GUIDE TO GOOD Explanations of the items found in your bag.

The Red Pouch Though pouches are not considered Throwing salt over your shoulder is considered good luck, but particularly lucky, the colors red and spilling salt is bad luck. In the Christian , if you throw salt gold are! In China, red symbolized over your shoulder you are said to be putting the devil behind you. good luck and is believed to ward about salt date back to biblical times when salt was a away evil spirits. Gold represents highly prized commodity, which is one reason that it was bad luck to luck, brightness, purity, and spill salt. Another reason spilling salt could be considered bad luck fulfillment. is because it is thought that Judas spilled salt at the .

Red Envelope Bell In India and Tyrol, when the sound of a bell was heard in In China, Ang Pow (Red Envelope) was a brave young the wind or when a door opens, it meant that demons man who killed a dragon terrorizing his village. The were fleeing and therefore luck would increase. villagers collected money and placed it inside a red envelope, and they gave it to him out of gratitude. The /Coins modern versions have one coin inside a sealed red “Find a , pick it up and all day long you’ll have envelope that's decorated with various symbols of good luck!” blessings, good fortune, and prosperity. Carry in your In China, it was also said that putting coins on the floor purse/wallet for good luck. would bring in money and good luck. Willow In the Celtic meaning of the willow, the wood has Marbles been (and still is) used in ceremonies intended for Cat's Eye marbles are considered good fortune and good enhancement of psychic abilities, honoring the luck. It is said to bring serenity and happiness, along with moon as well as increase the essence of love and optimism and generosity. It is used in emotional crystal luck in our lives. healing to bring forgiveness, balanced emotions, and self- In all, the willow reminds us to take heed of this esteem. Cat's eye marbles can enhance creativity and lesson: “Keep growing and reaching higher no kindness. It is also used in protection from outside evil matter where you are planted”. forces. Key Amber (Color and Stone) As a symbol of luck, a single key is among the Amber is thought to be a bit of the sun with the power to most important, not to mention one of the oldest, bring good fortune. of charms. The Greeks called Amber "elektron", which gave us our According to the Gypsies of Eastern Europe, a word of electricity, and its power to give off sparks when door key with a metal ring attached will ensure a rubbed may be why many people have considered it a lucky good night's sleep if it is hung upside down over charm. Both the Chinese and the Muslims burn amber as the bed. It will also prevent nightmares. incense as a protection against evil spirits. Feather Pine Gypsies used to say that when feathers are found, they are Symbolizing the strength and ability to survive said to be an ancient charm for good luck and they hardships, the pine tree also bestows the same traits to represent the journey of the soul to the other realm. the holder. Though many feathers are good luck, be careful! Peacock In China, it is said that it is good luck to keep pine feathers can be unlucky depending on where they are around the house, as it brings good luck, fortune, and placed. Peacock feathers should not be placed in the same stability within the household. It is a Feng Shui good room as a bride and are often known for bringing bad luck charm when placed in the east sector. fortune when kept in the house.

Seashells Candles In most advanced cultures the seashell is considered a The candle is the psychic's symbol. It signifies the lunar symbol. As the tides rise and fall the shells are connection between life and death. The candle is used at displayed by the ocean and then taken back again. The séances, mass meditations, and many other psychic practices. ocean always renews itself so the seashells are always It is the connection between the physical and spiritual world. highly energized. Indian folklore described their Gods The candle represents human lives. as emerging from the sea. In Christianity the snails, Similarly, this is also why it is very popular to put candles on mussels, and seashells are seen as the resurrection. birthday cakes. This tradition started in Germany; as an acknowledgement to their religion, the round cake represents Marigold Seeds to moon and the candles symbolize the light reflecting off of Marigolds are flowers that supposedly bring luck and the moon. ward off evil spirits. The flower was originally called “Mary’s Gold”, but the name was eventually shortened Cherry Blossom to simply ‘marigold’. Marigolds symbolize comfort to The cherry blossom is a symbol of innocence, fresh the heart and security. beginnings, energy, and, of course, luck. Though this is obviously a faux flower, it is meant to symbolize the Acorn same concept. In Feng Shui, it is more acceptable to According to Norse beliefs, the acorn is an emblem of good possess a silk or faux flower than it is to possess a luck, power, youthfulness, and prosperity. It was believed dead flower. It is also said in Feng Shui that the long ago that if you put an acorn on your windowsill, your cherry blossom is a cure for love and marriage. house would be protected from lightening. Double Happiness Sign Bamboo The double happiness sign is a sign commonly used in Feng Shui as Bamboo is one of the most popular lucky a cure for love. When you look at the symbol, you can almost plants. Though this is merely a section of observe two figures holding hands. The flow and balance of the bamboo, it is lucky to possess any amount of Chinese double happiness sign mirrors the idea of a lasting and bamboo, as it is said to bring health, wealth, harmonious relationship to whomever is in possession of the love, and happiness. Though live bamboo is symbol. It is commonly seen at weddings, on jewelry, and on various much more lucky, dried bamboo is lucky as other home décor. You can sew this patch on wherever you feel well. necessary. Skull Heart The skull is considered the “seat of power”. Charms in the shape of hearts are intended to bring luck in Archeologists have found skulls on the bottom of love. In Christianity, the heart is seen as a representation of once holy wells, as Celts used to toss skulls into love and wisdom. In Egypt, the heart is seen as the center of sacred wells as offerings to receive luck and divine our psychic energy and was thought to have had powers power. over the influences of black magic. Recipe Fortune cookies are, of course, lucky. Though Cross possessing fortune cookies is lucky, it is considered Even though crosses are a symbol of Christianity, they were also even luckier to make the cookies yourself! considered a lucky symbol before the Christian era. In most pagan , the cross represents the tree of life. The cross is Butterflies also said to symbolize earthly influences. Butterflies represent an idea of beauty, elegance, and new opportunities. It is said, that when a (Nautical) Star butterfly lands on you, you will have good luck! It The Nautical, or North, Star is of course a good luck is also said that monarch butterflies are symbol for sailors. It represents a sense of familiarity, particularly lucky, as they symbolize warm comfort, and guidance. weather and sunshine approaching. There are also other legends that claim that the geometric symbol of a star was designed by Pythagoras to represent Were you luckier?? perfection. The geometric shape of a star become lucky in I want to hear about it! the Middle Ages, as it was believed that good fortunes Post comments on my blog at: were determined by the Stars. http://imaginemarvell.wordpress.com/