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  Eihwaz |
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Hidden Influences  Isa |
External Influences  Laguz |
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The Present  Perthro |
Suggestion  Elhaz |
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The Past  Ehwaz |
The Outcome  Mannaz |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
Ehwaz
The "Horse Rune" is a sign of adaptability, transition, movement and travels. You may be closing in on your goals. Most basically, this rune means progress.
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.
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 move on to better days.
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.
Laguz
Laguz reversed may mean sensual numbness and lack of creativity. Passivity, weakness, and lack of initiative can lead to stagnation.
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.
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.