Why turning your clock back may be bad luck – and how to change the time instead

Last weekend marked the return to winter time – which sees the time go back one hour to make mornings brighter (and inevitably, nights longer). 

While some clocks register the change automatically (for example, those on our phones or computers), some more traditional clocks require a manual reset – and this often means physically turning your clock backward. Though this process doesn't come without warning from those in the know. 

While there is a lot of research on how to create good feng shui in your home and how to promote positive energy (whether that is through knowing what color is good luck for a front door or best for your bedroom) – the superstition around clocks remains more of a mystery. 

Though, if there is ever a time to familiarize yourself with the relationship between time and good fortune, it is now.

Why turning your clock back may be bad luck – and what to do instead

In terms of the time change, there is no spiritual meaning, but the manual action of how you change your clock is the part that is believed to impact your good fortune.

'In terms of astrology and spiritual beliefs, the change of clocks makes no difference since astrological hours are counted between sunrises and sunsets and are therefore calculated the same way year-round,' explains celebrity psychic and spiritual expert Inbaal Honigman (opens in new tab).

However, while the passing of time is not significant, the clock element has significance in many cultural heritage beliefs.

'Clocks signify the passage of time and the way time passes in a person's life. Any issue with a clock could signify a problem with someone's remaining lifespan,' Inbaal says. 

'Turning a clock backward was considered bad luck, perhaps a leftover from yesteryear when old clocks would be damaged by turning the arms backward,' the psychic explains. 'To avoid this superstition, when it's time to move the clocks an hour forward, move them 23 hours ahead instead.'

The act of turning clocks back is inevitably on our minds at the point of the calendar – but as Inbaal explains, some more superstitions are said to impact our luck and feng shui at any point in the year. Therefore, if you're wondering, 'how do I feng shui my by bedroom for good luck,' it may be worth noting these pointers. 

'A stopped clock used to mean bad luck and even imminent death if no one stepped up to repair it. The symbolism was linked with the natural passage of time as if the clock controls the time and not the other way around,' Inbaal explains.

Psychic reader and spiritual healer Emily Newman (opens in new tab)emphasies this – reinforcing that 'according to superstition, if a broken clock starts running again or suddenly chimes, it might mean impending death.'

If you're researching the meaning of Feng Shui, or you want to know more about what brings good luck to your home, you may not have heard about the impact of clocks, so if you're yet to turn your clock back, this advice could certainly help.