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 Leo is one (also known as the Monad or God of All Numbers). Associated with the Sun (this Sign's ruling "Planet"), one is the number of Divine Purpose, the number of Creation and the number of Unity. One is the beginning of all counting and the root of solitary forces. It is the symbol of identity, harmony and conservation, having no parts and being individual by nature. The number one is rarely found in Northern mythological and runic references, although it does contain the first rune of all three Aetts, therefore making it a positive principle in theory. One remains constantly stable and firm...it is the immutable number, the same until infinity. To the Greeks, this number represented Khaos, the primeval state of the universe prior to the separation into positive and negative. One is representative of both the beginning and the end, as well as being the symbol of homo erectus, the only species to walk upright. This number may be found in images of standing stones and the upright staff. In mathematical terms, if a number is multiplied by itself, the product is always a larger number and the square of a number is always greater than the sum of its addition to itself. However, in the case of one, the result of mutiplying itself by itself is smaller than the result of adding it to itself. One multiplied by one will always remain one, whereas when it is added to itself, it becomes two. Thus, by itself, one is not conscious of itself, but by mirroring in the other...the two...and the experience of duality, one does become conscious of itself. Therefore, this number is symbolic of the state of wholeness, but is unaware of itself and possesses enormous inner potential to strive for realization. One is the first Prime Number and is divisible only by itself. It is also its own square and cube root. The circle (which has neither beginning nor end) is the figurative symbol of this number.

In biblical numerology, one is the Number of Unity. It is generally believed to signify the "one God" but is also associated with "one faith" and "one baptism," as referenced in Ephesians 4:5.

One is masculine in nature and, when associated with Leo, resides in the Fifth House of Creative Expression and Social Popularity...the House of the Heart. The colors associated with the number one are all those within the yellow, orange and brown families. Its peak tends to be during the daylight hours, with its natural element being fire and its associated gems being rubies, topaz, yellow diamonds and amber.

The lucky colors for Leo are gold and orange...colors which emanate from the Sun, this Sign's ruling "Planet." The Sun represents the life force and is the visible symbol of the Cosmic Creator in the solar system. Gold is traditionally associated with royalty, symbolic of the color of the heavens and has historically been used to decorate statues of the Buddha and religious temples. This color is also said to be representative of pride. Gold is believed to attract positive influences, evoking the sensation of looking upon waving fields of ripened grain stalks. It is also connected with justice and career matters. In heraldry, gold is symbolic of honor and loyalty.

Orange is said to promote friendliness and is representative of sunsets. Symbolic of marriage, it is credited with being the color choice of intellectuals, as well as the favored color of the brave. In addition, orange is believed to be indicative of energy, balance, warmth, enthusiasm, flamboyance and the demand for attention, as well as change and flexibility. The color of fire and flame, orange is representative of the red of passion tempered by the yellow of wisdom. Thus, it stimulates and creates reactions associated with both the physical and the emotional. In general, this is a color which strengthens...full of force and health...giving the impression of the constant flue of energy. It helps to focus the mind on issues of physical comfort...food, warmth, shelter and sensuality, for example. It is basically regarded as a fun color, but can focus on the more negative aspects of deprivation. This is particularly likely when warm orange is used in conjunction with black. By the same token, an excess of orange suggests frivolity and a lack of serious intellectual values. It is the hottest, widest, most pleasant and positive color. It reflects the balance of will and possibility. Rich orange is symbolic of consciousness, ripeness, abundance, happiness and sexuality. It ensures, supports, and evokes appetite...it awakes but does not excite...and tends to embrace space. The second color in the spectrum, orange corresponds to the form of the wide rhombus that joins the diversity of yellow and the strength of red. In heraldry, orange is symbolic of strength and endurance.

Positive Qualities Of Orange: Physical Comfort - Security - Passion - Abundance
Negative Qualities Of Orange: Frustration - Immaturity

Leo individuals tend to prefer solid blocks of bright, positive and powerful color rather than complicated patterns. Leo natives are also drawn to colors traditionally associated with royalty...regal shades of red, blue, purple and gold, for example. In short, Leo is associated with warm colors in general, or warmer shades of the cooler colors...very rich mixtures of blue and purple which lean more toward the red than the blue. There is also a tendency to be drawn to all things which are bold, bright and rather "splashy."

Other Favorable Colors: Pink - Red - Green - Yellow - Bright Brown - Bright Black -Variegated Colors
Unvavorable Colors: White - Grey - Dull Brown - Faded Colors

The lucky flower for Leo is the marigold, also known as the Herb of the Sun, symbolic of passion and creativity. It is a hardy plant whose blooms are usually yellow or orange, but can be reddish or brown in color. Many individuals find the scent of the marigold to be offensive. Thus, scientists have developed an odorless variety. The marigold often referred to in literature is the "pot marigold" and is mentioned in Shakespeare's "A Winter's Tale." It should be noted that the marsh marigold is not a true marigold since it belongs to the buttercup family. In the West Country of England, these flowers are known as "The Drunkards," due their reputation for turning people into alcoholics when the blooms are picked...or even looked at for any length of time. The Welsh traditionally believed the flower could be used as a weather omen. If the flowers were not open early in the morning, then a storm was on the way. The marigold was formerly used as a love charm, and incorporated into wedding garlands and posies. It was also once believed that to rub the flower head on a wasp or bee sting would alleviate any pain. The marigold is often used as a companion plant with tomatoes to keep away pests. Legend states that the blossoms of this flower open only from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon. Water made from marigolds, when rubbed on the eylids, was once thought to aid an individual to see the faery folk, and some cultures would add the flowers to their pillows in order to encourage psychic dreams.

