Do you have a favorite lucky symbol? You might be surprised by just how many symbols of good luck there are across diverse cultures around the world. Yet, it’s not surprising that we all hope for good fortune to smile upon every now and then.
From an animal or insect we chance upon to an ancient glyph that appears in a surprise place, or a precious gem gifted from someone who cares about us, it’s reassuring to be reminded that there are blessings all around us. Here are some good luck symbols and for you to look out for as you go about your day:
Table of Contents
Rabbits have hopped their way into good luck traditions across numerous cultures. The ancient Celts and Native Americans associated hares with the moon and feminine fertility magic. In England, the tradition of saying, “Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit” on the first day of a new month is said to bring good luck. And the rabbit’s prolific breeding habits symbolize abundance and prosperity.
These majestic giants are revered as symbols of good fortune throughout Hindu and Buddhist cultures. The elephant-headed deity Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles and the patron of arts and sciences. And in feng shui traditions, elephant figurines placed near entrances are believed to bring protective energy and good luck to households.
Ancient Egyptians revered cats as sacred beings, believing they brought protection and good fortune to their homes. In Japanese culture, the Maneki-neko or “beckoning cat” with his raised paw is a ubiquitous symbol of good luck, prosperity, and protection. Black cats, while feared in some Western superstitions, are actually considered lucky in many cultures, including Scottish and Japanese traditions.
Celtic cultures viewed horses as symbols of prosperity, fertility, and good fortune. In feng shui, horse imagery represents success, fame, and freedom. Native American traditions honor horses as spiritual guides who bring strength and good luck to their riders.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans considered dolphins sacred messengers of the sea gods, believing encounters with these intelligent marine mammals brought divine favor. Maritime cultures have long viewed dolphins as protectors of sailors and harbingers of safe voyages. Their playful nature and apparent joy remind us that good fortune often comes to those who maintain a positive outlook.
In East Asian cultures, cranes are beloved symbols of longevity, peace, and good fortune. Japanese, Chinese, and Korean traditions feature cranes prominently in art and folklore as birds that can live for a thousand years. The practice of folding 1,000 paper cranes (senbazuru) is believed to grant wishes and bring good luck to the folder.
Chinese culture reveres turtles as symbols of longevity and good fortune. Native American traditions view turtles as carriers of the world, representing Mother Earth and grounding energy. In Hindu mythology, the turtle avatar of Vishnu supports the cosmic order. Turtles’ long lifespans and steady nature symbolize patient accumulation of wealth and wisdom.
Fish swimming upstream represent determination and the ability to overcome obstacles to reach prosperity. Chinese culture particularly values koi fish as symbols of perseverance and good luck, while goldfish represent abundance and wealth. In Christian traditions, fish symbolize faith and divine provision, making them powerful good luck charms.
Ancient Egyptians associated frogs with fertility and renewal due to their connection with the life-giving Nile floods. Chinese traditions feature the three-legged money frog as a symbol of wealth. European folklore often portrays frogs as magical creatures who can grant wishes and bring good fortune to those who treat them kindly.
German culture considers pigs symbols of prosperity and good luck, with pig figurines commonly given as New Year gifts. In the Chinese zodiac, pigs represent wealth, honesty, and good fortune.
Native American Lakota traditions hold the white buffalo as one of the most sacred and fortunate symbols. The appearance of a white buffalo calf is considered an extremely rare and blessed event that brings spiritual renewal and good fortune to the entire community. This sacred animal represents hope, renewal, and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Celtic cultures viewed deer as messengers from the otherworld, bringing guidance and good fortune to those who encountered them. Native American traditions honor deer as gentle spirits that bring peace and prosperity. Buddhist symbolism associates deer with harmlessness and having a peaceful nature.
Many Native American tribes consider bears to be powerful symbols of strength, protection, and good fortune. Celtic traditions associate bears with warrior spirit and the luck that comes from courage and determination. The bear’s ability to hibernate and emerge renewed symbolizes the cyclical nature of fortune and the importance of patience.
Japanese folklore features kitsune (foxes) as intelligent spirits who can bring either mischief or good fortune, depending on how they’re treated. Celtic traditions view foxes as clever guides who help humans navigate tricky situations with wit and cunning.
