Charms go as way back as the Neolithic era when ancient people used to pick some unusual looking rock or a piece of wood. They believed that these pieces possess magical powers that can stave off danger and their enemies. Charms evolved as human civilization did, in every era, charms were there. They were there in Egypt, in Rome, in the Medieval castles, in Victorian royal halls, in World War II and then today, in the modern age. At present, the fashion industry continues to uphold the allure of charms. The latest trends show an upswing of charm sales. This holiday season, surprise your loved one with a pretty little charm or two. Here's our list of the Top 10 Charms to help you pick out the best jewelry gifts this Christmas 2008.

1. Tiara Charm – Every woman's a princess in her own way. And yours certainly deserves her own. This item measures 0.363 inches long and 0.547 inches wide. From Rembrandt Charms, this enchanting piece is hand-polished to a pristine brilliance of a High Polish finish. This comes with an easy-to-handle and durable heavy-duty jump ring, which makes it a breeze when attaching on another accessory.

2. Ice Skate Charm – To keep up with the theme of the winter season, give her an ice skate charm. Fashioned into a mini replica of an ice skate. The item is 0.56 inches long and 0.57 inches wide. And just like every piece of the Rembrandt Charms, this comes hand polished to brilliance.

3. Eiffel Tower Charm – Hand-polished to a pristine finish, this charm copies, in detail, one of the most iconic structures in France. And hey, if you can't take her to Paris, bring her a piece of Paris yourself.

4. 4-Leaf Clover Charm – Give her the best from Lady Luck with this four leaf clover charm. This Rembrandt Charm comes especially hand polished to perfection with High Polish finish. And like most Rembrandts, this piece comes with a lifetime guarantee.

5. Two Turtle Doves Charm – Turn up the holiday festivities with one of the twelve days of Christmas' gifts: two turtledoves. The item is 0.744 inches long and 0.742 inches wide. The charm features flattened metalwork design of a pair of kissing turtledoves.

6. “Bestfriends” Puzzle Piece Charm – This lovely pair of friendship charms is a great gift to celebrate the binding power of friendship. Each piece has the word “bestfriends” engraved in it. For this present though, it's just your friend that's getting a Christmas gift. You're getting one for yourself as well.

7. Christmas Tree Charm – Well, it is the Christmas season and what gift could say “Christmas” than the ceremonial tree. But no, you need not get her the real big one with pine cones and pine needles. This tiny replica by Rembrandt Charms would be a perfect addition to this season's festive mood.

8. Angel Charm – This piece takes the from of a 0.77″ x 0.91″ angel kneeling down in prayer. Keep your lady safe at all times, give her an angel charm.

9. “A-Z Initial” Charm – Give a personal touch to your gift with this initial charm. Spell her name out or pick out the letter to her first name with this classic collectible piece. This is available in Sterling Silver, 10K Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, and 14K Yellow Gold variations.

10. Snowflake Charm – Catch a snowflake and put it in her hands. The Rembrandt Snowflake Charm makes you do just that. This charm is made from delicately fashioned metalwork taking a detailed design of a snowflake. This is a fitting gift for the wintry season.

Go ahead and use our list for the easiest and convenient holiday shopping.

Check out our Charms Christmas gifts page by Clicking Here Now!

You can also find Other Jewelries gift ideas for husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, son, daughter, parents, sibling and everyone on at http://www.topchristmasjewelrygifts.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Faviano_Torres
http://EzineArticles.com/?Charms-Christmas-Gifts-Guide—Top-10-Presents-For-Your-Wife,-Girlfriend,-Sister-and-Ladies&id=1747049

02.25.2010

12 Step Program For Negative Thinkers

by fourleafclovergoodluckcharms

I received an email from a woman recently who mentioned that she is a “Recovering Negative Thinker”. Reading this brought up images of support groups and 12 Step Programs. Gee…I'm sure one already exists, I thought.

After searching Google I realized that there just isn't a good 12 Step program for all of those Negative Thinkers out there. Clearly, it's time.

