What Does Sneezing Mean Spiritually?

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Blessings are coming your way soon

Co-authored by Cheyenne Main Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: October 20, 2024 Fact Checked

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Spiritual Meaning

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Number of Sneezes Meaning

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Time You Sneezed Meaning

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Why do we sneeze?

For centuries, people have believed that sneezing has very important spiritual meanings. While there’s no scientific evidence to support these beliefs, they’re still fun to think about! In this article, we’ll tell you everything that sneezing means, including how many times you sneeze and what time of day you sneeze. Keep reading to learn more!

Things You Should Know

Some cultures believe that if you sneeze, it means someone is talking about you, you’re releasing negative energy, or you’re going to encounter good luck.
Sneezing 2 times may mean you have a relationship that needs to be repaired while sneezing 8 times means that good luck is coming your way.
Sneezing is caused by anything that irritates the nerve endings in our sinuses.

Section 1 of 4:

What is the spiritual meaning of sneezing?

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1
Someone is talking about you. In China, Japan, and some other Asian cultures, it’s believed that if you sneeze, it means that someone else is talking about you behind your back. If you sneeze twice, it could mean they’re gossiping or talking badly about you. Sneezing three times may mean they’re telling a secret about you.^{[1]
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- According to Polish tradition, sneezing is a sign that your mother-in-law is criticizing or speaking ill about you to someone else. If you sneeze 2-3 times, it may be a sign that she’s very unhappy with you.^{[2]
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You’re releasing negative energy or warding off evil spirits. Sneezing may be your body’s way of releasing pent-up negative energy or emotions like frustration, anger, or hate and letting good vibes flow through you. Some even believe that sneezing clears out stagnant energy in the throat chakra.^{[3]
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- If you feel like your chakras are out of alignment, try to meditate, do yoga, or repeat positive affirmations to realign them.
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It’s a sign of good luck. According to Hindu beliefs, sneezing is a good omen and a sign of divine intervention in your life. Not only is sneezing good luck, but it may also be a blessing from a higher power.
- In some Native American traditions, it is believed that sneezing is a blessing of spiritual awakening that allows spirits to communicate with the living.
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Your soul has temporarily left your body. According to ancient beliefs, sneezing is the reaction that your body has after your soul has left your body. It was believed that sneezing protects you from evil spirits that might enter your body and replace your soul.^{[4]
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- Historians believe that this is one possible reason why people will often say “bless you” when someone sneezes. Another possible reason is that after the first plague, European Christians were commanded by Pope Gregory the Great to respond to sneezes with a blessing.^{[5]
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You might encounter a bit of misfortune. In many cultures, sneezing can be a sign that you’re about to run into some bad luck. It could also be a spiritual warning sign that you’re about to encounter something negative, whether you’re going to have a bad day at work or something else.
- According to this belief, if you sneeze 2-3 times in a row, it may mean that something bad is going to happen during the day.
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Sneezing repeatedly could mean that you’re in doubt of yourself. If you seem to keep sneezing, it may be a sign that you lack self-esteem or feel powerless. You may feel like you’re having difficulty fully being yourself or out-of-touch with your inner child.
- Sneezing over and over might also be a sign that you’re feeling constantly irritated, aggressive, or impatient.

Section 2 of 4:

Number of Sneezes Meaning

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1
Sneezing 2 times in a row means one of your relationships needs fixing. It might be a sign that your relationship with a friend or parent is strained right now, or that your relationship needs to be repaired. If you’d like to confront the person, try writing down 10 things you appreciate about that person and giving them some breathing room before talking with your family member or friend.^{[6]
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- Some African cultures believe that sneezing twice in a row is a sign to go ahead with your plans.
- Sneezing twice could also be a sign that you are loved by others or have incredible emotional strength.
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Sneezing 3 times in a row means that good luck is coming your way. Even if you feel like you’ve had a string of bad luck, sneezing 3 times can be a sign that you’re ready to leave those problems from your past behind and move forward in your journey of self-discovery toward bigger and better things.
- Sneezing 3 times can also indicate that you have a secret admirer who’s thinking about you.
In some Asian countries, the number 4 is considered to be very bad luck. However, in numerology, 4 has rational energy that can symbolize security and consistency. Even if misfortune has darkened your doorstep, sneezing 4 times may be a reminder that a wave of good will often balance out the bad.^{[7]
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Sneezing 5 times in a row is a warning to stay focused. If you sneeze 5 times, it may be a sign to pay attention to your goals and dreams. Stay on the path you’re on, and the universe may reward you. It might also be a gentle reminder from the universe to draw your attention to a part of your life you’ve been neglecting, whether it’s your love life, your career, or a forgotten hobby.
- Sneezing 5 times might also be a sign that someone is thinking about you.
Christians believe that the universe and all its creatures were created in 6 days. Sneezing 6 times could be a reminder to respect all of God’s creations and have faith in Him.^{[8]
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Sneezing 7 times in a row is a Biblical reminder to trust God. In 2 Kings 4:35, God resurrected the Shunammite’s son, Elisha, who sneezed 7 times before he opened his eyes. When you sneeze 7 times, it may be a symbol of repentance. It’s a sign that you are blessed by God, who has given humanity a new life.^{[9]
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- Sneezing 7 times could also be a sign that you’re on the right path and should keep moving forward.
In Chinese culture, 8 is considered the luckiest number of all and is often worked into wedding dates, birthdays, addresses, and finances. If you sneeze 8 times, it could be a sign that you will soon be blessed with good luck and fortune.^{[10]
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In numerology, the number 9 represents near completion, ushering in transition or transformation as a new cycle begins. Sneezing 9 times could be a reminder to release any pent-up negative energy to make room for this new wave of positive energy.^{[11]
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Since numerologists believe that 9 represents near completion, 10 represents complete wholeness and unity. If you sneeze 10 times, it means that you’re at the end of an old spiritual phase, and are currently paving the way for a new one to begin.^{[12]
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Section 3 of 4:

Sneezing at a Certain Time of Day

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Sneezing in the morning represents a fresh beginning. If you sneeze in the morning, it could symbolize a fresh start, a purification of your spirit, or a renewed connection with the natural world. Here are other possible meanings based on the time when you sneezed:
- 12-1 am: You will be happy all day long.
- 1-2 am: Someone wants to kiss you.
- 2-3 am: Someone new in your life loves you.
- 3-4 am: A wave of good fortune is coming your way.
- 4-5 am: You might soon experience love at first sight.
- 5-6 am: A close friend will help you with a problem.
- 6-7 am: You are about to encounter a new friend.
- 7-8 am: You may experience happiness all week.
- 8-9 am: You might receive an important letter in the mail.
- 9-10 am: You might be about to receive a happy message.
- 10-11 am: You will soon experience great joy.
- 11-12 am: You may be about to spend a lot of money.
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Sneezing during the evening or afternoon represents the end of a cycle. When you sneeze at the end of a long day, it may be a release of tension that you accumulate throughout the day. Here are other meanings, depending on the exact time you sneezed:
- 1-2 pm: Someone is thinking about you romantically.
- 2-3 pm: You may be about to experience rejection or enter an argument.
- 3-4 pm: Your greatest dream will soon come true.
- 4-5 pm: You can count on the ones you love most to help you.
- 5-6 pm: A loved one may be holding a grudge against you.
- 6-7 pm: You may encounter a few minor issues with money.
- 7-8 pm: Keep an eye out for unexpected changes in the near future.
- 8-9 pm: Your partner might give you a special gift.
- 9-10 pm: A meeting with someone you don’t know may surprise you.
- 10-11 pm: You’re going to encounter unexpected happiness.
- 11-12 pm: You may have been deceived by someone.

Section 4 of 4:

Why does sneezing happen?

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Sneezing is a reflex that happens when nerve endings inside your nose are stimulated. Sneezing is called “sternutation” and is an automatic reflex that is triggered when dust, perfume, smoke, mold, or other irritants enter the mucous membranes of your nose. Sneezing can also be caused by allergies, sickness, or a change in temperature, light, or air moisture. Throughout human history, people have associated both good and bad spiritual meanings with this normal reaction.^{[13]
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- Some people believe that the heart stops when you sneeze, but this is now considered a myth.