Don't believe in the evil eye, but how do I ward it off?
February 21, 2018 1:14 PM Subscribe
I don't believe in the evil eye, but friends and colleagues who do have been asking me in real seriousness if someone might have put it on me. What do people who believe in the evil eye do to ward it off?
Things ranging from tragic to inconvenient have been happening to me and my immediate family over and over again in a condensed period of time. People I know from a variety of evil-eye-believing cultures keep asking me if I'm a victim of it. I don't believe in the evil eye, but I'm figuring it's probably not harmful to do some stuff to ward it off anyway. What can I do with minimal crossing of the cultural appropriation line, using things available in Seattle, WA?
Things ranging from tragic to inconvenient have been happening to me and my immediate family over and over again in a condensed period of time. People I know from a variety of evil-eye-believing cultures keep asking me if I'm a victim of it. I don't believe in the evil eye, but I'm figuring it's probably not harmful to do some stuff to ward it off anyway. What can I do with minimal crossing of the cultural appropriation line, using things available in Seattle, WA?
My Italian grandmother used to wear an Italian horn and a Mano Cornuto charm on a chain around her neck. She gave them to all of us grandkids to wear and of course we did not. Anyway, you can order them online, and I'm sure her spirit will be thrilled that someone is following her advice.
posted by kimberussell at 1:23 PM on February 21, 2018 [12 favorites]
posted by kimberussell at 1:23 PM on February 21, 2018 [12 favorites]
Ask your colleagues if they can help. It's a concept that exists is many disparate cultures, and so the protective measures are going to be pretty culturally specific. Asking is respectful without you needing to affirm you actually believe in it... they'll offer what they are comfortable offering.
posted by lefty lucky cat at 1:23 PM on February 21, 2018 [12 favorites]
posted by lefty lucky cat at 1:23 PM on February 21, 2018 [12 favorites]
'Evil eye' means different things to different people and in different cultures / practices. I'm assuming people who are mentioning this to you are friends; you might ask them if they have any suggestions. They may have a practitioner they recommend, or a simple practice you could try (burning a candle, taking a bath, wearing a specific piece of jewelry).
If your own culture has any similar tradition (many do -- even if you didn't grow up in a family that practiced it), you might feel more comfortable doing a little research and following those practices. Most practices are quite simple and don't require much beyond simple household goods (an egg, some charcoal, some salt, a candle, some thread, a mirror, it varies but most are very common and easy to obtain).
If that doesn't appeal, the simplest and most common cleansing material is ordinary salt. Even if you don't 'believe,' the ritual act of cleansing and care may be helpful for you. Clean your house well, sprinkle salt in the corners and on the thresholds / windowsills, and sweep it out. If you have a bathtub, draw yourself a warm bath, add salt and perhaps some fresh herbs -- rosemary and lavender are nice choices -- and soak, then rinse. You might also try candles or incense, but the precise makeup of these varies in different traditions.
posted by halation at 1:28 PM on February 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
If your own culture has any similar tradition (many do -- even if you didn't grow up in a family that practiced it), you might feel more comfortable doing a little research and following those practices. Most practices are quite simple and don't require much beyond simple household goods (an egg, some charcoal, some salt, a candle, some thread, a mirror, it varies but most are very common and easy to obtain).
If that doesn't appeal, the simplest and most common cleansing material is ordinary salt. Even if you don't 'believe,' the ritual act of cleansing and care may be helpful for you. Clean your house well, sprinkle salt in the corners and on the thresholds / windowsills, and sweep it out. If you have a bathtub, draw yourself a warm bath, add salt and perhaps some fresh herbs -- rosemary and lavender are nice choices -- and soak, then rinse. You might also try candles or incense, but the precise makeup of these varies in different traditions.
posted by halation at 1:28 PM on February 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
Since you're concerned about cultural appropriation, I'll mention horseshoes and rabbit feet here (poor rabbits!) -- they were the "mainstream" (yet "old-fashioned") wards I grew up knowing about in the US.
posted by mylittlepoppet at 1:32 PM on February 21, 2018
posted by mylittlepoppet at 1:32 PM on February 21, 2018
Response by poster: Oh, I should have mentioned that I'm American, white, and of Western European protestant heritage but don't practice a religion.
posted by centrifugal at 1:37 PM on February 21, 2018
posted by centrifugal at 1:37 PM on February 21, 2018
The hamsa amulet (an open hand with an eye in the center of the palm) is well known in Middle Eastern cultures - strands of Judaism (which is my background) as well as Muslim and Christian communities. It is a symbol of protection that wards off the evil eye. It is easy to find it in jewelry form.