  1. I admit I have power over Negative Thoughts and that these Negative Thoughts make me feel like crap.
  2. I believe that a Power Greater Than Myself (PGTM) can certainly help, especially since I haven't done such a hot job.
  3. I make a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of this PGTM as I understand it/him/her. I hope this works.
  4. I agree to look within and take full responsibility for my life and thoughts. Even when I don't want to.
  5. I admit to my Power, Friends and Everyone that thinking Negative Thoughts serves no useful purpose, and has been the cause of of much physical and emotional pain.
  6. I am NOW ready to think better and happier thoughts. Really.
  7. I humbly ask that my friends remind me gently when I begin speaking negatively. If this doesn't work, please yell.
  8. I make a list of all the people and groups I have blamed for all the bad things that have happened to me, and am willing to take responsibility for my life.
  9. I am aware of all Negative Thoughts that are in my mind and I find ways to eliminate them or replace them. I know that my Thoughts act like powerful magnets and I choose to be in charge of what I'm attracting.
  10. I continue to be aware of the words that come out of my mouth and shift them to positive thoughts except when impossible. (for example, when speaking about politics and ex- in-laws)
  11. I agree to check myself every hour or so to make sure that Negative Thoughts are not floating in my head.
  12. Having had a spiritual awakening as to the power of my thoughts, I carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all areas of my life.
  13. I like the idea that the number “13? can be as lucky as a 4 leaf clover, and to always remember how much I really enjoy my life when my thoughts feel better.

Wendy Merron, C.Ht. is a Certified NGH Instructor and Hypnotist at The Center of Success in Wayne, PA a suburb of Philadelphia. She has copywritten these 12 Steps and allows you to copy these on your site and blog provided that you include her name and copywrite info.

If you find that you want help with eliminating negative thoughts and feelings, please visit http://www.WendyMerron.com Many people find that Hypnosis and EFT are effective techniques to help you feel better and improve your life. http://wendymerron.com/cool-info/faqs/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Merron
http://EzineArticles.com/?12-Step-Program-For-Negative-Thinkers&id=2954178


Many suggest that “luck is something you do.” I often tell my patients that what we focus upon tends to become our reality, because we will likely do things, both consciously and unconsciously, consistent with that focus, in order to help make it happen. By sharing my following, personal story, I hope you may be helped to find what you are truly looking for.

When my son was a 6 year-old, Nicholas told me that he wanted to find a four-leaf clover, because he had heard that they bring you good luck. Unable to find one quickly, he became frustrated and discouraged. I tried to explain to him that four-leaf clovers are special because they are rare and difficult to find. I assured him that if he really wants to find a four-leaf clover that he needs to really “believe” and “know” that he can. I helped emphasize to him that as you “feel it to be true,” you can and will do things and allow things to happen, in order to help you find your clover.

I had actually first suggested to him what seemingly defeats my son's initial intent: I told Nicholas that we could see whether we could find a four-leaf clover on the Internet. We found one on Ebay. After a couple of dollars and a few days, Nicholas had his four-leaf clover from New Zealand. After receiving it, however, he looked at me and said: “But, Daddy, I want to find my own four-leaf clover” (which, of course, is the whole point). After again getting frustrated while looking in our front yard, that is when I told Nicholas about the power of his own belief.

Shortly after that time, almost without even seemingly trying, he had literally found at least two dozen four-leaf clovers!

I have only recently discovered that within Rhonda Byrne's best-selling book, Ths Secret, she states that children seem to be particularly atoned to the concepts contained within her inspirational message. Her basic tenant is that the things upon which we focus tend to become our reality, as we allow things to happen and do things, consistent with this structured focus, in order to manifest our desires. “The Secret” emphasizes the power inherent within the “Law of Attraction.” Although all the ideas shared within this remarkable program are not necessarily based in science, one can nonetheless benefit from acting “as if” the ideas are all-true, in order to facilitate success. I believe that the true wisdom of “The Secret” is its ability to captivate a world's imagination, by offering its heartfelt reminder of the true nature of limitless possibilities and the power of human perseverance.

