It's no secret that horseshoes are the most sought talismans for good luck. A bingo hall with a beautiful iron horseshoe nailed to its front door ensures good fortune of the place. But do you ever wonder where this tradition comes from? What's the secret of the horse hoofs?
Origins:
The iron shoe is the footwear that horses, mules and donkeys use in the form of a "U", usually constructed of iron and nailed to the hooves of the animal. They are used to protect them from wear and tear.
It's been a powerful talisman in all periods and regions where the horse has been bred. It is believed that when the horse beats the shoe against the ground, it charges it with its own power and with the Earth's power as well. This way it's benign power is multiplied. But you need to hang it in a special way. The correct position is with the ends facing up, otherwise the luck reserve runs empty.
It is believed that the powers attributed to the horseshoe come from the story of Saint Dunstan (c. 909 to 19 May 988). According to legend Dunstan, a blacksmith, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury, was visited by an individual who asked him to build him some shoes for his feet, which were suspiciously similar to hooves. It was then when Dunstan realized that this man was none other than the devil himself. In a smart way, he accepted the job with one condition. To perform the task properly the man would have to be chained to the wall.
The devil was chained, unable to escape, and screaming in pain begging for mercy. Dunstan refused to release him until he solemnly swore not to enter any home where there was a horseshoe hanging above the entrance.
During Middle Ages it was also believed that witches rode on broomsticks because they had a horrible fear of horses and anything that would remind them of these animals, especially their shoes. During the witch hunt, people used to nail an iron horseshoe on the coffins so that the witches were executed and could not revive or escape.
No doubt the iron horseshoe has an impressive benign power for wealth and protection. You should hang one on your door, preferably with 7 pins. Surely all this good luck, will help you ward off those numbers that are not in your cards! Do not miss the next chapters of Superstitions!
