Month: February 2025

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Decoding the Rainbow of Lucky Cats: Its Colors, Shapes and Sizes

Ever wondered what the different colors of Maneki-Neko (Lucky Cats) really mean? In the video below, we dive deep into the symbolism behind each color, from gold for wealth to black for protection. Discover how the shape, size, and even the raised paw of these iconic Japanese figurines can attract luck, fortune, love, and success into your life.

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We see Lucky Cats everywhere from restaurants to shops, and even homes. In fact, you might even have one yourself. In our previous article, The Surprising Origins and Meaning of the Lucky Cat, we explored the history of everyone’s favorite feline symbol of good luck and how it became such a global sensation. In this article, we’ll uncover the unique meanings behind the various colors, shapes and sizes of the Lucky Cat and how they are used by Feng Shui practitioners to enhance the energy of a space.

Lucky Cats are Not a Classical Feng Shui Enhancer

The maneki-neko is a popular symbol believed to bring good luck and prosperity according to modern Feng Shui practices in many countries and cultures from around the world. Even though Feng Shui originated in ancient China, the Lucky Cat is believed by most to have originated in Japan. However, some believe that its origins can be traced as far back as the time of the Buddha, in ancient India.

Interestingly enough, the use of the Lucky Cat is not a classical Feng Shui technique, which would prioritize the balance of natural elements in a space over anything else. However, it is still widely used by all because of its charming qualities.

Feng Shui practices are used to cultivate specific energies which people want to manifest in their homes or businesses. It’s important that an individual can resonate with the Feng Shui methods used in their space to ensure optimal effectiveness, which is why so many gravitate to the maneki-neko. It just makes people happy.

Different Designs Carry Different Meanings

The way the Lucky Cat is designed—its color, size, and even the position of its paw—can carry a specific meaning which can be utilized for a specific purpose. Even the placement of your Lucky Cat can enhance its ability to call fortune and prosperity into your life. Whether you’re hoping for wealth, love, or general good fortune, there’s a Lucky Cat for every wish!

Just as different colors of gemstones or flowers are said to have different meanings, the same principle applies in the world of maneki-neko. Aside from the traditional meanings associated with the colors, each color is also assigned to one of the five elements from Feng Shui, namely:

  • fire
  • earth
  • metal
  • water
  • wood

The Meaning of Each Color of Lucky Cat

GOLD: Gold is one of the most popular Lucky Cat colors. It’s universally associated with wealth, prosperity, and abundance, and it is connected with the metal element in Feng Shui. If you want to attract financial luck, a golden maneki-neko is your best bet.

GREEN: Next, we have green, connected to the wood element in Feng Shui. Often linked with learning, the green maneki-neko is believed to help you accomplish your work or educational goals, especially if they require a sharp intellect or creativity. 

PINK: Want to invite love into your life? A pink Lucky Cat could be the best option for you. Pink is a color that embodies affection, romance and harmony. It is connected to the element of fire, symbolizing the fire of passion. The pink Lucky Cat is a popular choice among those who are hoping to attract love or strengthen existing relationships. 

WHITE: A white maneki-neko is a great choice if you’re seeking mental clarity, peace of mind or overall happiness. White is considered the color of purity and simplicity, and it symbolizes protection and cleanliness. White is also connected to the metal element.

BLACK: Looking for protection from bad vibes or ill fortune? Black, while not as commonly found, is actually a powerful color for protection and health. It’s thought to ward off evil spirits and negative energy, making this cat a strong guardian for your home. The color black is connected to the water element in Feng Shui.

RED: Red is another color that’s deeply tied to protection from illness and the promotion of success. The color red symbolizes courage and vitality and it is also connected to the fire element. If you need a boost of energy or are embarking on a challenging new venture, a red Lucky Cat can help guide the way.

BLUE: A blue maneki-neko attracts overall harmony and wellbeing, especially with family. It is also connected to the water element in Feng Shui.