For those who may still struggle to accept the “power inherent within their belief,” nineteenth century philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer, likely summed it best when he said that “All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”

For a collection of some wonderful inspirational videos, I recommend: www.SimplifiedHealth.com/inspirational.htm

Jerry Solfanelli

www.ThePsychologist.com

Simplify your overall health care, by improving your emotional health with my psychology-related links, E-books, hypnosis and other FREE self-help programs.

(c) Copyright – Psychologist Gerald A. Solfanelli. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerald_Solfanelli
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Secret-Law-of-Attraction-and-Power-of-Belief—A-Psychologists-Personal-Perspective&id=761104

02.25.2010

Four leaf clovers along with rabbit feet and dice are universal symbols for good luck. Therefore, four leaf clover tattoos symbolize luck or good fortune. It is a good luck charm that you can carry around with you forever. As popular as they are, you can still make sure you have a unique tattoo design. I will tell you where you can go to find great designs.

Clovers are Celtic designs and universal to show Irish descent. The shamrock is found all over the countryside in Ireland. St. Patrick went to Ireland to convert them to Christianity. In his teachings of God, he used the shamrock (a three leaf clover) to
represent the Father, Son and Holy Trinity.

A four leaf clover is considered lucky because they are very rare. The odds of finding one is 1 in 10,000. Although you may find regular clovers in Irish tattoos, four leaf clover tattoos add the symbolism of luck. It is not hard to come up with unique four leaf clover tattoos. You just need to use a little imagination and have the right information.

If you join a good online tattoo gallery, you can browse through thousands of tattoo designs. You can pick and choose the designs that you like, print them out and design your own four leaf clover tattoo. Make your design personal and it will be unique. If you want to stay with the Irish theme, you can add a Leprechaun, a pot of gold, or other Irish images you like.

Choosing a tattoo can be a hard decision. It will be with you for life so you want it to be unique and imaginative. Stop wasting time looking at website after website. Check out this review and make an investment now in one of the best membership tattoo gallery sites.

Find great four leaf clover tattoos by looking through thousands of the best tattoo designs all in one place. Get unlimited downloads of tattoos so you can find the best tattoo designs for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tatum_Tyler
http://EzineArticles.com/?Four-Leaf-Clover-Tattoos—Find-Your-Lucky-Clover&id=1482951

02.18.2010

12 Step Program For Negative Thinkers

by fourleafclovergoodluckcharms

I received an email from a woman recently who mentioned that she is a “Recovering Negative Thinker”. Reading this brought up images of support groups and 12 Step Programs. Gee…I'm sure one already exists, I thought.

After searching Google I realized that there just isn't a good 12 Step program for all of those Negative Thinkers out there. Clearly, it's time.

  1. I admit I have power over Negative Thoughts and that these Negative Thoughts make me feel like crap.
  2. I believe that a Power Greater Than Myself (PGTM) can certainly help, especially since I haven't done such a hot job.
  3. I make a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of this PGTM as I understand it/him/her. I hope this works.
  4. I agree to look within and take full responsibility for my life and thoughts. Even when I don't want to.
  5. I admit to my Power, Friends and Everyone that thinking Negative Thoughts serves no useful purpose, and has been the cause of of much physical and emotional pain.
  6. I am NOW ready to think better and happier thoughts. Really.
  7. I humbly ask that my friends remind me gently when I begin speaking negatively. If this doesn't work, please yell.
  8. I make a list of all the people and groups I have blamed for all the bad things that have happened to me, and am willing to take responsibility for my life.
  9. I am aware of all Negative Thoughts that are in my mind and I find ways to eliminate them or replace them. I know that my Thoughts act like powerful magnets and I choose to be in charge of what I'm attracting.
  10. I continue to be aware of the words that come out of my mouth and shift them to positive thoughts except when impossible. (for example, when speaking about politics and ex- in-laws)
  11. I agree to check myself every hour or so to make sure that Negative Thoughts are not floating in my head.
  12. Having had a spiritual awakening as to the power of my thoughts, I carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all areas of my life.
  13. I like the idea that the number “13? can be as lucky as a 4 leaf clover, and to always remember how much I really enjoy my life when my thoughts feel better.

