Often, I receive queries about whether it’s appropriate or not for a Zoroastrian to keep lucky charms, like ‘evil eye’ at home, in the car or at the office. For centuries, human beings have used lucky charms and talismans, hoping to draw fortune’s favour.  In our opinion, events – good or bad, that happen in our lives are random and cannot be controlled by lucky charms. Regardless, it is also true that a strong belief in luck significantly influences the outlook and behaviour of some. Research indicates that believing in good luck can boost optimism, leading to improved temperament and an increase in perseverance, ultimately leading to success. It’s not the existence of luck ushered by a lucky charm but human belief and perception of the charm that makes the difference.

Psychologists suggest that lucky charms often work through a psychological phenomenon known as the ‘placebo effect’. In essence, if one believes that a particular object brings good luck, one’s belief can subconsciously influence one’s actions and attitudes in a positive way. Science does validate the power of belief and perception. Lucky charms can influence one’s attitude, behaviour, and perception, leading to positive outcomes in life and thus, lucky charms do ‘work’, but not in the way we might think. They function as tools of self-belief, confidence boosters, and as tools of psychological support, which is where the magic of good luck begins and ends!

The Evil Eye

The ‘evil eye,’ often worn as a pendant or a bracelet or used as a key-chain or a decorative wall-hanging at home, is an alleged ‘lucky charm’, believed to deflect negative energy emanating from envious eyes of negative people. It is believed, especially in many eastern and middle-eastern cultures that a malevolent glare (Buri Nazar) can bring misfortune or injury.

Though popular in Iran, it seems to have its origin in Turkey and even earlier to that, in Greece and Rome where people believed that the evil eye could affect both, humans and animals. Plutarch, in his work, ‘Symposium’, wrote a separate chapter describing such beliefs. He believed that the eyes were the chief, if not sole, source of harmful emissions that were supposed to spring up like poison darts from the inner recesses of a person with evil or negative mentality or intent. Plutarch treated the phenomenon of the evil eye as something seemingly inexplicable that is a source of wonder and cause of astonishment.

Pliny the Elder described the ability of certain African enchanters to have the power of ‘fascination’ (or mesmerize the victim) to weaken or even kill those on whom they fix their gaze. The Greeks placed various talismans at home and wore amulets to protect themselves from the evil eye.

In modern times, the blue (sometimes green or red) stone in the form of an eye is a symbolic non-religious talisman or charm to ward off negative energy emanating from the eyes of envious/ hateful people.

Amber Beads – A Better Substitute

Traditionally Zoroastrians consider Amber (Kerba) beads a more powerful and protective charm. Infants are made to wear Amber bracelets to ward off evil. Devout Zoroastrians also use Amber prayer beads. The smooth texture and colour of the beads has a calming effect and is believed to aid the devotee seeking spiritual solace.

Amber, a fossilized tree resin, is used in jewellery and as a healing agent in folk medicine since Neolithic times. Made of hardened natural liquids like oil, acid and alcohol (composition varies depending on botanical source), it has a distinctive pleasant aroma, especially when rubbed. Yellow or orange amber is associated with the sun and warmth and is believed to bring positivity and joy to the wearer. It’s considered a powerful healer and cleanser of the body, mind, spirit and even the environment. It’s also believed to help absorb negative energy and to release bright, soothing energy, helping to calm nerves and enliven mental disposition.

Feng Shui And Foo Dogs

Feng shui meaning ‘the way of wind and water’, stems from the Taoist belief in Chi (life force), made up of yin and yang elements. As per Chinese philosophy, some amulets and charms bring luck and improve the energy of one’s dwelling space, like the charm of copper coins tied with a red string is believed to attract good fortune, while bells or wind chimes offer protection and usher good energy.

Foo Dogs (which depict lions) are protection symbols of Feng Shui that ‘guard’ entranceways to buildings and homes. Always presented in pairs and traditionally carved from granite, marble, iron, bronze or ceramic, these guardian lion statues are traditionally placed in front of Chinese imperial palaces, tombs, government offices, temples, and homes of wealthy.

Godha As Guardian

Ancient Persians used Gopatha or Godha (as seen at the entrance of the ruins of Persepolis), also known as Lamassu. Earliest depictions date back to the Sumerian civilization of Mesopotamia or modern Iraq, 3000 BCE, almost twice as old as Persepolis. The Sumerians recognized a protective female deity named Lama, rendered as Lamassu (in Akkadian), who was a servant of the Gods.

Gopatha assimilates and symbolizes the qualities of strength and courage (in the body of the Bull or Lion), the quality of soaring high with sharp vision (with the Wings of an eagle) and wisdom and intelligence (with the human head). The Gopatha outside Zoroastrian fire temples stand as symbolic guardians against all evil forces, reminding all devotees who enter the house of worship, to acquire physical and spiritual strength (to live a purposeful life), aim high and look afar (for the welfare of this world) and live life intelligently with wisdom.

Instead of Foo dog, it would be more traditional to keep Gopatha at the entrance of Zoroastrian homes or offices.

Zoroastrian Charms And Talisman

Every year, on the Aspandarmad Parab, Zoroastrian priests write the Nirang of Aspandarmad, which devout Zoroastrians paste on the front entrance of their homes. This Nirang is believed to ward of all forces of evil.

But the best charm for Zoroastrians is the traditional Sudreh and Kusti. The sudreh symbolizes purity and goodness, shielding from evil and negativity. The kusti, made of seventy-two strands of pure lamb’s wool, is like a sword that positively cuts through the web of negativity to serve as the pathfinder of truth.

Another charm every Zoroastrian should keep at home is fire – even if just an oil lamp, as it means keeping the energy of life and good health flowing at home. It dispels darkness and ushers the healing energy of Ardibehesht which also embodies Ahura Mazda’s Truth and Righteous Divine Order.

Keeping a metal Ses at a segregated prayer corner is also a traditional Zoroastrian charm. Being made of metal (preferably silver) it represents Shehrevar or the Divinity of power and strength. The Paro is a metallic cone filled with rock sugar, symbolising a mountain of sweetness. The Pigani holds red vermilion which represents life and vitality. The Gulabaz is a rose water sprinkler which represents the fragrance of love. Thus, Ses is a charm that attracts strength and health alongside sweetness and love.