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 Cancer is two (also known as the Diad). It is the first feminine, even number in the litany of the Cabalists. Two is the classical number of the Moon, which is this Sign's governing "Planet," symbolic of the cosmic mother and all the associated attributes. Two is matter...a fountain of symphony, harmony and cupid. It represents movement and the beginning of a generation, as well as opposites...night and day or joy and pain, for example. Thus, it is two sides of the same coin that are destined never to see each other, denoting that everything has a positive and negative aspect. Two indicates rivalry, along with the best and worst characteristics which reside within each individual and the relationships of that individual with others. However, two is also a number which is indicative of brotherhood and therefore, symbolizes friendship, as well as representing the division between heaven and earth and the symbolic movement away from chaos toward symmetry. Two can be representative of caring, sharing, giving, sympathy and empathy, yet it can also indicate conflict and confrontation, denoting either a balance achieved or a hidden threat. It is the epitomy of split personality and ambivalence, being the first number to separate and the source of all other divisions. Mathematically, two is the first even number...it can be evenly divided in half, thus revealing the second equal. In biblical terms, two is the pair or duo..Adam and Eve...the number which initiated the development of choice between good and evil and true and false.

In biblical numerology, two is the Number of Division. The Son of God has two natures...human and divine. There are two Testaments...the Old and the New. Life is compromised of both male and female. The Bible speaks of two vessels...one for honorable use and the other for dishonorable use. There are two types of humankind...the sheep and the goats. Also. there are two ages...the present age and the age to come.

Two is feminine in nature and, when associated with Cancer, resides in the Fourth House of Home Life, in both a physical and emotional sense. It is procreative in itself and the number of contrasts...a symbol of diversity used for orderly confusion and change. The colors associated with the number two are those in the white, cream and green families. Its peak is during the hours of the night, with its natural element being water and its associated gems being pearls, cat's-eyes, jade and the moonstone.

The lucky color for Cancer is silver or silvery grey and thus, by association, the color white. Silver is traditionally associated with the Moon and is representative of clairvoyance, astral energies and chaneling. It is also the faculty of far memory and the rememrance of past lives. Silver is generally considered to be indicative of that which is noble and essentially spiritual. Silver-grey promotes sympathy and understanding. It symbolizes security, reliability, intelligence, modesty and conservatism. However, it has also been dubbed as a staid and boring color. In heraldry, silver is symbolic of faith and purity (as is the color white).

Grey, classified as a cold and neutral color, in and of itself, is calming by nature and should be worn if trying to avoid strife or quarrels. However, it may convey uncertainty and lack of commitment. It is the color of modesty, renunciation, accuracy and mentality. It also restrains, neutralizes, analyzes and distributes. As a merger of white and black, grey joins the oppositions and can approach extremeties. It is the least colorful (or chromatic) color and includes all colors in the integral form. Associated with rationalism and control, grey seems to abdicate from the vivid shine of the other colors. There is some devotion connected with this color, but it also conveys a certain cynicism of a ruthless analysis, capable to both sharp changes and flexibility, as well as adaptability and practicabilty. Grey is a difficult color to obscure and corresponds to the rational rectangular form.

Pure grey is the only color that has no direct psychological properties. However, it can be quite suppressive. A virtual absence of color is viewed as depressing. When the world turns grey, an individual is instinctively conditioned to drawn in and prepare for hibernation. Unless the precise tone of grey is right, it will have a dampening effect on any other colors used with it. Heavy utilization of this color indicates a lack of confidence and fear of exposure.

Positive Qualities Of Silver And Grey: Psychological Neutrality
Negative Qualities Of Silver And Grey: Lack Of Confidence - Dampness - Depression - Hibernation - Lack Of Energy

White is the traditional color of purity and innocence. It is a sacred color indicative of angels and gods. It is also the color of doctors, nurses and others in the health profession, as well as cleanliness. In addition, it is representative of reverence, humility, spirituality, peace, youth and sterility. In some cultures (China and Japan, for example), it is the color of death and mourning. Just as black is total absorption, so white is total reflection. In effect, it reflects the full force of the spectrum into the eyes. Thus, it also creates barriers. Unlike black, however, white is often a strain to look at. It tends to communicate the message, "Touch me not!" White is purity and, like black, is uncompromsing. In Christian worship, art, architecture and design, white symbolizes purity, virginity, innocence and birth. It is also the liturgical color of Christmas and Easter. White is a clean color...hygenic and sterile, but the concept of sterility can also carry negative connotations. In a visual sense, white lends a heightened perception of space. The negative effect of white on warm colors is to usually make those colors appear garish. In heraldry, white is symbolic of faith and purity (as is the color silver).

