The eyes are probably the most expressive part of a person’s body. When someone is sad, the eyes produce tears, when they are angry the eyes give off a feeling of intensity. Have you ever heard the phrase “if looks could kill“? This is referred to as the Evil Eye.
The evil eye is a supernatural belief of a bad intentions or misfortune being brought on by a malevolent glare. Ever been given the stink eye by someone? Someone who looks at you in disgust, anger, or envy? This is an example of the evil eye.
Some believe that they can feel when they have been impacted by the evil eye with the decrease in their physical and mental health, they may have a string of bad luck, come down with a sickness or disease, or even death.
Some people may not even know that they are casting the evil eye, which is why the evil eye was and still is feared today. There are ways to protect yourself and your home from someone who may potentially cast the evil eye upon you, which we will get to further into this post.
Origins
The exact origins are not really known. Amulets have been discovered dating back over 5000 years. Some think it started in ancient Egypt, but what we do know is that it was and still is part of Turkish, Greek, North and Eastern Africa, Middle East, and Central Asian cultures. Since then, the belief has spread throughout the world and is a part of many cultures and religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Egyptian, and Judaism.
The different types of Evil Eye
As mentioned above, there are those who intentionally cast the evil eye, but some may do it unknowingly.
- Unconscious- this means someone unintentionally casts the evil eye with no intentions of causing harm.
- Conscious- this means that the caster certainly has full intentions on causing harm
Protection against the Evil Eye
Protection is such an important part of witchcraft, it is essential. Basically, if someone sends a hex your way, there are no warning signs and nothing that says what the hex is and who sent it your way. You would never know when it happens. So having protective measures in place to repel any potential attacks is something one should really consider.
What can be used as protection?
There are different ways to protect yourself and your home. Throughout history, amulets and talismans were made to ward off any potential ill intent someone may have placed on you. There are two popular types of symbols that have been used for protection, dating all the way back to the origins of this belief.
Hamsa
Hamsa, meaning “five” in Arabic is a talisman in the shape of a palm (or hand) that symbolizes protection, power, blessings and strength. It is also known as the hand of Fatima it was used in Northern Africa and the Middle East. Hamsa can be seen with the fingers slightly parted open meaning protection from evil, or the fingers will be closed, meaning good fortune.
This symbol was commonly carved into metals like silver and jet which were believed to hold magical properties and then turned into jewelry and wall hangings. The wall hangings would be put up by doorways to protect the home.
Although Hamsa has been turning into home decor items, jewelry is still the most common way Hamsa is used today.
Nazar Boncuk Charm
The Turkish symbol or the Nazar Boncuk charm is the one that everyone is most familiar with for the most part. And if you have never been familiar with the evil eye concept, I bet you have seen this symbol before. Nazar meaning ‘sight’ and Boncuk meaning ‘bead’ thus making this known as the eye bead.
The symbol looks like an eye itself with dark blue on the outside, followed by three smaller circles. White (representing the eyeball), light blue (representing the iris), and then a black dot in the center (representing the pupil).
The Nazar charm represents protection, good luck, and fortune. Throughout history, this symbol was found in almost every home. Parents would give their children an amulet or talisman to wear or to have in their own home. Receiving this symbol as a gift is considered a good omen and this is why it is a very common housewarming gift.
Before, amulets and talismans were worn or put in the home. This then expanded into jewelry and beads which were commonly made from glass. Today you can find it on almost everything. Stickers, clothing, wind chimes, mosaics, the list goes on.
If you are looking for a real Nazar Boncuk charm, be sure to avoid anything made from plastic. These items are commonly made with glass or crystals. If you can purchase one from Turkey, you will have an authentic Nazar Boncuk.
Why is the Evil Eye Blue?
The belief behind the blue is thought to be due to blue eyes. Blues eyes were not common and were considered rare in the Mediterranean area. So, when a blue-eyed traveler like a European came to the area, they were looked at as ‘up to no good‘.
Some sources believe that the Turks and Greeks referred the blue eyes to the Vikings when they began sailing East to explore and raid new lands. This is why it was thought to be why the Nazar charm is blue and that it symbolizes bad luck and misfortune.
No one really knows for sure why the color is mainly blue. For whatever the real reason is, we now have a stunning talisman that we can use to protect ourselves further from those harmful unseen forces.
Other Nazar Boncuk Colors and Meanings
Red: Protects against fear and anxiety; encourages, gives energy and confidence, passion, vitality
Orange: Protection, promotes creativity, happiness, commitment
Yellow: Protects health, promotes concentration and may relieve exhaustion
Light Green: Promotes good health, success, enjoyment, life
Dark Green: Balance, happiness, freedom
Light Blue: Peace, perspective, general protection,
Dark Blue: Communication, karma protection, relaxation, good luck, ward off evil, motivation, wisdom
Purple: Balance, remove obstacles and may boost your imagination
Pink: Content, calm, friendship, feminism, relaxation of the mind, compassion, attract positive energy
White: New beginnings, clarity, focus, purity, innocence, understanding
Black: Protection against negative energy and evil spirits (especially when in mourning), resilience, strength
Grey: Open mind, protection against pain and sorrow
Brown: Protection from the elements, grounding, connecting with nature, solace
If you own an evil eye item, make sure you remember to charge your item under the full moon.
What if your Evil Eye item breaks?
Now, say you own a bracelet, or a necklace and it breaks. What does that mean? Some believe that the magic worked, and your item prevented someone’s ill intentions towards you. If an item breaks, do not try to repair it. It has done its job, and it is now time to get a new one.
Once you get a new one, remember to cleanse it and charge it so it has the energy it needs to keep you and your home safe.