Thanksgiving Day, when all the family gathered, my 8-year old great- granddaughter ran into the house and placed a paper crown on my head.

“You have to wear it today because you're special and I made it with love and it will bring you good luck!” she exclaimed. Her enthusiasm couldn't be ignored. It was too small for me but she said she could make it larger with scotch tape, which she did.

I wore it, but it kept falling off my head so I laid it aside. That evening, after the family left and I was by myself, I placed it on my head and began laughing to myself. In her mind I was a Queen.

That's when I had a sudden thought... Hey! Maybe she knows something that I’m not aware of… perhaps a past life?

Which led me to another thought... Have you ever wondered where or when the idea of good luck charms, medals, amulets, four leaf clovers, rabbit foots etc. originated from?

Intrigued, I decided to do a little research. The very next day I picked up a weekly magazine at the check out stand in the grocery store,which had an article about charms and amulets.

That’s when I learned about the origins and energy that people from all over the world attribute to their charms and amulets.

For example, did you know that ancient Chinese emperors trusted greatly in the power of their lucky charms? During the Han Dynasty (206 B.V-220 AD), the time of China’s greatest expansion and prosperity, the emperor carried four vital items on his person at all times:

• A piece of red ribbon tied in a bow. This ensured wealth and money from unexpected sources.
• A child’s glass marble. The marble symbolized the circle of life and harmony within the home.
• A few grains of rice. These would guarantee that the emperor and his family would never be hungry or go in want.
• A bronze coin. This was a symbol of prosperity and gambling luck.

This tells me you don’t need expensive and hard-to-find gold and silver amulets to bring you vibrant health, newfound wealth and lasting happiness.

Many common household items are just as effective as costly charms and talismans.

The following are everyday objects that most of you have around the house. Are they effective? Well, you'll will never know until you try it out for yourself

• A BRASS NAIL carried in your pocket will help you nail down an agreement or contract, especially in the difficult areas of mortgages or car loans.
• Contrary to popular belief, the ACE OF SPADES playing card can be lucky. Carry one in your pocket to boost your memory if you’re trying to pass a test-you’ll ace it! Or carry the ace of spades to smooth financial transactions.
• Three WHOLE CLOVES symbolize wealth. Carrying them in your purse or pocket will draw opportunities to acquire luxury items at little cost.
• Polish up a COPPER PENNY and slip it into your shoe for lottery and contest luck. A Penny is also helpful if you’re trying to attract a new love.
• Attract the heart of another with a SAFETY PIN attached some where on you clothing. Love will come within three weeks-guaranteed!
• Are you concerned about your health, perhaps battling a chronic condition like diabetes or arthritis? Carry a SEASHELL to attract healing energy. Within weeks you’ll be feeling tip-top!
• Carry a BAY LEAF in your pocket to attract money, luck and a lottery win-by the time the leaf has crumbled into dust your good fortune will arrive.
• Carry a CORK to plug leaks in your prosperity. This lucky amulet will stop any illegal drains on your finances like identity theft and fraud.
• A piece of washed and dried EGG SHELL at the bottom of your purse or carried in your pocket jump-starts a rebirth of your fortunes, attracting luck in all areas of your life. Eggshell is an especially powerful talisman for lottery luck and big money sweepstakes.
• BUTTONS and colored pebbles are powerful amulets against evil and accidental slips and falls.

So now you have it. I don’t know about you, but I’m carrying a SEASHELL around starting today to help my arthritis- TYLENOL just doesn’t cut it

Wishing you a warm heart,

Helene Hadsell

PS: What homemade charms or amulets have you used to help you with life's little challenges? Share them with me in the comments box below.