Fear of the number eight (octophobia)

Octophobia is a fear of the number 8. Someone with it might avoid house numbers, dates, prices or seat numbers containing an eight. Some say the looping shape of the figure itself makes them uneasy.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek okto, meaning eight. It is rare and appears mostly on lists of phobias. It belongs to a group of number fears that includes the better-known triskaidekaphobia, a fear of the number 13.

What it feels like

• Changing plans to avoid the eighth of the month
• Discomfort at the shape of the figure 8
• Choosing prices, seats or rooms that avoid an eight

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is a fear of a number superstition or a phobia?

It can be either. A mild preference to avoid a number is usually superstition. When avoiding it causes real anxiety or affects choices about work, travel or home, it is closer to a phobia.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

See all session options and prices