In light of the holiday season, I wanted to cast a shadow on some of the darker elements of Halloween. I returned to my apartment the other night only to find a black cat bolting across the parking lot. Now, for many this is a sign of bad luck, but I didn’t give it a second thought.

Superstition is any belief that is inconsistent with the known laws of science or with what is considered true and rational, such as a belief in omens or the supernatural.

I find these to be nonsense, and I do not consider myself superstitious.

Numerology has always fascinated me, but no number is more feared than dare I say it –- 13. The fear of the number 13 is still common today and avoided in many different ways. Some buildings still do not have an official 13th floor, and many people avoid driving or going anywhere on Friday the 13th.

It is important to note that superstitions aren’t always about the glass being half empty. You may find luck in carrying a rabbit’s foot around or finding good ole Abe heads up in a parking lot -– I pick up the pennies regardless, don’t you know they still spend the same?

Whether it’s omens or old wives tales, I like to stay grounded in the rational. So this Halloween, I’ll plan to keep my salt in the salt shaker, pet the next black cat that crosses my path and will continue to disregard superstitions.