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Most of us have heard of lucky charms such as the rabbit’s foot and the four leaved clover.

The use of these objects as good luck charms began in the early ages of human civilization, when people started to treasure simple, everyday objects and assumed that they would help them against the “evil eye”. They believed that these treasures often worn as talismans, amulets or symbols carved on rocks would help them in times of visible and invisible dangers. It is believed that lucky charms were worn by most of the ancient cultures including Africans, Chinese, Indians, Native Americans and Europeans.

Some of the magickal charms used in the old days include religious objects such as statues or symbols of a deity or gemstones that were believed to safeguard the person wearing it. The swastika (fylfot cross), which is as ancient as Hinduism, is one such symbol that was used extensively over the years up to the present times. It was actually perceived to be in use in almost all civilizations including the Native Americans who were believed to have moved to the Americas from Indian subcontinent during the last ice-age (20,000+ years ago!)

Lucky charms are used most when a person is afraid of facing uncertainty or dangers in their path. In ancient Africa, carrying a swift animal’s foot or other parts was believed to empower a person with the speed of the animal. That is how the use of “rabbits foot” as a lucky charm originated. Also, African Voodoo ceremonies included a “Mojo” bag or good luck bag that would carry objects such a feathers, teeth, spices and herbs for luck as well as for use in spells and ceremonies.

The Chinese people used rice as a symbol of luck. In the past, they captured crickets and kept them in boxes to attract fortune. Also coins or money were spread on the floor for auspicious occasions. Yantras, Rudraksha beads, horse shoe, etc are also considered lucky charms.

Talismans were created by chanting prayers to conjure protective spirits who energized them with magical powers. These ceremonies were usually performed on auspicious days under favorable astrological signs.

In Ireland, followers or St Patrick adopted the Shamrock or the four leaf clover as a symbol of the luck of the Irish. During the time of the Medieval Crusades, when Christians turned violent towards non-Christians under the pope’s orders, people who followed other religions turned to magickal charms to save their lives. The Nordic countries used magickal alphabet knows as “runes” for protection, carving these symbols on stones to prevent danger and destruction. The period of the Crusades was a terrible time for followers of pagan religions.

During the middle ages, a Romanian prince, Vlad the Impaler horribly tortured and killed thousands of people. Legends of undead or vampires spread fear into the hearts of people and as plague advanced and killed even more, people turned to the religious symbols such as the Crucifix as well as natural remedies such as garlic for protection from the supernatural threats.

In recent times, people have used medals, statues of St. Jude, St Christopher, lucky clothes, lucky pennies, etc as charms.

Rose Ariadne has been practicing ancient forms of Witchcraft for over 25 years. Get more info about lucky charms here: http://www.askroseariadne.com/editorials/lucky-charms.html