Myths and truths about the number 13 |

Have you ever stopped to think why the number 13 is the reason for so many controversial opinions? There are those who believe that the symbology is a sign of “bad omen” – especially on a Friday the 13th – while others claim that the number suggests good vibes.

As if it wasn’t enough that I’m a numerologist, I have three examples in my family of this reaction of fear and attraction to the number. My aunt, born on the 13th of November, was registered as if she had come into the world on the 12th, as her parents were terrified of the 13th.

And another aunt did the same with my cousin, justifying that since he was born in the last minutes of the 13th of August, there would be no problem in registering the 14th as his real date of birth.

The third example is from my own mother. She was born on March 13th and my grandfather didn’t register her until much later. It was common for this to happen at that time, even more so in the cities of the interior of Minas Gerais.

For this reason, the date on his birth certificate is August 13th. In this case, only the month of birth was changed, but the 13th remained in the date of his birth. Of course my mother has a love relationship with 13. She considers it her “lucky” number. To understand more about your birthday, check out this special article.

Meaning of number 13

After all, what does the number 13 mean? The 13 is formed by the numbers 1 and 3. The 1 symbolizes courage, initiative and willingness to take risks. The 3, on the other hand, represents the self-confidence and optimism of believing in the best in life, in addition to the reaction of lightness and freedom that accompanies this positive attitude in the face of challenges.

Both 1 and 3 like to live freely and do not like to give explanations about what they want to do and what they actually do. Because they hate being bossed around and following rules.

The interesting thing is that the 4, resulting from the sum between the numbers 1 and 3 – which form the 13 – indicates exactly the opposite. The 4 likes to follow rules and prefers certainty to uncertainty. Craving stability and not comfortable taking risks. He prefers to follow a calm pace, with organization, planning and practicality.

So, the conflict is triggered within number 13 itself. There is a struggle between risk and safety. The 4 is conservative, while the 1 and 3 prefer the new, novelty and originality. The 4 is traditional; 1 and 3 are rebels.

The 4 likes support and the physical presence of those around them. Already 1 and 3 are independent, love autonomy and ample space to explore. Probably, because it brings together in its symbology such opposite tendencies, 13 can be considered an ambiguous number: some consider it a sign of bad omen, others of good vibes.

Being afraid of the number 13 can mean problems when it comes to having the initiative or optimism to seek new, more pleasurable and creative experiences – characteristics symbolized by the numbers 1 and 3.

Another possibility is that people favor one of the extremes of this symbolism: conservatism or innovation; news or convenience; courage to try different situations or resistance to change.

On the other hand, when the person knows how to deal with the symbology of this number, he is able to have many ideas, communicate them and has the determination to carry them out. Knows how to unite theory and practice. He manages to live well with social rules without losing his originality, without repressing his individuality.

Symbolism of Friday the 13th

According to Numerology, there is nothing special about Friday the 13th. However, some people may feel challenged on that date. While the 1 and the 3 – which form the 13 – want freedom, optimism and festivity, they generate the serious 4 as a reduced number.

The 4 asks for practicality, perseverance, determination, planning and organization to better direct the need for creativity and fun of the numbers 1 and 3.

But it’s worth remembering that this goes for any day 13, not just Friday.

Another detail is that in the Tarot, 13 is the number of the arcane “Death”. And this card represents the need for change, to step out of the comfort zone. Those who don’t feel comfortable changing habits and situations in their lives tend not to like this symbology. Learn more about the Death card here.

So, given this scenario presented regarding the symbolism of 13, it is evident that behind fears and superstitions there is a message. That it is necessary to know how to take risks with confidence and planning, towards what needs to be changed and restructured in our lives. Such changes call for courage and, at the same time, feet on the ground.

Curiosity about the date

There are several theories that suggest why Friday the 13th is considered an unfavorable date. The strongest of these dates back to the 14th century, when the King of France, Philip IV, considered the Order of the Knights Templar to be illegal.

On October 13, 1307, a Friday, the monarch decreed that the members of the order should be persecuted, tortured and arrested, culminating in many deaths.

This would be one of the reasons why the date has a negative connotation for some people.