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 Virgo is five (also known as the Pentad). Natives of Virgo share this number with those governed by the Sign of Gemini. Five represents sensuality and symbolizes freedom, variety, adventure and the senses. It is the golden mean, representative of all that is part of human nature (including sex, drugs, alcohol and other forms of indulgence). In geometry, five is the magic pentagram...the universal symbol of man, representing the body with five points (head, two arms and two legs) as well as the five physical senses. Throughout history, the pentagram has been invoked as a symbol of protection, particularly in Egypt where the five-pointed star enclosed in a circle was the symbol for the Duat. Five is an important number of great significance, being in the center of the Decad. To the Ancients, it symbolized marriage because it was the sum of three (the first male or odd number) and two (the first female or even integer). Thus, it was considered sacred to the Goddess Aphrodite and also had strong associations with Eros. Five signifies the five regular geometric solids, whose faces are equilateral and equitangular: tetrahedron, cube, octahedron (eight faces), dodecahedron (twelve faces) and icosahedron (twenty faces). Five is considered to be the "just middle," since by dividing any combination of numbers which add up to ten, five is always in the middle. Known to be the number of ordered space and time, it contains a powerful invoking formula of spirituality, knowledge, wisdom, freedom and love. The Ancient Romans would incorporate this number into a talisman in order to ward off the forces of evil. Five is considered an extremely complex number, perceived as both fortunate and unfortunate, expressing an action rather than a state. This number is said to be everywhere, but elusively nowhere. The five-pointed star in a circle (correctly named a "pentacle") is representative of the species of humanity...symbolic of the head, arms and legs of an individual standing "spread-eagled," as represented by the points of a star. A "peverted pentagram," however, depicts the points of the star to represent the horns, whiskers and beard of the mythological goat's head of the Christian Satan. In Eastern traditions, making the sign of five is manifesting life. It possesses a deep connection to Eros, the God of Love. In dreams, an individual often runs into five in connection with the search for genuine involvement in life. Eros and the willingness to form a union are at the heart of this number.

In biblical numerology, five is the Number of Grace and Redemption. Israel came out of Egypt five in rank, David selected five smooth stones with which to fight Goliath and the Holy Anointing Oil was pure, composed of five parts. It is also a symbol of the Universe...its two axes (vertical and horizontal) passing through the same center. It is also representative of the will of God, which can only desire order and perfection.

Five is masculine in nature and, when associated with Virgo, resides in the Sixth House of Service, Work and Health, governing work ethic and the measure of personal integrity. Five is also known as the Quintessence...the mystic fifth element of which the heavens are composed. The Pythagorean theorum states that in a right triangle, five is the square root of the sum of the squares of the two previous numbers, three and four. It is also considered a number of importance in that humankind has five senses, five fingers on each hand and five toes on each foot, as well as five wits (common sense, imagination, fantasy, estimation and memory). In biblical terms, five denotes divine grace or divine proportion, representative of God adding His gifts and blessings to the work of His hands. It is also said that Jesus suffered from five wounds. The colors associated with the number five are mixed and light in hue. Its peak is both night and day, with its natural element being air and its associated gems being diamonds and yellow sapphires.

The lucky color for Virgo is blue. Virgo natives share this color with those governed by the Sign of Libra. Blue is the traditional color for sweethearts, possessing influences of love, peace and expressions of happiness. Although blue should never be worn on serious or practical occasions, it does have a soothing effect on the nerves. Blue is considered to be the color of the mind. Its effect is of a mental nature (as opposed to the physical reaction created by the color red). Stong blues tend to stimulate clear thought, whereas the lighter and softer varieties of this color calm the mind and aid concentration. Thus, blue is both serene and mentally calming. It is the color of clear communication. Objects colored blue do not appear to the eye to be as close as those which are red in color. Blue is a primary color...the force which keeps red and yellow in rational thought. Blue is said to inspire the sense of infinite perspective. It enlarges the space and manifests the subconscious, giving the impression of clarity, affection and friendship. Blue separates from the reality, being attuned to dreams, the endeavor of the supernatural and, on occasion, carelessness. It is the color of thought and fantasy, created from physical passivity. Blue is considered the most distant and cold color, with remoting contours of things, turning on renovation and travel. Blue has the form of a circle, widening and dissolving into space. According to research, blue is the world's favorite color. However, it can be perceived as cold, unemotional and unfriendly.