Chinese culture values roosters as symbols of good luck, courage, and prosperity. Portuguese traditions feature roosters prominently as emblems of faith and good fortune. In feng shui, rooster imagery is believed to ward off negative energy while attracting positive opportunities. Their proud stance and early morning crow symbolize new beginnings.
The Ancient Greeks associated owls with Athena, their goddess of wisdom, making them symbols of good fortune through knowledge. Some Native American cultures view owls as powerful medicine animals who bring protection and good fortune. Their exceptional night vision symbolizes the ability to see opportunities that others might miss.
European maritime culture considers swallows harbingers of good luck and safe returns. Chinese traditions associate swallows with happiness, prosperity, and the arrival of spring fortune. Their remarkable navigation skills and loyalty to nesting sites symbolize the return of good fortune to those who remain faithful and patient.
For ancient sailors, seeing an albatross was a sign of good luck. These large birds with 11-foot (3.3-meter) wingspans rely on wind currents to maintain their long voyages at sea – just as sailors do. For this reason, albatrosses avoid areas like the doldrums – an area of the globe that extends 5 degrees on either side of the equator – which notoriously has very little wind and is dangerous for sailors. So, seeing an albatross is a sign of good fortune while at sea.
In Chinese culture and feng shui, goldfish serve as powerful symbols of wealth, abundance, and good luck. Their golden color represents prosperity, while their swimming motion symbolizes the flow of positive energy and opportunities. Keeping goldfish attracts financial good fortune and creates harmonious energy in the home.
Hindu culture reveres peacocks as symbols of grace, pride, and good fortune. Chinese traditions associate peacocks with dignity, beauty, and the luck that comes from self-confidence. Their magnificent plumage represents the beauty and abundance that can manifest when we embrace our authentic selves with pride.
Native American cultures honor wolves as powerful spiritual guides who bring protection and good fortune to their human companions. Norse mythology features wolves as symbols of loyalty and the fierce luck that comes from strong pack bonds. Their hunting prowess and family dedication represent the fortune found in cooperation and strategic thinking.
European folklore considers bees harbingers of prosperity and good fortune, with their appearance around a home indicating wealth to come. Their industrious nature and organized hive structure symbolize the rewards of hard work and cooperation. Furthermore, their role in pollination represents the good fortune that comes from helping others flourish.
Butterflies are universally recognized as symbols of transformation and good luck across countless cultures. In Chinese culture, butterflies represent marital bliss and the luck found in enduring love. In addition, because they are pollinators, butterflies symbolize prosperity and abundance.
Japanese culture honors dragonflies as symbols of transformation and good fortune. Native American traditions view dragonflies as messengers of wisdom and the luck that comes from seeing beyond illusions. Their ability to fly in all directions and hover in place represents adaptability and the good fortune found in being present in the moment. Furthermore, their iridescent wings symbolize the magic and luck that can appear when we shift our perspective.
Chinese culture associates grasshoppers with good luck, abundance, and fertility due to their prolific numbers and robust appetites. European folklore considers grasshoppers symbols of musical talent and the fortune that comes from creativity. Their powerful jumping ability represents taking leaps of faith that lead to lucky opportunities.
European traditions consider ladybugs among the luckiest insects, with the number of spots supposedly indicating how many months of good fortune lie ahead. Christian folklore calls them “Our Lady’s birds,” believing they bring divine protection and blessings. Their bright red color symbolizes wealth and vitality, while their gentle nature represents the luck that comes to those with pure intentions. Furthermore, their appetite for harmful garden pests makes them natural symbols of protection and abundance.
Chinese culture reveres crickets as symbols of good luck, prosperity, and protection, often keeping them as pets for their melodic songs. European folklore associates cricket chirping with good fortune and household prosperity. Their musical abilities represent the luck found in harmony and positive communication. Furthermore, their presence in homes wards off evil spirits and attracts beneficial energy.
African cultures view praying mantises as symbols of good fortune and spiritual guidance, believing they bring messages from ancestors. Their patient hunting style represents the luck that comes to those who wait for the right moment to act. The mantis’s distinctive prayer-like posture symbolizes the good fortune found in mindfulness and spiritual connection.