Although, personally, I like the idea asking your helpful superstitious friends what they recommend - it could be a nice bond of friendship to ask their advice and it would remind you of their friendship when you do it.
posted by metahawk at 1:49 PM on February 21, 2018 [5 favorites]
Although, personally, I like the idea asking your helpful superstitious friends what they recommend - it could be a nice bond of friendship to ask their advice and it would remind you of their friendship when you do it.
posted by metahawk at 1:49 PM on February 21, 2018 [5 favorites]
I had a (jewish, immigrant) great grandfather who had his ear pierced to ward off the evil eye. My grandmother had her ears pierced when she was a baby (possibly for this purpose?). I have a small and sort of nondescript lower back tattoo which, as far as I am concerned, serves the same purpose.
posted by jessamyn at 1:55 PM on February 21, 2018
posted by jessamyn at 1:55 PM on February 21, 2018
hm. 'Western European' is pretty broad but acorns are considered lucky in quite a few of those cultures. Wrong time of year to pick one up, but you might look for a little acorn pin or amulet to keep with you. My grandmother (Irish) had a ring made out of a horseshoe nail, which is a bit easier to keep with one than an entire horseshoe.
If you've any Irish in you, you might use this charm for the breaking of an Evil Eye. Many borrow from Catholicism; this one doesn't quite so much. There's a whole ritual you can do, too, but it depends upon having access to a stream and pieces of gold and silver -- not so easy in modernity. You might, instead, write up a list of your misfortunes, trample on it while starting to reciting the charm, then burn the list while continuing to recite. Extinguish the list in a glass of water, then dump the water and ashes outside, away from your home.
posted by halation at 2:02 PM on February 21, 2018
If you've any Irish in you, you might use this charm for the breaking of an Evil Eye. Many borrow from Catholicism; this one doesn't quite so much. There's a whole ritual you can do, too, but it depends upon having access to a stream and pieces of gold and silver -- not so easy in modernity. You might, instead, write up a list of your misfortunes, trample on it while starting to reciting the charm, then burn the list while continuing to recite. Extinguish the list in a glass of water, then dump the water and ashes outside, away from your home.
posted by halation at 2:02 PM on February 21, 2018
The Greek evil eye is a popular tourist item. You could get one of the hanging ones and put it in a window, it just looks like pretty blue glass unless you know what it is.
posted by cabingirl at 2:03 PM on February 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by cabingirl at 2:03 PM on February 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
I would love it if I were an acquaintance of yours and you asked me to do a charm or a ward for you. I think that even if we don't "believe," we are wired deeply to respond to magic/placebo/whatever you want to call it. It can be a caring act and a way to share a little bit of connection and humanity. Since they are already offering their advice to you (that you've been attacked), they probably have something in mind that they could do for you!
posted by fiercecupcake at 2:23 PM on February 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by fiercecupcake at 2:23 PM on February 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
If I suspected I had been hexed, I would go see a reputable spirit worker and ask their advice. I can personally recommend Thundercloud, who reads cards at Tenzing Momo.
The reading should give you more information about what's going on. If it seems like further intervention is needed, you could offer him tobacco and money wrapped in red cloth and ask his help in clearing it up.
posted by ottereroticist at 2:24 PM on February 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
The reading should give you more information about what's going on. If it seems like further intervention is needed, you could offer him tobacco and money wrapped in red cloth and ask his help in clearing it up.
posted by ottereroticist at 2:24 PM on February 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
In Russian there's the word "sglazit'" (from "glaz," eye) which essentially means to bring the evil eye upon yourself through your actions or inactions. As far as behavior to ward it off (or to not encourage it to look upon you in the first place): don't reveal tentative good fortune until it's done. If you're worried about a medical test and the doctor says "it's probably nothing" don't tell anyone "it's nothing" until you have the result back. If you're expecting a big check don't tell anyone you're about to get a big check until the money is in your account.
In re: cultural appropriation, there's the Nazar which has no definitive origins (according to that Wikipedia entry the Phoenicians had them) and is used by a wide swath of different cultures.
posted by griphus at 2:24 PM on February 21, 2018 [5 favorites]
In re: cultural appropriation, there's the Nazar which has no definitive origins (according to that Wikipedia entry the Phoenicians had them) and is used by a wide swath of different cultures.
posted by griphus at 2:24 PM on February 21, 2018 [5 favorites]
My Portuguese family uses a mano figa charm for stuff like this.
posted by darchildre at 2:26 PM on February 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by darchildre at 2:26 PM on February 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
I would probably also ask your friends, but if you're not comfortable doing so, what you're looking for is often referred to as a jinx breaking or an uncrossing.
Personally if it were me, I would make a wash with things that represent positive fortune and healing (maybe coins, cinnamon, rose petals, a little honey) and clean my house, top to bottom and back to front, ending with sweeping and cleaning the front door step.
