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  Ingwaz |
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Hidden Influences  Perthro |
External Influences  Berkano |
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The Present  Ansuz |
Suggestion  Thurisaz |
|
The Past  Elhaz |
The Outcome  Dagaz |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
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.
Ansuz
This signifies communication difficulties. Disconnection with the self may lead to missed opportunities and personal failures. In times of uncertainty, do not give in to rumour.
Perthro
This is a lucky time for you. Perthro is sometimes called "Gambler's Rune." It is symbolic of clarity of purpose and ambitious drive. Mysteries will be revealed. Be certain to take advantage of these times.
Ingwaz
Ingwaz signifies completion, success, agriculture and fertility. You are firing on all cylinders. You will soon be able to realise your ambitions. Unification, peace, and harmony are in the air.
Berkano
Your life may not seem so clear to you during this time. Berkano reversed may mean dissatisfaction and problems with the family. Someone might not be pulling their weight. Be careful to protect that which is yours.
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.
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.