Positive Qualities Of White: Hygiene - Sterility - Clarity - Purity - Cleanliness - Simplicity - Sophistication - Efficiency
Negative Qualities Of White: Sterility - Coldness - Barriers - Unfriendliness - Elitism

Cancer individuals tend to prefer cool and soothing colors...ones that suggest peace and depth or exert a calming influence. For this reason, Cancer (whose natives are inherently prone to nurture and take care of those who are sick and infirm) is often also drawn to blue by virtue of this color's healing associations. In addition, Cancer also respond well to violet, which possesses equally curative rays. Patterns associated with this Sign are loose, curving and rolling...backgrounds such as waves or clouds, for example. There is also a tendency to prefer patterns which suggest nature or natural things.

Other Favorable Colors: Pink - Orange - Red - Green - Variegated Colors
Unvavorable Colors: Yellow - Bright Black - Faded Colors

The lucky flower for Cancer is the larkspur, a popular common name for the delphinium. The larkspur belongs to the buttercup family, but is counted among the annual wild woodland species of this flower, of which there are approximately a hundred different types. The delphinium is the perennial garden variety. The larkspur was discovered in the mid-1800s across North America's prairie lands. A tall and slender plant, the flowers of the larkspur may be blue, white, purple, red, pink or various shades of green, which accounts for the species' Latin name meaning, "to become green." Some types of this plant (the seeds in particular) are poisonous to to cattle, although sheep are virtually immune to the toxins and horses affected only slightly. A European variety of larkspur is used in medicine. It is a favored garden plant because it requires little in the way of special care. The larkspur's name is based upon the shape of its blossoms. The long spur of the flower was once considered to be reminiscent of a lark's heel and claw...thus, larkspur.

The most ancient use of the larkspur was as a strong external medicine believed to drive away scorpions and other beasts. Its seeds and leaves in particular were credited with possessing great power. Ground to a powder, the seeds were used to treat toothache and the larkspur was often used to destroy lice in the hair. Indeed, it was used by warriors for such a purpose during the American Civil War and at the Battle of Waterloo. It was once believed that the results of consuming larkspur manifested itself in a similar manner to the madness of the moons. However, ingested in minute doses, it is credited with brightening the spirits and easing certain ailments. This flower generally signifies an open heart and ardent attachment, as well as symbolizing lightness and swiftness. In the language of flowers, the meaning of the larkspur is fickleness and levity...especially the pink variety.

One legend associated with the origin of the larkspur is found in the folklore of Ta'Ardenai and the Gods of Elanthia who were known as the Arkati. Zelia, one of the Gods of Light, once came down to Earth in order dance upon a grassy hill and where the deity's footsteps passed, larkspur flowers bloomed. However, the more popular legend associated with the larkspur is found in Mythology and the Battle of Troy. It is said that the mother of Achilles requested that her son's armor be given to the most heroic Greek warrior. Although it was expected that the brave Ajax would be the chosen one, the armor was actually presented to Ulysses. Dejected beyond belief at the decision, Ajax committed suicide by throwing himself upon his sword, and the small blue larkspur began to grow where the blood of this hero spilled upon the ground.

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.
(Old Testament, New International Version, Exodus, Chapter 39, vs. 9-14)

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.

The lucky gem for Cancer individuals born in June is the agate. They share this fortunate jewel with those Gemini individuals who were also born in the same month. The agate is one of the most versatile of all semi-precious stones and its mystical qualities were once thought to bring health and long life to the wearer. This gem is a form of quartz consisting of chalcedony, amethyst or jasper, and ordinary quartz in bands or lines. It forms in cavities and veins by deposition from meteoric groundwater containing gelatinous silica from the weathering of silicate minerals. One common type of agate is petrified wood, which has become fossilized by having its organic matter replaced by this stone. Agates were first found on the banks of the Achates (now known as the Drillo) in Sicily and were named for that river. Indeed, these waters remain a major source of the gemstone. Agates come is a great variety of designs and colors...some are translucent and some are opaque. Occasionally, this stone displays alternate lines of red and white, while others have ocellated markings. Moss agate has detailing which resembles trees, ferns or moss and is considered especially lucky for gardeners or people connected with the soil, and acts as an aid to get in touch with nature. Stones which bear the image of a tree are believed to help with introspection, enabling an idividual to perceive himself or herself with more clarity and see the world through a broader viewpoint. Blue lace agate is thought to wash away clutter and static from the mind and spirit by relieving stress. Agates were often affixed by the ancient farmers to the horns of their oxen in order to insure fertile crops. Usually cut as a cabochon (smooth oval) since it lends itself particularly well for carving and polishing, the agate is one of the oldest stones known to man and has always been popular, particularly in the fashioning of amulets and as talismans, which were credited with great curative powers.

