If you’ve found this page you’re probably wondering – what’s the symbolism and spiritual meaning of a nail? The fasteners, not the other nails. Or, maybe it’s more like – why do I keep finding nails everywhere? Alternatively, maybe you had an experience similar to my own.
One morning I found a couple of nails near the rear tire of my car. My first thought was a bit of paranoia, is someone trying to give me a flat tire?! How did these nails get here? Where did they come from? Once I calmed down, I remembered that my car is kept inside of a garage. And, only I had been in the garage.
Okay, that’s pretty weird for sure. I literally have no explanation for where these nails are from. I’m not using nails or doing a lot of woodworking currently. This seems like a message. But, what? What does finding a nail mean spiritually?
Well, you’re in the right place! We’re going to explore all about the symbolism and spiritual meaning of nails, rusty and bent alike. We’ll talk about the uses of nails in witchcraft and other practices. In fact, you might even say that you’ve nailed it by finding this article. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
But, before we get further into it. I did manage to figure out where the mystical nails came from in my story. Turns out a neighbor was having new siding put on his home and a few nails somehow ended up rolling under the door into my garage. Still, regardless of the source, a nail is an important symbol and message you won’t want to overlook. So, let’s get started!
Symbolism And Spiritual Meaning Of A Nail
First, let’s get a general idea of the symbolism of the nail before we get into specific situations and what they mean. Nails are generally used to pin one thing to another. So, from a general spiritual perspective, nails symbolize binding things together. But, the symbolism goes much deeper than that.
Here’s a list of the common symbolism and spiritual meaning of a nail:
- Joining things together.
- Protection.
- Security and Housing.
- Reliability and Structure.
- Lust and Passion.
- Strength.
- Virtue.
What Does It Mean When I Find A Nail?
So, you’re probably asking yourself – what’s the spiritual meaning of finding a nail? Finding a nail means that you may need to pay more attention to the things you are attached to. Nails are sometimes messages from the other side and an important sign of protection and strength.
Nails are fasteners used to attach one thing to another. And, a loose nail is no longer doing its job! So, finding a nail is a message to look at your current attachments. Are you holding on to things that are no longer serving your highest good? Are you staying in toxic environments out of fear? Finding a nail can be a symbol of freeing yourself from the things that bind you. Or, it can be a message that it’s time to commit yourself to something you believe in.
It’s also important to remember that nails are used to hold our very homes together. So, they can represent stability, protection, and reliability. Therefore, finding a nail can be a symbol that you may need to take a look at the foundations in your life. Do you feel secure in your home? How can you build more stability and structure in your life?
Nails are also commonly sent as messages from the other side as well. Much like finding dimes, they can be a symbol that deceased loved ones are near you offering their protection and guidance. This is especially true if you shared a home with this person before or they worked in construction. This is because nails have a connection with housing.
So, those are pretty serious messages! It may seem that finding a nail is possibly bad luck even. But, quite the contrary! Nails have been used for good luck for centuries. Let’s explore further.
Is It Good Luck To Find A Nail?
If you’re wondering whether or not it’s good luck to find a nail, you’ll be probably relieved! Finding a nail is actually very, very good luck. Did you know Pliny the Elder believed that hammering three nails into a house was actually more lucky than a horse shoe? It’s true. In ancient Rome it was thought that hammering nails into the walls of a house protected them from the plague and all sorts of misfortune. That sounds like good luck.
This tradition continued on into medieval France when horseshoe nails were thought to bring good luck to new brides. Often they were made into fashionable rings at the time. Even today you might find a horseshoe ring brings you good luck since they carry the same meaning as the horseshoe itself.
So, not only are nails good luck, but they’re incredibly protective as well. In fact, there’s some speculation that nails were used in coffins to protect the body from any wandering spirits who might wish to take up residence. In some Celtic traditions, hammering an iron nail near the hearth was thought to bring good luck and keep any possible thieves away. It was probably iron as an additional precaution because you never know what those faeries are up to!
Spiritual Meaning Of Running Over A Nail
Okay, so finding a nail seems like good luck and an overall positive experience. But, what if you find one in your tire? That doesn’t really seem like good luck at all! Trust me, I know from personal experience myself. Finding a nail in your tire on the side of a busy highway is usually NOT good luck. So, what’s the spiritual meaning of finding a nail in your tire?
Well, tires keep us safely on the road an allow us traction to successfully navigate through our environment. A flat tire can symbolize feeling as though things are out of control in your life. Or, that you are somehow stuck and unable to move forward. When a nail causes a flat tire, it’s a clear message to look at the things that you are currently attached to and if they are somehow holding you back. Do you feel trapped in your current circumstances?
If you keep going around in circles with the same old problems, it may be time to try and move beyond them. Try a new perspective when it comes to solutions. Or, consider removing yourself from the situation altogether.
And, try not to be too upset about the flat tire. Remember, there’s no way of knowing what might have happened if you didn’t have a flat. Nails are a symbol of protection after all. Sometimes we just need a little course correction to put us on the right path. Despite the inconvenience!
Spiritual Meaning Of A Rusty Nail
Okay, so we already have a pretty good idea of what a nail symbolizes. But, what does a rusty nail mean? Well, a rusty nail symbolizes time, age, and natural progression. But, more than that it symbolizes deterioration and possible neglect.
