Luck is defined as that which happens to a person...an event, good or ill...which affects an individual's interests or happiness and which is deemed causal. It is a series of such events which are regarded as occurring by chance, fate or fortune...often, a person's habitual or characteristic fortune. It has been said that luck is better than skill.In Greek Mythology, the Goddess of Luck is Tyche, known to the Romans as Fortuna. She is often portrayed holding a double-sided rudder that could steer mankind to good or bad luck. She also frequently holds a cornucopia (horn of plenty) to symbolize prosperity and is sometimes blindfolded to indicate that luck is a matter of "blind chance." In addition, Tyche occasionally sports wings to symbolize how good fortune might be fleeting. A ball, representative of the manner in which luck "rolls according to chance" is often associated with this Goddess. Tyche is said to teach the paradoxical message that life is essentially a game of dice, determined by chance, and that nothing is ever set in stone. No matter how certain an individual might be that something will happen, there is always an underlying element of chance, and it would be wise to expect the unexpected. Instead of submission to Fate, Tyche provides the encouragment for individuals to take things into their own hands, thus making their own destiny. In was in Tyche's temple that the first set of dice were dedicated by Palamedes, perhaps indicating the capriciousness of life and luck...and the fickle manner in which the fortunes of mortals are often decided.
"Luck affects everything;
Let your hook always be cast;
In the stream where you least expect it,
There will be a fish."
-- Ovid --
The lucky number for Taurus is six (also known as the Hexad). It is the mystic number of Venus and a number which Taurus shares with those individuals born under the Sign of Libra. Six represents family and symbolizes the home, parents, healers and counselors. It is representative of domestic bliss, responsibility, compassion, marriage and devotion. Six is also associated with fraternity and brotherhood...or sorority and sisterhood. It is the common bond of closeness between people, representing love, nurturing, harmony and justice. Six is the perfect divider of the circle and the radius of a circle divides its circumference into the six points of the hexagon to form the Seal of Solomon...the hexagram. In geometry, six is the hexagon...two triangles which share a common side. Similarly, in mathematics, six is two threes, also known as the second perfection. A mystic number represented in nature by the formation of crystals, honeycomb, snowflakes and flowers, six is a happy number with the power to ward off evil. It is said the the cycle of life has six periods (birth, growth, decay, death, absorption and metamorphosis) and that there are six states of man (love, chastity, death, fame, time and eternity). Six is also perfection in the form of power, expressed by the symbolism of six equilateral triangles in a circle. In a biblical sense, the world was created in six days (man being created on the sixth) and in Jewish tradition, took six thousand years. Six is the number of points found on the Star of David and in the Cabala, it is the center of equilibrium...the junction of two perfect triangles. This number has also been designated as the mark of the Beast...the Anti-Christ. In China, the number six was, above all else, the number of Heaven. In Mayan lore, six was considered to be unlucky...the day of the rain and storm god and the number of death. If the divisors of six are added (1+2+3), the answer is the number six...there is hardly any other number which will give such a result. Not only does adding the divisors make six, so does their multiplication (1x2x3). It is also the center of the first five even numbers (2-4-6-8-10) and is often called a "pivoting number" which creates a cycle of sorts.In biblical numerology, six is the Number of Man. Man was created on the sixth day and labors for six days only. The Serpent was also created on the sixth day. The Sixth Commandment is, "Thou shalt not murder." Six words are used for man: Adam; ish; Enosh; gehver; anthropos and anar. In addition, 6 x 6 = 36. 36 + 35 + 34 + 33 + 32 . . . 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 666. 666 is the number of the Antichrist, meaning that the name of the Antichrist in Greek adds up to 666. This is generally considered to be a mockery of the Trinity.
Six is feminine in nature and, when associated with Taurus, resides in the Second House of Money and Possessions, governing all things lucrative. It is the number of luck and chance...life and strength...honesty and beauty...a number which is capable of both creation and destruction. In short, it may have an equally strong tendency toward evil as it does toward good...toward rebellion as it does toward union with God. It is the number of mutual hating and giving...of mystic destiny. The colors associated with the number six are all those within the blue family. Its peak tends to be during the daylight hours, with its natural element being earth and its associated gems being emeralds and turquoise.
