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Superstition: Its Origins and Efficacy

© M. Williams

Superstition is a form of magick readily found in the modern world. Its foundation rests on the ancient belief that unseen forces in the universe take an active and not always positive role in our lives, and may even go out of their way to wreak jealous havoc if things are going exceptionally well. People once sought to placate these unseen forces by simple rituals, and many of these rituals, such as knocking on wood after an optimistic statement or throwing spilled salt over the left shoulder, still persist today.

Superstitious ritual is a phenomenon found in many cultures. In Mediterranean countries belief in the evil eye is strong. Thought to have originated in the Near East during the pre-Christian era, this superstition springs from a belief in the ability of an envious person to cause harm to another with a mere glance. The usual precautions include taking care not to be boastful, as boasting draws the envy of others. Touching a blue stone or glass eye carried in the pocket is also thought to provide protection. But the evil eye is not only a product of envy. Too much admiration for an individual can also cause severe misfortune. For this reason, newborn infants are hastily covered when fawned over by admiring friends and neighbors.

In North America the number thirteen is considered to be the unluckiest of numbers. Hotel and high-rise owners often avoid numbering the thirteenth floor as such because of dread the number thirteen holds for so many people. Indeed, Friday the thirteenth is considered a particularly unlucky day. The roots of this phenomenon can be traced back to the Last Supper, at which Judas, Christ's betrayer, is considered to have been the thirteenth guest at the table. It is also commonly held that the crucifixion of Christ took place on a Friday, and this, coupled with our mistrust of the number itself, increases the fear associated with Friday the thirteenth.

Certain sectors of our society often hold their own particular superstitions. Gamblers, for instance, devise their own personal and often elaborate methods for choosing combinations of lucky numbers, and many carry the traditional gambler's good luck charm--the lucky horseshoe. Actors are also highly superstitious. They consider it the worst of luck to wish each other good luck before a performance. Preferring not to tempt fate, they encourage each other to "break a leg" before the curtain goes up.

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