Witches balls, also known as fairy balls or spirit balls, are decorative glass ornaments that are believed to have protective and magical properties. These balls have a long history and have been used in various ways throughout the years. The main purpose of witches balls is to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. It is believed that the shiny spherical shape and colorful designs of these glass balls can attract and capture evil spirits within them. This is because spirits are believed to be hypnotized by the reflective surface of the glass and become trapped inside the ball. The trapped spirits are then prevented from causing harm or entering a person's home.
And as a final note of warning: they say it is bad luck to sell a witch ball. So if you’re thinking of buying one, remember that a witch ball is for life, not just for Christmas. Good luck with starting your own collection!
According to legends, the shiny surface of witch balls entice evil spirits into the ball and then the strands of glass inside capture the spirits and keep them from escaping. Today they might be hung for a similar purpose, while for other people they are just a nice way to add a pop of colour and interest to a window or living space.
The trapped spirits are then prevented from causing harm or entering a person's home. Witches balls are commonly hung in windows or doorways, where they can catch the light and reflect it back into the room. This is believed to bring good luck, positive energy, and protection to the household.
What is a Witch Ball?
The most common question we are asked is “What is the difference between a “Kugel” (Friendship Ball) and an Art Glass Witch Ball. A kugel does not have inner strands, and are often made with full color coverage. A witch’s ball or witch ball is usually made with stands or glass webbing inside. Color coverage is often limited, and / or transparent colors are used to allow one to see the strands inside.
Historically in cultures that accepted magic and magical practitioners, witch balls were made, and then blessed or enchanted by the local witch or medicine woman before being placed in the window of ones abode to forestall any negative energies or spirits that could cause ill will or sickness. In cultures that were fearful of the arcane, they were said to repel all of the above, along with witches spells and curses. The colors of the ball were said to attract any malevolent spirits. They are sometimes not that smart, so once entranced, the spirit would lean in just a hair too close and get ensnared within the strands encapsulated inside. Once encased inside of the ball, it was deemed harmless and the spirit would be dissipated by the morning sun. Today, they carry a much lighter meaning, normally used as a charm for the home. They have been said to be beneficial in repelling the following (But not limited to):
*Invisible Stink Bugs
*Tap Dancing Spiders
For us, a witch ball, at first, is born in concept; a thought, feeling or environment we want to be able to artistically capture. Once we have found the perfect color combination and design to convey the concept, we go to work in front of the glass kiln. 2,000 degrees of hot, molten glass awaits, to be formed into the next beautiful piece of art glass. Pulling the glass onto the tip of the glass blowers pipe, the artist then works granulate color into the surface, creating unique patterns, and swirls of color on the hot, bubbled surface. The glass blob is mouth blown, while being further manipulated with the influences of fire, gravity, and the hand of man. Even though we work toward a certain design idea or concept, the forces of nature ultimately determine the unique outcome of each piece. After sizing the ball we add the pad and loop, so one can hang the finished witch ball.
The finished piece is something exclusive, a piece that only our art glass can provide. Once in your hand, you can see and feel the presence of something special, something of substance. Because of the amount of glass needed to provide the effect of a witch ball, it does have some weight to it. There may even be bubbles in the glass, air from the artist’s lungs, forever encapsulated. Your hand can feel each piece of melted, granulate color. As you are hypnotized by the outer workings, your eyes refocus to see the strands inside; the hidden gems. Each strand is hued with hints of the outer colors, each separate, but woven together, working in artistic harmony.
Our art glass designs are exclusive to our company. Even though we make hundreds of designs, each ball is literally unique, given the handmade process. So, you hold in your hand, a truly one of a kind piece, available only from us.
There are several variations relating to the purpose of witch balls. According to folk tales, witch balls would entice evil spirits with their bright colours; the strands inside the ball would then capture the spirit and prevent it from escaping. Another tradition holds that witch balls or spherical mirrors prevented a witch from being in a room, because witches supposedly did not have a reflection or could not bear seeing their own reflection. Yet another variation contends that witch balls were used to avert the evil eye, by attracting the gaze of the eye and preventing harm to the house and its inhabitants.
In some cultures, it is believed that the witches ball can also bring good fortune, as it acts as a beacon for attracting positive spirits and guiding them to the home. In addition to their protective properties, witches balls are also used for decorative purposes. They come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, making them popular as ornamental pieces. Many people collect witches balls and display them in their homes as a form of art. Overall, witches balls have been utilized throughout history as a means of protection, luck, and decoration. Whether you believe in their magical properties or not, there is no denying the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating these unique glass ornaments..
Reviews for "Witches Balls in Rituals and Spellwork: Unlocking their Magical Potential"
1. John - 1 star - This book was a complete waste of my time. The title is misleading and the content is even worse. I expected to learn about the history and uses of witches balls, but instead, all I got was a poorly written and confusing narrative. The author jumps from one topic to another without any clear structure or explanation. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "How are witches balls utilized" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book lacks depth and fails to provide any substantial information about the topic. It reads more like a personal memoir than a factual account of witches balls. The author's writing style is choppy and the book lacks proper editing. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with this book.
3. Laura - 2 stars - As someone who enjoys learning about folklore and traditional practices, I was excited to dive into "How are witches balls utilized." However, I found the content to be lacking and superficial. The book merely scratches the surface of witches balls and doesn't provide any meaningful insights or in-depth research. It feels like a rushed and poorly researched attempt at exploring the topic. I would recommend looking for other resources if you're genuinely interested in learning about witches balls.