The lucky color for Taurus is green. Green is one of the colors associated with Venus, this Sign's ruling Planet. In a positive sense, green suggests nature...plants and forests...life, stablity and restfulness. On the negative side, some tones of green can suggest decay...fungus and mold...toxicity or artificiality. Green should never be worn on serious or practical occasions. It has a soothing effect on the nerves and has come to symbolize prosperity. Green is representative of nature as a whole, the environment and vigor. However, it can also symbolize jealousy and envy. In addition, green has also been regarded as the color of eternal life, as seen in evergreens which never change their color from season to season. This color is often used in hospitals because it is thought to be easier on the eye and aids in lowering the stress levels of both patients and caregivers. Green it is believed to an unlucky color for those who are about to be married, but is otherwise considered lucky if an individual wishes to attract attention. Green has the passive and harmonic oval form.
Green strikes the eye in such a way as to require no adjustment whatsoever. Therefore, it is a restful color. Being located in the centre of the spectrum, it is the color of balance...a concept which carries more importance than many realize. When the world surrounding an individual contains plenty of green, it indicates the presence of water and thus, little danger of famine. Therefore, humankind on a primitive level becomes reassured by green. The negative aspect of this color can indicate stagnation and, if used incorrectly, will be perceived as being too bland. Green is a feminine color of passiveness and peace, wisdom of nature, eternal life and hope. However, it can also be perceived as defensive and cautious...weakening and static. In Christian worship, art, architecture and design, green symbolizes the breaking of shackles and freedom from bondage. It is the color of fertility. In Christian symbolism, it represents bountifulness, hope and the victory of life over death. It is one of the colors associated with Christmas and the long season of the Trinity in Summer. In heraldry, green is symbolic of youth and hope.
Positive Qualities Of Green: Harmony - Balance - Refreshment - Universal Love - Rest - Restoration - Reassurance - Environmental Awareness - Equilibrium - Peace
Negative Qualities Of Green: Bordeom - Stagnation - Blandness - EnervationTaurus individuals are also drawn to deep blues, violets and occasionally, pastels or florals, preferring soft patterns that are suggestive of nature or natural things. They are also attracted to soothing colors that created harmony and peace, such as the calming hue of lilac. The colors of Taurus often have luscious of sensuous associations. Taurus natives also benefit from the color yellow, which inspires the mind and helps to offset the inherent tendency of this Sign toward indolence and apathy.
Other Favorable Colors: Pink - Orange - Cream - Coral - White - Bright Brown - Bright Black
Unvavorable Colors: Grey - Dull Brown - Red - Variegated Colors - Faded Colors
The lucky flower for Taurus is the violet, the common name of a group of flowering plants. The blossoms of this flower are generally considered to be among the most attractive of all cultivated or wild blooms. Violets can be found throughout most of the world. Certain varieties bear white and yellow flowers, but the blue and purple violets are generally viewed as the most favored. The leaves of the violet are considered to be rather palatable and can be used to make salads, candies and jellies. The name is said to be derived from vias, which means "wayside." The violet is sometimes called the Flower of Modesty because it hides its blooms within its heart-shaped leaves. It is also referred to as Our Lady's Modesty because it was said to have blossomed when the Virgin Mary said to the Angel Gabriel, who had come to inform her she was to bear the Son of God, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord." Monks in the Middle Ages perceived this flower as the symbol of the trinity in their three colors and it was once believed that God gave the plant its heart-shaped leaves as a medicinal aid for cardiac disease.
