Q&A for How to Get Rid of Bad Luck

Staying optimistic, doing good deeds, and considering your decisions carefully can all both improve your outlook and help things go your way more often. Learning to both expect and see the positives in any given situation will make you more confident and therefore more likely to succeed.

The legend that breaking a mirror brings bad luck probably goes back to ancient times, when the reflection in the mirror was thought to represent the viewer’s soul. Some people believe you can reverse the bad luck brought by breaking a mirror by throwing salt over your shoulder, spinning 3 times counter-clockwise, or touching a piece of the mirror to a tombstone. There aren’t any common legends that breaking a mirror can bring good luck, but consciously deciding to view it as a good sign instead of a bad one may help give you confidence and improve your day!

In some cultures, certain numbers, such as 4, 9, or 13, are considered to be signs of bad luck. Alter egos or doppelgängers also appear as a portent of bad luck in some myths and folklore. Some people believe that seeing certain types of animals, such as black cats, crows, or ravens, can also signify bad luck. However, there’s no evidence that any of these things can actually affect your luck or indicate that something bad will happen, so try not to worry if you come across any of them!

No. In some cultures, it is believed sugar will attract good spirits and good vibes - but throwing it over your shoulder isn't the way to go about it. Other cultures believe throwing sugar anywhere brings another form of bad luck: the invasion of ants.

Bad luck is something that everyone has. Bad luck and mirrors have nothing to do with each other. Try focusing on living the best life you can, and accepting that life has its ups and its downs without focusing too much on misrepresenting either as taking hold of your entire life. It's a fair bet you've overestimated the bad luck in your life and have forgotten all the lovely, wonderful things that have happened in between the bad moments. Don't do that, it's unhealthy for you and everyone else around you.

Of course not. The color of an animal, just like a human, does not dictate how good or bad they are. It is only superstition that a black animal can determine your luck, and is not based on any scientific evidence.

No, you will not die if a moth tries to come into the house.

The color of an animal does not say anything about how good or bad they are.

Superstitions came around during ancient times when people didn't understand science and had the fear of religion in them. They have never been proven, and any bad luck that results is, therefore, entirely coincidental and nothing to worry about.

Yes and no. Everyone has different views. If breaking a mirror brings bad luck for one person, it may not be so for another person. If you believe superstitions to some extent, you may try reversing your bad luck. If you don't, then there's no need to worry.

This usually involves eating something lucky, but the exact food differs by region or ethnic group. For example, in the southern U.S., you must have a least a spoonful of black-eyed peas or, better yet, and rice and black-eyed-pea dish called "Hopping John".

That's more a sign of nerves. Take a moment to reflect on what may be causing your anxiety.

That's just an old superstition. Don't sweat it; just make sure you clean up all the shards.

Many different people contribute to wikiHow, and the people who answer questions are usually not the people who wrote the article. Therefore, you may see some different perspectives expressed in the Q&A than those presented in the article.

No, that is only a myth that came about during ancient times when people didn't understand science.

No, they don't have to be the same size, and scented is just fine.

It is probably just a myth, but it is believed that walking under a ladder is bad luck because it forms a triangle (symbol of the Holy Trinity). Walking through the triangle would violate sacred ground.

In open fields where clover is prevelent.

You're not. No one is ALWAYS the unlucky one. You are focusing on the negative in your life right now, and your perspective makes it seem as though bad things are always happening. Start making a list of things that have gone well each day and your perception will slowly change.

In my experience, definitely.

There is an old rhyme my mom used to say, "One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a girl, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret never to be told." Looks like joy is coming your way!

Of course not! That was something people made up back when they didn't understand science or nature.

A goldfish is believed to bring good luck, in the form of tranquility, wisdom, and long life. Also, ancient Greeks believed goldfish enhanced good luck in marriage and relationships.

No. It means you got home late, and you want a clean house. Why put off for tomorrow what you can do tonight?

This happens to be the messages. You would have to start the chain back up again.

That's just a superstition. Nothing will happen to you. Just clean up the salt and put it back into the place the salt was before and you should be fine.

If you see a black bird in your office, it’s not a sign of bad luck. It's just a bird.

She is fine. Black cats aren't actually bad luck, and she's not even all black, so you're fine.

No, you will not die if there are shoes on the table. It's just bad manners to have them there.

If most of the things that happen to you make you glad or happy, those are signs of good luck.