When black snails cross your path
Black clouds much moisture hath
~Rhyme from Devon
Snails are easier to spot in late summer when they enjoy the increased humidity. To prevent bad luck when a black snail crossed their path, miners in Cornwall would offer the snail a bite of their supper. Though it is believed to be unlucky to find a snail inside one's house, tossing one over one's left shoulder will bring good luck, though it would not be appreciated by the snail.
Over the centuries, gastropods have often been used for medicinal cures, weather, and love divination. One folk remedy suggests snail soup for curing breathing problems, another advises boiling snails in barley water to cure coughs and colds.
In Scotland, a recommended divination to discover who your true love is, was to place a snail in the ashes of a hearth on Halloween. The following day, the shape of the snail’s trail will reveal the initials of your true love.
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