My Lucky Shoe!

Did you know the most popular "Lucky Charm" of North America is a worn-out horsrshoe which is nothing more than a magically protective amulet. I am guilty of this because I wear a white gold, diamond studded, horseshoe ring & I have one hanging over the entrance door to my sunroom. However, it never seems to bring me luck! Go figure! These have been around for some time & are used as wall hangings, jewelry, & printed images. The one I have hanging is one I found in Leipers Fork, Tennessee on a huntung trip. I found it buried in the ground & in this area, was a well known area that Civil War soldiers crossed through near Natchez Trace.

History of The Horseshoe:

This magical amulet was hung over doorways & originated in Europe. They still can be found everywhere in the world tacked to barns, houses, & stables. These are the countries they are commonly found.....

• North America- Typically, a worn out horseshoe.
• Italy
• Germany
• Scandinavia
• Britain- You will find that forms of horseshoes are common wall hangings in these countries.
• Middle East- Which horseshoes are typically, glazed terra cotta blue plaques.
• Turkey- They actually use blue glass or metal & paint an "All-Seeing Eye" which is believed to ward off the evil eye.

It is believed that the horseshoe is linked to the symbol of the pagan moon goddesses of the ancient Europe known as "Artemis & Diana" which the shape of the shoe is her sacred vulva.

There is also reason to believe that the horseshoe is linked to another goddess known as "Irish Sheela-Na-Gig" & for lunar protection from the "Blessed Virgin Mary."

Typically, the horseshoe is placed facing downwards in a vulval position. This is the tradition in Latin America, Spain, Europe, & the Middle East.

However, it is turned facing upwards in Britain & Ireland because they believe "or the luck runs out!"

Up! - Americans of English & Irish descent.

Down! - Spanish, Austrians, Germans, Italians, & Balkan descents.

Did you know for hundreds of years there has been a debate whether to place a horseshoe up or facing down. One group of believers say the shoe must point down so, "the luck can pour onto you!" & the other group says to face it upwards "or the luck runs out!" It is also believed if it is pointing down, "No witch will pass under it!" So, as you see there is conflict of agreement towards which position a "horseshoe" should be facing!

If, we as a world of people can't make an agreement on how or what position to place the horseshoe, well......you see where I am going with it! Don't you? It is amazing...........

There is not just distinctions in "Religion" but distinctions in the beliefs of "Horseshoes" all around the world! You thought this was going to be a cute story of my lucky shoe? Well, now I am wondering why I have them, I just remember seeing them hung up in people's doorways & in barns growing up & thought it was pretty cool! I don't think it represents a vulva & or any protection, Did you know I have had company over while grilling out by the sunroom & someone say hey!, your horseshoe is facing the wrong way........

Interesting Facts:

Horseshoes are ambiguous to luck, magic, protection, & religion. These are actually used by practioners who are known as "African-American HooDoo" which is used to attract money!

All this info! I just thought they are cool! What is your opinion on this matter? Can't wait to hear from ya'................

Here is some awesome links to check out if you are interested in more culture & history of the horseshoe!

Links

http://www.luckymojo.com/packageherradura.html

http://www.luckymojo.com/horseshoeblue.html

http://www.luckymojo.com/protectionspells.html

http://www.luckymojo.com/charmbracelets.html

http://www.luckymojo.com/goodluckcoins.html

http://www.luckymojo.com/candles.html

http://www.goodluckcreations.com/horseshoecharm.html

http://www.luckfactory.com/usahorseshoe1.html

Thanks for stopping by..........Good Luck!

Michael Gladden