The deadly curse of the spider is a persistent belief or fear that certain species of spiders are dangerous or deadly to humans. This belief has been perpetuated over time, leading to a general fear and disgust towards spiders. While some spiders do have venom that can cause harm to humans, the vast majority of spider species pose little to no threat. The fear of spiders, known as arachnophobia, is one of the most common phobias worldwide. This fear is often rooted in cultural and social factors, as well as personal experiences. Movies, books, and folklore have contributed to the portrayal of spiders as villains and creatures to be feared.

How to Cast a Happiness Spell on Yourself, According to a Real-Life Witch

Amanda Montell has worked as a beauty editor in Los Angeles for over three years covering hair, skin, and more. She previously served as the features editor for Byrdie and currently freelances for Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and more.

Sanam Hafeez, PsyD is a New York State licensed psychologist and the founder of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services.

In This Article

Long before modern medicine existed, it was common practice for people to look to spiritual guides to remedy their ailments, both physical and mental. Pagan witches, despite their nefarious reputations, were a particularly powerful source of healing. "For as long as we know, witches have been healers, midwives, and spiritual forces in their communities," explains Skye Alexander, a practicing witch for more than 20 years and the author of 13 books about witchcraft, including The Modern Guide to Witchcraft and The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book . "They understood … how to use herbal remedies to aid everything from a broken bone to a broken heart. … Following a Wiccan path helps us connect with our own power, which can ease depression and anxiety."

Of course, you don't have to be a full-on Pagan to benefit from alternative rituals or "spells." Just take it from Reshena Johnson, an integrated energy therapy practitioner known as The Homegirl Healer in Washington, D.C. "When you think about ritual, it is very spiritual, but it is also very orderly," she says. "When the steps of a ritual are provided to you, it allows you to focus your energy and thinking. This … can give you a reprieve from the thoughts and emotions that can trap us." Certainly, balance is important, and seeking help from a traditional doctor for mental health concerns is sometimes very necessary. Even witches know that. Their point is not to do away with contemporary medicine—instead, it's to encourage us to approach our mental health with a sense of mindfulness and self-possession. "While the science of modern medicine is an important part of managing things like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, nature's medicine fortifies our healing process," Johnson explains. "Our current knowledge of spiritual healing is simply a modernized version of what our ancestors knew all along: Nature heals."

With that in mind, we consulted our trio of witches to put together this list of mood-boosting spells. From mind-clearing baths to energizing crystal therapy, here are six magical rituals to make you a very happy witch.

Movies, books, and folklore have contributed to the portrayal of spiders as villains and creatures to be feared. In reality, most spiders are harmless to humans and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They are natural predators of insects, helping to control populations of pests like flies and mosquitoes.

Smudge Your Space

Smudging is an ancient practice that energetically cleanses a space using the power of herbs and smoke. "The spaces that we occupy are sponges for all kinds of energy, some good and some that we would rather not have around us," Johnson explains. "Smudging is a great way to energetically clear and reset our space and ourselves."

Sage is often the go-to herb for smudging because it works to clear out old, stagnant energy. But it's so powerful that it also clears out positive energy too, so after smudging, you'll need to replenish the space with good vibes, using materials like palo santo or sweetgrass. According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, there is specific preliminary support for the use of sage in that of mood and memory. "A 2005 study showed that common sage improved memory and cognition (thinking ability)," she reports. "In addition, increased dosages were related to improvements in mood, and feeling alert, calm, and content," she says.

Check out Johnson's two-part smudging spell below:

Materials:

• White sage (either loose or bundled)
• Palo Santo stick and/or a Sweetgrass braid
• Lighter

Instructions:

Light the sage and guide it in clockwise, circular motions around whichever space you wish to smudge, starting from the back of the room and working toward the front. "You will need to make sure that you clear each corner, shadow spaces, and door and window sills," Johnson says. Then light your palo santo stick or sweetgrass and repeat the same steps.

Put on your favorite uplifting Spotify playlist after smudging to further infuse your space with positive energy.

Some spiders can even be beneficial to humans by aiding in pest control in gardens and homes. However, a few species of spiders do possess venom that can be harmful or even deadly to humans. Examples include the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. These spiders are typically found in specific regions and habitats, and encounters with them are relatively rare. Even in regions where these spiders are present, bites are infrequent and fatalities are extremely rare. It is important to note that even if bitten by a venomous spider, immediate medical attention can usually prevent serious complications or death. Most spider bites cause only mild symptoms, such as local pain, redness, and swelling. It is only in very rare cases that severe reactions or complications may occur. Education and understanding of spiders can help alleviate unnecessary fear and anxiety. By learning about different spider species and their behaviors, it becomes clear that the majority of spiders are harmless and even beneficial. Understanding the signs of a dangerous spider bite and seeking medical attention when necessary can also help address concerns related to the deadly curse of the spider. In conclusion, the deadly curse of the spider is a misperception that has led to a widespread fear of spiders. While some spiders do possess venom that can cause harm, the fear and stigma surrounding spiders is largely unfounded. Education, understanding, and taking appropriate precautions can help alleviate unnecessary anxiety and promote a more balanced view of these fascinating creatures..

Reviews for "The Spider's Curse: A Tale of Horror and Destruction"

1. Samantha - 1 star

I found "Deadly Curse of the Spider" to be incredibly disappointing. The storyline was lackluster and predictable, with no real twist or surprise. The characters were one-dimensional and unrelatable, making it difficult to become emotionally invested in their plight. Additionally, the writing style was bland and filled with clichés, which further diminished my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and original thriller.

2. Peter - 2 stars

"Deadly Curse of the Spider" failed to live up to the hype for me. While the concept sounded intriguing, the execution fell flat. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom and little action. The plot felt disjointed and the resolution was rushed and unsatisfying. Furthermore, the dialogues were stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Overall, I wouldn't consider this book a standout in the thriller genre and would suggest looking for a more engaging read.

3. Lisa - 1 star

I regret wasting my time reading "Deadly Curse of the Spider". The narrative was riddled with plot holes and inconsistencies, making it difficult to follow and comprehend. The characters lacked depth, leaving me feeling apathetic towards their fate. Additionally, the writing was filled with grammatical errors and typos, suggesting a lack of thorough editing. Overall, this book was a major letdown and I would caution anyone considering reading it to choose another option from the genre.

Legends of the Cursed Spider: A Deadly Folklore Tradition