The violet is associated with a number of different symbolic meanings. The blue variety is used as a token of friendship and rememberance, while the purple violet symbolizes faithful love. Alpine violets are used in bouquets to request candid words...originally a Sylvan custom, although its source has become obscured with the passage of time. Due to the reclusiveness of their tiny yellow blossoms, wood violets represent secrecy. The flaming violets of River's Rest are said to be magical creations rather than natural flowers, but they too have earned a place among floral symbolism, representing intellectual brilliance. Often, the violet is considered to be a flower of ill and was once believed to encourage fleas to move into the home. However, it is also credited with a some positive qualities. For example, it is said that to wear a violet around the neck can prevent drunkenness and it was once used to guard against deception, as well as to create an atmosphere of trust and honesty. The violet was the favored flower of Mohammed and of Napoleon Bonaparte...indeed, supporters nicknamed him "Corporal Violet, the little flower that returns with Spring." His wife, Josephine, wore these flowers at their wedding ceremony and on each anniversary, Napoleon would send her a boquet of violets. The blossoms were also showered on her coffin when she died and before being exiled to the Island of St. Helena, Napoleon visited Josephine's tomb, where he picked violets growing at her graveside...placing the blossoms in a locket which was found around his neck upon his death. Is is said that to dream of violets indicates an advance in life. Although basically considered to bring good luck when given as a gift, violets that bloom in Autumn are thought to foretell of epidemics or death which will follow within the year and is considered in some cultures to be a funeral flower. Once thrown in graves for remembrance in rural England, the mourners also carried violets to protect themselves against poisonous exhalations while in the cemetery. In Ancient Greece, so many violets were placed in a grave that they sometimes almost completely concealed the body. In the language of flowers, the basic meaning of the violet is modesty, purity and charm against evil. However, the blue violet also means watchfulness and faithfulness and is associated with the phrase, "I'll Always Be True." The white violet is associated with the phrase, "Let's Take A Chance On Happiness," while the yellow violet conveys modest worth.
According to Greek legend, the violet was created by Zeus, who was in love with a nymph named Io, daughter of Inachus, a River God. In order to hide Io from the suspicious eyes of his wife, Hera, Zeus changed the nymph into a white heifer, but Io began to weep bitterly because of the harshness of the coarse common grass she was forced to eat in bovine form. Thus, Zeus decided to create a new and more suitable plant on which the delicate Io could feed by transforming her tears into the sweet-smelling violet. In Roman myth, it was Venus who made the violet blue. She had been disputing with her son, Cupid, as to which was more beautiful...herself or a bevy of girls...and Cupid, with no fear of his mother, declared it to be the maidens. This statement sent Venus into such a rage, that she beat her rivals until they turned blue and were transformed into violets. In English folklore, a tale sets forth that King Frost felt lonely in his huge ice palace, where everything was frozen and lifeless. Thus, he sent his courtiers out to search for a lovely girl who would melt his frigid heart and bring him happiness. The courtiers found a very shy maiden named Violet and presented her to the King. He immediately succumbed to her charm and fell in love with the gir. Although once a strict and passionless monarch, King Frost slowly became gentle and warmhearted, vowing to his people that the harsh and endless winters of his realm would become milder for one half of each year. Such was the tender effect that Violet had upon the King. She pled with him to allow her to visit her people once more and because of the love her bore her, King Frost granted her wish to reside with her family each Spring. His sole condition was that she could only return to them in the form of a flower for part of the year...coming back to her husband's icy realm each Winter.
The lucky gemstone of an individual is truly associated with the month of birth rather than the Sign under which a person was born. The original association of a special gem with each month was recorded in the Bible (Exodus 28 and 39). An original Breastplate of Aaron, High Priest of the Hebrews, was said to be made by Moses in 1250 BC, according to instructions he received during his forty days spent in the mountains. The twelve gems in the breastplate were later linked with the Signs of the Zodiac and later still, associated with the months in the year. What follows describes the breastplate of the High Priest:
It was square -- a span [22 centimetres] long and a span wide -- and folded double. Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there was a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings. There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.The precise identification of some of these precious stones is uncertain. For example, in the same passage of the Revised Standard Version of Exodus, diamonds, sardius, and carbuncle (an alternative name for the garnet) are also included in the list of twelve biblically significant gemstones. It should also be kept in mind that aquamarines and emeralds are forms of beryl, while sardonyx is a form of onyx, and jacinth and chrysolite are also known respectively as zircon and peridot.
