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![]() Duir |
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Hidden Influences![]() Straif Blocked |
External Influences![]() Gort |
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The Present![]() Muin |
Suggestion![]() Onn Blocked |
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The Past![]() Beith |
The Outcome![]() Fearn |

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
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.’

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Muin
- Tree/Plant: Vine
- Kenning: ‘Binding of Intoxication’
- Spiritual Lesson: True connection uplifts; false ties consume.
- Reflective Question: Where am I entangled in illusion?
- Affirmation: ‘I choose sacred union, not bondage.’

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Straif Blocked
- Tree/Plant: Blackthorn
- Kenning: ‘Blade of Trials’
- Spiritual Lesson: Pain refines, not defines.
- Reflective Question: What suffering is trying to carve me into something better?
- Affirmation: ‘I transform pain into power.’

Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Duir
- Tree/Plant: Oak
- Kenning: ‘Door to Strength’
- Spiritual Lesson: Power without purpose is decay.
- Reflective Question: Where must I claim authority—or surrender pride?
- Affirmation: ‘I am the door that withstands all storms.’

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Gort
- 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.
Onn Blocked
- Tree/Plant: Gorse
- Kenning: ‘Flame of Fertility’
- Spiritual Lesson: Sacred fire creates; false fire consumes.
- Reflective Question: Where does my fire want to bloom?
- Affirmation: ‘I blaze the barren into bloom.’

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
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.’