Horseshoe for Luck

Traditional Folkloric Charms, Amulets & Talismans by Cailleach's Cottage
 
Handmade from corn and decorated with a green ribbon.
 
This Corn Horseshoe is based upon the old traditional iron shoes worn by farm workhorses. If you found one that had been shed by a passing horse it was considered to be extremely lucky. They were regarded as a protective talisman, especially against evil spirits. Often people nailed these up over their front door or barn, with the points upper most or else the luck would literally run out. The only person who could hang it points downwards was thought to be a Blacksmith as he could control the element of fire and transform metal. If the Smith hung it upside down, the luck would pour back onto the forge where it had first been created.
 
Horseshoes were also used beneath the mattress of a bed to relieve toothache. Later this developed into placing a horseshoe shaped magnet there to absorb aches and pains as you sleep. An iron horseshoe was also often laid in the ashes in front of an open fire to guard the fireplace from harm.
 
It is similar in shape to the Crescent or New Moon, which has always been seen as beneficial, especially for prosperity or to bring luck to a new venture. The corn itself has long been seen as a symbol of good fortune, which makes this horseshoe just as lucky as the original you may have chanced upon while walking along the track. 
 
Length including ribbon approximately 16 - 18cm.
 
*** Each item is handmade and completely unique so please allow for natural variations ***