13-Pennies Protection

The Cajun werewolf,  known as the Rougarou, is a monstrous, lupine figure believed to stalk the swamps, especially at night. This terrifying creature is a shape-shifter said to curse those it encounters, bringing fear and superstition to Creole/Cajun communities for generations. The Rougarou’s legendary status has influenced local traditions and protective folk practices in ways that reflect the unique spiritual fabric of Creole/Cajun culture.

Among the many protective rituals designed to fend off this mythical creature, placing 13 pennies on the doorstep is perhaps one of the most well-known. This peculiar tradition relies on a mix of superstition, numerology, and the belief that the Rougarou can be thwarted through trickery. According to legend, when the Rougarou approaches a home with the intention of breaking in, it becomes fixated on counting the objects it encounters. However, since the Rougarou is believed to be unable to grasp the concept of the number 13, it becomes caught in a loop, endlessly counting the pennies but never reaching a satisfactory conclusion. By dawn, the creature is forced to retreat into the swamp, thus sparing the household from its wrath. This ritual is emblematic of the cunning tactics that characterizes much of Creole/Cajun folk magic, where simple household items take on new meaning as powerful protective tools.

The Rougarou legend serves as both a cautionary tale and a cultural touchstone, connecting people to their environment and each other. The Creole/Cajun concept of protection often emphasizes resourcefulness and accessibility, using everyday items imbued with symbolic significance. Pennies, for example, are both common and affordable, making this protective ritual accessible to anyone. It also reflects an understanding of the Rougarou as a creature governed by certain limitations or “rules,” which the Creole/Cajun people cleverly use to their advantage. By capitalizing on the creature’s obsessive counting habit and its inability to grasp the number 13, Creole/Cajun communities demonstrate an imaginative approach to folk magic that combines folklore with pragmatic concerns about safety.

The significance of 13 in this ritual ties into broader Creole/Cajun superstitions surrounding numbers and symbols. In various cultures, 13 is often associated with bad luck or danger, yet in Creole/Cajun lore, it serves as a protective number, embodying a sense of mystery and warding power. The number 13, much like the Rougarou itself, has the dual power to frighten and protect, representing a force that disrupts normal order, whether through its uncanny ability to baffle the Rougarou or through the fear it instills in people who might not fully understand its meaning.

Folk practices in Creole/Cajunn communities reveal a deep respect for natural forces and a recognition of the unseen, mystical elements that shape daily life. The Rougarou legend and the associated protective customs underscore the close relationship between Creole/Cajun people and the swampy landscapes they inhabit. By creating rituals like the 13-penny tradition, the Creoles/Cajuns reinforce their connection to place and the creatures—mythical or real—that inhabit it. These rituals are as much about honoring the local environment as they are about seeking protection from its mysterious dangers.

Items Needed:

• 13 pennies (choose pennies with bright shine if possible, symbolizing vigilance)

• Small bowl of salt (for cleansing the pennies)

• Sprig of rosemary or sage (for additional protection)

• Candle (white or black for protection)

Timing:

• This ritual can be done at night, preferably under a full moon, to enhance protection and symbolically “illuminate” the Rougarou’s path away from your home. Alternatively, any evening close to dusk works as well.

Steps:

1. Cleansing the Pennies:

   • Begin by holding the 13 pennies in your hands and close your eyes.

   • Say: “By salt and by spirit, I cleanse these coins of all past and bring them into this moment, a shield and barrier to protect my home.”

   • Sprinkle a small amount of salt over the pennies or gently rub them with it. This step is intended to remove any lingering energies from their previous owners or locations.

2. Setting Your Intention:

   • Place the bowl of cleansed pennies on a small table or in your hands.

   • Hold the sprig of rosemary or sage above the pennies.

   • Light the candle and take a few deep breaths, focusing your energy and intention on protection and safety.

   • Say: “With these 13, I guard this home. No creature nor spirit with harm in its heart shall cross this threshold.”

3. Placing the Pennies:

   • Begin placing each penny one by one on the doorstep, carefully counting them out loud.

   • Place each penny in a single line or circle, either around the doorway or at the threshold, to form a barrier that the Rougarou cannot cross.

   • With each penny, repeat:
     One for wisdom, two for sight,
     Three for protection through the night.
     Four for courage, five for peace,
     Six for strength that will not cease.
     Seven for blessings, eight for grace,
     Nine for safety in this place.
     Ten for love that binds us tight,
     Eleven for shadows turned to light.
     Twelve for harmony, all around,
     Thirteen to keep the Rougarou bound. 

4. Sealing the Ritual:

   • Once all 13 pennies are placed, stand back and visualize a protective barrier around your home.

   • Say: “By dawn’s light, confusion take thee. Bound by 13, turn back and leave!”

   • Thank the rosemary or sage for its protection, and leave it in a small bowl or pouch by the door, or tuck it under the doormat if desired, as an additional layer of protection.

5. Extinguishing the Candle:

   • Blow out the candle, sealing the ritual. Allow any remaining wax to cool, and place it safely in a drawer or on a shelf near the door as a talisman of protection.

   • Leave the pennies in place overnight. You can renew the ritual as often as you like, especially when you feel the need for extra protection.

Additional Notes:

• Maintenance: Should a penny go missing, replace it with a new one, giving thanks and repeating the line: “By dawn’s light, confusion take thee.”

• Timing Consideration: This ritual is most powerful when renewed on the first night of each full moon, a time associated with heightened mystical energy and protective strength in Cajun tradition.