This is the first of a series of alphabetic posts about superstitions, folk magick, charms and everything we love about magick. I will randomly choose several for each post, in no particular order and chosen just out of my own interest. So, do not expect this to be encyclopedic, as it is a collection of folklore, and you are free to believe them or just take them as an anthropological curiosity. Whenever I feel like I have anything to add, I will. I will try to add the country (or continent) of origin on each entry, but please remember that some of my oldest books may not have them.
Animals, Buying And Selling
It is considered very bad luck to bargain too much on the price on an animal for your farm, or to sell under the price you have set if you are the one selling it. On both situations, it is very likely that the unfairly priced animal will die in the course of a moon cycle.
My view on this superstition – I think this superstition is tied to the concept of respect, respect for the effort of the farmer and respect for the value of the life of farming animals. On all parts of life, disrespecting life and effort definitely has karmic consequences. So yes, I think this superstition has a true magickal meaning.
Apple
Blossom: It is considered unlucky to bring apple blossoms into the house.
Crop: A good apple year is considered to be a sign of fertility, specially for twins.
Peel: Peel an apple in one continuous rind and throw it behind your left shoulder; it will form the initial of your future lover’s name.
Seeds: throw an apple seed into a fire (it has to be a fresh one) and use it as a yes/no divination method; if the seed cracks and pops, the answer is yes; if it doesn’t, the answer is no.
Apron, coming untied
If you are married, your apron coming untied is a sign of conjure against you; if you are single, it is a sign of someone loving you.
Ashes
On Midsummer’s Eve or Christmas Eve, turn off the fire by covering it with ashes and try to make it as smooth as possible; whatever marks appear on it by morning can be used as prophetic signs. A ring means a wedding, a coffin or a footprint mean a family death, etc.
Ashes should never be stepped on, as the footprint is a sign for the Death spirit to take you away in less than one year.
Ingesting a small pinch of the ashes of many sacred trees is considered to work as protection magick. Also, marking an X on the forehead or nape is a common protection against ghosts.
The ashes of palm tree branches consecrated on Palm Sunday, are used to mark a cross on the worshippers’ foreheads during Ash Wednesday, as a sign of repentance.
Origin of all this entries: Europe.
