seventh son Man who inherits great magical powers, according to widespread folklore. Seven is a number that is important in folklore relating to MAGIC. A seventh son possesses natural abilities for CLAIRVOYANCE, PROPHECY, control of spirits, and healing. A seventh son of a seventh son is considered to be the most powerful of all. However, the supernatural ability then diminishes in reverse for the next seven generations.
Robert Kirk, a 17th-century minister who wrote about FAIRIES, was a seventh son and may have possessed natural psychic abilities that enabled him to see and comprehend the fairy realm.
Seventh daughters are valued among some Gypsies for their reputed fortune-telling abilities.