How to Bring Good Luck into Your Home

Maybe you’re the type of person who knocks on wood to stop yourself from jinxing. Or you keep an amethyst crystal on your nightstand in hopes of absorbing anxiety to help you nod off. In one way or another, these behaviors are linked to capturing positive energy.

"Superstitions give one a sense of control in a complex, apparently impersonal, and largely unpredictable world," says Phillips Stevens, Ph.D., professor of Anthropology Emeritus, State University of New York at Buffalo and author of forthcoming book Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft (Routledge). The idea that an action or an object can prevent something bad from happening is a type of magical thinking. When it comes to the home, certain cultural do's and don'ts are tied to the idea of universal order—balance and harmony, the yin and the yang. The inside of a home should be peaceful and comfortable, to counteract the potentially risky and unpredictable outside world. As a result, each culture has created rituals, ways that capture the transition and transformation from outside to inside.

Take the ubiquitous superstition: opening an umbrella inside. Everyone knows it’s bad luck, right? But why? Stevens explains that, since an umbrella is an object related to bad weather, bringing it inside is akin to inviting the storm in. Better leave it in the foyer, closed, until it's needed.

In addition to magic superstitions, there are also sign superstitions that believers interpret as messages from the universe, such as seeing a black cat cross one’s path. "Some prefer the term 'folk beliefs', as superstitions can be a pejorative term," says Tok Thompson, PhD, professor of anthropology and communications at University of Southern California in Los Angeles and author of Posthuman Folklore. "Some superstitions are later proven by science to be true, and then are no longer superstitions but scientific belief. Likewise, science can change its mind, and what is scientific belief at one point can become superstitious belief later. In general, superstitions are beliefs about the world, and about what causes what, that are not approved by science."

One of the reasons people still believe in superstitions today is habit and routine. Think of it this way, if you always get up on the same side of the bed and get coffee but one day you crawl out on the opposite side and skip your coffee, your day might feel a bit off. Or if your favorite team wins the playoffs when you're wearing a particular t-shirt, you might feel inclined to wear it again the next time they play. "Persistent behaviors give you a sense of control and that’s terrifically important when processing the world at large," Stevens continues. That's why if you do something out of turn and the day isn’t great, it can be attributed to the anomaly, especially one that is dubbed a taboo. "Superstitions are a part of folklore, and have been around for a long, long time. Way longer than writing," Thompson continues. "But they change, die out, and new ones emerge."

The bottom line in our view: Better safe than sorry! To keep your household running smoothly, read on for 11 things to try so that your house is full of good juju.

Make the most of mirrors

Keep hats off the bed

Bring in some horns

Give Ghosts something to read

Arrange flowers in odd numbers

Never put shoes on a table

Powerfully position your bed

Save the spiders

Sweep strategically

Don't dine in the dark

Clean the commode

 

https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/home-makeovers/g44266174/11-ways-to-bring-good-luck-into-your-home/?fbclid=IwAR1XRDDINFFkhZUFbP9om5ORRuaSOTmzGE0WFIfnpIWik9bjgd7AhbLaR6c_aem_th_AV-jWwLCg-ELK2UGfVh-e1jkvNvk-Krrd7xgx9MUC1LIrB35aL0YhC2pHeaSX1Yt8zA&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

 

Horoscope for the Week of August 28, 2023 - Mercury Retrogrades in Virgo

Mercury retrogrades in Virgo this week causing some miscommunication and missed messages. Be sure to check the directions and then … recheck them!

Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2023 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 12th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)

Details may elude you, Aries, or maybe you have misheard what others are saying. Whatever gets you on a strange detour, allow yourself some time to stop, think about it and readjust what you are doing. There is ample time to pivot … or your mind. Be sure that you have all the facts and even then, sit and contemplate.

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 21)

Are you finding that your social calendar is heating up with a few too many invitations? Lucky you, Taurus. But be sure that you are able to keep track of all of the details - the who, what, where and when. You could miss a fabulous time or overbook with too many great choices. I guess there can be worse situations.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

Whatever you have on your plate for home improvements, be sure that you understand all of the directions and that you are not leaving anything out. You may have some miscommunication that delays a project or sets it off course. You have some great ideas, Gemini. Allow yourself the time to fully understand all it entails.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)

You think that you are being clear and concise in your communication, Cancer, but it may be that your message is not getting through. Others can be confused or believe that they are hearing something different. Take a deep breath and ask for feedback with any important communication. Even then, maintain your humor.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)

If you are entering into anything financial, especially something intricate, give yourself plenty of time to fully understand what is going on. You could hear one thing when it means another. You may not see the fine print in any agreement. Just proceed carefully and deliberately. Ask questions and write down the answers, Leo.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)

You make an interesting first impression, Virgo and have the ability to schmooze others. Be sure to tone your message to the right audience. Avoid any miscommunication by taking your time in conversations and listening extra carefully to responses. Also check and confirm any important meetings that you don’t want to miss.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)

Your usual ability to discern what others are really thinking needs careful readjustment, Libra. What you think you see and hear may not be accurate. But don’t worry. This is a passing phase and shouldn’t impact any of your current plans. My advice is to pull back and find ways to just mellow out and meditate.