By tradition, the marigold is associated with the lion...an animal legendary for its courage and brave heart. It was referred to as Mary's Gold by the early Christians, who placed these flowers around statues of the Virgin Mary, offering the blossoms in place of money. It was believed that Mary used the flowers as coins. In India, the marigold is offered to the Hindu Gods, Vishnu and Lakshmi, particularly during the month of December. This flower was once worn by witches and healers to protect them from the Plague and is thought to be most effective when used in spells to stop gossip...or to bring about softer words from one who tends to be sharp-tongued. It is also said to promote cheery conversations and to bring a potted marigold into the home where relationships have been turbulent is said to assist the couple to talk together instead of at each other. The marigold was also once mused in potions to fight against smallpox and measles. In the language of flowers, the meaning of the marigold is comfort of the heart and sacred affection. However, it can also symbolize cruelty and jealousy.

One legend associated with the marigold is found in the story of the Holy Family's flight into Egypt. During their journey, they were accosted by a band of thieves who stole Mary's purse. When the robbers opened the purse, however, marigolds tumbled out. Indeed, it was once believed that to wear marigolds after being robbed would enable the individual to "see" the perpetrator. The marigold is representatative of the golden rays of glory that are often depicted around the head of the Virgin and is used in all the major festivals associated with the Mother of Christ.

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 Leo individuals born in July is the ruby. They share this fortunate jewel with those Cancer 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), 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. Next in hardness to the diamond, the ruby is a symbol of freedom, dignity and divine power, said to possess the ability to rekindle a love which has waned. This jewel is found worldwide, although the finest specimens are said to come from Myanmar. The bright red variety is mined in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Vietnam. The brownish-red ruby comes from Thailand, while the darker ruby is generally produced from mines in Australia, India, Russia and the States of Georgia, North Carolina and Wyoming in America. 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 gem for Leo individuals born in August is the sardonxy. They share this fortunate jewel with those Virgo 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 but the best specimens are mined chiefly in Brazil, India, California and Uruguay. 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 day for those who fall under the jurisdiction of Leo is Sunday. In ancient times, certain tribes in Southern Europe were unable to explain the warm ball of light that appeared in the sky each day, so they determined it must be a gift from a great god. Thus, they named the glowing orb sol, which is Latin for Sun. In celebration of this God, they also named a day of the week in his honor and called it Dies Solis, Latin for "day of the sun." Later, the people who lived in Northern Europe also decided to honor this ball of wonderful light, but in their non-Latin language, the day was known as Sunnandaeg, although the meaning was the same. This eventually translated to Sunday.

Many early cultures worshipped the Sun and the Gods which represented its power. The Babylonians believed that the first hour of the day was ruled by the Sun and since ancient times, it has been designated as a day of rest. Sunday is considered to be a holy day by the Christians, due to the fact that Christ was reported to have risen from the dead on this day. Nonetheless, the name "Sunday" truly has nothing to do with Christianity. The Ancient Greeks were well aware that the Sun was the source of life on Earth and they gave it prime importance in their thinking.

There are several holidays traditionally celebrated on a Sunday, including Mother's Day (second Sunday in May) and Father's Day (third Sunday in June). These began to be celebrated in 1914 and 1924 respectively. Easter Sunday is an ancient holiday, officially designated by the Church in 325 A.D. Its position on the calendar has long been a source of confusion for lay people. The date is calculated by taking the first Sunday after the first Full Moon on or after the 21st day of March. In some parts of the Great Britain, a festival known as Whitsun (or Pentecost) is celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter. It commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit in the form of flames to the disciples, as recorded in the New Testament and is sometimes referred to as the birthday of the Christian Church. Whit Sunday is a favorite day for baptism in England and since the traditional color for baptisms is white, it is thought that the original name of this holiday might have been "White Sunday." According to an ancient rhyme, Sunday's child is bonny and blithe and good and gay.

FLOWERS/HERBS: Sunflower, Cowslip, Helitrope, Hops, Peony, Basil, Tobacco, Angelica,
Barley, Camomile, Goat's Rue, Oats, Rye,
Saffron, Sage and Saint John's Wort
OILS: Bay, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Ginger, Juniper, Lime, Orange, Rosemary,
Myrrh, Allspice and Nutmeg
GEMSTONES: Amber, Tourmaline, Topaz, Ruby and Diamond
ANIMALS: All Felines, Wolf and Griffin
TREES: Palm, Laurel, Pine and Oak
BIRDS: Cock, Peacock and Eagle
METAL: Gold