The horseshoe is universally known as a symbol of protection and good luck. The amalgamation of luck, protection and religion have made the horseshoe a good luck charm that wards off evil and misfortune. The belief in the horseshoes have its origin both, in ancient Greece and Christianity. It was believed that iron could cast off evil and the crescent shape of the horseshoe symbolised fertility and good luck. The iron horseshoe has a history in most western nations and in India.
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Horseshoes were originally made from iron that was considered magical as it withstood fire. It was used as a charm to ward off evil spirits. Iron coins were believed to bring prosperity. Horseshoes are hung with seven nails as seven is said to be a fortunate number. There is also an Irish legend about Saint Dunstan, a blacksmith, who nailed a hot horseshoe to one of the devil’s hooves. This scared the devil and he would never enter a home with a horseshoe hung above the door. Even the sailors were believed to nail horseshoes to the mast of their ships to help their vessels avoid dangerous weather.
Today, hanging a horseshoe at home and gifting a lucky horseshoe charm, is common in many cultures.
See also: Evil eye protection for home
Horseshoe benefits for home
Luck and happiness
Hanging a horseshoe at your doorstep is believed to attract positive energies and bring good luck and happiness to your home. Placing the horseshoe with its endpoint upwards invites good vibes and wards off negativity. This age-old charm is also thought to keep negative influences, such as the devil, at bay, while welcoming luck and prosperity into your life.
Overcoming financial crunch
In times of financial hardship, a horseshoe is believed to offer a remedy. Placing the horseshoe wrapped in a black cloth and kept in a container of grains can work wonders for your financial health. This simple practice is said to attract positive financial energies and help alleviate financial struggles.
Protection for family and relationships
Feng shui principles encompass the well-being of your loved ones. Utilising a horseshoe can help protect your family and relationships from negative energies and ill intentions. It is believed that the horseshoe carries spiritual energy and placing it above your entry gate can enhance the spiritual ambiance of your home, fostering a sense of protection and harmony.
Fulfilment of dreams
Beyond its association with luck and wealth, the horseshoe is considered a lucky charm for fulfilling dreams and wishes. Many people make wishes upon the horseshoe before embarking on important ventures or events. This symbolic act is believed to enhance the chances of realising aspirations and achieving success.
Benefits of Black Horseshoe Ring
- A black horseshoe ring is regarded a symbol of good fortune and an amulet that can eliminate bad luck and disease.
- It acts as a protective layer, safeguarding the house against germs, diseases and bad luck.
- As per Vastu experts, a black horseshoe ring protects against the adverse effects of planet ******.
- Moreover, a black horseshoe ring also protects against black magic, evil eye, robbery, hatred, envy, insomnia, and other negative energies.
As per Indian astrology, hanging a lucky horseshoe nail ring at main entrance is believed to ward off evil. A black horseshoe ring is considered to be highly powerful and is like a talisman that offers protection against negative effects of Sade Sati and Shani Mahadasha. People wear the ring as an ornament on the thumb of the right hand.
Where did the lucky horseshoe ring originate or come from?
As per a legend associated with Saint Dustan AD 959, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, he was blacksmith before becoming the archbishop. Once the devil walked into his shop and asked Dustan to show his horse. Dustan agreed but instead of the horse, he nailed the horseshoe on the Devil’s foot. The Devil was in pain and pleaded Dustan to remove the horseshoe. Dustan agreed to remove the horseshoe from the Devil’s foot but took a promise from the Devil that he would never enter any house that has a horseshoe nailed on the entrance door. The devil agreed that it will never enter any house that has a horseshoe nailed on the main door.
As per another legend during the Stone Age in the British Isles and Northern Europe, people believed that elves and goblins cast spells on cows and hen, preventing them from producing milk and eggs, respectively. However, they would fear iron and metal weapons. Thus, the practice of hanging horseshoe at the entrance door began to ward to these evil forces.
Which horseshoe is lucky?
A horseshoe worn by a horse, used and detached from the hooves naturally is believed to be a lucky horseshoe. Moreover, the horseshoe of the front right leg of the horse is known to be extremely lucky and powerful.
Horseshoes were earlier made from iron as it was considered stronger than other metals and can withstand fire. Black horseshoe is regarded to be powerful and keeps the place protected against evil forces.
How to hang a lucky horseshoe?
As per different cultures, importance is given to the way a horseshoe is hung. In some culture, a horseshoe is hung with its ends facing upwards as this position denotes a container/bowl that can store good luck. The ‘U’ shape of a horseshoe is a symbol of good fortune. However, some consider hanging a horseshow upside down as it brings prosperity and good luck.
The correct way to hang a good luck horseshoe at the main door
The main door is the place where the flow of energy matters most. The horseshoe is usually placed outside the front door (and above it) as a protective symbol.