PURPLE: The color purple, another fire color, is often associated with opportunities. Consider a purple Lucky Cat when you’re looking to set your new endeavors up for success. 

The Meaning of Different Paws Raised

Now that we’ve covered what each of the colors mean, what about the paws? We’ll go over the differences so you can determine which is the best option for you.

Need to boost your social circles or attract more people to your business? A Lucky Cat with its left paw raised might be the perfect signal. The left paw is considered the paw which beckons people into a space. This could mean customers to a business or general good fortune to a home.

The right paw is considered the money paw. When the right paw is raised, it is believed to beckon or invite money and wealth.

In some cases, you might see the cat raising both paws—this can symbolize protection, or double the luck. However, either paw can be effective as a Feng Shui activator when the paw is actually moving.

Cats Holding Different Symbols

You’ll often see a Lucky Cat carrying a banner that represents wishes for good fortune. The Lucky Cat could also be holding or sitting on gold coins, which specifically symbolize immense wealth. A gourd symbolizes health and protection from illness. 

The Meaning of Different Sizes of Lucky Cats

Small maneki-neko figures are believed to offer very subtle, but consistent effects. These are the perfect size for attracting gentle blessings and small wins in your daily life. On the other hand, big maneki-neko are thought to attract big success. They are especially effective at drawing in customers, clients and prosperity to a business.

Placing a small Lucky Cat at your work desk can activate a raise in salary, income or stature in your business or company. Likewise, having a small Lucky Cat as a charm in your purse can increase the energy of prosperity inside, encouraging wealth to come in. Placing a large maneki-neko at the entrance of your business will attract attention and invite more customers in, ultimately resulting in more revenue.

Now you should have enough information to decide which Lucky Cat will be the perfect option for you. Or, you may have gained a deeper understanding of the meaning of a Lucky Cat you already have. If you’d like to know more about the historical origins of this symbol, check out our article about The Surprising Origins and Meaning of the Lucky Cat.

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Secrets of Sexual Compatibility from Vedic Astrology

Discover the surprising connection between your birth star and your sexual compatibility with your current or potential partner. In the video below, we’ll delve into the ancient wisdom of Vedic astrology and explore how your nakṣatra yoni can reveal your perfect match.

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Have you ever felt that instant, undeniable spark with someone? That magnetic pull where everything just clicks? Have you noticed how animals instinctively know how to find their perfect mate? No dating apps, no swiping—just pure, natural connection. It’s almost like they’re tuned into something we can’t quite grasp.

None of this is just coincidence—if you look close enough there might just be something cosmic happening behind the scenes. What if we could tap into that same primal wisdom and use it to enhance our own relationships? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating way that nature guides us toward finding our complimentary opposites, and how you might just be following your own cosmic instincts, without even knowing it.

Growing Interest In Astrological Compatibility

Horoscope matching is one of the most in-demand consultation services that so many people seek out from astrologers. This is because they want to gain a better understanding of their own relationships in life, and the modern world gives us almost no tools for accomplishing that goal. Or worse, it can even set us up for failure.

Perhaps you are single and looking for your ideal partner, or maybe you’re in a relationship already, and want to make sure the match can be lasting. Although an in-depth analysis for horoscope matching can be quite complicated and takes into account many factors from the birth charts of both partners, there’s no denying that sexual chemistry plays an important role in anyone’s love life.

Simplest Method for Seeing Harmony Between Two People

One of the most basic techniques used in kundli matching, or an astrological compatibility analysis, is what is called nakṣatra yoni. The word “yoni” in Sanskrit can have many meanings. In this context it can be translated to mean “genital” or “reproductive organ”. This technique is a beautiful way to see a majority of the compatibility between two people.

Each nakṣatra carries the energy of one unique animal. For example, the animal symbol for Ashwini nakṣatra is a male horse and the symbol of Shatabhisha is a female horse. The animal symbol of Chitra is a female tiger and the animal symbol of Uttara Phalguni is a male bull. As a general rule, certain yonis have a natural harmony with one another, while others might clash.