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)

Expect some off-and-on miscommunication among friends now, Scorpio. Dates that are set and plans that are made could be confusing and may need to be readjusted. Find ways to not stress over any social situation that goes a bit off course. All these snafus are temporary and some may even be amusing or illuminating.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)

Whatever long terms plans that you have made and may be counting on, might need a readjustment now, Sagittarius. That is because items that you thought we solid begin to shift and itineraries may need to change with the times. This is all good. Sometimes we need a reappraisal and a tune up so we can go even further.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)

Check your travel plans at least twice, Capricorn. Luggage can be lost, transportation might be delayed, companions can be flaky and items that you thought you packed, you didn’t. Oh well, this all just adds up to the adventure and the excitement. You never know what can happen when you leave yourself open to all of the possibilities.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)

As sexy as you are, Aquarius, are you giving off the intended signals now? Check yourself out in the mirror and see if the impression you give is one that you want to give. There could be a bit of confusion here. You never know what can happen to an errant love message. Be sure you have delivered it to the right person!

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)

Any type of gatherings or meetings could create confusion or fall off someone’s calendar, Pisces. So try to be very patient with others and expect some miscommunication in any relationship or partnership. The best advice I can give you is to maintain your cool sense of humor and prepare for something or someone out of the blue.

(c) 2023 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye Find astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and a great sun sign book at tinyurl.com/Herscopes

Lucky Numbers for the Week of August 25, 2023

Lottery ads tell us you only need a dollar and a dream. But it is also helpful to have a list of lucky numbers to help spur the good fortune ... or fortunes. So with that in mind, here are some lucky numbers that can be used in any helpful way. I gazed into a pool of water, Nostradamus-like, and contemplated the cosmos. Then I mixed the tarot cards and allowed the spirits to guide me to the cards that represent the lucky numbers for this week. Nothing is guaranteed but who knows ....?

I choose eight numbers because 8 is the number of of wealth.

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of August 25-31, 2023:

1, 17, 23, 24, 28, 32, 66, 78

There are many ways to delve into your own consciousness to find luck and intuition. Try reading Dream Power/Improve Your Luck (Super Strength Series) and see if your dreams give you any clues and premonitions. Here's a guide to the best books available this month

MERCURY RETROGRADE AUGUST INTO SEPTEMBER 2023

Eminent astrologer Felissa Rose shares her thoughts on the current Mercury retrograde:

 

The planet Mercury goes retrograde approximately three times every year.   Approximate, relates to an additional time when the planet goes retrograde in one year and out of it in the following one.   This last happened in December 2022  when Mercury went  retrograde late In the month  until it went direct in mid-January 2023.   There will be a similar occurrence this coming December, but this time Mercury will go direct on New Years Day.  

Mercury will next go retrograde on Weds August 23^rd at 3:54 pm EDT at 21 degrees 49 minutes of Virgo and direct on September 15^th at 4:16 pm EDT at 8 degrees and 3 minutes of Virgo.   During the entire time Mercury will be retrograde it will be moving through the sign of Virgo.   Retrograde energy is internalized, one that encourages reflection.   Decision making takes more time as there’s a tendency to go over things.   Virgo is a sign of details and on one hand it’s easier to miss nuances during the period when Mercury is retrograde, but hopefully being in the sign of Virgo should help to go over things more slowly and carefully.  

Right before Mercury goes retrograde there’s often a feeling of urgency to get things done, especially what has been put off for a while and needs to be completed.   This also occurs at the time when Mercury is going direct.  Ruling communications and information this can particularly relate to paperwork. 

When a planet moves through an astrological sign it puts a focus on the part of the body that the sign rules.   Virgo rules the pancreas which controls the balance of blood sugar in one’s body.    Many people who were born with Mars in Virgo as well as Mercury, which rules irritation and coupled with Pluto inflammation, develop diabetes which can be put off by one’s diet.  I know of individuals who were diagnosed early with diabetes who changed what they ate and no longer had diabetes.   Whether one is prone to getting this illness or not it would be a good idea to pay attention to what one eats and minimize sugar as well as carbohydrates which easily turn into sugar.  

Virgo also rules one’s health habits and when planets move through a sign there’s an increased interest in whatever the sign rules.   Diet and exercise are important for one’s health and viability.  As mentioned Mercury rules information and as people tend to look inward during a retrograde, interest in seeing how certain foods affect one’s health can increase during this transit.    Awareness of new exercise routines can begin during the retrograde but it’s likely to change when Mercury goes direct.   Unless there’s an emergency it’s best to avoid seeing a doctor or dentist during the retrograde.   For things can be either missed or results unclear.  

When Mercury, ruler of thought and communications is retrograde, delays in both connecting with others and decision making are more than likely.  As mentioned retrograde energy is internalized, some of the best writers were born while Mercury was retrograde.   It’s a good time to both write down your ideas and proposals and go over them and express them when Mercury has gone direct. 