Irish folklore celebrates the rare four-leaf clover as one of nature’s most powerful good luck charms. Each leaf represents a different blessing: faith, hope, love, and luck. Celtic druids believed these unusual clovers granted the ability to see fairies and magical beings. Their rarity makes finding one a fortunate event in itself, with odds of approximately one in 10,000 among regular three-leaf clovers.
Chinese culture honors bamboo as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and resilience. Feng shui practitioners often place lucky bamboo arrangements in homes and offices to attract positive energy and financial success. The plant’s ability to bend without breaking represents flexibility and the fortune that comes from adapting to changing circumstances. Furthermore, bamboo’s rapid growth symbolizes quick advancement and abundant opportunities.
Feng shui traditions call jade plants “money trees” because their thick, coin-shaped leaves attract wealth and prosperity. Chinese culture associates these succulents with financial luck and business success, making them popular gifts for new ventures. Their ability to thrive with minimal care represents the effortless accumulation of good fortune. Furthermore, jade plants bloom rarely, making their flowers especially auspicious signs of incoming luck.
Japanese culture reveres cherry blossoms as symbols of good fortune, renewal, and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. The brief blooming period reminds us to appreciate lucky opportunities when they arise. Chinese traditions also associate cherry blossoms with feminine beauty and the power of gentle strength. Their delicate pink and white petals represent the soft fortune that comes through grace and kindness.
Chinese culture honors peonies as symbols of honor, wealth, and good luck, often calling them the “king of flowers.” These luxurious blooms represent prosperity and the fortune that comes from living with dignity and grace. In feng shui, peony artwork attracts love, luck and marital happiness. Their full, rounded blooms symbolize abundance and the complete fulfillment of wishes.
Hindu and Buddhist traditions revere lotus flowers as symbols of good fortune because of their ability to emerge from the bottom of a muddy pond to create pristine blooms above the water’s surface. Egyptian culture associated lotus flowers with the sun and rebirth, making them symbols of daily renewal and fresh luck.
Acorns are considered lucky symbols because they represent the idea of something small becoming something magnificent (and oak tree.) As a fertility symbol, the acorn represents good fortune, prosperity, and abundance. It’s a fitting symbol for financial savings, like a squirrel who stows nuts in the winter, with the belief that it will create abundance for a future date.
Celtic culture considers oak trees sacred symbols of strength, endurance, and good fortune. The Druids performed rituals beneath oak trees to channel their protective and lucky energies. Germanic traditions view oak trees as representations of Thor’s strength and divine protection. Their longevity and mighty stature symbolize the deep-rooted fortune that comes from stability and perseverance.
Mediterranean cultures have long considered rosemary a herb of good luck, protection, and remembrance. Ancient Greeks and Romans burned rosemary to attract good fortune and ward off negative energies. European wedding traditions include rosemary in bridal bouquets to ensure a lucky and memorable marriage. Its evergreen nature represents constant good fortune and enduring positive energy.
Native American cultures view sunflowers as symbols of harvest luck, abundance, and spiritual guidance. These cheerful blooms follow the sun’s path across the sky, representing optimism and the fortune that comes from staying positive. Slavic folklore associates sunflowers with loyalty and the luck found in unwavering devotion. Their seeds provide nourishment for both humans and wildlife, symbolizing the good fortune that comes from generous sharing.
Mexican culture celebrates marigolds as flowers of good luck and spiritual connection, especially during Día de los Muertos celebrations. Hindu traditions use marigolds in religious ceremonies to attract divine blessings and good fortune. Their bright orange and yellow colors represent the sun’s energy and the vibrant luck that comes from joyful living. Furthermore, their natural pest-repelling properties symbolize protection from negative influences.
Feng shui traditions prize money trees (Pachira aquatica) as powerful attractors of wealth and financial good luck. Legend tells of a poor farmer who prayed for prosperity and found this unique tree, becoming wealthy by selling its offspring. Their distinctive braided trunks represent the intertwining of good fortune with hard work. The five leaves on each stem symbolize the five elements of feng shui working in harmony to create abundance.
Chinese culture treasures jade above all other gemstones as the ultimate symbol of good luck, prosperity, and protection. Ancient Chinese emperors carried jade amulets to ensure divine favor and lasting fortune. The stone’s vibrant green color represents growth, harmony, and the luck that flows from balanced living. Furthermore, jade’s durability symbolizes enduring good fortune that withstands the test of time.
