A witches ball, also known as a witch ball or a fairy orb, is a traditional decorative object that is believed to protect a home from evil spirits, witches, and other negative energies. These mystical objects originated in the European folk traditions and are often made of glass or crystal. The main purpose of a witches ball is to trap and hold negative energies, preventing them from entering the home. It is said that evil spirits are attracted to the enchanting colors and patterns of the ball, and become trapped within its hollow space. Once trapped, the energy is unable to escape and is neutralized by the positive energy emitted by the ball. Traditionally, witches balls are hung near windows or doors, where they can catch and deflect any negative energies that may try to enter the home.
Traditionally, witches balls are hung near windows or doors, where they can catch and deflect any negative energies that may try to enter the home. The mesmerizing beauty of the ball also serves as a deterrent for any potential malevolent spirits or witches, as they are believed to be repelled by the ball's reflection and light. In addition to their protective qualities, witches balls are also considered to be symbols of good luck, prosperity, and fortune.
Witch Ball Folklore
Witch Balls have been very popular since the 18th century. First in England, then in New England, but their actual origin is considered to be much older. For well over 3 centuries hollow glass spheres have been hung in windows to ward off witch's spells, evil spirits and ill fortune. Hanging these decorative glass balls in the window or on the porch is thought to tantalize mischievous spirits which may be threatening a home's tranquillity. The wayward spirit is mesmerized by the ball's reflective beauty. When the spirit touches the sphere it is absorbed and trapped in the web-like strands of the glass inside the ball.
A witch ball or speculum was a device used for scrying or divining things. Sometimes the speculum was a magic mirror, a polished stone, or a crystal ball. Some witches fashioned specula from black bowls filled with water. By gazing into the reflective depths, a witch could find answers to urgent questions, predict future events, or see faraway places. In maritime villages, witches sent out the glass globes fishermen use to hold their nets afloat. The globes were usually made of dark blue or green glass and appeared quite innocuous. Biddy Early, a well-known Irish witch, had a favorite blue glass bottle with which she used to view the future.
Witch Balls measure up to 10 inches in diameter, and are occasionally decorated in enamelled stripes and swirls or varying colors. Some are mirrored for use as convex mirrors. Crystal gazers sometimes claimed they used balls in which the spirits of dead souls had been banished. Therefore, the seer was thought to be dealing with spirits. Hollow glass balls have been suspended in the windows of homes for centuries to ward off evil spirits. Legends say that evil spirits are attracted to the beauty of the ball, and upon touching its surface they are pulled inside and become forever trapped within the glittering web, thus protecting the home from any harm.
Now commonly known as "Witch Balls", these colorful glass balls originated in England during the 18th century, as people hung them in their windows to ward off demons and their evil spells. Witch Balls were originally glass balls used to protect various pieces of glass as they shipped around the world. A glass ball was blown and used as a means to protect the edges of a vase of cup as it was transported. Along the way, collectors began using these leftover pieces of glass as art and the history of the Witch Ball was developed.
Over time the philosophy of what a Witch Ball is and should be has changed and number artists over the years have altered the Witch Ball to include vibrant colors, strands inside, twisting patterns and shape.
We here at Iron Art Glass Designs have been creating Witch Balls for the past 15 years originally starting off by producing designs in six inch diameter and eventually producing our current selection of various shapes and sizes. We currently offer almost a half dozen different Witch Ball shapes and sizes and over 150 different color combinations. We currently offer the largest selection of Witch Balls and colored glass balls anywhere.
Our selection of Witch Balls currently include almost 100 different designs of six inch Witch Balls in various color combinations. We have also expanded our selection of four inch Witch Balls to include almost 50 different color designs. Please browse our inventory often because we are always adding new designs. Our latest Medusa Spirit Balls use a solid color from the bottom that is pulled up to the top to create a mesmerizing sensation that protects your home like ancient times.
Our Witch Balls are blown spherically round and include numerous colors. All of our Witch Balls include blown glass strands that protrude through the bottom of the ball and meet near the top. The majority of our Witch Balls are approximately colored 66% of the glass and include at least three strands. Some designs may vary. All of our Witch Balls are hand blown from recycled glass one at a time. We use a special glass produced only in Germany that provides for vibrant colors that can not be replicated anyone where else.
We offer a 100% buy back guarantee* on all of our Witch Balls. We offer the best selection, price and service when it comes to Witch Balls and we promise you won't be disappointed.
Let the magic of our Witch Balls protect your home.
Let the magic of our Witch Balls protect your home.
It is believed that by hanging a witches ball in your home, you are inviting positive energies and blessings into your life. Today, witches balls are still used as decorative objects and are often found in gardens, patio areas, or other outdoor spaces. Many people also collect witches balls as a way to honor their cultural heritage or simply for their aesthetic appeal. Overall, a witches ball is a mystical and enchanting object that serves as a talisman of protection and good luck. Regardless of one's beliefs, these beautiful glass orbs continue to captivate our imagination and provide a sense of magic in our lives..
Reviews for "The Science Behind the Magic: The Physics of Witches Balls"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I recently purchased "What is a witches ball used for" hoping to gain some interesting information about the history and uses of witches balls. However, I was sorely disappointed. The book lacked any depth and failed to provide any substantial details about the subject matter. The content felt superficial and did not engage me as a reader. I would not recommend this book to those seeking a comprehensive understanding of witches balls.
2. Mark - 1 star - This book was a complete waste of my time and money. The author seemed to have no real knowledge or expertise on the topic of witches balls. I was hoping for a well-researched exploration of their historical significance and various uses, but instead, I got a poorly written and poorly organized mess. The information provided was minimal, and the author frequently went off on unnecessary tangents. I would advise anyone interested in this subject to look for other resources instead.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "What is a witches ball used for" fell short of my expectations. The book was riddled with grammatical errors, which made it difficult to read and understand. The author's writing style was lackluster and failed to captivate my attention. Additionally, the content itself felt repetitive, with the same information being reiterated throughout the book. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wanting more in terms of depth and substance. Overall, I cannot recommend this book to others.