Welcome to Psychic Library's Superstition Room, a place to learn about many superstitions and their origins. Superstitions date back to early man's attempt to explain Nature and his own existence.
There was a deep belief that animals, nature and objects held a connection to spirits and the spirit world. In order to have a feeling of appeasing these forces, different behaviors or customs arose that would dictate a favorable fate and good fortune.
Common Superstitions
The Number 13
Fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia. This superstition has ancient origins and continues to influence building designs (no 13th floor) and daily activities.
Black Cat Crossing Your Path
In ancient Egypt, cats were revered. During Medieval times, cats became associated with witchcraft. The superstition varies by region - some consider it bad luck, others good.
Broken Mirror
Seven years of bad luck from breaking a mirror dates back to ancient times when mirrors were used for divination and were believed to hold part of the soul.
Walking Under a Ladder
This superstition may relate to the gallows, Egyptian pyramid beliefs, or the Christian Trinity (a ladder against a wall forms a triangle).
Spilling Salt
Salt was once precious and spilling it was considered wasteful. Throwing salt over your left shoulder supposedly blinds the devil lurking there.
Knock on Wood
This practice may stem from pagan beliefs in tree spirits or from touching wooden crucifixes for protection.
Four-Leaf Clover
Finding a four-leaf clover is rare (1 in 10,000). Irish Druids believed they could see evil spirits and escape, giving the finder time to flee.
Horseshoe
Hung over doorways for protection. Debate continues whether it should hang points up (to catch luck) or points down (to shower luck on those passing through).