Out of the twenty-seven nakṣatras, every male animal has a female counterpart. The only exception is Uttara Ashadha, which is symbolized by a male mongoose that has no counterpart. It is for this reason that people with a prominence of Uttara Ashadha nakṣatra in their birth chart are said to have difficulty finding a permanent mate.

Predators and Prey

Just as it would be true in nature, two people who share the same animal category would have the most sexual compatibility. Two people who have enemy animal symbols would have the least sexual compatibility. Imagine the natural attraction between a male and female horse versus the deadly encounter of a deer meeting a tiger. What behaviors might occur when a cat encounters a rat? One becomes the predator, and one the prey.

Of course, the chemistry between two individuals can land somewhere between these extreme ends of the spectrum, so you can think of this almost like an intensity scale for sexual compatibility. Some animal yonis are neutral to each other or even friendly. Some pairs are considered very compatible because their energies match well, while others might require a little more effort to get onto the same page.

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The best part about yoni matching is that you can use common knowledge already known about animals to give you a hint about how the sexual compatibility will be. When you think of a cat, what energy comes to mind? Cats can be moody and typically only want affection on their own terms. Consider the energy of a monkey. Monkeys love to move around as they swing from branch to branch. They can be quite clever and are concerned with hygiene. Any individual with one of these animal yonis will likely carry a similar energy in their own personality, especially when it comes to sex.   

If the animal yonis of you and your partner aren’t perfectly harmonious, it doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed—it just means you’ll need to work through some differences in your physical and emotional dynamics. Plus, there is much more to consider when doing a full analysis of two horoscopes for relationship compatibility, so be careful not to jump to conclusions too quickly. 

How To Find Your Own Animal Symbol

You just need to know your nakṣatra, which is based on the position of the moon at the time of your birth. Once you know what your nakṣatra is, you can find out which yoni corresponds to that nakṣatra. From there, you can look at your current or potential partner’s yoni and see how the two match up!

Here is a list of animal symbols for each nakṣatra, for your reference:

  • ashwini = male horse
  • bharani = male elephant
  • krittika = female sheep
  • rohini = male serpent
  • mrigashira = female serpent
  • ardra = female dog
  • punarvasu = female cat
  • pushya = male sheep
  • ashlesha = male cat
  • magha = male rat
  • purva phalguni = female rat
  • uttara phalguni = male cow
  • hasta = female buffalo
  • chitra = female tiger
  • swati = male buffalo
  • vishakha = male tiger
  • anuradha = female deer
  • jyestha = male deer
  • mula = male dog
  • purva ashadha = male monkey
  • uttara ashadha = male mongoose
  • shravana = female monkey
  • dhanistha = female lion
  • shatabhisha = female horse
  • purva bhadrapada = male lion
  • uttara bhadrapada = female cow
  • revati = female elephant

To find out what your nakṣatra is you can use our free nakṣatra calculator.

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Try This Mantra for Achieving Success in Any Endeavor

Try using this mantra that helps you connect with the energy of Ganesha, to overcome any hurdle on your journey toward material or spiritual success. Gaṇeśa (Pronounced “Ganesha”) is a Sanskrit word which means “master of the gaṇas”. Gaṇas in the Vedic tradition are a group of exotic semi-divine beings or spirits which are part of the entourage of Shiva.

Gaṇeśa is considered to be the deity of new beginnings and the the removal of obstacles on the path to success. In the video below, we document the sound of this simple Gaṇeśa mantra: oṁ śrī gaṇeśāya namaḥ

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This recording is not meant to be an expression of musical talent, but rather to document the sound of the mantra. The mantra is chanted for one round of 108 times. You can play the recording in the background while you do something else, or use the mantra yourself with meditation beads.

