Superstition
Folk Belief / Magic / Esotericism / Psychology / Religion

Definition:

Superstition refers to beliefs or practices based on magical thinking, traditional lore, or non-scientific causality. It often involves customs believed to bring good luck or ward off misfortune. The term historically had a negative connotation, used to distinguish irrational beliefs from “true” religious faith.

Common Examples:

• Unlucky numbers (e.g., 13)

• Black cats crossing your path

• Breaking a mirror → 7 years of bad luck

• Four-leaf clovers, lucky charms

• Spilled salt, walking under ladders, knocking on wood

Historical Origins:

• Rooted in ancient magic, astrology, and folk rituals

• Labeled as superstition by Christian authorities when diverging from doctrine

• Rejected during the Enlightenment as irrational or primitive

• Seen in anthropology and folklore as part of cultural traditions

Psychological & Esoteric Views:

• Psychology sees superstition as a coping mechanism in uncertain situations

• In esoteric traditions, many superstitions are integrated into symbolic or energy-based worldviews

• The line between superstition and meaningful personal ritual can be blurred

Modern Relevance:

• Still alive in popular culture (e.g., horoscopes, holiday rituals, sports rituals)

• Used in media, storytelling, and humor

• In spiritual or magical practices, sometimes consciously reinterpreted as empowered symbolic acts

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