Living Lucky

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Since ancient times, people have believed in the ability of beads to bring good luck or protect against bad luck. Generally, beads that are strung together to make necklaces have been frequently used to fend off the evil eye. It is an age old belief that beads made of glass or stone have supernatural powers. This is the reason why beads have been used in worship rituals for many religions. There are many varieties of stones. Each type of stone brings different luck. For example, people believe that amber stones strung together to form a necklace can help to heal a host of illnesses. Aquamarine beads can bring luck to one’s love life. Catholic churches use onyx stones as rosary beads as they are believed to be able to induce deep thoughts.

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According to old Islamic beliefs, apples have the ability to heal almost all diseases. The phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is prevalent in the Western world. In fact, there is more than meets the eye where the use of apples is concerned. Besides curing ailments, they are used in many parts of America to find out one’s fate in love especially during Halloween. According to one tradition, if you assign a letter of the alphabet as you twist the stem of an apple, the breaking of the stem at a certain turn will signify that you have reached the initial of the one who is in love with you. Another one says that if you peel an apple and toss the peeled skin over your left shoulder, the initial of your true love will be revealed when the apple skin lands and forms the shape of an alphabet. Another way of finding your true love is to gather a group of people and get each one to toss an apple into a tub of water. As each takes turns to try picking one up by biting onto it, the person whose apple you bite onto will be your future husband or wife. 

Old Norse legends tell of a story where the gods ate apples to stay eternally youthful. Also, the Greeks believed that the fruit is a guarantee of longevity. In fact, out of so many stories, the only time the apple is portrayed in negative light is in the story of Adam and Eve, in which the first woman is overcome by temptation to eat it. On the other hand, it was never mentioned in the Bible that it was an apple. It was discovered only much later. According to Genesis, Eve was in the garden when she picked the fruit of an unknown tree. Through the serpent’s words, it was implied that the tree was the tree of knowledge. Ancient people then started to give their own interpretation to the story, thinking that it was none other than the apple tree. Since then, people started to regarded apples as symbols of temptation. However, the ability of apples to bring good luck, longevity and knowledge is still believed by many.

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It is not uncommon to see carvings of dolphins in cities whose existence depends on the sea. In seaport cities like New York and Amsterdam, these carvings are not only for decoration purposes. They are also meant to bring luck to the port. The belief originated in the olden times, when ancient sailors who spent many months or years at sea found that the first indication that they were approaching land came from sightings of dolphins swimming around their ships. For many years, people have believed that lucky charms with dolphins will bring good fortune to artists and musicians.

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In the seventeenth century, birthmarks and moles were perceived to be accurate marks of good and ill luck. These marks were almost believed to determine one’s destiny invariably. People who believed birthmarks mean more good luck than bad would then besprinkle black pepper on a pregnant mother, for the sake of making her child born with several of these marks.

In the seventeenth century, it is believed that anyone bearing an inborn mark on top of the head means the certainty of having another on the nape of the neck. Both of these marks suggest that one is quick-witted and has a healthy body by nature. A mole in the middle of the forehead signifies a hardworking male or a fertile female, while a mole or birthmark on the upper lip signifies extreme good luck. Any mole on top of the chin means that one is a cut above his relatives. A tiny mark on a man’s right arm indicates his behavior of obsessive gambling, while that of a woman means she will be bequeathed immense fortune.

Birthmarks or moles on the upper portion of the left side of the body foretell lengthy journeys ahead. If there are  more moles or birthmarks on the left side than right side mean bad luck in your journey.

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When you lack a good-luck piece at hand to ward off ill luck, one of the most desirable methods to do so is to cross your fingers. Such powerful practice goes back to the Christians in ancient times whose prayers were compelled to be kept under secrets. They were unable to possess signs of the cross to motivate them, so they managed to form a cross of their middle and index fingers, which serves as a keepsake of Christ’s passion.

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Diamonds are thought to be a symbol of good luck and have been used in many cultures to bring good fortune. During the ancient Roman times, Roman officers donned amulets made of diamond on their left arms to emerge victorious in battles. For many centuries, women have been wearing diamond necklaces to keep the evil eye away. Today, diamonds represent good fortune for couples who are engaged to be married.