This mantra can also help one gain knowledge or skills, especially relating to intellectual fields like astrology, or the creative arts. In Vedic astrology, Gaṇeśa is considered to control Ketu, so this mantra can also act as an appropriate remedy for any negative results from a bad placement of Ketu in the birth chart.

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The Surprising Origins and Meaning of the Lucky Cat or Maneki-Neko

In the video below, we uncover the fascinating history and symbolism behind the iconic “Lucky Cat” or Maneki-neko. From its mysterious origins (which may go as far back as the time of the Buddha) to its global popularity as a symbol of good fortune, discover the meaning and cultural significance of this charming figure!

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The iconic Lucky Cat, or Maneki-neko can be seen perched at the entrance ways of shops, restaurants, or even homes. With its raised paw and cheeky smile, it’s more than just a decoration. It is often considered a lucky object by modern Feng Shui practitioners. But what is the real history behind this beloved figure? And how did it come to symbolize good fortune in so many cultures?

Meaning of the Name “Maneki-Neko”

Despite the fact that the Lucky Cat is often seen in Chinese or other Asian restaurants or neighborhoods, the Lucky Cat’s name, Maneki-neko, actually comes from Japan. Even though it is often referred to as the “waving cat”, it’s interesting to learn that the cat isn’t waving at all. In the Japanese language, Maneki-neko literally means “beckoning cat”. The term maneki means “to beckon”, and neko means “cat”. In Japan, the way to beckon someone to come to you is with your palm forward and fingers facing down, which is much different from Western cultures.

Differing Accounts About the Origins of the Lucky Cat

According to one of the oldest accounts, this cat originated as a merchant girl during the time of the Buddha. The girl was so charming to everyone who she encountered, that she sold lots and lots of merchandise for her parent’s business. She loved to sell things more than anything else. One day she went to the Buddha to listen to his words, and fell in love with his teachings, so she gave many gifts and food to the monk followers of the Buddha.

Becoming very pleased with her, the monks decided to bless the girl. They told her that they wish for her to have all the luck, and whatever she wants to sell, she will sell it all! Due to the power of the monks’ austerity and truthfulness, whatever they spoke became a reality, and thus their blessings came true. The girl became rich from selling many things.

Originally, the statue of this girl with her hand raised was used to attract good fortune, and this version of the symbol can still be seen today in some places. For example, she is known as “Nang Kwak” in Thailand and other parts of southeast Asia. However, over time her image eventually evolved into that of a cat making the same gesture.

Gotoku-ji Temple Story

According to another popular legend, the origin of the Lucky Cat is traced back to the Edo period, in 17th century Japan. The story goes that a poor temple priest, struggling to make ends meet, owned a cat who would sit by the entrance and wave its paw. One day, a wealthy traveler passing by saw the cat’s gesture and decided to stop for a visit.

Afterward, he donated a large sum of money to the temple. From that day forward, the temple flourished, and the cat became a symbol of good fortune. This is the legend of the Gotoku-ji Temple in Tokyo, which is said to be the birthplace of the Lucky Cat.

Ruler Saved from a Bolt of Lightning

A slight variation to this story, according to temple historians, involved the daimyo or regional ruler, named Li Naotaka. It is said that while he was out hunting, Tama, the temple’s pet cat, beckoned Naotaka into the Go Toku Ji Temple to save him from being struck by a lightning bolt.

Grateful to the cat for saving his life, the ruler made the cat a patron of the temple where it has been venerated in its very own shrine ever since. The temple today is known as the “cat temple”. It has thousands of lucky cats surrounding it, and many people visit to pray for good fortune.

Cats in General as Symbols of Good Fortune

This good fortune symbology was so prominent in Japan that it became linked to the importance of real cats during that time. In 1602, there was a decree to free and release all cats to assist with pest control. There was also a belief that taking care of a real cat would bring good fortune to the caretaker, as well as a belief that killing a cat would result in the haunting of that family for generations.