Wendy Merron, C.Ht. is a Certified NGH Instructor and Hypnotist at The Center of Success in Wayne, PA a suburb of Philadelphia. She has copywritten these 12 Steps and allows you to copy these on your site and blog provided that you include her name and copywrite info.

If you find that you want help with eliminating negative thoughts and feelings, please visit http://www.WendyMerron.com Many people find that Hypnosis and EFT are effective techniques to help you feel better and improve your life. http://wendymerron.com/cool-info/faqs/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Merron
http://EzineArticles.com/?12-Step-Program-For-Negative-Thinkers&id=2954178

02.12.2010

Throughout the centuries and going back to ancient times, people have felt the need to carry with them lucky charms, lucky amulets or a lucky talisman.

If you've ever wondered why some people seem to have all the luck in the world whereas others seem to stumble from one crisis to the next, then a simple lucky charm could be the answer.

There is a twofold advantage to carrying a lucky charm. Firstly the need to ward off evil is one aspect of carrying a lucky charm. But also, an amulet or talisman will hopefully bring good luck in the form of health, wealth and happiness to the owner.

Different cultures all seem to have their own favourite lucky charm. The Irish consider the shamrock as a good luck charm, whereas the Scots claim heather as a lucky charm. Both the Turks and the Greeks agree that a blue bead with an eye marking upon it, wards off the Evil Eye, and other curses. The Chinese have lucky coins.

The hidden powers of good luck amulets such as horse shoes, rabbit's feet and lucky pennies could well bring you wealth, good health and happiness.

Here are just a few of the more recognisable Good Luck Charms:

Horse Shoe

The most recognisable symbol of good luck is that of the horse shoe. Placed upright on a front door, it is believed to allow good luck to enter your home. Hanging it upside down is thought to let good luck run out and away.

Shamrock

The three-leafed clover of the shamrock symbolises not only the Holy Trinity but also health, wealth and happiness. The “luck of the Irish” has always been associated with the wearing of the shamrock.

Four-Leafed Clover

Similar to the good luck that comes from the shamrock, the four-leafed clover has been a lucky charm throughout the ages. It is believed that one leaf brings success, one brings true love, another brings good health, and the fourth leaf brings riches.

Acorns

The acorn is of course the nut of the oak tree. Carrying a fallen acorn is believed to ensure youthfulness to the owner and can attract both wealth and love.

Heather

Lucky heather, worn in the lapel, particularly purchased from a Gypsy, is said to bring good luck and health to the wearer.

Evil Eye Protection

The Evil Eye, usually inadvertently placed upon someone, can lead to bad luck, illness, loss of wealth and loss of sexual libido. Carrying or wearing a blue coloured bead with an eye upon it helps protect against the Evil Eye.

The very fact that you have a lucky charm will have a profound effect on your subconscious and your expectations of luck and fortune. If you carry a charm, then you will feel more confident, less vulnerable, and you will undoubtedly attract more positive things as a result.

Whether you believe in the power of lucky charms or not – it might be too much of chance not to hold onto something that could possibly bring you health, wealth and happiness!

So good luck in choosing a Lucky Charm!

Alison Yates wrote this article. Alison is an expert on the Occult, Psychic Abilities and Life Enhancement. To learn more about Lucky Charms visit: http://www.alizons-psychic-secrets.com/lucky-charm.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Yates
http://EzineArticles.com/?Lucky-Charms-Might-Be-the-Reason-Why-Some-People-Have-All-the-Luck&id=2157368

12.24.2009

Magical Good Luck Charms and Amulets

by fourleafclovergoodluckcharms

An Amulet/Good Luck Charm meaning “an object that protects a person from trouble”, is a close cousin of the Talisman, from the Greek, which means “To initiate into the mysteries”, consists of any object intended to bring Good Luck and/or protection to its owner. Potential Amulets include: gems or simple stones, statues, coins, drawings, pendants, rings, plants, animals, etc., even words said on certain occasions, – for example – Namo Tassa Bhagahato Arahato Samma Sambuddhasa, are used to repel evil or bad luck.

