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When an omen worries you

What to do if a bad omen or a superstition is making you anxious: simple steps, when to talk to someone and how families can ease each other's worry.

For most people omens are a light matter. For some they cause real worry, especially when an exam, an illness or a journey is already stressful. Here are a few simple steps.

  1. Name the worry. Ask: what am I really afraid of? An omen is usually standing for a real concern.
  2. Do the practical thing. Prepare for the exam, check the vehicle, call the doctor.
  3. Use a small ritual if it helps. A prayer, a sip of water, curd and sugar. Rituals work by calming the mind.
  4. Do not cancel something important. Appointments, treatment and exams are never to be postponed because of a sign.
  5. Talk to someone. If the worry is constant, or stops you from living normally, talk to a trusted person or a counsellor or doctor.

Families can help one another by listening, and by not adding new warnings when someone is already nervous.

This page reports popular beliefs for interest. Omens do not predict anything, and nothing here is advice. Please do not cancel anything important, such as a medical appointment, an exam or a journey, because of an omen.