Long ago on a dark moonless night when I was still quite young and oh, so, impressionable, I listened as someone with authority stated that “Most sins are committed at the Devil’s or Witching Hour.”
The next day immediately after school, I ran to the Library on 50th Street and Tenth Avenue to research this tantalizing nugget of information. Immediately, I learned it is called The Witching Hour, and the folklore reputation has lingered since 1835.
In the quiet of the library, I also learned that afternoon that according to Western Christian tradition, the hour between 3 and 4 a.m. was considered a period of peak supernatural activity. Apparently, that was due to the absence of prayers in the canonical hours.
Find out what's happening in Massapequafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Then I read about whispers that witches, demons and ghosts appear at this time of night and are at their most powerful.
The small iota of knowledge I learned that day remained dormant until recently when my monthly credit card bill appeared.
Find out what's happening in Massapequafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
As I reviewed it, wondering why I needed, wanted or ordered, some of the miscellaneous items, I observed the orders were all placed at the same hour, to be precise after 11 p.m. Suddenly, I recalled my hurried visit to a NYC Public Library on a long ago rainy afternoon.
While I am not an ardent believer in either witchcraft or black magic, I must admit my zone of caution apparently disappears rapidly at my own personal Witching Hour. As I reviewed the ambiguous purchases, none vital or necessary to enhance my lifestyle, I recognized my own vulnerability.
The minute dusting wand to sprinkle sugar last month was hardly vital when I placed the order at 11:30. Nor was there any need to order a backlog of multi-colored ribbons at 11:45. I no longer wear a ponytail; nor do I know anyone who does.
My compelling need for 500 multicolored paper clips escapes me. The only clue is the time it was placed, again at my own witching hour, between 11 p.m, and Midnight.
I am hopeful there is no need for an exorcist, not yet anyhow. However, I have taken the needed precaution of turning my Ipad off, putting it in the desk drawer immediately after the 9 pm news ends.
I think my financial situation will improve immediately, although Amazon will undoubtedly miss a very good customer. And perhaps I should think about going to bed earlier.
.
