FENG SHUI What jolly good luck!

Instead of just waiting patiently for the gods to shower good fortune on us, let's coerce a little Luck into our lives, writes SUNITA CHHABRA. Illustrations by PARISELVAM.

In this day and age, when everyone is complaining about "not having enough", prosperity symbols become even more attractive. The question is "Do they work?" feng shui exponents swear by it citing impressive examples and so do vaastu shaastra masters.

But when one delves deeper, it becomes apparent that the Chinese and Indians are not the only two races who have symbols believed to bring us luck. The Irish, Arabs, Africans and even Europeans have their own wealth enhancers too.

To write about all existing prosperity symbols will fill a thick book but here are some you might like to get your hands on.

JAPANESE : The Beckoning Cat or Maneki Neko is one of the most famous symbols of prosperity in the Land of The Rising Sun. Few Japanese business people would think of having a restaurant or store without the presence of this cute cat. The feline is almost always portrayed with at least one forepaw raised but it does come in many forms.

At home, you can place the Maneki Neko anywhere to attract good luck. Generally, it is believed that the ones which raise the left paw beckon people (customers) while the ones which raise the right paw attract money or good fortune to the establishment.

The Japanese are also fond of Hotei or the Laughing Buddha. This statue with his big stomach and wealth bag can be commonly found in homes and businesses.

He brings happiness to others through his appearance and rubbing his belly is supposed to bring luck.

Hotei is believed to be the deliverer of good luck, contentment and prosperity both in Japan and China.

CHINESE : It is the Chinese for whom prosperity symbols carry the most weight and it's their conviction in them that has made the world sit up and take notice, even converting skeptics to their way of thought.

The Chinese have countless symbols with various meanings and it is impossible to list all. Here we mention a few which are undisputed in their prosperity and luck drawing abilities.

• Dragons : Few symbols surpass the dragon in feng shui. The dragon is said to create cosmic qi which brings good fortune into our homes and workplaces. Displaying the dragon with moving water is said to be even more potent. Display such a water feature in the North for limitless success in your career, or in the Southeast for plenty of wealth luck.
  
  
• Tortoise : A symbol of longevity, support, wealth and prosperity. All the secrets of heaven and earth are said to be concealed within its body and the design motifs on its shell. The tortoise is best placed in the North sector of the house for good life and good fortune.
  
  
• Crane : This bird is also known as the bird of immortality and it's supposed to bring long life, happiness and smoothness in one's life. If the crane is standing on a tortoise, it will mean that you will have good supporters, protection from your adversaries and a life of riches.
  
  
• Three-legged toad : Plenty of wealth can be attracted into the home with the three-legged toad with a coin in its mouth. You may keep more than one toad but never more than nine. Keep them below the table or other discreet places. Never keep them in the bedroom.
  
  
• Fish : Carps are known for their legendary valour in swimming against the current and make a good marital fortune symbol.
  
  In the old days, they were always included in betrothal gifts. Place a pair of carps anywhere in your home for an abundance of good fortune.
  
  On your office desk, it will help you attain success. Students could put this on their study desk to attract academic success.
  
  The arowana is another lucky fish to have in your surroundings. Some famous Hong Kong businessmen swear that their good fortune is due to keeping live arowanas in their offices.
  
  If live ones are too much work, get a gold one swimming on a seabed of coins to put in your home or office.
  
  The latest fortune fish symbol is the flower horn fish which has eclipsed the carp and arowana, for now. These fish purportedly have lucky numbers or Chinese characters imprinted on the sides of their bodies.
  
  
• Qi lins : This dragon horse is also known as the Chinese unicorn. A great omen for prosperity, success, longevity, illustrious offspring and enhancement, the qi lin should always be displayed as a pair. Other animals which can bring luck and fortune for the Chinese include the deer, horses, pigs, wish-fulfilling cows and elephants. Besides animals, there are other auspicious symbols too.
  
  
• Double happiness : A typical wedding present, it is a common symbol in the form of an ideogram that's supposed to bring a double dose of happiness to everyone around it.
  
  
• Fu symbol : Fu means good fortune. The word "fu" is also a homophone for the word bat, which accordingly makes the bat also a representation of luck. Depending on your preference, you could choose the ideogram for "fu" meaning good fortune or the representation of the Fu Bat.
  
  
• Wealth Ship : A great way to enhance prosperity luck is with a golden wealth ship "sailing" into your home or office. You should have this ship laden with gold and valuables as these trophies symbolise its many victories.
  