Crystal healers call citrine the “merchant’s stone” because it attracts wealth, success, and business good luck. This golden yellow quartz energizes the solar plexus chakra, boosting confidence and the personal magnetism needed to attract opportunities. Ancient Romans carved citrine into decorative objects believing it brought favor from the sun gods. Its warm, sunny appearance represents the bright fortune that comes from maintaining an optimistic outlook.
Ancient Greeks believed amethyst prevented intoxication and brought clear thinking that leads to good decisions and fortunate outcomes. Christian traditions associate amethyst with spiritual wisdom and divine protection, making it a popular choice for religious jewelry. The stone’s purple color represents nobility and the elevated luck that comes from living with integrity. Furthermore, amethyst’s calming energy helps people recognize and seize lucky opportunities.
Ancient Roman soldiers carried tiger’s eye into battle for protection and good luck in combat. This golden-brown stone combines the earth’s grounding energy with the sun’s vitality to create balanced fortune. Its chatoyant bands resemble a tiger’s eye, symbolizing the fierce courage needed to pursue lucky opportunities. Furthermore, tiger’s eye enhances focus and mental clarity, helping people make decisions that lead to positive outcomes.
Native American cultures consider turquoise a sacred stone that brings protection, healing, and good fortune to its wearer. Ancient Persians believed turquoise changed color to warn of impending danger, making it a protective talisman for travelers. The stone’s sky-blue color represents infinite possibilities and the vast fortune available in the universe. Furthermore, turquoise bridges the earthly and spiritual realms, attracting both material and spiritual blessings.
Crystal enthusiasts prize rose quartz as the stone of unconditional love and the good fortune that flows from an open heart. This gentle pink crystal attracts loving relationships and harmonious connections that bring joy and prosperity. Ancient Egyptians believed rose quartz preserved youthful beauty and attracted romantic luck. Its soft energy helps people approach life with kindness, which naturally draws positive experiences and fortunate encounters.
Metaphysical practitioners call clear quartz the “master healer” because it amplifies positive intentions and attracts good luck in all areas of life. This versatile crystal programs easily with specific lucky intentions, making it a powerful manifestation tool. Ancient civilizations used clear quartz in ceremonies to communicate with benevolent spirits and divine forces. Its transparent clarity represents the pure energy needed to attract genuine good fortune.
Gamblers traditionally carry green aventurine as a lucky charm because it attracts good fortune in games of chance and financial ventures. This shimmering quartz contains tiny mica flecks that create a sparkling effect reminiscent of opportunities glinting in the light. Italian glassmakers originally named this stone “aventurina,” meaning “by chance,” reflecting its association with fortunate accidents. Furthermore, aventurine’s gentle energy promotes optimism and the positive attitude that magnetizes good luck.
Ancient Egyptians placed carnelian amulets with mummies to ensure safe passage to the afterlife and continued good fortune in the next world. This vibrant orange stone energizes the sacral chakra, boosting creativity and the innovative thinking that leads to lucky breakthroughs. Islamic traditions consider carnelian a protective stone that brings divine favor and worldly success. Its fiery color represents the passionate energy needed to create positive change and attract abundance.
Hindu mythology associates moonstone with lunar deities and the good fortune that comes from emotional balance and intuitive wisdom. This pearlescent stone enhances psychic abilities and helps people recognize lucky opportunities through inner knowing. Roman legends claimed moonstone captured moonbeams and brought the wearer favor from lunar goddesses. Furthermore, moonstone’s connection to feminine energy attracts nurturing luck and supportive relationships.
Medieval alchemists called pyrite “fool’s gold,” but crystal healers recognize its genuine power to attract wealth and material good fortune. This metallic mineral’s cubic crystalline structure represents stability and the solid foundation needed for lasting prosperity. Spanish conquistadors initially mistook pyrite for gold, but modern practitioners value it for its ability to manifest earthly abundance. Furthermore, pyrite’s reflective surface symbolizes the importance of seeing opportunities clearly.
Ancient Egyptians ground malachite into powder for eye makeup, believing it protected against the evil eye and attracted good fortune. Russian tsars decorated their palaces with malachite, associating its rich green color with imperial luck and lasting prosperity. This copper-based mineral’s swirling patterns represent the cyclical nature of fortune and the importance of riding life’s ups and downs with grace. Furthermore, malachite absorbs negative energy while attracting positive transformations.
