Good Luck??

I suppose we all have things we think bring us luck, or good Karma, or please the Great Spirit, whatever we choose to call it.  No matter what we call it, the concept is the same, isn’t it?  We all have some sort of belief, or several such beliefs, that something we do will positively effect our lives, although that thing we do can not be proven to have any direct causal relationship with the outcome we expect.  I suppose it is all a matter of your viewpoint. Or, your faith.   Does rubbing that rabbit’s foot bring you luck?  Didn’t help the rabbit.   How about the numerous variations of crossing body parts (legs, fingers) or making a crucifix motion in the air? Is this supposed to impart some special attention or favor from a greater force than oneself?  It can’t hurt, but I bet it doesn’t really bring better luck or better outcomes.  And rubbing the head of a bald person?  It might, or might not, be enjoyable for the bald person, but probably won’t change your lot in life.  Native American “dream catchers” are pretty popular these days. There are those who will tell you that “dream catchers” help you rest peacefully by guarding your dreams from bad spirits.  Is this luck?

Think about it….. Is there any difference between religion and good luck charms or good luck rituals?   I suppose it depends on which religion we are discussing, doesn’t it?  For most of us, as we see it, our religion, whatever that religion is, is the Truth, the one true Way, and not superstition or “luck”.  Everybody elses’ religion  deserves no more status than, a rabbit’s foot.    But in the end, isn't it all the same?  Most humans have some need to believe in a higher power, and that although the power is wiser and more powerful than a mere human, if we do the right things somehow we can steer that higher power, if only a little bit.

I might not rub a rabbit’s foot, but I own several dream catchers, if for no other reason than they are interesting art.  Besides, they can’t hurt, right?  If we all stick to our good luck icons, and our own religions, and stop denouncing others' as something less than ours, we will all be luckier in the long run.