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![]() Straif |
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Hidden Influences![]() Huathe Blocked |
External Influences![]() Nion Blocked |
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The Present![]() Ór |
Suggestion![]() Eadha Blocked |
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The Past![]() Duir Blocked |
The Outcome![]() Beith Blocked |

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

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Ór
- Tree/Plant: Spindle Tree
- Kenning: ‘Weaver’s Gold’
- Spiritual Lesson: Destiny is not found—it is crafted.
- Reflective Question: What thread must I pick up now, even if it scares me?
- Affirmation: ‘I spin my future with sacred hands.’

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Huathe Blocked
- Tree/Plant: Hawthorn
- Kenning: ‘Thorn of Protection’
- Spiritual Lesson: True protection is conscious, not reactionary.
- Reflective Question: What am I defending, and is it truly sacred?
- Affirmation: ‘I protect without imprisoning.’

Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Straif
- 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.’

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Nion Blocked
- Tree/Plant: Ash
- Kenning: ‘World-Tree of the Ancestors’
- Spiritual Lesson: True growth demands humility before the unseen web of life.
- Reflective Question: What legacy am I weaving with my daily choices?
- Affirmation: ‘I walk the worlds rooted and crowned.’

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Eadha Blocked
- 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.
Beith Blocked
- 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.’