It's FRIDAY THE 13TH, why are we so afraid of this day?

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I absolutely love this day, I always have. But I do ask myself every year though, how did Friday the 13th become something that an entire society feels the need to avoid?

We have created a cultural environment in which an ordinary calendar date, Friday the 13th, has acquired an almost supernatural reputation for misfortune. To put this into perspective, in many parts of the world, builders deliberately omit labelling the 13th floor. Some hotels avoid the room number 13. Some airlines have historically omitted row 13. There is even a name for the phobia of the number 13 which is triskaidekaphobia!

But where did this fear come from? And more importantly, is there another way of looking at Friday the 13th?

THE HISTORIC NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS SURROUNDING THE NUMBER 13 and FRIDAY

There are several theories surrounding the origins of the number 13’s negative reputation. In Christian tradition, it is associated with the Last Supper and the presence of Judas as the thirteenth guest. In Norse mythology, there is a story of Loki arriving as the thirteenth guest at a gathering of the gods, bringing tragedy.

Interestingly, Friday had already acquired its own negative connotations long before the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th became established. In Christian tradition, Friday was associated with the crucifixion of Christ, and over time it became regarded by some as an unfortunate day to begin something important. There were beliefs surrounding getting married on a Friday, beginning a journey, or undertaking something significant.

Friday was traditionally a day of religious observance and fasting, and in certain European cultures it developed a reputation as a day associated with misfortune.

Eventually, these two separate beliefs became intertwined. The fear surrounding the number 13 combined with the belief that Friday itself was unlucky, creating what we now recognise as one of the most widely known superstitions in modern society: Friday the 13th.

BUT WHAT IF WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT FRIDAY THE 13 THROUGH THE WRONG LENS

In various spiritual and metaphysical traditions, 13 carries a very different symbolism. The number has associations with lunar cycles, feminine energy, intuition, transformation and regeneration. There are approximately 13 lunar cycles in a solar year. The Moon has long been connected symbolically with feminine wisdom, natural rhythms, fertility and the cycles of life.

Lest we forget the current world example of the Baker’s Dozen, what about 13 donuts makes anyone feel scared? NOT ME!

Then there is Friday, which is traditionally associated with Venus, the planetary symbol of love, beauty, attraction, pleasure and abundance.

So when we bring Friday and the number 13 together, we can choose to see an alternative combination that represents love, intuition, renewal, transformation and feminine creative power.

Not misfortune. Not something to hide from. Not something to fear.

Perhaps Friday the 13th is a wonderful opportunity to question the narratives we inherit. To stop giving fear so much authority. To reconsider the meaning we attach to things. And to remember that our thoughts, intentions, decisions and actions have far greater influence over the direction of our lives than a number on a calendar.

Happy Friday the 13th! May it bring you transformation, abundance, love and beautiful new beginnings.