Witch balls have long been associated with folk magic, protection, and the warding off of evil spirits. These decorative glass balls, which are usually hollow with a hole in the top, are believed to attract and capture negative energy, preventing it from entering a home or a space. The history of witch balls dates back to 17th century England, where they were commonly hung in windows or doorways. It was believed that these balls would attract and trap any evil spirits or negative energy that entered a home. The intricate designs and vibrant colors of the glass were thought to confuse and distract malevolent beings, preventing them from causing harm. The term "witch ball" likely comes from the Middle English word "wiche," meaning "to bewitch" or "cast a spell.
9. M. V. Berry, ‘The Squint Moon and the Witch Ball’, New Journal of Physics 17 (June 2015).
The Museum of Witchcraft Magic recently acquired photographs from a visitor, Narelle Sharp, whose grandmother owned a witch ball together with a convex mirror. Given the belief in their evil-averting properties, it is perhaps unsurprising that witch balls, alongside their spherical cousins crystal balls, were to be found hanging in clairvoyants parlours and fortune-tellers booths throughout the twentieth century.
The term "witch ball" likely comes from the Middle English word "wiche," meaning "to bewitch" or "cast a spell." The popularity of witch balls expanded to other parts of Europe, where they took on different names and variations. In Germany, they were called "hexenbesen" or "witch brooms", while in Croatia, they were known as "vještičje kugle.
Inner Lives
" While the primary function of witch balls was to protect against evil spirits, they were also used for divination and scrying. Some believed that by gazing into the reflective surface of a witch ball, one could receive messages or visions from the spirit world. Today, witch balls are mostly used as decorative items, admired for their beauty and historical significance. They can still be found in homes, gardens, and even museums around the world. Modern witch balls are often made of colored glass, although some are crafted from other materials, such as metal or plastic. While the belief in the protective power of witch balls may be seen as superstitious by some, their enduring popularity suggests that there is still value in the traditions and practices of our ancestors. Whether used as a decorative piece or a symbol of spiritual protection, witch balls continue to captivate and intrigue people with their mystical allure..
Reviews for "The Symbolism of Witch Balls in Witchcraft and Paganism"
1. John - 2/5 - I found "Witch balle near ne" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was confusing and poorly developed, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters lacked depth and I couldn't connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing style seemed rushed and the grammar errors were distracting. Overall, I felt let down by this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 1/5 - I really struggled to get through "Witch balle near ne". The plot was incredibly slow-paced and uneventful, leaving me bored and disinterested. The dialogue between the characters felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to believe or care about their interactions. Furthermore, the ending was unsatisfying and left me with more questions than answers. It's safe to say that I did not enjoy this book and will not be reading any more of this author's work.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - "Witch balle near ne" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The world-building was weak and lacking in detail, making it difficult to envision the setting. The magic system was poorly explained, leaving me confused about its limitations and rules. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed action scenes. While the concept seemed interesting, the execution was lacking and I was left feeling unsatisfied by this book.
4. Michael - 3/5 - Although "Witch balle near ne" had a promising premise, I found it to be mediocre at best. The writing style was simplistic and lacked depth, failing to create a truly immersive reading experience. I also found the character development to be lacking, as the main characters felt one-dimensional and lacked complexity. While the book had its moments of excitement, it ultimately failed to captivate me throughout. I wouldn't necessarily discourage others from reading it, but I wouldn't prioritize it either.