There are plenty of time-honored traditions and trinkets believed to bring you good luck and banish bad energy from your space. Here are 13 lucky items that you should keep in your home.
1. Burn incense
The practise of burning incense dates back to ancient times and is still used in many different cultures, primarily to cleanse the home of bad energy. Once the smoke clears, supposedly any negativity does too.
If you haven’t used incense before, try frankincense. It’s the most commonly used resin and you’ll likely recognize its warm, spicy scent.
Rosemary and sandalwood are also praised for their cleansing properties.
2. Adopt a fish (or nine)
Changing your fortune could be as simple as buying some fish. These watery pets are believed to bring good luck and a carefully placed aquarium is considered an important aspect of feng shui.
Fish are thought to absorb negative energy in the home, and they can also symbolize health, happiness, abundance, prosperity, and wealth.
In feng shui, the dragonfish is held up as the wealthy fish (though, ironically, they can be pretty pricey). Luckily the humble goldfish is also associated with good fortune and positive energy.
The amount of fish is important too: eight or nine is supposed to be the lucky number.
3. Bring in bamboo
The bamboo plant is touted as one of the most effective feng shui cures for luck.
You really can’t go wrong with this versatile plant: not only is it a smart addition to your home, but it’s also supposed to lift your mood and bring you peace and good fortune.
Palms, orchids, and money trees are considered lucky too.
4. Rearrange the furniture
For well-balanced energy to flow through your home, feng shui dictates that your sofa should be against a wall and you should avoid blocking any entrances with your furniture.
It’s also important that your room areas free of clutter and natural light as possible.
Finally, placing a lamp in the corner of the room, diagonally opposite the door. This is supposed to activate “wealth energy”. Why not give it a try?
5. Hang a horseshoe
It’s traditional to hang a horseshoe over the door, in order to bring luck to all who enter. And how you position it is up to you.
Some say pointing the shoe upwards ensures your good luck never runs out. Others think facing it downwards allows the luck to flow into the lives of those who walk beneath it.
Whatever you believe, a horseshoe is a nice way to add character to a plain front door, too.
6. Burn sage
For centuries, white sage has been used to drive out bad energy and keep your home safe from unwanted visitors. It is even thought to have healing properties and may be effective in calming nerves or, some say, clearing the air after an argument.
The qualities of sage have also been recognized by scientists. They found that burning it can reduce the number of airborne bacteria by 94%.
To use, burn a sage plant and allow the smoke to fill all the corners of your home. If you feel like it, say a mantra or voice your hopes and dreams out loud as you do.
7. Fill your fruit bowl
Different fruits are thought to carry different meanings in feng shui. For example, apples are associated with peace and peaches represent immortality.
Nine oranges in a room are said to ward off bad luck. Pomegranates are believed to promote fertility.
8. Scatter acorns
Ancient druids believed acorns were sacred. They would often carry a few around for good luck.
Scattering some acorns throughout the home is said to turn your fortunes around. You can add them to homemade wreaths or table decorations.
9. Embrace crystals
Known for their healing powers, crystals can raise the vibrations in your home and fill the space with good vibes.
Place Carnelian and Apatite in your kitchen (ideally near your cookbooks) to help you feel creative and inspired. Azurite and Pyrite do well in the office, promoting wealth and focus.
In the bathroom, keep Rose Quartz by your skin products. It’s thought to bring positive energy and to promote self-love.
Selenite and Amethyst are supposed to help calm and soothe you. You should use them in your bedroom.
10. Hang a dream catcher
Stemming from Native American cultures, the dream catcher is designed to capture nightmares and evil spirits, making the owner happier and more balanced.
These attractive items usually have a web-like design and are decorated with beads and feathers.
11. Try a salt lamp
These decorative lights are carved out of pink Himalayan salt and are known for their range of health benefits.
Using a salt lamp supposedly cleans the air in your home, soothes allergies, boosts your mood and even promotes more restful sleep.
12. Be clever with paint
Colour is an amazing tool for fostering different moods in your home.
Want to create a calm, peaceful room? Go for pale blue hues, which are known to be relaxing.
Green can help with concentration, which you should use in your space.
13. Love elephants
Widely regarded as lucky, the noble elephant is a symbol of wisdom and strength.
Bring some of their peaceful vibes into your home with some beautiful artworks or ornaments featuring these gentle giants.