(Old Testament, New International Version, Exodus, Chapter 39, vs. 9-14)
The lucky gem for Taurus individuals born in April is the diamond. They share this fortunate jewel with those Aries individuals who were also born during the same month. The diamond, a sparkling precious stone, white or blue in color, is sometimes referred to as the king of crystals (or king stone) and stone of invulnerability. Traditionally, this jewel is the symbol of purity and innocence, and considered to be most lucky when worn on the left side of the body. The hardest of all precious gems (and the hardest substance known in nature), it is a crystalline form of carbon. The word diamond is derived from adamas, which is Greek in origin and means "indomitable" or "unconquerable," suggesting the eternity of love. It represents strength, virtue, bravery, fearlessness, invincibility and insight, bestowing these fine attributes upon its wearers. The Hebrews believed that the diamond lost its sparkle if touched or worn by a traitor and in ancient times, it was thought to drive away the Devil. The Hindus once held the belief that a flawed diamond (or one containing spots or specks) was so unlucky that it could deprive the God Inda of his highest heaven. The first river-bed (alluvial) diamonds were thought to have been discovered around 800 B.C.
The diamond is considered to be the greatest of all gem stones, revered throughout the ages not only for its great beauty and strength, but also for its powerful positive spiritual and physical influences. This stone is said to enhance the wearer with charm and beauty. Physically, it is believed to strengthen the kidneys and reproductive organs and afford protection against severe disease. The Ancient Romans believed that the diamond, when worn on the left side next to the skin, endowed bravery and daring to the the wearer. During the Middle Ages Queen Elizabeth I was made a gift of a diamond to ward off the plague and Napoleon carried a sword with a diamond in the hilt to assure victory in battle. Antiquated writings tell of a diamond which hung about the neck of Abraham which could cure the illness of any man who gazed upon it, and it is said that when Abraham died, the Lord sealed the gem within the sun. Even today, the diamond engagement ring remains the accepted token of promised love and loyalty. It is thought that this tradition may have begun in 1477 when Maximilian I of Austria presented a diamond ring to Mary, daughter of the Duke of Burgundy, as a betrothal gift. To dream of diamonds was once thought to be a sure sign of success, wealth and happiness.
A history of tragedy and misfortune has often accompanied the more highly-prized examples of the diamond. Stones such as the Hope Diamond were so unfortunate and brought such ill-luck that the very mention of its name once struck terror into peoples' hearts. However, the gem itself is not unlucky...the bad luck being mainly brought about by the greed and lust with which humankind has fought and thieved and connived in order to obtain such great wealth. Indeed, legend states that a diamond purchased out of greed, or one that is stolen or won from another, will not bring good luck to the wearer. A diamond given as a gift or which is representative as a token of trust and affection between sweethearts can never bring ill-luck. According to lore, the diamond came into existence when the God of Mines called together all his noblemen and instructed them to bring him one of every variety and color of gemstone in existence. Once he had received the collection, he crushed them, forming one magnificent jewel of rare beauty, purity and indestructibility...the diamond. The diamond is the traditional gem for the 10th, 30th and 60th Wedding Anniversaries. It is also known as the Winter Gemstone.
The lucky gem for Taurus individuals born in May is the emerald. They share this fortunate jewel with those Gemini individuals who were also born during the same month. The emerald is a sparkling-green precious stone of the beryl group. Its color is caused by small amounts of chromium and vanadium, which are enhanced by traces of iron. The highest quality emerald is a transparent grass-green. As one of the most expensive gemstones, it is often more valuable than a diamond. The first emeralds came from the Egyptian desert near the Red Sea. The emerald is a traditional symbol of constancy and true affection. Its name is derived from the Greek word smaragdos, which means "green stone" and it was highly prized by the Ancients as the gemstone of love and rebirth. It is said to give its owner the gift of eloquence. The Moguls of India, including Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, admired emeralds so much they inscribed them with sacred text and wore them as talismans.
