People have believed in malevolent spells and کتاب حکمت قرن divine favors for thousands of years, across global traditions. These ideas are not just superstitions passed down through stories; they are deeply rooted in the human mind and how we make sense of the world. Belief in curses and blessings often arises from our need to explain events that seem random or unfair. When something bad happens without an obvious cause, it is easier for the mind to attribute it to an external force—a curse than to accept the uncontrollable luck. Similarly, when good things happen unexpectedly, we may see them as a blessing, a sign that someone or something is watching over us.

The psychology behind these beliefs is tied to our innate drive to find connections. Humans are programmed to detect causality, even when none exist. This is called apophenia. If you say something negative about someone and then they have bad luck, your brain might conflate the events. The mind constructs a meaningful story that feels satisfying, even if it is not logical. This same mechanism makes people feel that a positive energy has responded after a sacred act, reinforcing the belief that words or actions have invisible power.

Cultural transmission plays a a foundational role. From childhood, we are exposed to folktales, customs, and taboos about ill will and sacred protection. These ideas become part of our mental framework, often without us consciously acknowledging. A elder’s prophecy, a religious teaching, or a regional myth can shape how we respond to adversity and success. Even people who consider themselves rational may still feel unease when someone speaks a curse, or comfort when they receive a blessing, because these ideas are anchored in deep psychological roots.

Placebo and nocebo effects are also significant. The nocebo effect is when fear triggers tangible distress. If someone believes they are cursed, they may experience physical decline due to mental burden because of that conviction. On the flip side, the healing power of hope can make someone feel stronger, healthier, or more protected after receiving a spiritual affirmation. The mind has a powerful influence over the body, and conviction modifies neurochemical activity.

Social dynamics reinforce these beliefs. When a community shares a shared conviction about spiritual forces, it creates a collective cohesion. Rituals around warding off evil or inviting good can strengthen communal bonds, offering comfort in times of fear or uncertainty. Even in contemporary cultures, people wear amulets, say prayers, or avoid certain numbers not because they are logically convinced, but because these acts provide a sense of control.

Importantly, belief in spiritual judgment and favor is not always baseless. It can be a coping mechanism. Life is chaotic, and agency is false. Believing in a positive spiritual intervention can renew purpose. Believing in a negative force can explain pain sometimes even shifting blame away from themselves. In this way, these beliefs serve a psychological function: they alleviate fear and create structure.

Understanding the psychology of curses and blessings does not mean we have to dismiss them as nonsense. Instead, we can see them as expressions of primal desires—to understand, to influence, to belong. Whether we believe in them or not, they remain enduring drivers of emotion and behavior.