According to the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘superstition‘ is a belief that is not based on reason or scientific thinking and that explains the causes for events in ways that are connected to magic.
While many call it superstition, a lot of today’s scientific knowledge was once superstitious, magical and therefore forbidden.
Superstitions, Lost Arcane Knowledge
Although most are misrepresented or misinterpreted some superstitions echo the Arcane Wisdom once this world possessed but later rejected.
Here we will try to decipher the meaning of 10 very popular superstitions and their true magical roots.
It should be noted that Old Witches have always been trying to hide their true identities. Knowing that, we should try to understand that superstitions can sometimes be hidden arcane teachings. Many Hereditary Witches try to ‘prepare’ their disciples with superstitions.
1. Knocking on Wood when Ill Omen is presented
Maybe the most popular superstition is this.
Knocking on wood every-time ill fate is predicted.
We actually do this when carriers of bad luck are presented or someone talks ill about you or someone you love.
The Arcane Truth: Knocking on Wood actually comes from the belief that every tree is inhabited by a spirit known as a Hamadryad or Dryad.
The action of knocking was practiced by ancient priests to immediately summon this spirit to aid the Priest or Priestess in order to ward off evil or even fulfill a wish. So the next time you knock on wood, remember that you are actually Summoning the Spirits of the Tree.
2. Garlic to Ward off Evil
It is very popular all over the Mediterranean Sea, Middle Ease, India and America. Why do we hang garlic? To drive a way bad luck or even invite good luck.
The Arcane Truth: Well, Garlic is actually one of the most potent plants associated with Mars.
The energies of this planet is associated with fighting bad luck and warding off evil spirits.
Even the presence of Garlic creates an aura of protection, warding off maleficent entities.
Moreover, it invites good luck and helps us break the bad karma.
3. Black Cats are omens of Bad Luck
According to most places of the world, watching a black cat is an omen of bad luck. However, did you know that exactly the opposite is believed in the U.K.? In Britain, they believe that a black cat is a good omen!
The Arcane Truth: Black cats are in fact omens of change of luck. Nothing more, nothing less. (See more about it here). The black cats are here to inform you that a change is coming and you should be ready for it.
5. Tossing Salt to ward off evil
Many people believe that tossing salt behind their back, or towards the source of bad lack can change things. Most usually people toss salt behind their left shoulder, where devil is supposed to be.
The Arcane Truth: Salt is a powerful tool for banishing. Tossing salt with banishing intention usually does the trick. Simple as that, Witches love to carry salt with them in case of ‘spiritual emergency’. Moreover, they like to toss salt behind their left shoulder, to banish the temptations of the ‘left path’, where selfish decisions are made, regardless of the Law of Free Will.
6. The number 13 is associated with Bad Luck
Almost everyone I know avoid this number. It is widely believed that this number is a portal of bad luck. No one wants to sit in this number in a plane, this is why many companies have deliberately ‘erased’ this sequence.
The Arcane Truth: Many ancient religions believe that 13 is messing with the perfect balance of 12. Like Ragnarok in the Nordic religion the problem begun when to gods become 13. Moreover, in Ancient Greece, Hades (Pluto) had to move to the Underworld, to preserve the harmony of 12 Gods on Mount Olympus. In numerology, the number 13 correlates to Martian energies which are unpredictable and associated with wars and accidents.
7. Finding a four leaf clover is lucky
Thanks to Ireland, the four-leaved clover is one of the most popular superstitions all over the world. People are trying to find one in order to be blessed with Good Luck. Even something that depicts a four leaf clover is believed to be a charm of Good Luck.
The Arcane Truth: In Witchcraft, the four-leaved clover is a powerful tool of herbal magic. There are many books of shadows and grimoires who require one. It is used as a powerful attraction mojo employed by success, love and wealth spells. It is even used in banishing or summoning spells!
8. Throwing coins in a river, lake or fountain for luck
There are actually rivers, lakes or fountains who are believed to be extra potent. For example, Fontana di Trevi in Rome, is an extremely popular destination in order to make a wish.
The Arcane Truth: According to the Old Way, old fountains, rivers and lakes are inhabited by Spirits of Water. Coins are a libation to these spirits, thus throwing them is a quick ritual in order to appeal for help to these forces for whatever you may possibly want. Witches actually charge the coin with their intention and then throw it calling the Gods or the Spirits of the Water.
9. Wishing on Dandelions
Many people believe that dandelion seeds will carry your dreams to heavens when you blow them into the air. I remember me as a kid to do so or even try to catch a ‘flying seed’ in order to make another wish.
The Arcane Truth: Dandelions are believed to be extremely powerful in Witchcraft. Dandelions are able to make the impossible, possible! They are used in spells of changing luck and wish spells. They are precious herbs for all witches!