Crossroads, they are found everywhere, all over the world, and if you are a fan of the TV series ‘Supernatural’ like me, you will already be familiar with one branch of the folklore. They are site at which two roads, pathways or hollow ways cross and are considered to be magical places. Throughout history a crossroad has been a place of offering, wishing and sacrifice. They are places where it is thought the border between realms is thin, often haunted by black dogs and tricksters they are sites to contact spirits, witness paranormal events or even make a deal with the devil. It is the latter that has been explored quite extensively in modern culture, the burying of a photograph, charm or other offering at the centre point of the crossed roads - usually at midnight or on a full moon - to summon the devil and make a deal in exchange for one’s soul.
The most famous account of this has recently been covered in the Netflix documentary ‘Remastered: Devil at the Crossroads’ which is the story of blues musician Robert Johnson and his song ‘Cross Road Blues’. Legend has it that Johnson himself sold his soul at a crossroad so he could learn to play guitar and be tremendously successful. Whether it is true or not, he did indeed become a famous guitarist, although an early death at the infamous age of 27 cut his career short … was that the expiration date of the devil’s deal?
The symbolism of crossroads is understandable - a point where north, south, east and west may meet, where the four winds blow and where decisions have to be made about which direction to take, both physically and metaphorically. A place where the normal rules were abandoned, it is documented that in medieval Britain, criminals were often buried at a crossroad believing that the multiple routes would confuse the dead and they could not return to the settlement, they were also used as sites of punishment and execution.
In Scotland it was said a person sitting at the centre point of a crossroad on a three-legged stool at midnight on Halloween (Samhain) would see the faces of those who would die the next year. Similarly in German folklore the same is true on New Years Eve where names of those who will die are whispered in the wind.
However, like all things in life, crossroad legends are not all bad or sinister. They play an important role in the practice of magic, especially where advice is needed. To make an offering here of food, drink, flowers or silver is said to bring answers or clarity to the person seeking them, they are also the place to start or continue adventures, personal growth and exploration, so next time you find yourself at a crossroad either in person or in your mind, maybe trust your gut and take the road that calls to you.
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Photo by Gabriele Tirelli on Unsplash
