Friday the 13th has become a significant date in modern witchcraft and pagan communities, although its origins are complex and multifaceted. Here are some possible reasons why Friday the 13th is special to some witches:
1. *Ancient pagan associations*: In ancient pagan cultures, Friday was considered a sacred day, associated with the goddess Venus or Freya, patroness of love, fertility, and magic. The number 13 was also considered lucky in some cultures, as it represented the 13 full moons in a year.
2. *Knights Templar connection*: On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip IV of France arrested and executed hundreds of Knights Templar, a Christian military order accused of heresy. Some modern witches see this event as a symbol of persecution and a reminder of the struggles faced by marginalized spiritual groups.
3. *Feminist and feminist pagan connections*: Friday the 13th has been adopted by some feminist and feminist pagan groups as a day to celebrate female power, independence, and resistance against patriarchal oppression.
4. *Modern pagan and witchcraft revival*: In the mid-20th century, modern pagan and witchcraft movements emerged, often emphasizing the importance of Friday the 13th as a sacred day. This may have been influenced by the 1907 publication of Margaret Murray's book "The Witch-Cult in Western Europe," which popularized the idea of a surviving pagan witchcraft tradition.
5. *Pop culture influence*: The 1980 horror movie "Friday the 13th" further solidified the date's association with the occult and witchcraft in popular culture.
While not all witches observe Friday the 13th as a sacred day, it has become a significant date for some modern pagan and witchcraft communities, symbolizing themes such as female empowerment, resistance, and the celebration of marginalized spiritual traditions.
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