Chat With Reyn

Why do people cross their fingers for luck ?

There are a number of curious gestures and sayings in our modern society that leave us scratching our heads. Apparently, we have superstitious folk in merry old England to thank for the peculiar practice of crossing our fingers for luck.
Witches, ghosts, and other supernatural ghouls were very real to people living in the 16th century. Illnesses and bad luck were blamed on these evil forces. Faith in the power of the Christian cross, therefore, was strong. A cough, a sneeze, or even a mention of a cold (thought to be a sign of the plague) was reason enough to cross yourself. The proper way to make the sign of the cross involves four steps -- touch the forehead, heart, left shoulder, then right shoulder with you right hand.

When a suspected witch crossed your path, you could make a cross shortcut by crossing your index and second finger or the index fingers of both hands. This would provide protection and ward off the evil influence. Just like in Dracula movies, it was believed the power of the cross or any religious talisman would combat the forces of darkness. People also wore crosses or carried their Bibles in case they happened upon a nefarious being. A clove of garlic worn around the neck was ammunition against werewolves and bad spirits, and both peasants and nobles attached bells known as "bezants" to their garments, hoping the sound would scare away evil spirits.

Though many of these beliefs have slowly died, the gestures they inspired have lived on. Let's face it, in today's scary world, we need all the luck we can get. If crossing your fingers, carrying a rabbit's foot, hanging a horseshoe, or rubbing a lucky penny helps you through the day, more power to you!

I can dedicate it to you both on the radio thread.

SONG
by Vivienne West
(after Taliessin)

I am the sunshine on the verdant greensward.
I am the Salmon that swims in the stream.
I am of coal buried deep in the mountain.
I am the Eagle that sees from the sky.
I am the myth in the mind of the mystic.
I am the Crow at the foot of the warrior.
I am the shield and the spear of the fighter.
I am the corn and the flower of the field.
I am the fire that blazes at Beltane.
I am the woman that rocketh the cradle.
I am the egg that will hatch in fresh well-water.
I am the Lizard that dances in ashes.
I am the woman whose breasts are the hillocks.
I am the old man whose gaze is of sunlight.
I was with Isis when bodies were broken.
I was with Arianrhod in her sky-castle.
I was the Mare when Epona did gallop.
Who but me is the wonder of rivulets?
Who but me is the strength of the storm?

I'd call your doc and inform him that you suspect things are not going well. he may be able to reschedule your appointment to an earlier date.