Amulets and Talismans vary considerably according to their time and place of origin. A religious amulet might be the figure of a certain god or holy monk. In Thailand one can commonly see people with more than one Buddha image hanging from their necks. Every zodiacal sign corresponds to a gem that acts as an Amulet, but these stones vary according to different traditions.

An ancient tradition in Chinainvolves capturing a cricket live and keeping it in an osier box to attract Good Luck (this tradition extended to the Philippines).

Figures of elephants are said to attract Good Luck and Money if one offers bank notes to them.

In India small bells make demons flee by their sound in the wind or when a door or window opens. Amulets are also worn on the upper right arm to protect the person wearing it. In fact this method was more popular in ancient India than wearing it as a pendant or around the neck.

Buddhism has a deep and ancient Talismanic tradition. In the earliest days of Buddhism, just after the Buddha's death in circa 485 B.C., amulets bearing the symbols of Buddhism were common. Symbols such as conch shells, the footprints of the Buddha, and others were commonly worn.

After the second century B.C. Greeks began carving the actual image of the Buddha. These were hungrily acquired by the native Buddhists in India, and the tradition spread.

In addition to protection against supernatural powers, amulets are also used for protection against other people. For example, soldiers and those involved in other dangerous activities may use Good Luck Charms to increase their luck.

Amulets can be found among people of every nation and social status. They can be seen in Jewelry-artisan fairs, museums, shops and homes.

To gain “maximum” power, the amulet and its ingredients have to be prayed over by monks for days. A top-of-the-range gold-leaf edition Amulet from a well-respected temple, costs 10,000 baht or more, (300-325 dollars), more than a month's wages for many Thai's.

The nation of 65 million people, most of whom remain very superstitious despite the rapid modernization of places such as Bangkok, has spent more than 20 million baht (625,000 to 650,000 dollars) on the Amulets/Good Luck Charms this year, newspapers say.

The scale of the phenomenon is now so large the Thai Revenue Department is looking into ways of taxing Amulet sales despite a convention that donations or money going to Buddhist temples are exempt from tax.

An Amulet/Good Luck Charm is instilled with magical qualities that keep away bad spirits. Usually worn around the neck or seen in ring form, amulets are also seen on dashboards and rear view mirrors of cars. Amulets/Good Luck Charms are particularly big in Southeast Asia.

Buddhist amulets/good luck charms have been worn for centuries in Thailand. Nowadays it seems almost every Thai has at least one. The Amulets are said to ward off evil spirits and bring Good Luck and Prosperity. In Buddhist countries Amulets are blessed by monks, usually one held in high regard by Thai society.

The prestige of an Amulet/Good Luck Charm is based on:

Who made it?

Where it was made?

The material it was made from

The beauty of the Amulet

It's reputation for bringing Good Luck

Thai amulets are not just made on a factory assembly line. Instead most amulets from Thailand are made by long time monks, who use their experience to cast spells, make sacred scripts (included in the amulet) and create magical pictures for them.

One of the lesser know facts about Thai Buddhist amulets/good luck charms, is the monks use ashes of old and sacred handwritten books as part of their magical ingredients. Each Thai amulet/good luck charm is really unique and each serves the purpose of protecting the one who wears it.

Those who wear protective amulets/good luck charms generally believe that an impersonal power is inherent in them. Although many rational and scientific minded people may scoff at those who wear them, millions of people world wide still wear them and believe in their powers.

