When Things Go Bump in the Night: Understanding the Witching Hour

The witching hour. Just saying it out loud can send shivers down your spine. Waking up in the middle of the night is the last thing you want (seriously, can you even remember the days of pulling all-nighters?), but at 3 a.m., this inconvenience can become downright spooky. If you've ever felt a hint of the paranormal in the middle of the night, you may have experienced the witching hour. Keep reading for a full understanding of the witching hour and what can happen during the dead of night — if you dare.

What Is the Witching Hour?

According to folklore, the witching hour is a specific time of night when paranormal activity is most likely to occur. That's because the veil between the living and the dead becomes thinner during this time. Ghosts and spirits can travel more easily between the two worlds, and the living become more aware of their presence here on Earth. If you wake up during the witching hour, you won't turn into Haley Joel Osment à la "The Sixth Sense" — but you may have a stronger sense of the supernatural.

When Is the Witching Hour?

The exact time of the witching hour depends on who you ask. Today, it's most commonly believed to occur from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m., in the darkest part of the night. This time has roots in religious beliefs, at least somewhat. Christians believe Jesus was crucified at 3 p.m. Since the devil is the inversion of Christ, 3 a.m. became known as the peak time of demonic activity. The number three can also be a mockery of the Holy Trinity, which may have led to the belief that 3 a.m. is the devil's hour.

Of course, the devil and witchcraft have nothing to do with one another. But people believed witches became more powerful at night, particularly at midnight. Others believed witches were active throughout the night, from sunset to sunrise. Over time, the 3 a.m. hour became known as the witching hour, probably because it coincided with other beliefs about supernatural activity.

What Happens During the Witching Hour?

Again, folklore is mixed about what happens during the witching hour. You've probably heard some of the superstitions, such as if you look in the mirror, you may see a ghost in the reflection. Those theories come from the belief that ghosts and spirits can pass more freely between the two worlds during the witching hour. That's also why mediums can communicate more easily with spirits during this time. For the same reason, paranormal investigators often conduct their research during the witching hour since there's a better chance to capture some supernatural activity.

Witching Hour Rituals

Let's be real: Unless you're a thrill-seeker, you probably don't want to wake up in the middle of the night with your heart pounding, scared to go to the bathroom in case you encounter a ghost on the way. But if you constantly wake up only to discover it's 3 a.m. again, here are some rituals you can do to calm down. Let the spirits do their thing, and you can sleep peacefully.

Create a Sleep Ritual

Technically, you do this before falling asleep, but it's still good advice. Create a sleep ritual to set yourself up for a good night's rest, minus the ghosts and demons. Turn down the thermostat or use a fan to cool your room to an ideal sleeping temperature. Set out some of your favorite crystals. Find ways to relax before bedtime, such as lighting a candle or diffusing essential oils. Do this same ritual nightly to prepare your body for sleep.

Wear a Sleep Mask

If you wake up during the witching hour, the problem may be light interfering with your sleep. Use a sleep mask to block the natural light from your windows or other sources. Of course, make sure you keep your bedroom dark. Hang blackout curtains or shades, so car headlights or an early sunrise don't wake you up.

Use a White Noise Machine

Block out the things that go bump in the night with a white noise machine. Sounds such as ocean waves and thunderstorms can help you fall asleep — and stay asleep. You can even download apps to play white noise from your phone.

Is the Witching Hour Real?

So, here's the million-dollar question: Is the witching hour real? Like all things associated with the paranormal, it's difficult to prove, but it's certainly not impossible. The idea has become ingrained in modern-day culture, making it a popular reference in everything from horror movies to the scary stories you tell around a campfire. Some people swear they feel the presence of spirits in the middle of the night, while skeptics have doubts. And if you're a parent, the term “witching hour” may have a totally different meaning to you!

We can't tell you whether the witching hour is real or not. Honestly, that's something only you can determine for yourself. But you have to admit that there's a lot we don't know about the paranormal realm. So, the next time you wake up at 3 a.m., just know that the tingly feeling you have may not be a coincidence.

Get the Answers You're Looking For

What do you think about the witching hour? Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, you can benefit from talking it over with an intuitive Psychic Advisor. At PathForward, our Psychics specialize in providing insightful, accurate readings to answer all your questions. You can trust us to tell you the truth, whether you're wondering about the supernatural or seeking advice about how to live your best life. Don't be scared — give us a try today.