Good Luck Charms

From four leaf clovers and the nuts of a Rudraksh tree to lucky coins and Cleopatra's wheels, there is a vast array of good luck charms to attract good luck and positive energy while keeping away evil.

Lucky Charms

Since ancient times lucky charms play important roles in cultures throughout the world. Also known as amulets and talismans, some types of lucky charms are meant for people to wear or carry, while others are meant for placement in special areas of homes or offices.

The popularity of many of today's lucky charms grew from the legends and folklore that families passed down from generation to generation through the centuries.

The Four Leaf Clover

One of the most universally known symbols for good luck is the four-leaf clover. Legends surrounding this good luck token date to the beginning of mankind itself. It is said that Eve took a four leaf clover from the Garden of Eden as a remembrance of her time in Paradise.

Celtic priests carried or wore four-leaf clovers more than 2,000 years ago. The priests, known as Druids were experts in Celtic religious and magical practices and used the four leaf clovers to keep away evil spirits. Many believe that the four leaf clover's use as a Celtic charm led to its modern popularity as a charm to bring good luck.

Popular Good Luck Charms

Lucky charms come in many forms. Like four leaf clovers, many are gifts of nature. Others are manmade such as dream catchers, coins and horseshoes. Lucky charms are also:

  • Small replicas of animals and mystical creatures
  • Symbols carved into gemstones or formed from gold or silver.
  • Religious figures and icons
  • Objects from various cultures
  • Numbers

Lucky Charms from Nature

Natural lucky charms that bring good fortune such as ladybugs, scarab beetles and rainbows are often replicated in jewelry or statue form. Other lucky charms from nature include:

  • Acorns which are also known as oak apples
  • Rudraksh nuts
  • Bamboo plant
  • Feathers
  • Natural quartz crystals and other minerals
  • Gemstones
  • Yellow chrysanthemums
  • Crickets
  • Oak trees
  • Four leaf clovers
  • Celestial bodies including the moon, sun and stars
  • Dragonflies
  • Wishbone
  • Shooting or falling star
  • Rabbit's foot

Small Replicas of Animals and Mystical Creatures

There are a large number of animals and mystical creatures that people of various cultures and religions think of as good luck charms.

  • Dragons
  • Phoenix
  • Turtles
  • Tortoises
  • Elephants
  • Pigs
  • Frogs
  • Bats
  • Foo dogs, also called Temple lions
  • Dolphins
  • Tigers
  • Bears
  • Fish

Carved or Formed Good Luck Pieces

For many people their lucky charm is a special symbol carved into a stone or gemstone and carried in their pocket or worn as a piece of jewelry. Others choose symbols made of silver, gold or other metals and wear them as necklaces, rings or on a bracelet. The following are examples of some of these types of good luck charms:

  • The feng shui symbol of unlimited happiness, the symbol for infinity, brings good luck, happiness and prosperity as it attracts positive energy bringing balance to your life.
  • Cleopatra's wheel with its 24 spokes brings the 24 points of happiness which includes luck.
  • The Om, or AUM, symbol is blessed with luck and according to Hindu mythology was the very first sound made in the universe when time began.
  • The pendent of Machu Picchu from the Lost City is a good luck piece symbolic of the Inca civilization

Religious Icons and Figures

Many lucky charms find their origins in religious traditions, beliefs and customs. Examples include:

  • The Latin cross
  • The Celtic cross
  • Saint Christopher
  • Buddha
  • Angels

Objects

Throughout the world there are many different objects that are charms for good luck including:

Good luck charms are symbols that make us feel good about ourselves, attract positive energy and provide a deeper spiritual connection to the universe.