Witchy Superstitions That Have Stood The Test Of Time

Witch Bottle

Witchy superstitions that have stood the test of time often blend folklore, ritual, and protective magic. Many of them are rooted in pre-Christian Pagan traditions or evolved through centuries of rural folk beliefs. Here are some enduring beliefs:

Nazar
(blue eyed charm)

1. The Evil Eye

• Belief: Another person's malevolent glare, intentional or not, (e.g., from jealousy)  can cause a curse-like harm.

• Protection: Amulets like the nazar (blue eye charm) or witch bottles were used to ward it off.
  
  

2. Salt for Protection

• Use: Sprinkling salt at doorways, windowsills, or in a circle for purification and protection. Even throwing salt over one's left shoulder for good luck works like a powerful charm because because that's where evil spirits lurk (and they are repelled by salt).

• Why it persists: Salt is a preservative and symbol of incorruptibility, making it a staple in protective magic.

3. Brooms (Besoms) by the Door                

• Superstition: A broom placed by the front door wards off evil spirits.

• Witchy twist: Jumping a broom is also a fertility and marriage ritual in some traditions.

4. Black Cats as Omens

• Mixed beliefs: The beloved black cats have been regarded as witch familiars. This cat (which was worshipped in Egypt) were also considered good luck in parts of the UK and Japan. I live with TWO black cats and believe me, they've brought nothing but love, abundance, and happiness into my life!

• Persistence: Still tied to Halloween and witchy symbolism. *I use black cat images for my branding efforts.* May they always be adored and honored for the Powerful little Panthers that they truly are. 

5. The Witching Hour (3 AM)

• Belief: A time when the veil between worlds is thinnest and magical activity is strongest.

• Modern echoes: Still used in paranormal shows and spiritual practices. Waking up around 3 a.m. can reflect an imbalance in the body’s natural rhythms according to Ayurveda

6. Carrying or Hanging Herbs

FREAKIEST (A.I. generated photo) EVER. I asked for an image of a
beautiful elder woman hanging garlic!

• Examples: Hanging garlic, rosemary, or St. John’s wort for protection.

• Superstition: These herbs were believed to ward off evil or bring blessings.

7. The Full Moon and Magic

• Belief: Spells, rituals, and psychic abilities are more powerful during a full moon.

• Continued use: Modern witchcraft (Wicca, paganism, etc.) still centers many rituals around the lunar cycle.

8. Mirror Superstitions

• Examples: Breaking a mirror causes seven years of bad luck; mirrors can trap souls or serve as portals.

• Witchy use: Scrying or divination often involves mirrors or reflective surfaces.

9. Knocking on Wood

• Pagan origin: In ancient times, people believed that nature spirits resided in trees, especially in sacred Oak. Knocking on wood was thought to invoke protection and ward off bad luck (by asking the spirits for their blessing).

• Superstition: Used to ward off bad luck after tempting fate.

10. The Number 13

• Belief: Unlucky, especially when it falls on a Friday.

• Witchy link: Some say it’s connected to covens traditionally having 13 members, though this varies.