Irish folklore celebrates rainbows as bridges to leprechaun treasures, with pots of gold waiting at their elusive ends. Many cultures view rainbows as divine promises of hope and renewed fortune after storms pass. The rainbow’s seven colors represent completeness and the full spectrum of blessings available in life. Furthermore, rainbows appear when sunlight breaks through rain clouds, symbolizing the good luck that emerges from difficult times.
Ancient civilizations believed shooting stars carried messages from the gods and granted wishes to those fortunate enough to witness them. Greek mythology associated meteors with divine favor and the fulfillment of heartfelt desires. The brief, brilliant streak of light represents fleeting opportunities that bring lasting good fortune to those quick enough to recognize them. Furthermore, making a wish upon a falling star connects earthly hopes with celestial blessings.
Many cultures consider waterfalls symbols of abundant luck and the continuous flow of positive energy. The powerful rush of water represents the unstoppable force of good fortune when it finally arrives. Native American traditions view waterfalls as sacred places where spirits gather to bestow blessings upon visitors. Furthermore, the negative ions produced by falling water create an energizing atmosphere that naturally lifts spirits and attracts positive experiences.
Ancient farmers timed their planting and harvesting by full moons, believing lunar energy enhanced crop success and brought agricultural good fortune. The moon’s complete illumination represents clarity of vision and the perfect timing needed for lucky endeavors. Furthermore, full moon rituals across various traditions focus on releasing negativity and attracting abundance.
Desert travelers throughout history have viewed oases as miraculous symbols of salvation and divine intervention. These rare havens represent hope, renewal, and the unexpected good fortune that appears when circumstances seem impossible. The contrast between barren desert and lush oasis symbolizes dramatic reversals of fortune and the abundance possible even in harsh conditions. Furthermore, oases serve as gathering places where travelers share resources and form lucky connections.
Many cultures consider mountain summits sacred places where earth meets heaven, making them powerful symbols of achievement and elevated good fortune. The arduous journey to reach peaks represents the effort required to attain lasting success and prosperity. Tibetan traditions place prayer flags on mountain tops to spread good luck on the winds to all beings. Furthermore, the panoramic view from peaks symbolizes the broad perspective needed to recognize opportunities.
Ancient Romans built elaborate baths around natural hot springs, believing the waters possessed healing properties and brought good health fortune. Many cultures throw coins into springs and wells while making wishes, trusting that water spirits will grant their desires. The emergence of clear water from underground sources represents hidden blessings surfacing into conscious reality. Furthermore, springs provide life-sustaining water in unexpected places, symbolizing providence and divine care.
Indigenous Arctic peoples view the northern lights as dancing spirits bringing messages of good fortune from the otherworld. The ethereal green and purple curtains represent the thin veil between dimensions and the magical possibilities available to those who believe. Scientific explanations aside, witnessing aurora borealis requires being in the right place at the perfect time, making sightings inherently lucky events. Furthermore, their unpredictable appearance reminds us that the most beautiful fortune often arrives unexpectedly.
Sailors throughout history have considered smooth waters a blessing from sea gods and a sign of safe, prosperous voyages ahead. The mirror-like surface of calm seas reflects the sky above, symbolizing perfect harmony between earthly endeavors and heavenly support. After surviving storms, mariners view peaceful waters as evidence of their good fortune and divine protection. Furthermore, calm seas allow ships to make swift progress toward their destinations, representing unobstructed paths to success.
European folklore claims that horseshoes bring good luck when hung above doorways with the opening facing upward to catch blessings. Blacksmiths traditionally made horseshoes from iron, which ancient cultures believed repelled evil spirits and attracted protective fortune. The crescent shape resembles a new moon, symbolizing fresh beginnings and growing luck. Furthermore, finding a horseshoe on the road represents unexpected good fortune literally crossing your path.
Native American Ojibwe traditions craft dreamcatchers to filter dreams, allowing good fortune and positive visions to pass through while catching nightmares in the web. The circular hoop represents the cycle of life and the continuous flow of luck through generations. Feathers attached to dreamcatchers carry good dreams gently to sleeping children, ensuring peaceful rest and fortunate days ahead. Furthermore, the intricate web pattern symbolizes the interconnection of all living things and shared blessings.
