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Counting Crows: Understanding the Superstition

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Written by: Dawn Black (Witchipedia)

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Reviewed by: Tina Caro

Of the many superstitions associated with crows and their corvid cousins, the ravens and the magpies, counting crows seems to be the most popular.

The tradition began sometime in the 1600s, it would seem, with the appearance of the earliest rhymes referencing magpies in Europe, but we humans like alliteration, so keep in mind that this form of augury can be applied to either crows or magpies, whichever is local to you.

It is said that if your count tallies up to bad luck, (especially if your count is One) your bad luck can be countered by greeting the corvid in question, “Greetings Mr. Crow/Magpie! I salute you!”. A treat might help too, but a lone corvid is quick to note where free food comes from. You might be counting him daily thereafter.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Crows have long been associated with superstitions and witchcraft due to their mysterious and intelligent nature.

In some cultures, crows are seen as messengers between the living and the spirit world, making them powerful symbols in witchcraft.

The “Three Crows” rhyme, which goes “One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy,” holds deep mystical significance, with each count representing different aspects of life and fate.

Crows are believed to possess the ability to foretell future events, and their behavior and cawing patterns are closely observed by witches and practitioners of the craft for divination purposes.

CultureBelief or Interpretation
Western folkloreSuperstition associated with counting crows
Native AmericanCrows as spirit animals or messengers
Celtic folkloreCrows as omens or symbols of wisdom
Hindu mythologyCrows as messengers of deities or ancestors
Japanese folkloreCrows as symbols of good luck or protection
African folkloreCrows as symbols of intelligence or trickery
Norse mythologyCrows as companions of Odin and symbols of knowledge
Table 1: Cultural Variations

There are many rhymes associated with the superstition that can be used for clapping and jump rope games and to help you remember your omens.

Keep in mind while counting crows that this only applies if crows (or ravens or magpies) are unusual to your area or the spot you are observing. If they live nearby, it’s not an omen. It’s just corvids hanging out.

In general (but not always)

  • One Crow — bad luck, loss, death, unpleasant catastrophic change. (It should be noted that seeing a corvid alone would be unusual as they are gregarious species.)
  • Two Crows — good luck, a major change for the better, joy.
  • Three Crows — a wedding or celebration, or the birth of a girl
  • Four Crows — a birth, particularly of a boy, a new beginning
  • Five Crows — money coming in, good business
  • Six Crows — major money change, could mean loss or gain, depending on the rhyme
  • Seven Crows — a secret, a mystery, or a curse
  • Eight Crows — a life-altering experience, usually positive
  • Nine Crows — love, positive recognition
  • Ten Crows — a complete turnaround in luck
  • Eleven Crows — News, surprise, secrets hidden or revealed
  • Twelve Crows — Also good luck, completion, fulfillment
  • Thirteen Crows — Completion, the end of a situation

The Rhymes

One version, the first portion of which is featured in A Murder of One by Counting Crows goes something like this:

The rest probably goes something like this-

Another version, the first part of which was quoted by Pandora in Season 3, Episode 1 of the Television show Sleepy Hollow.

“One for sorrow, two for mirth. Three for a wedding, and four for a birth. Five for silver, six for gold. Seven for a secret… not to be told.”

The rest probably goes something like-

In 1992, The Dictionary of Superstitions by Oxford University Press published this version:

One for sorrow,
two for mirth,
three for a wedding,
four for birth,
five for rich,
six for poor,
Seven for a witch,
I can tell you no more.

Other versions I have heard from “word of mouth” sources:

One crow sorrow, Two crows mirth,
three crows a wedding, four crows a birth,
five brings silver, six takes wealth,
seven crows a secret, I can’t tell.

and

One for sadness, two for mirth;
Three for marriage, four for birth;
Five for laughing, six for crying:
Seven for sickness, eight for dying;
Nine for silver, ten for gold;
Eleven a secret that will never be told.

More Information Online

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About Morningbird (Witchipedia's Founder)

I am a homesteading hearth witch who grew up along the shores of the Hudson River and has lived among the Great Lakes for the past 20 years. Together with my musical husband and youngest child, I steward a one-acre mini homestead with herb, vegetable and flower gardens, chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits, and areas reserved for native plants and wildlife. 

I have three children; two are grown, and I have been practicing magick alone and with family and friends for over 30 years.

2 thoughts on “Counting Crows: Understanding the Superstition”

  1. The version I know is:

    One for sorrow
    Two for joy
    Three for a girl
    Four for a boy
    Five for silver
    Six for gold
    Seven for a story never to be told

    Reply

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