Traditionally, blue is symbolic of the Virgin Mary and thus, is associated with girls who display similar pure qualities. In addition, it is the color of water and the sea, indicative of femininity and life. It symbolizes peace, stability, security and loyalty, while also being connected to the cold, technology and depression. According to certain tradition, blue mirrors the color of the vast ocean surrounding the Japanese islands and is very commonly seen in Japanese art and clothing. In Christian symbolism, blue signifies the blue skies and/or the life-giving air. It is generally associated with hope or good health. Blue is an alternative color for the Season of Advent. It is symbolic of heaven and indicative of truth. In heraldry, blue is symbolic of truth and loyalty. By tradition, it is the color of baby boys.

Positive Qualities Of Blue: Intelligence - Communication - Trust - Efficiency - Serenity - Duty
Logic - Coolness - Reflection - Calm
Negative Qualities Of Blue: Coldness - Aloofness - Unfriendliness - Lack Of Emotion

Virgo individuals enjoy the look of patterns although by nature, they prefer to wear unpatterned clothing, being normally adverse to a "cluttered" appearance. Most Virgo natives also gravitate toward earthy colors of a soft and dark shade. Inherently adverse to bold or splashy colors, Virgo subjects prefer neutral or blending tones that create a stylish and/or classic effect. That having been said, the influence of Mercury (this Sign's ruling Planet) does have the ability to create fluctuating preferences in almost every life aspect of those it governs, including clothing.

Other Favorable Colors: Pink - Orange - White - Yellow - Green - Red - Royal Blue - Navy Blue
Bright Brown - Bright Black - Variegated Colors
Unvavorable Colors: Steel Grey - Dull Brown - Faded Colors

The lucky flower for Virgo is the pansy, sometimes referred to as "the flower with a face." The pansy, also known as hearts-ease, is a cultivated type of violet which was first grown in England in 1812. It came to America by way of Belgium in 1848. The flowers of the pansy may be purple, violet, blue, yellow, white, brown, or any mixture of the foregoing colors. However, its original colors were purple, white and yellow, representing memories, loving thoughts and remembrances. Because of its three petals, the pansy has also been said to symbolize the Christian doctrine of the trinity...hence another of its aliases, the "Herb Trinity." The word "pansy" comes from the French pensee, which means "thought." It has very little, if any, scent and is counted among the world's favorite flowers.

At one time, the pansy was believed to possess magical love powers, its heart-shaped petals being credited with the ability to cure a broken heart. It was also said to make those in love think of each other. Indeed, the pansy has a strong association to Saint Valentine's Day and has long been exchanged by sweethearts. By tradition, a pansy should never be picked while the dew is upon it. To do so is thought to cause the death of a loved one. In addition, the pansy should never be picked in the middle of a spell of fine weather, or it is said that the rain will surely soon return. Fortune-tellers once read the lines in the face of a pansy to predict the romantic futures of the Knights of the Round Table...seven lines (a lucky amount) meant constancy in love, while more meant fickleness and even disappointment in affairs of the heart. The leaves and flowers of the pansy are edible, being high in vitamins A and C. They are used to make syrups, custards and flavoring for honey, as well as to decorate fruit salads and creamed soups. The Celts would make a tea from the dried leaves and occasionally, it is used as a dye. Oddly enough, to dream of this otherwise delightful little flower is said to forecast an unpleasant experience or misunderstanding with someone of the slumberer's own sex. In the language of flowers, the pansy means thoughts and love.

According to German legend, the pansy once had a wonderfully strong scent and people traveled miles to smell the fragrance of this flower. However, in so doing, the travelers began to destroy the grass growing around the pansies. Thus, the flower prayed to God for help because the feed for the cattle was being trampled. In answer to the plea, God took away the flower's scent but instead, bestowed upon it great beauty. In mythology, the pansy was once pure white, becoming a rich purple when pierced by Cupid's arrow.