Different Versions of the Lucky Cat

There isn’t just one version of the Lucky Cat. Over time, different regions of Japan and even different cultures began to give their own twist to the image of the Maneki-neko. For example, did you know that the paw raised by the cat can symbolize different things? In some versions, the cat raises its right paw, which is thought to attract wealth and money. In other versions, the cat raises its left paw, which is said to attract customers or guests. And in some cases, you might see the cat raising both paws—this can symbolize protection or double the luck!

You’ll often find that the Lucky Cat is holding a koban coin, which was the form of currency in Japan during the Edo period. The coin’s inscription, ten million ryo and gold color, further emphasize its connection to wealth. So, the coin paired with the cat is a clear invitation for prosperity.

Popularization Outside of Japan

After World War II, Japan saw a surge in global influence, and with it, the spread of cultural icons. The Maneki-neko caught on particularly in the U.S. and across Asia. In many Chinese communities, the Lucky Cat is seen as a signal of prosperity, and it even became a part of other cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year.

With various shapes, sizes and colors, the modern Lucky Cat has become a part of fashion trends, home decor, pop culture and spirituality. Today, Lucky Cats can be found all over the world. Whether you find one in a Chinatown shop in New York, in a restaurant in London, or in a home in Paris, the Lucky Cat is a universal symbol of positivity, good fortune, and sometimes just a little bit of fun.

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Try This Mantra for Calling Divine Guidance and Wisdom Into Your Life

Try using this simple mantra that helps you connect with the energy of all the gurus, teachers and mentors of the universe, to find divine guidance and draw deep wisdom into your life. Guru is a Sanskrit word which means “remover of ignorance”. Gurubhyo is the plural dative case of the word guru, meaning the attention of this mantra is directed toward ALL gurus and mentors. This includes those divine gurus or entities which are not present in the physical form, but nevertheless watch over us and guide us in the right direction when we ask. In the video below, we document the sound of this mantra: oṁ śrī gurubhyo namaḥ

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This recording is not meant to be an expression of musical talent, but rather to document the sound of the mantra. The mantra is chanted for one round of 108 times. You can play the recording in the background while you do something else, or use the mantra yourself with meditation beads.

This mantra can also help one gain all kinds of knowledge in their life about any subject. In Vedic astrology, this mantra can also help one connect with the energy of the planets Jupiter and Venus.

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The Hidden Spirituality of Dogs Revealed Through Astrology

Have you ever wondered if there’s more to your relationship with your dog than just loyalty and companionship? In the video below, we explore the fascinating connection between dogs and astrology, specifically through the lens of Ketu in Vedic astrology. Ketu, often referred to as a “shadow planet”, holds deep spiritual significance, and can offer profound insights into the behaviors, instincts, and soul connections we share with our canine companions.

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We all know that dogs hold a special place in our lives. From their unconditional love to their unique ability to sense our emotions, dogs have been by our sides for thousands of years.

In Vedic astrology, Ketu is one of the two “shadow planets”, also called “chaya grahas”—the other being Rahu. But don’t let the term “shadow” fool you—Ketu is very powerful. It’s often linked to spiritual growth, liberation, and past life karma. Ketu is said to bring transformation, sometimes through detachment or loss, leading to deeper spiritual understanding.

How Ketu Relates to Dogs

In Vedic astrology, Ketu is associated with something called “moksha”—or the liberation of the soul. It’s believed that Ketu’s energy helps break attachments and encourages us to seek a higher spiritual path.

Dogs, in many ways, symbolize loyalty, unconditional love, protection and selflessness—qualities that Ketu embodies in the spiritual sense. Their role in our lives can serve as a mirror to Ketu’s energy. Just like Ketu, dogs often encourage us to let go of our worldly attachments and remind us that love isn’t about possession, but about pure, selfless giving.

A dog’s deep desire to always be near its owner parallels Ketu’s devotion and dedication to spirituality and wisdom. Humans cannot see the planet Ketu, but some believe that dogs can.