  
• Coins and gold ingots : Depending on what you need, choose the type (there are quite a few) of coin you want. The Luk Ma coin for example, attracts prosperity luck as well as mentor luck from the heavens.
  Placed under your pillow, it gives you more confidence, power and authority. For continued wealth for nine generations, choose the symbol made of Nine Gold Coins, tied Lotus Style with gold thread.
  
  Gold (it doesn't have to be the real thing) ingots are extremely auspicious. They signify wealth and material assets. Place as many as you wish on their own or inside wealth ships, etc.
  
  
• Bells and bowls : Bells are also auspicious and you find them in many forms. The Dragon Pagoda Bell, for example, helps you have innate control over worldly situations and brings prosperity and abundance.
  
  
• Singing bowls : Made from seven different metals, the bowls come with a wooden striker and they are used to clear negativity from rooms. Strike them and the pure sound will do the work.
  
  Prosperity symbols can easily be procured over the internet or shops here. The Chinese ones can be brought in little retail outlets where prices are pretty reasonable.
  
  If you don't speak the language, it might be a bit difficult though. An alternative place is the World Of Feng Shui at MidValley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur where the staff speak English

INDIANS : Vaastu shastra is basically the utilisation of living space so that it harmonises the person with the elements by working in harmony with earth's magnetic currents.

According to believers, following vaastu shastra principles in living spaces brings good-fortune or at the least, averts any bad-luck for the occupants.

• Pyramids : Pyramids are an easy way to correct vaastu that is not right. Its structure emits positive energy whish is said to neutralise the negative energy caused within any structure due to incorrect vaastu. These pyramids can be bought or even made quite easily.
  
  
• Swastika : It is usually what is considered as the symbol of all-round prosperity in India. The root of SWASTIK is SU+US; SU means benefic and US means existence; so whosoever desires to have glory, prosperity, progress and success is advised to invoke the Swastika Yantra.
  
  The sides of the Swastik arms must remain on the right side, moving or stationary for positive vibrations and benevolent results. In an inverse direction, the results become negative.
  
  
• Bindi : Many think that the bindi (circular dot put on the forehead) is just a form of adornment. However, it is supposed to be very helpful for the good health of the brain, eyes, ears and the nose. Scientifically it's explained that its application maintains a fine pull on the veins and nerves underneath the forehead, nose-root and forearm's skin to monitor proper flow of blood.
  
  
• Rudraksha : The seed of a fruit of a rare species of a tree, it has the beneficial property of attracting healthy vibrations.
  
  Threaded and worn so that it remains in gentle touch with the body, it is said to increase the body's immunity. The rudraksha thread protects the wearer from lightning, accidents and brings good luck.
  
  
• Bells: Bells and their ringing are considered auspicious. Did you know that research has shown that the sound of a standard bell can cure physical as well as mental diseases.
  
  Loud sounds of the bell or the blowing of the conch purifies 27 cubic feet of air in an area of 1220 sq ft, and it is taken to be the most economical way of purifying the environment. It seems that the metallic sounds have also been found to attack bacteria and germs.
  
  
• Coconut : For success and prosperity on all occasions, the beginning is done with the breaking of a sanctified coconut. Indians consider it a good omen to receive or give coconut fruits as gifts.
  
  
• Elephants : Placed on shelves or doorways, they are supposed to give luck and longevity. Give the trunk of the elephant a quick stroke whenever you feel you need a little extra help when negotiating a deal, taking a test, starting a journey or to add happiness and longevity to your household.

NATIVE AMERICANS : The Kokopelli charm is common among native Americans. Believed to be a god, many powers are attributed to Kokopelli. Carefree, uninhibited, smart and sexy, he brings wealth through charity, fun and good luck. He should be an addition to your life if you need any of these.

He also serves as an aid to human fertility and childless women seek him as an aid to pregnancy.

However, since he's supposed to be a good-natured partier, unmarried women are supposed to avoid him.

It is said that if you stay on some campgrounds near carvings of Kokopelli, your wives and daughters can end up pregnant if you're not careful.

MIDDLE-EASTERNERS : The Hamsa Hand is a common charm in Middle-Eastern countries. You can find it both in the Arab countries and Israel.

Often worn around the neck as a talisman, it brings luck, love and good health to the wearer. It also protects the wearer from misfortune or the evil eye.

The Hand's origins are lost in history but many believe that it represents the Hand of God, open to protect the wearer from evil.

