Witchy Whims

Friday the 13th is often thought of as a day of unluckiness, with warnings across the Western hemisphere of what not to do. Although it is an often-used horror trope abused in pop culture, many people still fear the power that the day warns of. But where exactly does that fear come from?

It is a common occurrence that days of Divine Feminine power have been shrouded by Christian Superstitions, Friday the 13th being no exception to this. Christians undoubtedly have many reasons to fear this day. Fridays have biblically been days of great sin and darkness for Christians, the day their Lord was nailed to the cross, the day Adam and Eve birthed original sin, the day that Cain killed his own brother. Likewise, the number 13 has also been seen to be harmful, often associated with Judas, since he was the 13th attendee of the Last Supper. While these dates and numbers are fallible – as many biblical texts – these fears make sense to those who follow the religion. However, it was not these biblical events that gave way to the massive superstition. 

Witchcraft Association

The fear of Friday the 13th is undeniably linked to its historical associations with witchcraft. Within some Christian belief systems, it was thought that witch covens consisted of precisely 13 members. This number was seen as an attempt to mock the sacred gathering of Jesus and his 12 disciples. These witch covens were believed to gather at full moons – of which there were about 13 in a year – and on Fridays. 13 is often seen as a number of the devil, that witches used in their demonic ways.  These beliefs contributed to the superstition surrounding this date.

It is no surprise that people still prescribe these ideas. I’ve even seen some go so far as to post warnings on TikTok to watch out for us witches. As far-fetched as these fears are, there is of course some truth to the matter: Friday the 13th is a great day for witches to harness their power. 

13 Numerology 

1: The number 1 stands prominently at the forefront of 13, and its presence carries distinct connotations. While 13 as a whole has its own significance, it’s equally important to delve into the intrinsic power of these two numbers when paired together. Number 1’s placement is associated with new beginnings, opportunities, fresh starts, and leadership. It represents the ability to take charge of your life and take action on the situations that have been presented to you. This makes it a great number for inciting ambition, assertiveness, and achievement. 1 is seen as the creator number that shapes everything, making it a powerful symbol of individuality. It tells a practitioner that they themselves are divine in their own right. 

3: 3 is often associated with the alignment of existence. The number 3 holds a unique and robust influence. Its power is so profound that it even prompted the establishment of the Christian concept of the Trinity. Imagine the power of a spiritual concept being so strong that Christians have to accept it rather than deny it. It is a symbol of health, divine connection, and self-care. When a witch chooses to connect to the number 3 they become drawn to finding equilibrium amongst existence. It symbolizes the drawing of power from the spiritual, corporeal, and divine realms of power. 

13: As a stand-alone number 13, is seen as a symbol of hope. It appears in times of darkness as a message to individuals to take back power and overcome the struggles that they are being forced to face. When looking at the pairing of 1 and 3 together we can see how 13 is associated with individual power. Despite 3 being a number of unity, it is in fact thought of as inner unity. 

Friday Divine Feminine 

The days of the week also have their own spiritual connotations much like numbers and moon phases. Friday is a day seen as divinely feminine, associated with the power of Ancient Goddesses. Friday is often thought of as a day of love, sex, and beauty, all aspects of divine feminity. However, with divine femininity, we also have warriors, wisdom, and intuition. 

The day is often tied to Freya. Some tales even say she used to hold witchly meetings every Friday, and that her day is Friday the 13th. This may be a result of her association with the goddess Frigg who may or may not be the same divine power, depending on the historical text that you reference. 

What to Do on Friday the 13th 

Sex Magick – Sex Magick is an amazingly potent power source for practitioners who want to channel something a bit more physical. It serves as the perfect fuel for energy work and manifestation. 

Self-Love Cleanse – As a day of individuality and healing, Friday the 13th serves as a great day to cleanse yourself of negativity in your life. Do some self-love spells, incorporate some cinnamon into your rituals, and treat yourself to a bath cleanse. It’s also a great way to start the relaxation of the weekend. 

Divination – As a day drawing in divine feminine strength, Friday the 13th is a great time to perform some tarot and oracle readings. Maybe do some scrying, or pull out the pendulum.