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  Tiwaz |
||
Hidden Influences  Berkano |
External Influences  Wunjo |
|
The Present  Fehu |
Suggestion  Kenaz |
|
The Past  Eihwaz |
The Outcome  Isa |
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.
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.
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.
Tiwaz
The Warrior Rune represents pure, masculine power and the ability to fight for what you want and win it. Be careful to mitigate your aggression, as the cost of attaining your goals can outweigh the gains.
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.
Kenaz
There will be trouble getting the information you are looking for. The information may or may not be available, but you will need to be open to receiving it if you wish to. You may be pleasantly surprised if you reach out to someone.
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.