Races as far apart as the Egyptians and the Incas of Peru considered the emerald as a stone of the Gods and it has been treasured since at least 4000 B.C., when it was traded in the gem markets of Babylon. Later, the Mohammedians also believed it to possess godly powers and a rough emerald inscribed with a verse of the Koran was a talisman of immortaility. A highly-polished emerald was once believed to have the power of restoring failing eyesight and Nero, while watching the gladiators in the arena, would use an emerald to lengthen his vision. It was formerly used in the treatment of inflamed eyes...made into a lotion by being steeped in water or sometimes crushed and powdered first. Cleopatra prized her emeralds more than any other jewels. This stone is reputed to bring security in love. It is also said to allow access to the mystery that an individual holds deepest in his or her heart, thereby healing and activating the highest heart's desire. Believed to assist in the healing of eyesight and speech impediments, the emerald is thought to have a tranquilizing effect on the heart and mind by inspiring clam and clear assurance. According to legend, this stone will strengthen the owner's memory, quicken the intelligence and assist in predicting the future.
In Greek mythology, Hermes composed a tablet carved from a giant emerald as a gift for Aphrodite. In the Book of Revelations, emerald is said to compose the throne of God and the Holy Grail is said to be carved from a huge emerald which fell from Satan's crown upon his banishment from Heaven. In Hebrew lore, emeralds were one of the four precious stones given to Solomon. Legend states that if an emerald is given by one sweetheart to another, it will pale and grow dull when the love between them fades. The emerald is the traditional gem for the 20th, 35th and 55th Wedding Anniversaries. It is also known as the Spring Gemstone.
The lucky day for those who fall under the jurisdiction of Taurus is Friday. The origin of this day derives from Norse Mythology and Frigg, a kind and beautiful Goddess who was married to Woden or Odin, the most powerful of the Norse Gods. Together, Frigg and Odin watched the happenings all over the world. Frigg was the Goddess of Nature. She controlled everything smallest hamlet to the largest jungle and was also the Goddess of Love and Marriage, as well as being the Goddess of Housewives, the Sky and the Clouds . Those who worshipped Frigg held her in such high esteem that they named a day in her honor, calling it Frigedaeg, which later became known as Friday.
The Saxons originally referred to Friday as Frigga's Tag, which is also where the German nation gets their modern name for the name. Frigga and Woden had seven sons who are reputed to be the founders of the seven Saxon Kingdoms of England...Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, East Anglia, Essex, Kent and Sussex. Alghough Frigga was permitted to share the throne with Woden, she spent most of her time spinning and looking after the welfare of mortals who lived on Earth. She was also known to smooth the paths of sweethearts and married people. Another of Frigga's duties was to spread knowledge on the administration of justice. Those humans who had to decide legal issues and cases would look to Frigga for guidance. In addition, defendants in legal cases would call upon her to help them prove their innocence. Thus, this Goddess was responsible for teaching and symbolized the fact that wisdom cannot exist without learning.
Friday is viewed as one of the most popular days. The love for this day is undoubtedly engendered by the fact that in the Western World, it is the last workday of the week. In predominantly Moslem cultures, Friday is considered a Holy Day...a day to gather in the mosques at noon for prayers and to spend the day in religious contemplation. Since mankind's early history, a Friday that falls on the 13th day of a month has been thought to be unlucky. Historians theorize that this may be because there were thirteen persons present at the Last Supper of Christ and that this number proved unlucky. It was also on a Friday that Jesus was crucified. The Friday crucifixion spawned an Eastertime holiday known as Good Friday. The appellation "good" was likely a corruption of the word "God." Therefore, Good Friday was originally, God's Friday...the day Christians believe God showed his love for the world by relinquishing his son. According to an ancient rhyme, Friday's child is loving and giving.
FLOWERS/HERBS: Alfalfa, Coltsfoot, Honeysuckle, Lily-of-the-Valley, Primrose, Tulip,
Mushrooms, Myrtle, Rose, Sesame, Tansy and Vervain
OILS: Cardamon, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Thyme and Jasmine
GEMSTONES: Sapphire, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Moss Agate, Jade and Opal
ANIMALS: Bull and Cow
TREES: Apple, Almond, Cherry, Walnut, Ash, Sycamore and Myrtle
BIRDS: Dove, Sparrow and Swan
METAL: Copper
