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  Isa |
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Hidden Influences  Elhaz |
External Influences  Fehu |
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The Present  Jera |
Suggestion  Laguz |
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The Past  Raidho |
The Outcome  Ansuz |
The Past Rune represents past events that are affecting the question.
Raidho
You may be embarking on some type of journey soon, whether it be actually traveling to a new place or a spiritual journey. This journey represents a major change.
Jera
This rune literally means "year" and stands for the harvest of a good year's labours. It represents a permanent change for the better.
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.
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.
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.
Laguz
Laguz reversed may mean sensual numbness and lack of creativity. Passivity, weakness, and lack of initiative can lead to stagnation.
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.