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 tiles 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. Tile #6 suggests a course of action to meet this challenge. The final tile shows the outcome or future, should this advice be followed.
Other clues are provided in Tiles #3 and #5, which indicate hidden or outside influences that come into play, affecting the journey to your goal.
Obstacle  Spring |
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Hidden Influences  Wan 9 |
External Influences  Wan 2 |
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The Present  Green Dragon |
Suggestion  Bamboo 6 |
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The Past  Bamboo 1 |
The Outcome  Bamboo 2 |
The Past Tile represents past events that are affecting the question.
Bamboo 1
The first tile of the mah-jong set represents success in general. At the same time the "peacock" also warns that success can lead to egotism and arrogance. A positive change in your life path is foretold.
Green Dragon
The Green Dragon symbolises a commencement or beginning of a new project. Perhaps this will take your life in a whole new direction. You can choose to look upon this with anticipation or anxiety.
Wan 9
The Heaven tile signifies achievement, completion, and fulfilment. It suggests perfect contentment and a time you can be free to kick back and feast upon the fruits of your labours.
Spring
The Fisherman symbolises common sense and the rewards that come with patience. Do not simply sit back and expect things to fall into your lap. Instead, this tile suggests that you bait the hook and cast your line before sitting back. Have a beer if you like.
Wan 2
The Sword stands for an important decision you will need to make. You must be careful to use balance as you weigh your decision, or risk damage to yourself if not others.
Bamboo 6
The Water tile is about communication and traveling. You may be looked to for advice on something regarding your unique experience.
Bamboo 2
The Duck symbolises enduring partnerships – long lasting relationships with the strength to overcome all obstacles. It suggests fidelity and trustworthiness, just as ducks are monogamous for life.