Talismans

I know I have talked too frequently of my mother - but she had such an endless array of quirks, that she could provide fodder for blog topics for years!

As we are working here to honor our military service people past and present later this year, I am thinking about the power of talismans. There are lots of references to them in ancient epic literature, mythology, and so on. They often play a pivotal part in thrillers of a more mystic bent. And we all probably have treasured at least one during out life - rabbits feet anyone??

But my mother went a step further and imbued jewelry, in particular, with powers to control how a day would go. I can remember a bracelet my dad gave her that she treasured for the rare gift, but never wore because she was sure it caused bad luck. And as much as I fought against the concept, I too realize I have good luck and bad luck earrings. I think I can speak for a number of women that will say that certain outfits or articles of clothing are worn or avoided because of their good or bad luck.

Why do we do this? I certainly am no expert, but I would guess that by externalizing the good or bad luck we protect ourselves from responsibility for bad times, and the risk of hubris or the sin of pride in good times. It isn't you, it is that necklace, those shoes and aren't I lucky/unlucky to have it.

If you are ready to take on that responsibility, there are books to help you along. Try The Luck Factor, by Richard Wiseman, for instance. But if I were you, I would keep that rabbits foot just in case . . .