Friday the 13th: When Superstition Prevails

Are there things you won't do on the 13th? Do you avoid walking under ladders? Even the skeptics harbor some magical thoughts.

Begrudingly Bewitched

We're wired to find patterns and meaning—even where none exists
by Matthew Hutson

Do Coincidences Matter?

Serendipity suggests some unseen order in the world
by Jill Neimark

Make Your Own Luck

You don't have to believe in fate to make it work for you
by Rebecca Webber

Curse of the Bambino: Supernatural Sports

View from the otherworldly dugout
by Steven Kotler

Who Was a Scarier Presidential Candidate -- That French Rape Guy or Mike Huckabee?

Presidentially speaking, Mike Huckabee might be more of a disaster than a rapist
by Stanton Peele

Black cats, broken mirrors, and eating disorders

My anorexic superstitions only made life seem okay.
by Carrie Arnold

Preaching Doomsday: Living in the End Times

In these anxious times, it's not difficult getting a rise out of someone
by Christopher Lane, Ph.D.

The Power of the Weird

Knowing "the unknowable"
by Massimo Pigliucci

Are Autistic and Psychic People Similar?

A shared capacity for knowing without explaining
by Anneli Rufus

Harder, Better, Faster, Luckier

Superstitious charms and rituals actually do improve performance.
by Matthew Hutson

Is There Life After Death?

It depends how you think about your body
by Nathan A. Heflick, Ph.D.

Magical Thinking

Think you don't believe in magic? Think again. Our brains are designed to pick up on patterns: Making connections helped our ancestors survive. You're not crazy if you're fond of jinxes, lucky charms, premonitions, wish fulfillment, or karma. You're just human.

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Spirituality

Spirituality means something different to everyone. For some, it's about participating in organized religion: going to church, synagogue, a mosque, etc. For others, it's more personal: Some people get in touch with their spiritual side through private prayer, yoga, meditation, quiet reflection, or even long walks. 

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