The Spiritual Meanings of a Hole in the Ear (Preauricular Pit)

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Discover the rare ear hole’s spiritual, mythical, & biblical significance

Co-authored by Stina Garbis and Devin McSween

Last Updated: March 6, 2024 Fact Checked

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Spiritual Meanings

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Myths

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Biblical Meaning

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Placement Meanings

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What is a hole in the ear?

Ear holes, or preauricular pits, are tiny cavities in front of the ear that form from sinus tracts. According to many spiritual beliefs and superstitions, these holes can mean you’re spiritually sensitive, blessed with spiritual abilities, or full of good luck. Keep reading to learn what ear holes are and what they might mean spiritually and in myths and the Bible.

Things You Should Know

A hole in the ear can mean you are connected to the spiritual world. It reminds you to embrace your uniqueness and believe in yourself.
According to superstition, a hole in the ear means you’re a divine messenger or you have an important spiritual mission.
In some myths, ear holes can give you psychic abilities. They can also be a sign that you’re a wise and powerful leader.

Section 1 of 5:

Spiritual Meanings of Having a Hole in Your Ear

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You might have supernatural or spiritual hearing. Having a hole in your ear can connect you to the spiritual world. You might be able to communicate with angels or talk to spirits and ancestors.^{[1]
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- This can also mean that you have exceptional hearing in the physical world, too.
- Take your ear hole as a sign to develop your spirituality. Meditating or practicing mindfulness can grow your awareness and help you feel at peace.^{[2]
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You might have spiritual abilities. Many people believe that a hole in the ear is a gift from the divine. With this mark, God or another power might give you heightened intuition, the ability to receive spiritual messages, or healing powers.^{[3]
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- Your ear hole can also be a sign of a spiritual awakening or increased awareness.
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You might be extra sensitive. If you have a hole in your ear, you might take other people’s words and opinions to heart. So, this little mark can be a spiritual message to believe in yourself and block out others’ opinions.^{[4]
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- Whenever you look at your ear hole, take a moment to remember all of your incredible skills and accomplishments.
- To stop caring what others think, center your happiness on pursuing the things you love. Try new hobbies and set goals to help you achieve your dreams.^{[5]
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You need to be open to the universe. The hole in your ear can be a powerful reminder of the wisdom the universe has to offer you. Your ear mark can help you connect with your spiritual side and receive the universe’s wisdom.
- For instance, give gratitude for the people, things, and opportunities in your life to help open yourself to the universe.
- Or, say affirmations to deepen your spiritual connection, like “I am open to the universe” or “I embrace my spiritual journey.”
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You need to embrace your uniqueness. Having a hole in your ear is considered a sweet reminder of your individuality. It can be a message to embrace and celebrate what makes you special.^{[6]
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- Your ear mark can also be a spiritual sign to express yourself. You might develop a unique fashion style or create art to be your most authentic self.
In many cultures, an ear hole is believed to bless you with good fortune and divine protection. If you have this mark, you might find that things tend to work out in your favor!^{[7]
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You need to remember to be positive. In tough times, your ear hole can remind you to stay optimistic. It can help you quiet negative thoughts and focus on the love and support around you.
- It can also be a sign to let more positivity into your life. Practice positive self-talk, focus on self-care, or take every opportunity to smile and laugh.^{[8]
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Section 2 of 5:

Hole in Ear Myths and Superstitions

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Having a hole in the ear means you’re a divine messenger. In many cultures, people believe that an ear hole makes you a bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds. God or another power might have chosen you to spread their word and made you spiritually sensitive.^{[9]
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- In some religions, like Islam, the ear hole is considered the mark of a prophet.
According to other myths, an ear hole bestows you with the ability to read minds or predict the future. It can also be a sign of spiritual communication and heightened intuition.^{[10]
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A hole in the ear means you have a higher spiritual purpose. The hole in your ear might reveal your spiritual destiny. It’s believed that this mark means you were put on Earth to help others.^{[11]
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- For instance, it might reveal your destiny to help people find their purpose, be their best selves, or heal.
Many people believe that a hole in the ear grants you confidence, compassion, wisdom, and loyalty. These qualities might make you a great leader that people come to for guidance, support, and advice.^{[12]
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According to some superstitions, an ear hole makes you incredibly special and means you’re destined for greatness.^{[13]
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In some cultures, the hole in the ear is seen as a sign of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity. While this mark might indicate riches in your future, it is also believed to be a sign of a generous person.
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The hole in the ear evolved from fish. Some scientists believe that holes in the ears are remnants of fish gills. The ancestors of humans lost their gill remains as they evolved to live on land, but some people might still have this evolutionary mark.^{[14]
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- Ear holes form from the pharyngeal arches when you’re just an embryo. In fish, the pharyngeal arches develop into gills.^{[15]
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In cultures like India, piercing your ear is a way to recognize the divine and your ancestors. It might also help you achieve higher levels of consciousness.

Section 3 of 5:

Biblical Meaning of Hole in Ear

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In the Bible, a hole in the ear can symbolize devotion to God. While ear holes aren’t specifically mentioned in the Bible, some passages refer to ear openings and piercings as symbols of serving god:
- In Psalm 40:6-8, David thanks God for giving him an “open ear” that allows him to serve and worship God. So, your ear hole can be a reminder to pray to God and seek his guidance.^{[16]
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- Exodus 21:6 refers to the act of piercing people’s ears to mark them as slaves. Your ear hole can be a sign to serve God by giving your thanks to Him, volunteering in your community, and spreading His word.^{[17]
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Section 4 of 5:

Hole Placement Meaning

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If it’s on your right ear, it can be a sign of spiritual gifts like intuition and divine communication. If the hole is on your left ear, it might indicate that you’re a natural leader who is strong, confident, and caring.^{[18]
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Having a hole in your ear might mean you’re an understanding and caring person. You might find it easy to pick up on subtle energy shifts and decode spiritual messages.^{[19]
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Section 5 of 5:

What is a hole in the ear?

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Preauricular pits are sinus tracts that formed in the wrong place. These ear holes are congenital, meaning they develop during pregnancy and are present at birth. They’re caused by parts of the ear and sinus tracts forming incorrectly, though scientists don’t know exactly why.^{[20]
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- Preauricular pits are harmless but can get infected. Your doctor can treat the infection with antibiotics or by draining the sinus tract. If you get infections often, they can surgically remove the pit.^{[21]
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- In the US and UK, only about 1% of the population has one. In Asian and African countries, about 4-10% of the population has one.^{[22]
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- Preauricular pits can form on both ears, though it’s more common to only have one.