Ancient Egyptians revered the ankh as the key to eternal life and divine good fortune in both earthly and afterlife realms. This cross-topped symbol combines the masculine and feminine principles, representing complete harmony and balanced luck. Egyptian gods carry ankhs in hieroglyphic art, demonstrating their power to grant immortality and endless blessings. Furthermore, the ankh’s loop represents the eternal cycle of life and the continuous renewal of good fortune.
Chinese philosophy presents the yin yang symbol as the perfect balance of opposing forces that creates harmony and attracts universal good luck. The flowing curve between black and white represents the dynamic movement of fortune and the importance of embracing both light and dark experiences. Taoist traditions use yin yang imagery to achieve equilibrium in all aspects of life, ensuring sustained prosperity and peace. Furthermore, the small dots within each half remind us that every situation contains seeds of its opposite fortune.
Middle Eastern and North African cultures shape hamsa hands to provide protection and attract divine blessings through the power of the open palm. The five fingers represent the five senses and the importance of staying aware to recognize lucky opportunities. Jewish traditions call it the Hand of Miriam, while Islamic cultures know it as the Hand of Fatima, both associating it with feminine protective power. Furthermore, the eye often depicted in the palm’s center watches for threats while attracting positive energy.
Irish and Scottish cultures weave endless Celtic knots to represent eternal cycles of good fortune and the unbreakable connections between all things. The continuous lines without beginning or end symbolize the infinite nature of luck and blessings that flow through generations. Celtic druids incorporated these patterns into religious ceremonies to bind positive energy and ensure lasting prosperity. Furthermore, the intricate interwoven designs represent the complexity and interconnectedness of fortunate circumstances.
Native American Southwestern cultures celebrate Kokopelli as a fertility deity who brings good luck, abundant harvests, and joyful celebration. This hunchbacked flute player dances across petroglyphs and pottery, spreading music, mirth, and prosperity wherever he appears. Hopi traditions associate Kokopelli with the arrival of spring and the renewal of life’s creative forces. Furthermore, his playful nature reminds us that good fortune often comes to those who maintain joy and spontaneity.
Hindu culture honors Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and the patron of new beginnings who brings good luck to all endeavors. Devotees invoke this elephant-headed deity before starting businesses, journeys, or important projects to ensure successful outcomes. Ganesha’s large ears represent the importance of listening carefully for opportunities, while his small eyes symbolize focused concentration on goals. Furthermore, his love of sweets reminds us that life’s good fortune should be savored and celebrated.
Tibetan Buddhist traditions create intricate sand mandalas to focus meditation and attract spiritual good fortune through mindful creation and intentional destruction. The circular patterns represent wholeness, unity, and the cosmic order that brings balance and luck to practitioners. Hindu traditions use mandala designs in temples and homes to create sacred spaces that draw divine blessings and positive energy. Furthermore, the geometric precision required to create mandalas mirrors the universal laws that govern fortunate alignments.
Greek mythology presents the phoenix as a symbol of renewal, resurrection, and the good fortune that emerges from apparent destruction. This magnificent bird burns itself to ashes every 500 years, then rises again with renewed strength and beauty. Chinese culture adopts the phoenix as a symbol of virtue, grace, and the feminine luck that balances masculine dragon energy. Furthermore, the phoenix’s cyclical rebirth represents the eternal nature of hope and the possibility of new good fortune after setbacks.
Chinese culture reveres dragons as the ultimate symbols of power, wisdom, and imperial good luck, unlike their Western counterparts. These benevolent creatures control water, rainfall, and weather patterns essential for agricultural prosperity and abundant harvests. The dragon’s serpentine body represents flexibility and the ability to navigate changing circumstances while maintaining good fortune. Furthermore, Chinese emperors claimed dragon ancestry to legitimize their divine right to rule and access to celestial blessings.
While often overlooked, zero represents infinite potential and the blank slate from which all good fortune can emerge. In Eastern philosophy, zero symbolizes the void from which all creation springs, making it a number of unlimited possibilities. The circular shape of zero represents wholeness, completion, and the cyclical nature of luck that always returns to those who wait patiently. Furthermore, zero amplifies other numbers when placed beside them, symbolizing its power to magnify existing good fortune.