Researched and written by Dr. Williaml Callaway, PhD. Visit his blog:
http://luckycharms-thailand.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Callaway
http://EzineArticles.com/?Magical-Good-Luck-Charms-and-Amulets&id=1180742

12.24.2009

The Theory Behind Good Luck Charms

by fourleafclovergoodluckcharms

All over the world people have their own sets of beliefs which form an important part of our culture and just who we are. Of course, the idea of just what is this particular culture is quite a question open to interpretation yet there is little doubt that there are certain aspects of this culture which lead to other interesting avenues, etc. There are various internet sites to visit for more Interesting Information on the topic. One distinct example of how culture is reflected in practice is how people believe and make use of good luck charms. There seems to be no end to how people believe in luck and the power that certain charms can produce and fortunately, or unfortunately as the case may be, the power as believed by many may be good or evil as fantasized in many horror movies such as Dracula for example.

But moving in on examples of good fortune that is usually referenced is that of jade bead bracelets. Jade is of course a lovely semi precious stone which is generally believed to bring good luck to those who own or wear it. This belief goes only God knows how far back but is referenced numerous times in history and journals. In Asia, for example, many people have jade jewelry and/or jade displays within their homes to bring great luck there in. Again, these beliefs go back many centuries, and are part of the foundations of people's cultures. Furthermore, many lucky charms not only bring good fortune but have positive value in the opposite direction and that is in warding off evil or negative energy. So therefore having a good luck charm in the home not only brings good things to the home but it avoids the presence of bad luck.

Of course the belief in good luck charms gives one a psychological advantage also if you think about it. When one has a strong belief in something that they think will help them in some way, then chances are that belief will in fact give them an inner strength which will in fact help them psychologically. This sort of belief has been clinically tested and proven to be of value for those who believe in omens like good luck charms for example. Good luck charms may seem silly to some people but if one believes in them for what they are, perhaps a symbol of winning over losing, then they not only have beauty but a great positive value.  

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Goldfuss
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Theory-Behind-Good-Luck-Charms&id=2732150

12.24.2009

Good Luck Charms Around the World

by fourleafclovergoodluckcharms

Amulets and talismans are in fact nothing more or less than good luck charms and after all that is exactly what millions of people in this world look for; shop for, and crave for in their lives.  What we'll be looking at here is a brief look back at the history of these good luck symbols in various cultures of the world.

These symbols are as different as the many and varied cultures of the world and differ considerably according to their times and places of origin as well as their societies and religions.  After all, an amulet may certainly represent a God or a symbol of deity such as a cross or a bull or an “eye of Horus”, or another such representation according to the culture.  Some societies even use gemstones as symbols of deity.

In parts of the Caribbean certain drawings are used as amulets, such as in certain types of Voodoo, and religions take into account the color of candles they use because of the significance of attractions or repulsions.  Additionally, speaking of attraction and repulsion, it is believed that certain perfumes and essences have that power, while a bit better known; a rabbit's foot is credited with the powers of certain magical abilities.

We all know of course from books and movies that garlic and crucifixes kept vampires away, but it is not as commonly known that the hammer of Thor still offers protection in some places in Scandinavia and Germany against thieves.  Naturally we all know about the good luck charm that is known as the four leaf clover.  (Don't confuse that with the shamrock which symbolizes the Christian Trinity)  Also interesting to note that elephants were said to attract great good luck and money IF…that's IF… one offers bank notes to them.  Hmm, interesting, huh?  And believe it or not in a small locale called Tyrol, it is believed that small bells make demons escape when they ring in the wind or when a door or window opens.

Buddhism is an interesting religion with many traditions which are somewhat unknown to most westerners.  After Buddha's death circa 485 BC, amulets bearing symbols of Buddha such as conch shells, the footprints of Buddha, and others were commonly worn.  Tradition really spread greatly after the 2nd century when the Greeks began carving actual images of the Buddha which were hungrily acquired by native Buddhists in India.

We all know that amulets and talismans, or when you really come down to it, Good Luck Charms in general, can be found literally all over the world among people from all nations and in all social statuses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Goldfuss
http://EzineArticles.com/?Good-Luck-Charms-Around-the-World&id=2732235

12.14.2009

Magical Good Luck Charms and Amulets

by fourleafclovergoodluckcharms

An Amulet/Good Luck Charm meaning “an object that protects a person from trouble”, is a close cousin of the Talisman, from the Greek, which means “To initiate into the mysteries”, consists of any object intended to bring Good Luck and/or protection to its owner. Potential Amulets include: gems or simple stones, statues, coins, drawings, pendants, rings, plants, animals, etc., even words said on certain occasions, – for example – Namo Tassa Bhagahato Arahato Samma Sambuddhasa, are used to repel evil or bad luck.