In ancient times, the agate was believed to bestow the gift of eloquence and was often worn to prevent headaches, relieve tiredness of the eyes and allay skin irritations. The stone was also thought to cure insomnia and bless the owner with pleasant dreams. The agate is an ancient stone, valued since the virtual dawn of time. The Egyptians are known to have used it prior to 3,000 B.C. and it has been found among the artifacts of Stone Age man in France (20,000 B.C. to 16,000 B.C.). Some of the earliest known primitive stone tools (such as axes) were fashioned from agate by the ancestors of man in the Omo Valley of Ethiopia, the stone being used because of its hardness and isotropic brittleness, which made it possible to shape such tools with relative ease. Legend states that any person who looks upon an agate will be compelled to speak the truth and unable to maintain secrecy. Agates were also once thought to promote grace, good manners, happiness, intelligence and good health, as well as bestowing the wearer with a pleasing personality which encouraged the friendship of others. In medieval times, the wearing of agate was said to bring God's favor and make one agreeable and persuasive, granting victory and strength to the wearer while affording protection from all dangers. The early Greeks made amulets of agate to protect them from the perils of the sea. Hindu mystics believe this jewel can help children overcome their fears, learn to walk earlier and maintain their balance, thereby preventing hazardous falls. In Persia, agate was once used to divert storms. Throughout history, this gem has been credited by various cultures with the ability to quench the thirst and affort protection from fevers. According to the Romany Gypsies, this jewel brings great wealth to the wearer.

A famous collection of 2,000 to 4,000 agate bowls was accumulated by Mithradates, King of Persia, which indicates the high regard once held for this jewel. Queen Elizabeth I of England was presented with an agate by Archbishop Parker. This gift was accompanied by a manuscript which described the gem's alleged miraculous powers. In the British Museum, there is displayed an Egyptian agate with a likeness of the poet Chaucer on both sides. It was once believed that the powers of the agate would be strengthened by the wearing of the chrysoprase, another lucky Gemini stone, which is a type of chalcedony and is said to symbolize cheerfulness. The agate is said to bring nothing but bad luck to natives of Virgo and Pisces, who would be well advised not to wear this stone in any form. Agate is the traditional gem for the 12th Wedding Anniversary, while moss agate is the traditional gem for the 14th Wedding Anniversary.

The lucky gem for Cancer individuals born in July is the ruby. They share this fortunate jewel with those Leo individuals who were also born during the same month. The ruby is often referred to as the Stone of Love, the Stone of Life, the Stone of Royalty and the Queen of Gemstones. This jewel is the red variety of the mineral corundum (a mineral which also includes the sapphire family and is next in hardness to the diamond), which is composed of aluminium oxide and chrome...as well as extremely small proportions of other trace elements. The color of a ruby varies from pale pink to deep red, and the particular hue displayed is dependent upon the chromium and iron content of the stone in question. The ruby is a symbol of freedom, dignity and divine power, said to possess the ability to rekindle a love which has waned. The Ancients believed that the ruby enabled the wearer to overcome temptation and that it stabilized mental health. It was also thought to guard against drowning and cure rheumatism, as well as being credited with the ability to chase away spirits of the dead and any evil phanton not contained within Hell. This stone has a prominent place in the Crown Jewels of almost every empire and an ancient Sinhalese legend refers to this gem as being the Tears of Buddha. Traditionally, it is said that a ruby grows paler when illness or misfortune threatens the wearer. Indeed, it has been recorded that Catherine of Aragon (first Queen of Henry VIII) was warned of her decline in royal favor by the fading lustre and shine of the ruby which she wore on her finger. The name is derived from the Latin rubeus, which means "red." Two magical elements are associated with the symbolism of this color...fire and blood, implying warmth and life for mankind. Thus, ruby-red is the epitome of hot, passionate and powerful color and is said to be capable of reconciling quarrels between sweethearts. In Sanskrit, the ruby is called ratnaraj, which translates to King of the Gemstones. The first data on record regarding the ruby refers to the Fourth Century B.C. and occurs in the Indian and Brahman chronicles.

As a gemstone, the ruby has been popular for centuries, believed to help heal and open the heart, as well as illuminating the emotional level of life and revealing divine love. In the Ancient World, it was believed to contain prophetic powers, thus enabling any wearer to predict the future based upon color changes within the stone. It was formerly thought that, if fashioned into a ring worn on the left hand or into a brooch worn on the left side, this jewel would endow its owner with the magical ability to live in peace among enemies. It has also been credited with warding off misfortune and ill-health, and is often given as a gift to symbolize success, devotion, integrity, health and passion. It was once presented as an offering to Buddha in China and to Krishna in India, as well as being credited with possessing the ability to chase away the spirits of the dead and any evil which had not been contained in hell. In Burma, it was once believed that the ruby ripened like fruit and the redder the jewel, then the riper the ruby. Burmese warriors would wear these stones in the belief that it would make them invincible during battle. In Tenth Century China and Europe, dragons and snakes were carved into the surfaces of rubies in order to increase the flow of money and power to their owners. During the time of the Roman Empire, this stone was greatly respected and prized even more highly than the diamond. The ruby has been treasured throughout the Orient for centuries as the most precious of all gems and the Hindus believed that a fine ruby could boil water. Once considered to be a powerful amulet, this stone was thought to possess the ability to overcome depression and sorrow. In the form of a ring, it was believed to bestow knowledge, health and wealth upon its wearer. The medicinal powers of this stone were said to range from that of snake bite antidote to a curative for liver and heart ailments. The gem was also greatly valued as a symbol of love, passion and friendship...to say nothing of guaranteeing success in battle. The usual cut for a ruby is one known as "brilliant," which sparkles and flashes to display fires of red with every movement. According to Burmese legend, there was once a great serpent which laid three eggs...the first produced the King of Pagan, the second the Emperor of China, and the third a miraculous seed which sprouted Burmese rubies.