Many cultures consider the number three a perfect number representing completion, balance, and divine good fortune through its association with trinity concepts. “Third time’s the charm” reflects the widespread belief that three attempts bring success and lucky outcomes. Christianity’s Holy Trinity, Hinduism’s Trimurti, and countless other religious traditions elevate three as sacred and fortunate. Furthermore, three creates the smallest stable geometric shape in a triangle, symbolizing solid foundations for lasting good luck.
Chinese philosophy associates five with balance and harmony through the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The five-pointed star appears in numerous cultural symbols of protection and good fortune, from military insignia to magical pentacles. Human anatomy features five senses and five digits per hand and foot, making this number intimately connected with human experience and natural luck. Furthermore, five represents adventure, change, and the dynamic energy needed to attract new opportunities.
Western culture holds seven as the luckiest number, appearing in countless traditions from seven wonders of the world to seven days of creation. Casinos and gamblers particularly favor this number, with “lucky sevens” gracing slot machines and dice games worldwide. Ancient civilizations observed seven celestial bodies visible to the naked eye, making this number sacred and fortunate across multiple cultures. Furthermore, seven combines the earthly number four with the divine number three, representing the perfect union of material and spiritual luck.
Chinese culture treasures eight as the ultimate lucky number because its pronunciation sounds similar to the word for “prosperity” in Mandarin. The 2008 Beijing Olympics began at 8:08 PM on 8/8/08 to maximize good fortune for the games and the host nation. In mathematics, eight turned on its side creates the infinity symbol, representing endless abundance and continuous good luck. Furthermore, eight’s balanced shape symbolizes harmony and the steady flow of positive energy in all directions.
Chinese culture celebrates nine as an auspicious number associated with longevity, spiritual achievement, and imperial power. The Forbidden City contains 9,999 rooms because ancient Chinese believed heaven had 10,000 rooms, making 9,999 the highest number mortals could appropriately claim. In numerology, nine represents completion and wisdom gained through experience, making it a number of earned good fortune. Furthermore, nine appears frequently in fairy tales and folklore as the number of trials before achieving happily ever after.
Numerologists call eleven a “master number” that carries intense spiritual energy and the potential for extraordinary good fortune. The visual symmetry of two ones side by side represents partnership, balance, and doubled blessings. Many people make wishes at 11:11 on digital clocks, believing this moment holds special power for manifestation and lucky outcomes. Furthermore, eleven transcends the single-digit numbers, representing elevated consciousness and the higher good fortune available to those who seek it.
Many cultures consider twelve a perfect number through its associations with cosmic order: twelve months, twelve zodiac signs, and twelve hours on a clock. Christian tradition features twelve apostles, while Greek mythology presents twelve Olympian gods, establishing this number’s connection with divine favor and spiritual good fortune. The mathematical properties of twelve make it highly divisible, representing the flexibility and adaptability that attract lucky opportunities. Furthermore, twelve represents completion of a full cycle and readiness for new beginnings filled with fresh possibilities.
Despite Western superstitions, many cultures consider thirteen a lucky number representing transformation, rebirth, and feminine power. Ancient lunar calendars contained thirteen months, connecting this number with natural cycles and seasonal good fortune. Italian culture embraces thirteen as lucky, with many people seeking addresses and phone numbers containing this powerful digit. Furthermore, thirteen represents the death of old patterns and the birth of new opportunities, making it ultimately fortunate for those ready for positive change. As well, the number 13 represents God, as Jesus with his 12 Apostles.
Blackjack players know 21 as the perfect hand, making this number synonymous with winning and gambling good luck. Many cultures celebrate twenty-first birthdays as the gateway to full adulthood and all the privileges and opportunities that bring. In numerology, twenty-one combines the new beginning energy of one with the cooperation vibration of two, creating balanced good fortune. Furthermore, twenty-one appears in numerous cultural traditions as the age of wisdom, responsibility, and lucky maturity.
In the tarot, the Fool card represents new beginnings, infinite possibilities, and the good fortune that comes from taking leaps of faith into unknown territory. This card depicts a carefree traveler stepping off a cliff with complete trust in the universe’s support and guidance. The Fool’s numbered position as 0 symbolizes pure potential and the blank slate from which all lucky adventures begin. Furthermore, the small dog at the Fool’s feet represents loyal instincts that guide us toward fortunate opportunities when we dare to follow our dreams.
