Definition: Widdershins refers to the direction of movement that is counterclockwise, or contrary to the apparent motion of the sun in the Northern Hemisphere. It is often used in cultural, historical, and folkloric contexts.
Overview: The term "widdershins" is primarily encountered in European folklore, particularly within Germanic and British traditions. Historically, moving widdershins—against the sun's path—was sometimes associated with ritual or magical practices. In certain traditions, such movement was believed to have supernatural consequences, including attracting spirits or invoking curses. Conversely, deosil (or deiseil), meaning clockwise, was considered auspicious and in harmony with natural and divine order.
Etymology/Origin: The word "widdershins" originates from Middle Low German "weddersinnes," meaning "in the opposite direction." It is derived from "wider" (against) and "sinnes" (direction or way). The term entered English in the 16th century, particularly through Scots and Northern English dialects.
Characteristics:
- Directional: Indicates movement in a counterclockwise direction.
- Cultural Connotation: In folk traditions, it often carries a negative or ominous association, symbolizing inversion, taboo, or anti-ritual action.
- Ritual Use: Some modern pagan and occult practices deliberately use widdershins movement to banish or undo, contrasting with deosil for invoking or building energy.
Related Topics:
- Deosil (or sunwise) – the clockwise direction, often contrasted with widdershins.
- Folk magic and Neopaganism – contemporary spiritual systems where directional movement holds symbolic meaning.
- Solar symbolism – the perceived path of the sun influencing cultural concepts of directionality.
- Superstitions in Germanic and Celtic cultures – traditional beliefs surrounding movement and ritual direction.
