1. Fortuna - The Roman Goddess of Luck
Fortuna is the Goddess of Luck and Fortune, widely revered across Italy. She is often depicted with a gubernaculum (the rudder of a ship), a ball, or Rota Fortunae (the Wheel of Fortune, first mentioned by Cicero), as well as a cornucopia (the horn of plenty).
The goddess is believed to bring both good and bad luck. Fortuna is frequently shown blindfolded, akin to modern representations of Lady Justice, though unlike her, Fortuna cannot maintain balance. She is often seen as a symbol of life's unpredictability.
She is also a goddess of fate: as Atrox Fortuna, she took the lives of Emperor Augustus' grandsons, Gaius and Lucius, who were future heirs to the Empire. Fortuna has been widely worshiped throughout Italy since ancient times.
In Praeneste, her temple was a famous oracle, and there was also a temple dedicated to her in Antium. The Romans invoked this goddess whenever they sought luck in their lives.


2. Kubera - The Hindu God of Wealth
Kubera in Hindu mythology is the king of the Yakshas (nature spirits) and the god of wealth. He is associated with the earth, mountains, and all treasures such as minerals and jewels buried beneath the earth, as well as general prosperity.
According to most epics, Kubera originally lived in Lanka (Sri Lanka), but his palace was taken by his half-brother, Ravana. Kubera now resides in a mansion on a beautiful mountain near the palace of Lord Shiva on Mount Kailasa, where he is attended by all kinds of demi-gods.
Kubera is the guardian of the north and is often depicted as a short, stout man holding a bag of money or a pomegranate, sometimes riding a human. He is also known as Vaishravana and Jambhala, figures also prominent in Buddhist and Jain mythology. In Buddhist sculptures, he is often shown with a mongoose.
The god Kubera is believed to bring wealth to those who worship him.


3. Gefion - The Norse Goddess of Prosperity
Gefion (The Giver) is an ancient Norse goddess associated with prosperity, abundance, and fertility. Her symbol is the plow, often considered a symbol of prosperity, as during this time, wealth was linked to the fertility of the land used for farming.
The goddess is regarded as the protector of virgins and the bringer of luck and prosperity. Any virgin girl who dies would become a servant to the goddess. She was married to King Skjold or Scyld, the son of Odin, and resided in Leire, Denmark. Later Swedish kings were believed to be her descendants.
According to legend, it is said that Gefion created the island of Zealand ("Sjaelland" in Danish) by plowing land from central Sweden with the help of her sons (four Swedish oxen), which also created the large lakes in Sweden. In Copenhagen, Denmark, there is a large fountain depicting her plowing the land.


4. Jambhala - The Tibetan God of Wealth
Lord Jambhala (Dzambala) is known as the God of Wealth and is a member of the Jewel Family (Ratna Kula), also referred to as the Five Dhyani Buddhas, closely linked with the development of Tibetan religion. In several Southeast Asian countries, Jambhala is revered as the God of Imperial Wealth because it is believed that he can provide material needs, allowing individuals to focus on their spiritual enlightenment.
He has five different colored forms, each representing various types of wealth:
- Black: Worshipped by those living in extreme poverty, as the god is believed to eliminate crime and illness.
- Red: Supports successful business operations and helps secure profitable contracts.
- Green: The Green Jambhala is believed to help overcome envy and bring success to all your efforts.
- White: This form helps individuals achieve wealth while encouraging charitable acts. The White Jambhala also helps in recognizing past emotional attachments, allowing one to focus on the soul.
- Yellow: The Yellow form is the protector deity, bringing prosperity and wealth to those who worship him.


5. Plutus - The Greek God of Wealth
In Greek mythology, Plutus is known as the God of Prosperity and Wealth. He has been depicted by many authors and artists throughout history, often seen next to a fig tree, which is a well-known symbol of abundance, richness, and wealth. However, the true origin of this god remains somewhat unclear.
Perhaps the most famous legend surrounding Plutus is that he is the son of Demeter (the Goddess of Harvest) and the mortal hero Iasion. Consequently, his blessings of wealth were often linked more to fruitful harvests and an abundance of food rather than monetary wealth. Plutus once swore to grant riches to those who were good, just, and wise. However, the god Jesus cursed him with blindness, which led to Plutus sometimes bestowing wealth upon those who were wicked.
In modern times, Plutus may represent wealth in the form of money, but he also symbolizes personal wealth, such as the prosperity found in a healthy and harmonious family.


6. Lakshmi - The Goddess of Wealth in Hinduism
Lakshmi is one of the most renowned goddesses in Hinduism, symbolizing wealth, power, good fortune, beauty, and prosperity. She is often depicted in sculptures seated upon a lotus flower, with a full chest, broad hips, a benevolent smile, and occasionally being showered with water by elephants. Lakshmi's companion is a white owl, and gold coins pour from her palm.
In some representations, wealth and abundance are conveyed through her hands, which release coins or sometimes a pot of gold that she holds. This symbol reflects that the wealth granted by Lakshmi is both material and spiritual. Her open hands and serene face are symbols of compassion and generosity.
Lakshmi is typically depicted wearing a red dress embroidered with golden threads, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. As the goddess of wealth and abundance, she is often portrayed alongside her husband Vishnu, the god who sustains human life through justice and peace. This association suggests that wealth and prosperity are inherently linked to the preservation of life, justice, and peace. To this day, Lakshmi continues to be worshipped by followers of Hinduism.


7. Seven Lucky Gods - Japan
In Japanese mythology, the Seven Lucky Gods (七福神, shichifukujin in Japanese) are believed to bring good fortune and are often depicted in small netsuke wooden figurines and other artwork. One of these gods, Jurōjin, is based on a real historical figure.
Initially, these gods were known as distant and impersonal figures, but over time, they became closer to certain professions and the arts in Japanese culture. Throughout history, the influence of various cultures led to confusion about which god protected which profession, so depending on the region, each god might patronize a different profession.
The worship of these gods also relates to the significance of the number 7 in Japan, considered a symbol of good fortune. Each of the Seven Lucky Gods represents a different type of good luck, as follows:
- Benzaiten - Goddess of arts and literature
- Hotei - God of happiness, wealth, family destiny, peace, immortality, and longevity
- Jurojin - God of longevity
- Ebisu - God of the sea, fishermen, and merchants
- Bishamonten - God of war and protection
- Daikokuten - God of wealth and abundant harvests
- Fukurokuju - God of happiness, prosperity, and longevity