Our Spiritual Companions

In many spiritual traditions from around the world, it’s believed that animals, especially dogs, are guides in our karmic journey. Many yogis and spiritual seekers keep dogs as pets and acknowledge their connection to the spiritual realm. Some ancient beliefs say that dogs are your past life ancestors and hold energetic connections to your past lives, just as Ketu is linked to our past life karma.

Some astrologers even consider the placement of Ketu in your birth chart to indicate your soul’s previous experiences and lessons. People with a strong placement of Ketu in their birth chart seem to have a natural affinity for dogs signaling that Ketu is playing a major role in their lives. Perhaps dogs can help us work through our old karmas. 

Dogs as an Astrological Remedy

Dogs often teach us about patience, compassion, and acceptance, all of which are qualities we must develop on our spiritual path, guiding us towards enlightenment. If you’ve been feeling a spiritual pull or a deep connection with your dog, this could mean that Ketu’s energy is guiding you to embrace the lessons of detachment, humility, and unconditional love—lessons that our canine friends embody so naturally!

In times of emotional struggle, dogs have this incredible ability to bring us back to the present moment. Their presence is like a reminder to let go of distractions and focus on what truly matters—love, peace, and spiritual growth.

If you have a negative placement of Ketu in your chart, or are experiencing difficulties related to Ketu, taking care of a dog can your best remedy. People have reported seeing prosperity come into their lives, after getting a dog.

If you are running a ketu mahadasha and want to experience the blessings of Ketu, or strengthen Ketu in your birth chart, consider getting a dog. Of course, only get a dog if you have the desire and interest to care for one. Only with proper care can the dog reciprocate all the positivity it has to offer. 

You may also like to try meditating with the mantra of Ketu, to experience self realization and gain higher knowledge about the true nature of reality. For a video recording documenting the sound of this mantra along with its corresponding yantra and image of Ketu, follow this link: Ketu Mantra

Dogs in Feng Shui

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, dogs are thought to bring prosperity into your life, such as marriage, children, happiness, wealth, etc. This is true in many cultural contexts, such as Chinese Feng Shui, which asserts that dogs can radiate positive energy within a dwelling, or even protect the home from evil spirits.

Everything in this world emits energy, and dogs happen to radiate a very positive energy because their purpose is to show love and give nourishment to people. Dogs can even absorb any negative energy surrounding you and it won’t hurt them. Wherever the dog physically is, will be where the positive energy is released.

If the dog is always left outside, the positive energy will be going away from you and your home. It’s also not the best way to care for your dog, and making your dog unhappy can anger the planet Ketu, creating confusion and directionlessness in your life.

The next time you’re with your dog, take a moment to appreciate their wisdom. They’re not just pets, they might be your karmic companions, helping you evolve, heal, and prosper or even connect with your deeper, more spiritual identity.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article about the hidden spiritual nature of dogs. If you’d like to know more about your own astrological birth chart, consider using our free birth chart calculator.

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Try This Powerful Shiva Mantra for Healing and Positivity

Try using this simple mantra from Classical Sanskrit texts that helps you connect with the energy of Shiva, to eradicate negative energy from your life and achieve a deep state of mental peace and internal harmony. In Vedic astrology, Shiva is connected to the energy of the Sun, representing detachment, illumination and self-realization. In the video below, we document the sound of the five syllable Shiva mantra: namaḥ śivāya

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This recording is not meant to be an expression of musical talent, but rather to document the sound of the mantra. The mantra is chanted for one round of 108 times. You can play the recording in the background while you do something else, or use the mantra yourself with meditation beads.

This mantra can help one experience a deeper spiritual connection with the Universe, while keeping life materially enjoyable at the same time. It can also be used to acquire any knowledge that is desired. Vedic astrologers frequently recommend this mantra for reducing anger or disharmony in the family.