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 Virgo individuals born in August is the sardonxy. They share this fortunate jewel with those Leo individuals who were also born during the same month. The sardonyx is also referred to as the Gem of Courage and the Gem of Virtue. A blend of sard and onyx, this stone is found worldwide. The color bands of sardonyx are white against a black or brownish-red background and it is usually cut into beads or used to fashion cameos and intaglios (reversed cameos). Indeed, the first cameos ever discovered were fashioned from sardonyx. The name derives from the Greek sard and onyx, which means "brownish red" and "white stone."

According to legend, sardonyx aids in communication and provides its owner with elegant speech, as well as being a valuable ward against evil. Thought to calm relationships, as well as being credited with the power to attract friends and good fortune, this stone is believed to bring happiness to couples. It is also thought to increase regeneration, intuition and instincts. In addition, sardonyx is credited with decreasing sexual desire and promoting a change in bad habits. Once considered to be a charm against such assorted afflictions as warts, boils, cramps, the "evil eye" and the wicked thoughts and impulses of witches, this gemstone was a favorite of the Ancients and used by the Egyptians to carve scarabs and beetles which would be worn as talismans. Exceedingly popular and greatly valued throughout antiquity, the sardonyx was held in high esteem by the Romans who used it as material for carving, particularly in the manufacture of seals since it was said never to stick to wax. Roman legions would carry sardonyx images of Mars (God of War) or the valiant Hercules into battle to guard against evil, bring good fortune and hopefully bestow the courage and daring of such heroic figures upon their armies. During the Renaissance, the sardonyx was thought to eloquently bless those public speakers who chose to wear it. Perhaps the most famous sardonyx in history is the one carved with the likeness of Elizabeth I of England and set within a gold band which the Queen then presented as a memento and keepsake to one of her favorite courtiers, the Earl of Essex.

Sometimes referred to in modern times as the "fancy wallpaper of nature," the early astrologers believed that sardonyx was a gift bestowed upon the Earth from the planet Saturn...doubtless due to the multi-colored bands which adorn this stone. Useful in the art of mental self-control, this gem is traditionally said to aid in the cure of depression and anxiety but is particularly helpful in the easing of grief. Associated with the Apostle Paul, sardonyx is purported to have been the fifth of the Foundation Stones of Jerusalem. Today, the supply of traditional sardonyx appears to have drastically dwindled and the majority of modern stones are cut from South American agate, modified in color by artificial treatment. Onyx is the traditional gem for the 7th Wedding Anniversary, while black onyx is the traditional gem for the 10th Wedding Anniversary.

The lucky gem for Virgo individuals born in September is the sapphire. They share this fortunate jewel with those Libra individuals who were also born during the same month. The sapphire is also known as the Celestial Stone, Stone of Prosperity, Philosopher's Stone and Gem of the Heavens. This jewel is a member of the corundum family, a mineral composed of aluminium oxide and chrome...as well as extremely small proportions of other trace elements...which is the second hardest known substance after the diamond. According to some sources, the name sapphire derives from the Latin sapphirus, which means "dear to the planet Saturn." Other sources credit its origin from the Greek sappherios, which simply means "blue." It may be found in virtually any color, excepting red...a red sapphire is a ruby (also a member of the corundum family). The varying colors of the sapphire are said to possess the following particular properties:

Green - bringer of luck and prosperity.
Pink - encourages generosity, love and loyalty.
Dark Blue - inspires creative expression, intuition and meditation.
White - associated with self-appreciation and spiritual development.
Yellow - enhances intellect, study, knowledge, memory and, when worn next to the skin, attracts wealth.
Orange - also known as padparadscha and the most rare color for the sapphire, augments wisdom, optimism, renewal and atracts prosperity.

Sapphires with inclusions of tiny, rutile needles exhibit an optical property called asterism. This is the star-shaped effect seen in star sapphires. Star sapphires usually have six rays, although there have been some with as many as twelve. The star sapphire is thought to develop independence, centering, balance and psychic powers.

