Horse Shoe Layout
Difficulty: Easy
The Horse Shoe is a classic layout. It is more advanced than the three-ogham reading, yet simpler than most other layouts. It is a versatile method that can be used for most queries, though there are other layouts which would go into more depth. Like the simple Past, Present, and Future layout, it contains these oghams in positions #1, #2, and #7, but also has four other oghams that help the reader understand how to deal with the future better. The oghams are to be read as follows:
- The Past: Past events affecting the question.
- The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
- Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
- Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
- External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
- Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
- Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.
Your Horse Shoe Reading
Obstacle![]() Beith |
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Hidden Influences![]() Coll Blocked |
External Influences![]() Gort Blocked |
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The Present![]() Émancholl |
Suggestion![]() Eadha |
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The Past![]() Fearn |
The Outcome![]() Ailm Blocked |

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
Fearn
- Tree/Plant: Alder
- Kenning: ‘Shield of the Warriors’
- Spiritual Lesson: Strength is found not in stubbornness, but in sacred resilience.
- Reflective Question: What cause truly deserves my courage right now?
- Affirmation: ‘I am the bridge and the battleground.’

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Émancholl
- Tree/Plant: Double Hazel / ‘Lover’s Vine’
- Kenning: ‘The Sacred Pair’
- Spiritual Lesson: True connection is mutual transformation.
- Reflective Question: What relationship calls me to become more than myself?
- Affirmation: ‘I grow through sacred union.’

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Coll Blocked
- Tree/Plant: Hazel
- Kenning: ‘Wellspring of Wisdom’
- Spiritual Lesson: Wisdom must be lived, not stored.
- Reflective Question: What hidden knowledge am I being invited to embrace?
- Affirmation: ‘I drink from the sacred well.’

Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Beith
- Tree/Plant: Birch
- Kenning: ‘Brightest of Trees’
- Spiritual Lesson: Purification requires surrender; beginnings require mourning.
- Reflective Question: What old story must I finally lay to rest to allow my rebirth?
- Affirmation: ‘I welcome the purity of the unknown.’

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Gort Blocked
- Tree/Plant: Ivy
- Kenning: ‘Tenacity of the Green Path’
- Spiritual Lesson: Persistence must serve true growth.
- Reflective Question: What am I climbing toward—and is it worth it?
- Affirmation: ‘I cling to the light that feeds me.’

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Eadha
- Tree/Plant: Aspen
- Kenning: ‘Shield of Courage’
- Spiritual Lesson: Courage is trembling action.
- Reflective Question: What fear am I called to face and outgrow?
- Affirmation: ‘I tremble, but I move.’

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Ailm Blocked
- Tree/Plant: Silver Fir
- Kenning: ‘Pillar of Resilience’
- Spiritual Lesson: True resilience bends without breaking.
- Reflective Question: What inner root keeps me alive through winter?
- Affirmation: ‘I endure, evergreen and steadfast.’