                                                                2.

During the time Mercury is in retrograde there’s a tendency to be less focused.  Retrograde or not thinking before speaking is a good thing to do most of the time.  With  that in mind,  it will be interesting as politicians work for a bigger role in the 2024 elections to see what  comes out of their mouths.   Although since most of us aren’t politicians it’s a good idea not to jump to conclusions because of what someone said.   One’s behavior and actions are what really show us what people  are about. 

Mercury rules circuits and wiring and complications are more likely to occur during this retrograde.   With Virgo ruling nuances there can be increased difficulty in both discovering and resolving the problems with these often overlooked but problematic details.   If possible avoid buying phones, computers, televisions, audio equipment when this planet is retrograde.   If you must make sure you have a good warranty and can return or exchange whatever you purchase.   And if you can avoid signing contracts, there’s often details overlooked while Mercury is retrograde.  If you can it would be better to put off beginning a new job when Mercury is in retrograde.   Have seen people who have done so and found that the job wasn’t what they were told it would be.   Most left and moved to a new position. 

Mercury will go direct om September 15 so there can be more clarity and better connections after that date.   On September 29^th Mercury comes to 21 degrees of Virgo, the degree it went retrograde.   This will make things even clearer and increase the understanding of whatever misinformation or occurrences took place during the retrograde.

Mercury will next be retrograde from December 13, 2023, to January 1, 2024.   Keep that in mind when buying mechanical equipment  as holiday gifts during that time.   The retrograde period is a good time to reflect on decisions and events that have occurred in your life.   For even mistakes show us what we need to learn.

 

Horoscope for the Week of August 21, 2023 - Sun Enters Virgo

The Sun enters Virgo this week giving us practical acumen in many aspects of our lives. Where do you need a bit of grounding and purpose? Apply it and rub it in.

Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2023 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 12th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)

Whatever you need to get done at work now is the time to do it, Aries. You are able to look at a project or situation and quickly assess what to do first and what will get the job done quickly, efficiently and successfully. You also have the ability to improve your overall health and exercise with sensible actions and a new outlook.

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 21)

Whatever sparks your curiosity and wonder, do it, Taurus. Dip into your imagination and see where it takes you. Your ability to enhance the experience of any activity and make it more fun not only makes life more enjoyable for you but also your increasing fan base of admirers. You attract a crowd. Make the most of every opportunity.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

Anything having to do with home and family takes up more of your energy and attention now, Gemini. Plan a few get togethers and create new wonderful memories. You might also benefit from launching some home projects that make your surroundings more compatible with your current and future lifestyle. Plan now.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)

Sensible is the way to describe you now, Cancer. You have a wealth of knowledge and are prepared to share your thoughts and opinions with everyone. The main thing you can do to accomplish your goals is to seek to talk to those who can make things happen for you. Find the powerbrokers and share your ideas with them.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)

If you are contemplating your financial future, there will be a wonderful surge of practical energy to make your next steps more profitable. Leos love to live large but sometimes a bit of prudence is needed to make sure that you don’t waste your hard earned dough. Concentrate on your next steps. Plan now and luxuriate later.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)

There is a world of great possibilities surrounding you. Find ways to get yourself noticed and use that attention and adoration to position yourself for future success. You might even decide to get a make-over and change your fashion in a dramatic way. There are places to go and people to meet. Meet and greet, Virgo.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)

If you have been feeling more stressed than usual, this is an excellent time to find relaxing outlets that increase your wellness and life balance. Meditation or yoga can bring you into a new healthy head space while gentle exercises can help in strengthening your core. Plan it out. Practical steps get you where you want to be, Libra.

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)

Large social groups give you more comfort and security, Scorpio. There will be times when your need for connection impacts your goals or opinions. So try to seek those whose interests align with yours and join clubs or organizations that get you out into the greater world. Expand your group of friends and see where it leads.  

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)

Long terms plans can be reassessed to make sure they are attainable and still on target. Whatever you think you need to do, especially in your career, should be examined to make sure you are on the right path. But also allow yourself some flexibility, Sagittarius. You never know what can happen along the road to a cushy retirement.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)

Get out and see the world, Capricorn. Expand your knowledge base and allow yourself the opportunity to explore parts unknown. The most important thing is to get out of your current mindset and find ways to spice up your imagination and outlook. And you don’t have to do all of this activity alone. I think the more the merrier.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)

Aquarians are feeling a bit feistier than usual and why not? You are a wonder and very attractive to others. Find ways to explore and express your deep feelings and bring certain people into your personal orbit. It will be an intense time. You have the ability to attract anyone you want. But it is a good idea to be a bit choosy.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)

Finding common ground with others will take on an added importance, Pisces. Use this time to strengthen certain relationships and bridge any gaps that might have occurred over the past few months. You can also seek new partnerships in both business and personal pursuits. Build a bridge for future success.

(c) 2023 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye Find astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and a great sun sign book at tinyurl.com/Herscopes