So, is finding a rusty nail a good thing or a bad thing? Well, that really depends on your own belief systems. Some believe that a rusty nail means that all the good luck and protection of a nail is actually stronger as it continues to persist despite exposure to the elements. In certain magic practices they’re actually sought out because it means they are even more powerful.
On the other hand, some believe rusty nails can be a symbol of bad luck and things falling apart. From this perspective, a rusty nail has failed since it no longer is strong enough to fasten two things together. Ultimately, take only what resonates with you and leave the rest. And remember, even if a rusty nail is a sign of things falling apart, it only makes room for bigger and better things to enter.
What Does Finding A Rusty Nail At My House Mean?
Did you know that’s common to place rusty nails near homes in witchcraft? It’s a fairly old tradition. In fact, an old bottle full of rusty nails was found in Virginia buried near a Civil War encampment – check out the story here.
But, the usage goes way back further than the 1860s. Rusty nails in bottles are commonly called witch bottles, and often are filled with urine, vinegar, or other unpleasant things. So, what’s the symbolism of finding nails near your home? And, should you be worried?
Rusty nails in bottles were often buried near homes for protection. Because nails are usually made from iron, they offer protection from all sorts of negative entities and mythical beings. Iron has a connection with strength, protection, and grounding. It’s also common for practitioners to even hang rusty nails from doorways to stop any negativity from sneaking in through the back.
But, nails can also be used to nail something down. For instance, in voodoo there’s a belief you can stop an eviction by using nails or railroad ties in each corner of the property. This secures your position on the property by essentially nailing it down.
Nails can also be used in more aggressive forms of magic from representing nailing an idea into someone’s stubborn mind or even bringing harm to someone or their relationship. Generally for these purposes, rusty nails are preferential. Read more about the uses of nails in magic practices here.
So, should you be worried if you find a nail at your house? Probably not. In most cases, nails are for protection. But, if you truly do believe nails are being used in spell work against you, make sure to seek help from a trusted individual in your spiritual community.
Spiritual Meaning Of A Bent Nail
Are you wondering what does finding a bent nail mean? A bent nail may be a sign that there could be some obstacles along your way to success. That’s a pretty straight-forward message, unlike a bent nail. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. But really, when we think of a nail, a hammer puts it in place very quick and forcefully. It’s a very direct way of attaching two things together.
However, when a nail is bent there is something in the way of that direct path. As a result, we can assume that you may have to bend to accommodate circumstances you aren’t expecting. It is important to note that success will most likely still happen, but it may take more energy than you anticipate. A bent nail still generally has the same meaning as a nail that isn’t bent. In fact, bent nails were often worn as symbols of good luck.
If the bent nail is rusty, it could symbolize that success will come in time. Possibly a very long time, since forces of nature have to do their work, much like they did on the nail. Of course, this usually only applies to things we are trying to bring into our lives. If you are trying to be rid of something, for instance you’re going through a divorce, a rusty bent nail can be an omen that you are finally unbound to something that has long been full of struggle and effort.
What Does It Mean If You See A Nail Sticking Out?
Have you seen a nail sticking out from a board or a wall? Or, maybe you’re like me and happened to find a nail sticking out of your floor. With your foot. Ouch! Not very fun at all. So, what’s the spiritual meaning of a nail sticking out?
A nail sticking partially out of a surface is a sign that things may soon need some work in your life to stay together. In other words, you may need to work on the foundations closest to you to keep things together. How this relates to you specifically will be different according to your own personal circumstances. It could be anything from spending more time with a partner to stop a potential break up, to actually physically working on your house somehow.
But, try not to worry too much. This is usually just a warning. After all, how do you fix a nail that’s come out? You either get a hammer and knock it right back in! Nice, quick, and easy. Or, pull it out. The choice is ultimately up to you.
Nails And Christianity
No article written on nails would be complete without mentioning the symbolism of nails in Christianity. The nail is obviously important since Jesus was said to be crucified with nails. Therefore, the nail can symbolize strength and sacrifice. In some branches, three nails is actually used to represent Jesus. And of course, the Holy Trinity. However, the amount of nails is actually up for debate. This belief is known as Triclavianism.
But, this belief of three nails being spiritually significant has a very long history. For instance, in ancient Rome, the fates were called to feasts with three knives, which is pretty similar if you think about it. This is a bit of esoteric knowledge, and far too much to cover on the page. But, you can check out this fantastically written article on the nail if you’re interested in this connection.
Does Finding A Nail Mean I’ll Be In Love Soon?
Last, but certainly not least, it’s important to mention the symbolism of the nail when it comes to love and partnership. After all, one of the meanings was passion and lust! So, what’s the association between the nail and love?
Well, the most obvious connection is that nail symbolizes the binding of two things together. That can be two people and two lives as well! The nail also has a connection with strength and foundation too. Both really great things when it comes to forming a pair bond!
But, the nail also has an association with lust because of its rather phallic shape. After all, there’s a reason that nail is a verb in the slang world. So, just keep in mind if you are looking for a long standing relationship, to be careful when you find a nail and you have a date on the agenda. The connection might be rather passionate but short. Of course, as always, follow your intuition. But, finding a screw actually symbolizes more long standing commitments. A nail is sharp and to the point. Which can be good or bad, depending on what you are looking for.