Horse Shoe Layout
Difficulty: Easy
The Horse Shoe is a classic layout. It is more advanced than the three-rune 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 runes in positions #1, #2, and #7, but also has four other runes that help the reader understand how to deal with the future better. The runes 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  Isa |
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Hidden Influences  Gebo |
External Influences  Fehu |
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The Present  Thurisaz |
Suggestion  Naudhiz |
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The Past  Perthro |
The Outcome  Othala |
The Past Card represents past events that are affecting the question.
Perthro
As the rune of fate and gaming, Perthro suggests that people are remembered for the games they play. Uncertainty, a mystery, secrets, hidden things, the unknown, gambling. Initiation, knowing one's purpose, knowledge of one's self. Evolutionary adaptation.
Pertaining to feminine things such as the mystery of fertility. Good times and companionship, fun and friends, a time of joy. Connected to prophetic dreams, old memories may be stirred resulting in personal revelations and clarity of thought.
Ill-dignification can mean: addiction, stagnation, loneliness, malaise, disappointment, disloyalty.
The Present Card represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Thurisaz
Thor, the Thunder god. Male core fertility. Thurisaz has to do with strife, conflict, combat, defence, and aggression. Reacting forcefully, as if threatened. Instinctual will, eroticism, a catalyst for change. A purging flood, a cleansing fire, catharsis.
This rune suggests that now may not be the best time to make any hasty decisions. Perhaps time should be set aside to reflect.
Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
Gebo
Gifts, in the spirit of both giving and receiving. Gebo is one of the runes of love, relating to partnerships and generosity. Matters related to exchanges. This rune can suggest an important favour and self-sacrifice as a reward in itself.
Ill-dignification can mean selfishness, loneliness, desperation, over-sacrifice, or bribery.
Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Isa
A mental block presents a frustrating challenge. A standstill, when patience is a blessing, it is a good time search within one's self for clarity, a great opportunity for meditation. This rune reinforces runes around it.
Ill-dignification of this rune may mean ego-mania, self-absorption, blindness, and dissipation of willpower. Delusion, deceit, guile, stealth, ambush, plots, grievances, treachery, betrayal.
External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Fehu
Fehu is one of three mother stones. This rune deals with earning success in matters of material gain or the increase of knowledge. It reveals an impending influence of prosperity, abundance, fullness, and happiness. It can indicate climbing the social ladder. Other key words are: vitality, energy, power, mojo, foresight, fertility, creativity, motion.
Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Naudhiz
Naudhiz warns about awareness of one's limitations. But resistance builds strength. Delays, restrictions, confusion, conflict, and the will to defeat them. Endurance, survival, determination. Patience and endurance are called for. Innovation, adaptation, and independence. The will power to direct fate.
An opportunity may not be what it seems. You may want to wait before making any important decisions. Tension in relationships is likely. If a risk has been taken, results are still forthcoming. Stress, and frustration are also associated with this sign.
The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Othala
This rune is concerned with home, land, and property. What is truly important to one. Group order, group prosperity. Land of birth, spiritual heritage, experience and fundamental values. Inheritance. Aid in journeys.
Othala relates to marriage, family, and things which are fixed and unchangeable, set-in stone. On a spiritual level this is a reminder that your body is the temple and home of your soul, a source of security, increase, and abundance.
Ill-dignification can mean lack of respect, totalitarianism, slavery, poverty, homelessness. Bad karma, prejudice, injury. This is a warning to take care of what you have if you care about it.
