The magic of the lucky horseshoe symbol – what is its meaning?
SEE lucky Horseshoes in our online SHOP :
Horseshoes are probably the most commonly recognised good luck charm or talisman in the Western World – millions of people think that they are lucky, and that the horseshoe symbol is a magically protective amulet or talisman. For this reason, they make a popular gift for a friend or relative and for all sorts of events: The happy couple at a wedding for example (or engagement), the bride or groom, best man or usher; or a colleague in retirement from work, someone moving to a new house, the arrival of a new baby (or at a baby shower) or someone entering a competition, a driving test or other exam. Horseshoe charms are commonly found in jewellery worn as earrings, bracelets and pendants on necklaces, and gifted as good luck charms or talismans to hang on the wall of a house. They are thought to possess some sort of magic. But why?
Since earliest times, man has believed that the crescent or U-shape or symbol was a powerful protective talisman. For the Greeks, it symbolised the crescent moon which was regarded as a symbol of fertility, with links to Moon goddesses such as Artemis and Diana. They were also used to ward off the mischievous celtic fairies.
In one story, St. Dunstan, the favourite saint of the English people, nailed a horseshoe to a horse when he was working as a blacksmith. The horse was actually the Devil in disguise and it caused the Devil great pain. Dunstan only agreed to remove the shoe and release the Devil after he promised never to enter a place with a horseshoe.
The combination of luck, protection, religion, and magic are all captivated by the horseshoe symbol and many people believe it will bring them good luck in the lives and to any special events or occasions – and ward off evil and misfortune / bad luck. In the past, superstition dictated that sailors nailed a horseshoe to the mast of their ship to help their vessel avoid bad weather, storms and disaster. And nowadays, gifting a magic lucky horseshoe charm for a wedding is common.
Should a good luck horseshoe be mounted open end up or down?
“Up” to stop luck running out – “Down” to pour luck onto you. It doesn’t matter, it’s the thought and effect of the charm that matters – the belief in the magic. See our Lucky Charms guide for why this is so.
A good luck horseshoe for a wedding? Lucky Horseshoes are ideal gifts on Wedding Days (for the Guests, Ushers, Bridesmaids, etc) and for friends or loved-ones who are in a Competition, which they can carry as a talisman to give them more confidence in these stressful events like an Exam or a Driving Test.
. . could make a wonderful gift to instil feelings of peace and calm when starting out on a new journey
Do you want to support a friend or loved-one as she travels through life and face its challenges? Why not give her these unique handcrafted earrings?
The oft-touted calming qualities of Sodalite (said to help with life's stresses and strains), combine with the symbolic Scallop shell of the Camino de Santiago, Spain, to make these earrings truly inspirational.
:)- Gift-Wrapped
:)- Optional information card about Santiago and El Camino (free)
:)- Personal message can be included
:)- Rapid shippingWay of St James info:
The 1,000-year-old Way of St. James (El Camino de Santiago - in Spanish), criss-crosses Western Europe, arriving at Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain on the Atlantic coast. Some 200,000 people travel to the city each year from all over the world: Some people walk, others travel by bike. Many travellers choose to do the Camino for personal, rather than any spiritual or religious reasons - taking time out from their busy, modern lives and perhaps finding inspiration along the way, whilst reflecting on their lives in a supportive environment. Many carry with them a Scallop Shell symbol similar to the one on these earrings.
But, whatever somebody’s journey - whether on El Camino itself, on holiday, a business trip, a gap year, trekking, and so on, you can pass on your special wishes for peace and safekeeping with these unique earrings.
Dimensions: These unique handcrafted Camino earrings are made of smokey blue Sodalite gems, and small, sterling-silver scallop shells and earwires. They measure approx 45mm in length including the wires.
Do you know someone who could do with a more of a calm and confident approach to life's current challenges? Give them your support with these beautiful sodalite earrings - unique meaningful jewelry and a wonderful gift for life's Camino. Comes gift-wrapped, like all our presents - and we can print a personal message on your behalf.
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More information about Spain's Concha scallop shell of St James - La vieira concha de Santiago
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Sodalite is said to be the peace and negotiation gemstone - and a gem for endurance.
Sodalite jewellery is characterised by its dark, intense blue colour - sometimes with white or yellow streaks. Some say the gemstone can help change the way you feel about yourself and it is believed to have subtle, soothing energies and help people see the wisdom of adopting a simpler, calmer and less hectic lifestyle. Find out more about how Sodalite jewellery might help with anxiety . .
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All of these are ALSO available in our CENTRAL (Group) SHOP: For example
- Lucky Horseshoe gift for the Wedding Day
- Lucky Horseshoe gift for a Competition
- Lucky Horseshoe gifts for a Driving Test