For countless centuries, the sapphire has been associated with divine favor. The Buddhists believed this stone favored devotion and spiritual enlightenment, while the Ancient Greeks linked the sapphire...particularly the white variety...to Apollo and often wore it as an aid to prophecy when consulting oracles. In past times, this gem was considered to be a valuable aid toward development of the 'third eye,' and thought to guard its owner from being captured by enemies. It was frequently worn and used during rituals as a strengthening agent in the ability to tap and send forth power. Egyptians associated the clear sapphire with the Eye of Horus and this particular variety is also credited with being a guardian of love. The Persians believed that the blue of the sky was the reflection of a great sapphire upon which rested the Earth. Thus, it is often said to represent the tranquility of the heavens and some historians have noted that the Law given to Moses on the Mount was engraved upon tablets of sapphire. It is also the stone used in the Cardinal's ring to denote his badge of office within the Catholic religion. In addition, this gem was once believed lethal to venomous insects and reptiles, as well as being regarded in terms of gender...dark stones being female and light stones being male. In Medieval times, priests and monks would wear sapphire jewelry in the belief that the stone possessed the power to quell wicked impulses and impure thoughts, in addition to banishing envy and promoting chastity in virgins. Many monarchs throughout history have worn sapphires around their necks as a powerful defense from harm.

In romantic lore, when a sapphire is given by one sweetheart to another, it is said to enhance the love they share and is also thought to attune the psyches of the couple. It is also believed to insure fidelity in marriage, representative of truth, sincerity and consistency. Set in an engagement ring, this stone expresses commitment and loyalty of the heart. It was a sapphire engagment ring that Prince Charles gave to his fiancee, the then Lady Diana Spencer, later Princess of Wales. In medicinal terms, the sapphire has been utilized to cure ailments of the eyes and as a booster for the immune system, protecting the body in general from disease. In particular, it is said to strengthen the heart and kidneys and assist with connecting to the Higher Self and/or Spirit Guides. It was once believed to expand cosmic awareness, dispel confusion and be an excellent tool in the art of meditation. The sapphire is the traditional gem for the 5th, 23rd and 45th Wedding Anniversaries. It is also known as the Autum Gemstone.

The lucky day for those who fall under the jurisdiction of Gemini is Wednesday. The origin of this day derives from Norse Mythology and Woden or Odin, God of Widsom, Knowledge and Poetry. It was believed that Woden held power over all the other Gods and Goddesses. Thus, the Anglo-Saxons named Wednesday in honor of the Chief of all their Gods, calling it Wodnesdaeg or Woden's Tag. According to legend, Woden formed the Earth from the body of a massive giant named Ymir and fashioned humankind from oak trees and elm trees.

Folklore states that more than anything, Woden desired to be wise. In his quest for wisdom, he traveled the world and in order to gain such wisdom and knowledge, was required to sacrifice one of his eyes for a drink at Mimir's Well. After doing so, he wore a large hat with a floppy brim to cover the vacant socket. Woden's constant companions were two blackbirds which perched upon his shoulders. They acted as his spies, flying down to Earth at night in order to gather information regarding the people who dwelt below, and then reporting back to their master each morning. Therefore, Woden always knew what was transpiring on Earth and many things had to be done in secret for fear of the God's disapproval. In Asgard, the Nordic version of Olympus, Woden rode upon an eight-footed horse. He was a powerful magician, sorcerer and healer, and sailors would call on him to provide a fair wind. When early Christians began converting the Saxons to their faith, they named Woden as the Devil.

Wednesday is often referred to as "hump day" because of its position as the middle day of the work week. In other words, if the work week were a hill, then Wednesday would be the crest and it would be all downhill from there. Only one holiday typically recurs annually on a Wednesday...Ash Wednesday, which is the official begining of Lent. Ash Wednesday is so called because since the 400s, it has been the day upon which the foreheads of religious penitents are marked with ash. This custom is a reminder of the mortal condition of the flesh...that every human is dust. The actual date of Ash Wednesday is variable and dependent upon the date on which Easter falls. According to an ancient rhyme, Wednesday's child is full of woe.

FLOWERS/HERBS: Rosemary, Madonna Lily, Cornflower, Valerian, Corn, Magnolia,
Wheat, Fennel, Rye, Oats and Lavender
OILS: Clary Sage, Cypress, Melissa, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Spearmint, Bergamont, Peppermint and Frankincense
GEMSTONES: Jade, Carnelian, Diamond, Jasper, Aquamarine, Olivine and Tourmaline
ANIMALS: Squirrel, Dog and All Small Domestic Pets
TREES: Hazel and Elder
BIRDS: Magpie, Parrot and Swallow
METAL: Nickel and Quicksilver (also known as Mercury)