Today is the only Friday the 13th set to take place in 2025.
Read on for why the day has long been considered unlucky as well as what you can do if you’re a bit superstitious and/or spiritual…
What happens on Friday 13th?
On the surface? Not much.
Unless you trip over your shoelace, spill coffee on your shirt, and miss your bus all before 9am… Then Friday the 13th might have gotten to you.
What do we mean by that? Well, culturally, Friday the 13th has long been seen as an unlucky day.
What does it mean if it’s Friday the 13th?
If you’re into superstition, it means you might be in for a bumpy ride.
For the rest of us, it’s just a regular day with a slightly spooky vibe.
That said, some folks genuinely suffer from “friggatriskaidekaphobia.” Yes, that’s a real word and it means fear of Friday the 13th.
The date’s reputation stems from a blend of folklore, superstitious and religious beliefs, and pop culture.
For instance, Friday has long been considered an unlucky day for travel and/or big decisions, and the number 13 is believed to be bad luck (unless you ask Taylor Swift).
Of course, the horror movie franchise didn’t help the date’s rep either.
And so, superstitions tend to run high on Fridays that fall on the 13th of the month: people avoid flying, making major purchases… Some even avoid leaving the house.
What happened on Friday the 13th, 1307?
Ah, the day that helped make Friday the 13th infamous.
On October 13, 1307 – a Friday – King Philip IV of France orchestrated a surprise mass arrest of the Knights Templar.
We’re talking hundreds of members rounded up, accused of heresy, blasphemy, and some seriously wild (and likely false) charges involving secret rituals and idol worship.
But here’s the thing: it probably wasn’t about religion at all.
The Templars were wealthy, powerful, and owed the king money; so Philip saw an opportunity to wipe out his debt and eliminate a threat in one neat yet brutal move.
Under torture, many Templars confessed to crimes they likely didn’t commit, and some were eventually burned at the stake.
It was a dramatic fall for a group once considered holy warriors.
While the association between this Friday the 13th and modern superstitions didn’t really take hold until centuries later, it definitely helped cement the date’s eerie reputation.
Is Friday the 13th in the Bible?
The Bible doesn’t mention Friday the 13th specifically.
But some have linked it to biblical events. For example, at the Last Supper, there were 13 people at the table (Jesus and 12 disciples), and Judas (the one who betrayed him) was allegedly the 13th to sit down.
Jesus was also crucified on a Friday, which added to the ominous aura around that day of the week.
What should I do on Friday the 13th?
If you’re a little woo-woo, here are some things you can do:
- Cleanse your space: Bad juju? Not today. Burn some sage or spritz a cleansing mist around your home. It’s the spiritual equivalent of clearing your browser history.
- Light protection candles: Go for black or white candles; black absorbs negativity, white brings peace and clarity. Set an intention as you light them, like, “I am safe, grounded, and open to good things.”
- Charge your crystals: Pop your crystals on a windowsill or outside under the sun or moon; Friday the 13th is actually a great day to give them a little energy reset. Black tourmaline, amethyst and clear quartz are your ride-or-dies for this kind of energy work.
- Journal it out: Friday the 13th can stir up weird vibes, so it’s a good time to write down what you’re letting go of – fears, limiting beliefs, old patterns – and what you’re ready to call in.
- Take a salt bath: Toss in some sea salt or Epsom salts (bonus points for lavender or rosemary) and soak it out. Salt is known for spiritual cleansing, and honestly, when does a bath not help?
- Wear or carry protective symbols: Evil eye jewellery, a crystal in your bra, a little sigil drawn in your journal; whatever works for you. These little tokens can act as reminders that you’re safe and energetically protected.
- Do a simple spell or affirmation ritual: It doesn’t have to be dramatic. Try writing a wish or intention on a piece of paper and placing it under your candle or crystal. Say it out loud, believe it a little, and then let it go.