However, luck is a relative thing when it comes to diamonds. It is said that the size of the diamond is inversely related to the amount of luck it will bring. The bigger the stone, the lesser luck it brings. A diamond that is too big is more likely to bring bad fortune. Take for example the biggest blue diamond in the world. The 44.5-carat Hope diamond has brought a fair share of bad luck to its past owners. It was said that the diamond was brought to France after the being stolen from the forehead of an Indian Idol. In France, the diamond became one of King Louis XIV’s crown jewels. Although he was not considered an unlucky ruler, his mistress, Mme de Montespan died soon after she acquired the stone. The stone was then given to Marie Antoinette, who died under the guillotine. Thomas Hope, an English banker bought the diamond in 1830. His family fell into hardship soon after. Subsequent owners included Jacques Colet who committed suicide; Prince Ivan Kanitovitsky who was murdered; Sultan Abdul Hamed who was dethroned; and Simon Montharides whose entire family died in an unfortunate accident. Eventually, the Hope diamond was bought in 1907 by Texan Evalyn Walsh McLean, who paid $40,000 for the diamond.  Her husband, son, and daughter died soon after the diamond was brought to America. A mysterious death fell upon her only surviving heir in 1967. In the end, the stone was donated to the Smithsonian Institution. It is now on display at Washington’s Museum of Natural History.

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In many countries throughout the world, entering a house through the back door is considered inauspicious. People in certain parts of Europe draw circles on both the front and back doors to prevent evil forces from entering their houses. Others paint intricate patterns on their doorsteps to keep evil at bay. Often, these patterns are formed using uninterrupted strokes. In central Europe, it is a custom for people to close their doors by slamming them several times. In doing so, ghosts and evil spirits attempting to enter the house will be stuck between the door and the doorframe. In English households, those who are superstitious will remove doors from their hinges and reinstall them in the opposite direction when death strikes the household. They believe that this will stop the spirit of the dead from coming back. 

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The contemporary practice of putting candles on a birthday cake and desire to able to put them out with a single breath, so that we are able to fulfill our dreams, will probably not lead us to think about the fact that this was an olden prayer rites for the Greek goddess Artemis. Artemis was the goddess of the moon, connubiality and delivery. Special cakes bearing the shape of the moon were prepared and candles were arranged on the temple altars on occasions to celebrate her birth. If devotees blew out the candles in a single breath, Artemis would safeguard them and bring them good luck, and fulfill their wishes.

The practice of putting a cake on the dinner table early in the break of day of someone’s birthday, that started in Germany in the Middle Ages, was very much like the aforementioned one. Candles were encircled around the cake and the candles burned for the duration of the entire day to drive away ill spirits. The candles also served as a keepsake that life is fleeting and stood for the candles that would be lit for one’s wake eventually. The act of blowing them out in a birthday celebration means that the person is showing the capability of determining his own fate. Blowing every one of them out one at a time is deemed to lucky because it suggests not only power, but also taking charge of the individual’s destiny.

Color therapy explains the special connection between color and emotion. Your idea of happiness is reflected in your choice of clothing color or colors that constantly attract you. On the same note, colors you dislike can provide clues to problems to be resolved in order for you to attain inner piece and become a happier person. Our lives can be more physically and spiritually fulfilling through the well-informed use of color.

Red
If this color attracts you, you love attention and enjoy being in the limelight. Sometimes you can neglect the feelings of those around you. You derive happiness from adventure and excitement. If you dislike red, you are likely to be fearful of rejection and defeat. Learn how to conquer your fear and inject your life with red energy.

Pink
People drawn to this color are naturally loving and sensitive. However, they are dependent on others for emotional support and should do themselves a favor by learning to be more confident. If you shun pink, you may find that you are overwhelmed by ill-feelings towards one or both of your parents. You will need to acknowledge and face these issues.

Orange or peach
If these colors attract you, you are probably full of energy and determination. Keeping yourself busy and engaging in activities makes you happy. If you dislike these colors, it could be an indication that you are mentally or physically exhausted.

Yellow
If you like this color, the company of happy and active people makes you happy. If you dislike yellow, it is likely that you are burdened by the feeling of being helpless.

Green
If you like this color, you are probably most comfortable when observing people while keeping a distance. You conceal your strong emotions from others. People may find you aloof. If this is true, a touch of yellow on your attire will aid in the communication of your emotions. If you dislike green, it shows that you may have felt lonely or disappointed during a certain point in your life.

Blue
If you are attracted to the color blue, you enjoy independence in working life or being the leader. It is important to set aside time to relax and rejuvenate yourself. If you shun blue, it is likely that you value a high position and honour and there is a long-standing fear of losing either of the above.

Purple
If you prefer this color, tranquility sets in when smart people surround you. You are in admiration of their personalities and are excited by their ideas. However, listening to others and forgiving their mistakes is a virtue you need to learn. If purple turns you off, it indicates a barrier. You feel that you are controlled and therefore constrained by someone. It is also likely that your creative juices are being obstructed from flowing freely.

White
Wearing white shows that you like being simple. This classic color also reveals that you like people to take notice of you. If you are averse to white, your fear is that of being separated from the one you love.

