This week we're embracing the magic and mystery of the number 13 in honor of our 13th episode. Whether you think it’s cursed, sacred, or somewhere in between, this number has a lot of stories trailing behind it—and we’re not afraid to talk about them.

We kick things off by tracing the tangled roots of 13’s reputation for bad luck, from ancient Greek math to missing hotel floors. But here’s the twist: while the wider world might wince at 13, in witchcraft and pagan traditions, it's often revered—think 13 moon cycles, 13 witches in a coven. So... unlucky? Or just misunderstood?

Superstitions take center stage in this episode, from the deeply cultural to the totally bizarre. We share our personal favorites (and cringiest childhood experiments) like Southern New Year’s food magic, Jewish traditions that ward off the evil eye, and whether knocking on wood actually does anything. Spoiler: belief matters more than logic.

We get nostalgic about "Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board" and the Bloody Mary bathroom rituals that haunted our slumber parties. And we sprinkle in some weirder gems: licking a baby’s eyelids, spitting three times, blowing cinnamon into your home, and—of course—saying "rabbit, rabbit."

Ultimately, we explore how superstition and folk magic hold up a mirror to what we fear, what we hope, and what we inherit. Whether you roll your eyes or throw salt over your shoulder just in case, you’ll probably see a little of yourself in this conversation.

So grab your favorite protective talisman (or cinnamon shaker) and hit play. It’s time to make peace with the power of belief—and maybe give the number 13 a second chance.

Show Links & Listener Notes:

Here are some of the Jewish superstitions Michele mentioned:

20 Jewish Superstitions That will Absolutely Ward Off the Evil Eye: https://www.kveller.com/20-jewish-superstitions-that-will-absolutely-ward-off-the-evil-eye/

These Russian Jewish Superstitions Have Stood the Test of Time: https://www.heyalma.com/these-russian-jewish-superstitions-have-stood-the-test-of-time/

Jew-perstitions: https://aish.com/jew-perstitions/

And, if you want to learn more about the “rabbit rabbit” tradition on the first of the month, you can read about it here: https://newengland.com/yankee/history/rabbit/

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Learn more about Bëlît, Michele, and Tegan at www.hexandharmonypodcast.com

Theme Music: Witchy Kitchypoo by primalhousemusic via Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/music/scary-childrens-tunes-witchy-kitchypoo-180525/