A few select rubies have distinguished themselves throughout history due to their size or extraordinary beauty. Such gems are closely guarded for posterity. For instance, the Louvre in Paris houses the Anne of Brittany Ruby, while the Edwardes Ruby (named in honor of Major-General Sir Herbert Benjamin Edwardes, who saved British rule in India during the years of the Indian Mutiny) resides in the British Museum of Natural History. Generally regarded as a symbol of freedom, charity, dignity and divine power, the ruby was a favorite jewel of Cleopatra, Messaline and Mary Stuart. The ruby collections of Cardinal Richelieu and Marie de Medici were famous throughout Europe. By tradition, any attempted use of the ruby to control love will backfire onto the user. According to legend, a mystic ruby is said to be found at the base of the most powerful Unicorns' horns and the source of such creatures' immense power. It is also purported to be one of the precious gems which littered the floor in the Garden of Eden. The ruby is considered to be somewhat lucky for those born under the Sign of Capricorn, but should be avoided by natives of Aries and Libra, since it fails to bring such individuals very much at all in the way of good fortune. According to lore, to dream of a ruby heralds success in business, money matters and love. When used to adorn an engagement ring, this stone is said to express passion and a promise of the heart. The ruby is the traditional gem for the 15th and 40th Wedding Anniversaries. It is also known as the Summer Gemstone.

The lucky day for those who fall under the jurisdiction of Cancer is Monday. The Southern European nations once called the glowing ball of light in the night sky by the Latin name, lunae (from which is derived the word, "lunatic" and Lundi, the French name for Monday), while the Northern Europeans called it mona. Thus, they named a day in honor of this phenonomen...Monandaeg, which translates to Monday in English. From earliest times, Monday has been associated with the Moon. Like the Sun, the Moon was worshipped by primitive cultures who would hold festivals each month to celebrate the New Moon. The Babylonians believed the first hour of the day was ruled by the Moon.

Monday is sometimes referred to as a "blue day" and there is considerable speculation as to why this might be. One theory dictates that Monday (prior to the advent of the washing machine) was the usual day for doing laundry and a blue dye was frequently used to keep clothes from yellowing. In addition, blue is frequently associated with depression. Since Monday is typically the first workday of the week and employees must wait a depressingly long stretch of time until their next 24-hour uninterrupted leisure break, it has often been refered to as a "blue day." Many cultures view Monday as an unfortunate day...even as a day when people become insane. In general, the Moon God or Moon Goddess of these cultures was thought to be evil and it has always been considered unlucky to sleep in moonlight. The basis for this belief may be related to the Moon's tendency to wax and wane. Indeed, it is known to be something of an inconstant heavenly body.

There are several holidays traditionally celebrated on a Monday, including Labor Day, Memorial Day, President's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Columbus Day and Veteran's Day. People in the British Isles once celebrated a holiday known as Whit Monday, which could fall anywhere between May 11 and June 14. This was officially replaced in 1971 by a fixed Spring holiday on the last Monday in May. In some cultures, Easter Monday is also celebrated as a holiday. On this day, men would wake their wives with a spritz of the perfumed Easter water as they whispered, "May you never wither." This same scented water was used to sprinkle and bless food, pets, gardens and homes. According to an ancient rhyme, Monday's child is fair of face.

FLOWERS/HERBS: Poppy, Water Lily, White Rose, Watercress, Moonwort, Privet, Lemon Balm, Lilac,
Cucumber, Thyme, Agrimony, Daisy, Duckweed, Honeysuckle,
Jasmine, Lettuce, Liverwort, Pansy, Rushes and Sundew
OILS: Camomile, Myrhh, PalmaRosa, Sandalwood and Lavender
GEMSTONES: Moonstone, Cats-Eye, Pearl and Crystal
ANIMALS: Crab, Otter, Seal, Stag, Heifer and Unicorn
TREES: Alder, Willow and Sycamore
BIRDS: Seagull, Owl and White Peacock
METAL: Silver