Gra, Sonas, Slainte

*raises me pint* Love, Happiness and good health to ye! Happy Saint Patrick’s Day and May the luck of the Irish be with you.

Not that the Irish are luckier than most, now. Tis just that even though it’s a country with lots of rain and at times lots of hardships, you will find among the people an optimistic attitude. Their focus is more on the rainbows that come after the storm than the storm itself! And the more you count your blessings the more you find you have.

Do good luck symbols and charms work? Who is to say? Is it the object itself or the power they hold over a person’s mind… to get a person to focus on the luck, the dream, the wish…they believe the charm will bring them? In doing so, perhaps they themselves meet that goal. By having a physical representation of your dreams, of the hope of obtaining it...(even if it’s a routine, a favorite toy, coin or rock… or something more traditional like those below)... it makes your dream even more tangible, you feel some control of its outcome.

Some age old symbols...

ACORN: Carrying a dried Acorn is believed to give the gift of youth to the wearer. It can also be used for wealth and attraction of the opposite sex. (Well for whatever its worth...you can remember that the mighty oak was once a nut like you *g*)

Bells: In Ireland a common wedding gift is a bell. Its supposed to ward off evil influence on the marriage. And becomes the make up bell. Wanting a fight to end one of them rings it, reminding them of their love and their vows… *g* any fight can be resolved by the mutual satisfaction of ringing each others bell *wiggles brows*

Cats: Their excellent eyesight is believed to protect against approaching evil spirits. And studies have shown that cat owners do live longer healthier lives. Tortoise shell cats: Fur a mix of red, black, chocolate and cinnamon. Cats of this coloration are believed to bring good luck in the folklore of many cultures; in the United States these are sometimes referred to as money cats.

four-leaf clover: an uncommon variation of the common three-leaf clover. According to superstition, such leaves bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally. According to legend, each leaflet represents something: the first is for hope, the second is for faith, the third is for love, and the fourth is for happiness.If a lady hangs a 4 leaf clover on her door, the next man to come in is her husband. (*blink* I can so see this one backfiring!!)

BTW the color green and being around greenery lowers levels of stress hormone Cortisol filling you with optimism and can-do confidence… *sigh* if only I could keep my house plants alive!!!

Gem stones: just a few lol could fill pages on them: Green Aventurine: known as the gambler’s stone. Citrine: known as the merchant’s stone, leave it in your cash box to boost earnings. Lapis for confidence. Rose quartz for love. Amethyst for protection. Blue chalcedony for creativity.

Horseshoe: In Ireland they hang them points up to catch luck. In other countries they hang them downwards so luck can our out on you.

KEYS. Three keys worn together symbolize the unlocking of the doors to health, wealth and love.

OM: In Hindu mythology, Om or AUM is believed to be the first sound to pervade through the Universe at the beginning of time. Almost all Mantras are also initiated by reciting the word 'Om'. Worshippers of this sacred symbol are blessed with luck, material comforts and spiritual powers.

Rabbits Foot: The belief originates in the system of African-American folk magic known as hoodoo. A number of strictures attached to the charm that are now observed mostly in the breach: First, not any old foot from a rabbit will do: it is the left hind foot of a rabbit that is useful as a charm. A left hind foot of a rabbit shot in a cemetery will do: the phase of the moon is also important. Some authorities say that the rabbit must be taken in the full moon, while others hold instead that the rabbit must be taken in the new moon. Some sources say instead that the rabbit must be taken on a Friday, or a rainy Friday, or Friday the 13th. Some sources say that the rabbit should be shot with a silver bullet, while others say that the foot must be cut off while the rabbit is still alive. (*blink* this never was my favorite charm… LOL It wasn’t very lucky for the rabbit was it?)

Wishbone: since the 4th century various countries have held the turkey or chicken wishbone contest. Pulling the dry bone until it snapped “lucky Break” believeing the winner’s wish or dream would come true.

Wishbox: Chinese custom of writing your wish down and placing it inside a decorated box. A prayer is said to amplify your wish. Then the box is sealed.

Do you have anything you consider a lucky charm? Me? I have a favorite piece of a aventurine I keep nearby when I write and I wear my grandmother’s ring, turning it whenever I feel the need for confidence.

Lucky charms or not… May your wishes come true except one, so you have blessings to count and still have something to strive for!!!

HUGS,
Mari, Who is now off to blow out the candles on her birthday cake…hmm do I get a wish for each candle? If so, It might take awhile *g*