The origins of an ancient custom.

May your horse be blocked like Balaam’s ass!

Could populist rage be a symptom of a post-Christian society?

From the shamanic ceremonies of Brooklyn to the organic-cocoa-beans-and-beer sacrifices of Hawaii.

And where did modern Hebrew get its word for one?

Why are secular Norwegians chasing ghosts?

Why is there a prohibition against drinking water during solstices?

The practice of spitting three times to ward off the evil eye is ingrained in the traditional superstitions of Jews—and of countless other peoples.