We’ve all heard that black cats bring bad luck and many of us are bound by unwritten law to greet magpies, but where do these rules come from?
As we grow up, we acquire different superstitions that have generally been passed down from generation to generation.
You may have heard someone tell you that an itchy ear means someone is talking about you, and this is an example of what witches and other mystics call an omen.
Omens are signs from the universe or guidance and support from a higher power, whatever you believe in.
Omens can often snowball in appearance once you are aware of their meaning.
Omens and their meanings rely heavily on co-existence with your own intuition, so it’s important to first listen to your inner voice before using other guides to interpret these signs.»
Some of the most widespread superstitions revolve around animals.
Birds
If a bird poops on you, you probably won’t get excited.
However, Semra says that if a bird poops on you or anything you have, it’s good luck!
You should make a wish before cleaning up the poo because good fortune certainly awaits you. What do you want?
This belief is said to come from Russia and the reason it’s so «lucky» could be due to the fact that the average person has a 0.02 percent chance of getting pooped by a bird.
cats
Your chances of spotting a cat on your daily walks are pretty high, but it’s the color that matters.
White cats are a sign of fertility or that a change in your love life is coming.
«If a black cat walks towards you it is a sign of good luck, and if it walks away from you it takes its luck with it.»
owls
You don’t usually see them much, but sometimes it happens that you come across one.
If you are lucky enough to see an owl, it is an omen of success.
«If you see an owl three days after casting a spell, it means your magic is working.»
snakes
You might think that seeing a snake brings bad luck, but it is quite the opposite.
“Snakes signify rebirth, new beginnings, and transformation.”
magpies
You have probably come across the common modern lullaby about magpies which goes:
- one for pain,
- two of joy,
- Three for a girl
- four for a boy
- five For Silver,
- six for gold,
- Seven for a secret that will never be told
This rhyme comes from superstitions related to magpies dating back to the early 16th century in the United Kingdom.
The oldest version of this rhyme is: «One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a funeral, and four for birth.»
An extension to this first version adds: «Five for heaven, Six for hell, Seven for the devil, himself.»
Semra does not count the magpies, but calls them «guardians of the other dimension».
Greeting magpies is something we should all do to show respect, greet the bird and avoid bad luck… but Semra said that a greeting is a «recognition of the metaphysical world».
spiders
A staggering 18 per cent of Britons are afraid of spiders, but seeing a spider isn’t necessarily a bad thing in the spirit world.
Semra explained: “If a spider shows itself to you, it is telling you to be patient, your wishes are on their way to you.
«Seeing your initials on a spider web means good luck forever.»
ravens
The importance of a raven encounter lies in how many ravens you see.
If you see one, it is a warning for you to be more vigilant. If you see two, it’s good luck.
If you see three, this means good health is coming, while four ravens is a sign of wealth.
Five ravens are less fortunate and predict disease, and six is a sign of death.
ladybugs
A ladybug is undeniably a good luck charm, and Semra calls them «messengers or joy.»
Other mystics say that a ladybug that lands on you is here to give you more patience and less burden.
If you have been ill recently, a ladybug that lands on you is said to take away the illness.
butterflies
Nearly one in 10 butterfly species in the UK is extinct and many are listed as endangered or vulnerable, but you’ll be able to see plenty of butterflies in summer.
«Butterflies are messengers from the other side, reminding you of a loved one who is watching over you.»
Some Native American tribes say that butterflies represent change and transformation, comfort, hope, and positivity.