |
The Outcome  Laguz |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
Berkano
The Rune of birth may symbolise a time of great personal insight and development. Naturally this is also a sign of abundance and fertility, so love may very well be in the air.
Gebo
When gifts are given, be careful to consider unseen obligations. This rune suggests strong bonds with others. It often refers to family, deep friendships, and even marriage.
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.
Elhaz
It would be wise to watch out for hidden traps. It is a great time to search yourself for weaknesses and fill the gaps where necessary.
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.
Thurisaz
This often represents inability to come to terms with repressed issues. When one is not willing or able to process trauma, one's demons will always need to be kept at bay. This would not be a good time to act impulsively.
Laguz
Laguz reversed may mean sensual numbness and lack of creativity. Passivity, weakness, and lack of initiative can lead to stagnation.