The Mid-Eastern people also believe that the dolphin is lucky and it can be seen on amulets and mixed with other lucky symbols.

In fact, throughout the globe, there's a belief in dolphins. The Greeks, the Maoris of New Zealand, natives of the Amazon region, North America Americans and Celts all believe in them too.

EGYPTIANS : The scarab beetle is an ancient symbol of the Egyptians. This good luck beetle is said to have powers that protect the heart (life is considered to be centred in the heart)

Modelled after a variety of dung-beetle (Scarabaeus sacer), this industrious beetle places its egg in dung and rolls it into a ball to be heated by the sun, creating an association with the life giving powers of the sun and the god Ra.

In death, the scarab is said to protect the deceased's soul from being devoured by a dreadful part-lion, part-hippo, part-crocodile creature who guards the scales of justice in the afterworld. This beetle has a 4,000 plus history of bringing good luck.

The Eye of Horus is another good luck symbol for Egyptians. The eye is accompanied by a somewhat stylised snake and royal beard.

One explanation for the origin of the symbol is that Horus was the son of the ancient Egyption King Osiris. He had a fight with his brother over the succession of the throne. Horus lost an eye during the fight but the gods stepped in since he was the rightful heir. The Snake-God Uraeus accompanied him for the rest of his life, covering his wound.

Wear the eye and you will keep away the evil eye and invite good luck. Some think this eye is the source for other "eyes" common in the Middle-East and Turkey.

EUROPEANS & AMERICANS : Most people would have heard about clovers, long considered lucky in Celtic cultures. Today, the three-leaf clover (shamrock) is still considered lucky in Ireland whereas in the US and Europe, it is the four-leaf ones which are coveted.

Some think the rare four-leaf ones have added powers because the druids used clover in spells and the leaves present the four elements of alchemy (Water, Earth, Air and Fire)

It is also believed carriers of the four leaf clover are granted special powers to see fairies, detect witches and recognise evil spirits.

If you can't get the actual clover, wearing it in sterling silver is also said to act as a lucky charm.

Guardian Angels are valued collectibles in the Western world. Their guidance is thought to help us attain a better future.

Many religions believe in the existence of angels. Psychoanalysts think this helps us form a danger warning system in our sub-conscious.

Whatever the reasoning , having a cute angel in a corner can't hurt - someone watching out for us, helping us to avoid danger while bringing good fortune too is always welcome. Then there is the ladybug. It is said that if one lands on you and flies away on its own, it's lucky.

Central Europeans and similarly some Swedes believe that if a ladybug crawls across a maiden's hand, she would soon be married.

In England, each spots means a lucky month to come. Canadians say that if you make a wish and let the ladybug fly away, the direction it flies shows the direction from which your wish will come. Maybe it's time we traipsed into our gardens for some ladybug luck.

In Germany, the pig is considered lucky. The reputation probably came from Germany's ancient people, the Teutons for whom the pig was a symbol of wealth and fertility. Ever wondered why coin boxes are still often referred to as piggy banks?

The lucky horseshoe we would all have read about in storybooks, is of course, another good luck symbol of the Western world.

TURKS : The Nazar Boncugu is an evil eye bead which is believed to reflect evil and protect the wearer from physcal harm. Have you just acquired a new BMW, started a business or had a promotion?

Are you just a little worried about "friends" and others envious about your fortune? The Nazar protects against anything negative or that which is likely to attract praise.

The belief is that even well-intentioned compliments include a conscious or unconscious dose of envy or resentment. The bead reflects the evil intent back to the onlooker. The bead somewhat resembles an eye and can be found pinned to the carriage of babies, dangling from the bumper of taxi cabs or guarding the doorways of kebab hothouses.

Belief in the evil eye is also well-known in countries in the Mediterranean area and in the Indian Sub-continent.

Do they really work? Well, it could cost you less than RM50 or even thousands of ringgit just to find out! Don't get too carried away though and believe everything you are told by someone who's pushing the products. Common sense is important as is your instinct and the size of your wallet.

Today, prosperity enhancing symbols have become such a big business that you will find all kinds of claims being made.

Recently, there was even an article that said that the colour of your mobile phone, ring tones and how the phones are charged can bring "positive" energy to lives.

It seems that must-haves for those looking to spice up their love lives are a pink phone cover and ring tones such as Endless Love.

Our advice is, take everything with a pinch of salt and rely on your gut feeling too. Some things may work and some may not. Do what you feel is right and luck should come your way.