Amulets and Talismans vary considerably according to their time and place of origin. A religious amulet might be the figure of a certain god or holy monk. In Thailand one can commonly see people with more than one Buddha image hanging from their necks. Every zodiacal sign corresponds to a gem that acts as an Amulet, but these stones vary according to different traditions.

An ancient tradition in Chinainvolves capturing a cricket live and keeping it in an osier box to attract Good Luck (this tradition extended to the Philippines).

Figures of elephants are said to attract Good Luck and Money if one offers bank notes to them.

In India small bells make demons flee by their sound in the wind or when a door or window opens. Amulets are also worn on the upper right arm to protect the person wearing it. In fact this method was more popular in ancient India than wearing it as a pendant or around the neck.

Buddhism has a deep and ancient Talismanic tradition. In the earliest days of Buddhism, just after the Buddha's death in circa 485 B.C., amulets bearing the symbols of Buddhism were common. Symbols such as conch shells, the footprints of the Buddha, and others were commonly worn.

After the second century B.C. Greeks began carving the actual image of the Buddha. These were hungrily acquired by the native Buddhists in India, and the tradition spread.

In addition to protection against supernatural powers, amulets are also used for protection against other people. For example, soldiers and those involved in other dangerous activities may use Good Luck Charms to increase their luck.

Amulets can be found among people of every nation and social status. They can be seen in Jewelry-artisan fairs, museums, shops and homes.

To gain “maximum” power, the amulet and its ingredients have to be prayed over by monks for days. A top-of-the-range gold-leaf edition Amulet from a well-respected temple, costs 10,000 baht or more, (300-325 dollars), more than a month's wages for many Thai's.

The nation of 65 million people, most of whom remain very superstitious despite the rapid modernization of places such as Bangkok, has spent more than 20 million baht (625,000 to 650,000 dollars) on the Amulets/Good Luck Charms this year, newspapers say.

The scale of the phenomenon is now so large the Thai Revenue Department is looking into ways of taxing Amulet sales despite a convention that donations or money going to Buddhist temples are exempt from tax.

An Amulet/Good Luck Charm is instilled with magical qualities that keep away bad spirits. Usually worn around the neck or seen in ring form, amulets are also seen on dashboards and rear view mirrors of cars. Amulets/Good Luck Charms are particularly big in Southeast Asia.

Buddhist amulets/good luck charms have been worn for centuries in Thailand. Nowadays it seems almost every Thai has at least one. The Amulets are said to ward off evil spirits and bring Good Luck and Prosperity. In Buddhist countries Amulets are blessed by monks, usually one held in high regard by Thai society.

The prestige of an Amulet/Good Luck Charm is based on:

Who made it?

Where it was made?

The material it was made from

The beauty of the Amulet

It's reputation for bringing Good Luck

Thai amulets are not just made on a factory assembly line. Instead most amulets from Thailand are made by long time monks, who use their experience to cast spells, make sacred scripts (included in the amulet) and create magical pictures for them.

One of the lesser know facts about Thai Buddhist amulets/good luck charms, is the monks use ashes of old and sacred handwritten books as part of their magical ingredients. Each Thai amulet/good luck charm is really unique and each serves the purpose of protecting the one who wears it.

Those who wear protective amulets/good luck charms generally believe that an impersonal power is inherent in them. Although many rational and scientific minded people may scoff at those who wear them, millions of people world wide still wear them and believe in their powers.

Researched and written by Dr. Williaml Callaway, PhD. Visit his blog:
http://luckycharms-thailand.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Callaway
http://EzineArticles.com/?Magical-Good-Luck-Charms-and-Amulets&id=1180742

Next Page »