Black
Wearing black demonstrates that you have control over the situation and power is in your hands. However, it can also be worn by someone to hide his low self-confidence. If you shun black, there could be a hurdle in your ability to lead that needs to be overcome.

This is a general guide to your love life. Don’t believe everything in this article but if you do believe, you can change the name that people call you and change the name you call your spouse to improve you love life.

Name Start With A
These people are good-natured. Their wittiness attracts people of the opposite gender. However, they should not be impulsive and make rash decisions. Their love life starts at a young age.

 Name Start With B
People whose names begin with the letter “B” are relatively introverted. They tend to be followers rather than leaders. Although they are meek, they are also perfectionists.

Name Start With C
Often, these people have low self-esteem. They make up for it by getting involved in various romantic ties. They embrace change. However, they tend to pursue and be overly active in sexual and lewd activities.

Name Start With D
Generosity is their key trait. They are also romantics who lavish their partners with love and attention. They should, however, not let their jealousies get out of hand.

Name Start With E
These people enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with speed, thrills and adventures. They see things from a sexual point of view. Their relationships are often uninhibited and filled with intensity.

Name Start With F
Although they avoid public displays of affection, these people have feisty and passionate relationships. It is not a problem for them to be loyal to their partners.

Name Start With G
People whose names start with the letter “G” are reserved and inhibited when it comes to matters of the heart. However, they also have a sensual side. Although they are more restrained, their lives appear to be flooded with love affairs.

Name Start With H
These people do not make plans and live for the day. As lovers, they are caring and responsible.

Name Start With I
Their love-life is filled with cheer and emotions. These people loathe playing emotional games and favor a straightforward approach. They should keep check of their emotions and not let their love life be stained by their moodiness.

Name Start With J
These people are honest and direct. However, they should take care to ensure that the feelings of their loved ones are not hurt by their words. They are cheerful people who will bring joy to their partner’s life.

Name Start With K
They are attractive and romantic partners. However, they are overly active when it comes to sex and they tend to scrutinize the way their partners behave. They need to curb this inclination. In love matters, their mothers or grandmothers are a great influence.

Name Start With L
These people enjoy being in love. To be able to find gratification, they need to be less self-centered. They should also resist the tendency to dominate the relationship.

Name Start With M
These people have difficulty when it comes to expressing their adoration. They are faithful romantics who are in a constant search for true love. However, this is likely to come only at a later stage in life. In their love affairs, hearts and souls meet.

Name Start With N
They are energetic and full of vitality. They organize grand activities but trivial details can frustrate them. People whose names start with the letter “N” need to be reassured all the time.

Name Start With O
These people attempt to be good partners even though they are fickle in nature. Foreign cultures intrigue them. Therefore they are likely to be romantically involved with people who come from a foreign land.

Name Start With P
These people adore beautiful things and pick partners who are attractive. Honesty and loyalty are their key traits. If a divorce is imminent, they will certainly try to salvage the marriage first.

Name Start With Q
From the outside, their looks appeal to others. However, a lot of them are plagued by low self-worth. As such, secret rendezvous and extra-marital affairs are common among them.

Name Start With R
These people look for partners who own traits which they themselves do not have. Their passion for love drives them to find life partners who will stand alongside with them as they experience life.

Name Start With S
Often, these people are pro-active when it comes to love. For them, an up-front partner would be good for a change. They are loyal partners and can be inhibited when interacting with the opposite sex.

Name Start With T
These people are romantics at heart. They take pride in the achievements of their loved ones and appreciate the finer things in life. But, they can be distrustful partners.

Name Start With U
These people show others sympathy but can be childish in love matters. They strive to gratify their loved ones even if means sacrificing their own happiness.

Name Start With V
These people do not have the courage to approach people of the opposite sex and the maintenance of their public persona is important to them. They are supportive partners who will not tolerate humiliation of their loved one.

Name Start With W
These people believe in being passionate and sensual. They are enthusiastic lovers who will not harm their main relationship even if they have secret liaisons. They do not have bad intentions and will try not to hurt their partner.

Name Start With X
These people keep to themselves until a compatible partner comes by. After this, they are the focus of attention at parties and events and bask in the attention of their lover. They are cautious of being made used of by others and can be jealous lovers.

Name Start With Y
They are egoistic people who dominate their partner in any relationship. They adopt a wary and sluggish attitude in love. Their self-centered behavior spells danger for their relationships.

Name Start With Z
They are thoughtful and caring people who interact very well with the opposite sex. They stand to gain from secret love affairs. At times, women are perceived to be promiscuous although they are generally domesticated.