The Star shines as one of the most hopeful and lucky cards in the tarot deck, representing healing, inspiration, and divine guidance flowing from the cosmos. This card depicts a figure pouring water under a canopy of stars, symbolizing the continuous flow of blessings from celestial sources. The seven smaller stars surrounding one large star represent the chakras and perfect spiritual alignment that attracts good fortune. Furthermore, The Star appears after The Tower’s destruction, promising that hope and luck will return after difficult periods.
The Sun radiates pure joy, success, and triumphant good fortune in all areas of life, making it one of the most positive cards in any reading. This card shows a child riding a white horse under a brilliant sun, representing innocent happiness and the carefree luck of those who approach life with wonder. The sunflowers in the background turn their faces toward the light, symbolizing the importance of maintaining optimism to attract continued blessings. Furthermore, The Sun’s energy burns away shadows and obstacles, clearing the path for unlimited good fortune.
The Ten of Cups represents ultimate emotional fulfillment, family happiness, and the good fortune found in loving relationships and harmonious homes. This card depicts a joyful family celebrating under a rainbow of cups, symbolizing complete satisfaction and blessed abundance in personal connections. The couple’s raised arms create a gesture of gratitude and celebration for the emotional riches they’ve received. Furthermore, the children dancing nearby represent the pure joy and innocent luck that flows through generations of happy families.
Tarot readers often call the Nine of Cups the “wish card” because it represents the fulfillment of desires and the good fortune of getting exactly what you want. This card shows a satisfied figure sitting before nine golden cups arranged like trophies, symbolizing achieved goals and manifested dreams. The figure’s crossed arms and content expression demonstrate the deep satisfaction that comes from earned success and deserved good luck. Furthermore, the nine cups represent near-completion and the promise that final wishes will soon manifest into reality.
The Ace of Pentacles represents new financial opportunities, material manifestations, and the good fortune of abundant prosperity beginning to take root. This card depicts a hand emerging from clouds to offer a golden pentacle, symbolizing divine gifts and unexpected windfalls arriving from the universe. The lush garden below represents fertile ground for new ventures and the potential for steady growth and accumulating wealth. Furthermore, all Aces represent fresh starts and unlimited potential in their respective suits.
The Three of Cups celebrates friendship, community support, and the good fortune that comes from joyful connections and shared celebrations with kindred spirits. This card shows three figures raising their cups in a toast, symbolizing collaboration, mutual success, and the luck that multiplies when shared with others. The party atmosphere and festive mood represent the importance of celebrating achievements and acknowledging the support that makes good fortune possible. Furthermore, the number three brings divine blessing and the power of creative manifestation through group energy.
The World represents completion, achievement, and the ultimate good fortune of reaching your highest potential and fulfilling your soul’s purpose in life. This card depicts a dancing figure surrounded by a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory, success, and the cyclical nature of accomplished goals leading to new opportunities. The four elemental symbols in the corners represent mastery over all aspects of life and the balanced approach needed for sustained good fortune. Furthermore, The World concludes the Major Arcana journey, promising that one cycle of luck and learning prepares you for even greater adventures ahead.
The Six of Wands represents public recognition, victory, and the good fortune of receiving acknowledgment and praise for your efforts and achievements. This card shows a triumphant rider on horseback wearing a victory wreath, while supporters cheer and celebrate the accomplished success. The raised wand symbolizes achievement held high for all to see, while the five additional wands represent the support and assistance that contributed to the fortunate outcome. Furthermore, this card promises that current struggles will soon transform into celebrated victories and well-deserved recognition.
One of my favorite things about symbols is that they are both cultural and deeply personal. And at heart what really matters is what they mean to you. Just like faith and manifestation, their magic lies in the power of your belief in them.
UniGuide is dedicated to nature and animal lovers, spiritual seekers, and mythology fans.
©2025 UniGuide Media LLC
All Rights Reserved.
UniGuide participates in affiliate programs in which I may earn a small commission if you buy products you link to from UniGuide. Please see my Disclosures for details.
I donate 10% of UniGuide’s profits to animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and environmental charities. Learn more on About UniGuide.
UniGuide Media LLC
Sausalito, CA 94965