Some feel that hanging the open-end up collects luck, while others hang it open-end down to share the luck.
Most people prefer the points of the horseshoe pointing up (like U).
See also: Vastu tips for keeping shankh or conch shell at home
Keep horseshoes in the grain container or locker to enhance financial luck
It is believed that a household will never be out of grains if they place a horseshoe in a black cloth and keep it in a grain container.
Wrap the horse shoe (ghode ka naal) in a cloth and keep it in the locker of the wardrobe to attract wealth and get rid of financial problems.
Horse shoe rules as per Feng Shui
Horses symbolise power, energy, strength, speed, endurance and success. In general, the horse is associated with positive and yang energy. Galloping horses are considered auspicious and hanging a painting with horses galloping is good for wealth and fame.
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Since horseshoes are made of metal, hanging this on the front door that faces the west or the north is best, according to Feng Shui. Avoid this horseshoe Feng Shui remedy if the front door faces the east or the south as metal is not a good element for these areas.
See also: How to remove negative energy from home
Vastu tips for horseshoe and horse paintings at home
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A horseshoe, in Vastu, is a symbol of luck, wealth and good fortune. Hang it with its ends pointing upwards to remove Vastu dosha. As per main door Vastu, place it at the entrance or the main door of your house to reduce Vastu defects and negativity. A horseshoe also helps to overcome financial woes.
Hang the horseshoe at the main entrance of the office, business or even the house. It is believed that a worn horseshoe carries the energies of the horse that symbolises success, perseverance and strength. An actual, worn horseshoe will have powerful energies as it protected the horse over a prolonged period.
Avoid horse paintings where the horse is angry, alone or is in a stamping posture. Do not hang a horse painting facing the door. A photo or a statue of a running horse or 7 horse painting in the home ensures vitality and boosts positive energies for financial stability and a rise in career. A stallion must always be kept in a pair or in multiple numbers. The best direction for hanging a seven-horse painting is the south wall of the house or office as it is associated with success and fame.
What colour is a lucky horseshoe?
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A horseshoe is a protective charm for home and can be of any colour. Today one gets painted horseshoes in many colours – black, metallic, gold, silver, steel or red. One can even paint them at home.
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It is believed that the horse shoe of a black horse (kale ghode ki naal) is most lucky when kept at home as it attracts success for the dwellers.
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Red is considered lucky as, in many cultures, it is the colour of luck and wealth. If one does not want a red horseshoe, tie a red ribbon on it to welcome happiness. Today one also gets a horseshoe with an evil eye to ward off evil. You can also use acrylic paint, spray or emulsion paint to match the colour of the horseshoe with your home décor.
Home décor with good luck horseshoe
Horseshoe is often used to enhance the home décor as well as attract good energy.
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Horseshoes have long been reused in artistic manners to display creative and artistic visions and to upcycle a worn object.
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Horseshoes can be used as door knockers or key holders for attracting a good vibe.
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Today horseshoes with personalised messages are available that makes them popular gifts.
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Designers also make horseshoe napkin holders, candle stands, photo frames and jewellery holders.
Horseshoe for good luck: Points to remember
Tips for metal doors
Avoid an iron horseshoe for a metal door, especially if the door faces east or southeast directions. An iron horseshoe would be a great option for a door facing west, north or northwest directions.
Use an old horseshoe
An original, worn horseshoe used by a horse has strong energies of the animal. It denotes power, endurance and achievement.
Places to avoid
Do not place the horseshoe on the bathroom door.
When to place a horseshoe
Place the horseshoe on the main entrance door in the morning. Avoid placing it at night.
FAQs
Horseshoes were popularised as horses became domesticated, especially in inhospitable climates. Without the metal shoes, the hooves of a working horse can wear down faster and can cause pain or health problems. The shoes can be attached with nails since the horses’ hooves are dense and have no nerves. Earlier horseshoes were made only with iron but later brass, copper and aluminium were also used. Today horseshoes are made with metal, plastic, rubber and titanium. A metal horseshoe is considered lucky to attract abundance and good vibes. The tradition of wearing horseshoe jewellery for good luck comes from the use of the horseshoe as a symbol of protection. One gets trendy horseshoe earrings, bracelets and rings. Men sport horseshoe-patterned belt buckles to keep luck close. In India, horseshoe rings are believed to have good luck and the ability to fend off bad vibes. Horseshoe rings remove the malefic effects of ****** and the ill-effects of evil spirits and bring luck and wealth to the wearer.Why do horses wear shoes?
Are horseshoes made only of iron?
Is jewellery made from horseshoe considered lucky?
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Dhwani Meharchandani
Dhwani is a content management expert with over five years of professional experience. She has authored articles spanning diverse domains, including real estate, finance, business, health, taxation, education and more. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Dhwani’s interests encompass reading and travelling. She is dedicated to staying updated on the latest real estate advancements in India.
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