For my own body I would get myself into a body of naturally flowing water-- like a cold river-- and have a ritual bath, washing off anything that might be hanging on or floating around.
Then I'd throw a party in my newly cleaned house, make a lot of good food with the intention of feeding the people I love, and invite my musician friends over. It's hard for bad luck to hang on to a person who's been washed in flowing water and in a house full of music and good wishes.
posted by WidgetAlley at 2:26 PM on February 21, 2018 [6 favorites]
Personally if it were me, I would make a wash with things that represent positive fortune and healing (maybe coins, cinnamon, rose petals, a little honey) and clean my house, top to bottom and back to front, ending with sweeping and cleaning the front door step.
For my own body I would get myself into a body of naturally flowing water-- like a cold river-- and have a ritual bath, washing off anything that might be hanging on or floating around.
Then I'd throw a party in my newly cleaned house, make a lot of good food with the intention of feeding the people I love, and invite my musician friends over. It's hard for bad luck to hang on to a person who's been washed in flowing water and in a house full of music and good wishes.
posted by WidgetAlley at 2:26 PM on February 21, 2018 [6 favorites]
Also from a family of non-believing people who do stuff just in case. One thing that might be useful in your case is that we ring a bell through all the rooms of our houses to clean out the bad spirits. Normally we'll do it when we move in, but it can be done at any time if we feel it's necessary, for instance if there's been illness, or a fight, or a bad guest. Any bell is fine.
Spring cleaning is also good.
Horseshoes, both actual horseshoes and little tokens. Just remember the open side has to be upward.
Also, totem-ish objects can always be replaced, and it is very important to do so. We have a special thing that always has to be in a special place, or our farm will suffer tragedy, like burning down or disease or death or all at the same time. Once this item was stolen and we consulted a witch (as one does), and she said it was actually quite easy, you just find a replacement and put that in place, and the "spirits" will take that as respect and accept the replacement.
Oh, and obviously you need to feed the spirits. It may well be that you are feeding the wild cats, but who can tell the difference?
posted by mumimor at 2:58 PM on February 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
Spring cleaning is also good.
Horseshoes, both actual horseshoes and little tokens. Just remember the open side has to be upward.
Also, totem-ish objects can always be replaced, and it is very important to do so. We have a special thing that always has to be in a special place, or our farm will suffer tragedy, like burning down or disease or death or all at the same time. Once this item was stolen and we consulted a witch (as one does), and she said it was actually quite easy, you just find a replacement and put that in place, and the "spirits" will take that as respect and accept the replacement.
Oh, and obviously you need to feed the spirits. It may well be that you are feeding the wild cats, but who can tell the difference?
posted by mumimor at 2:58 PM on February 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
Ooh fun! I have a hamsa necklace for when I need it, and I recently acquired luggage tags with a hamsa decoration, and a slot for specific prayers, along with your name and info. If you need to sew clothes you're wearing, chew on a thread. When talking about good news, spit 3 times (it's the Yiddish version of knocking on wood). I'm fairly sure my grandmother purposely threw salt in the floor, but I have no idea why. I'm of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
posted by Valancy Rachel at 3:20 PM on February 21, 2018
posted by Valancy Rachel at 3:20 PM on February 21, 2018
Second the suggestion to ask your friends for help. In my family's tradition (secular Ashkenazi) the evil eye is something that can be cast on others on purpose, that you can cast on others or yourself accidentally through envy or negative thoughts, basically a whole variety of situations about social bonds breaking down without real communication. Having your friends and community do small rituals with you is a good way of re-establishing those bonds in a positive way, and like WidgetAlley said, makes an environment it's hard for bad luck to stick to.
posted by moonlight on vermont at 5:26 PM on February 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by moonlight on vermont at 5:26 PM on February 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
cabingirl covered all the Greek village lore I came in to talk about. My mother tried to explain to me that jealous people could put the evil eye on you just by being jealous, that is, they may have no real wish or reason to harm you. An automatic response. That never made sense to me. She had a really cool evil eye Greek style charm. I'll ask her what else she remembers about this subject and try to follow up.
posted by vrakatar at 7:11 PM on February 21, 2018
posted by vrakatar at 7:11 PM on February 21, 2018
Spring cleaning comes early this year!
Get a new broom, mop, other supplies. Really go over the house from top to bottom.
Change the batteries on the smoke detector. Replace burned out light bulbs.
Resupply medicines and throw out kitchen and bathroom items past their due date.
Toss dead and dying plants and add in something herbal and easy to grow.
Have pets? Spring clean their areas, too.
New toothbrush, new comb and hairbrush. Maybe try a new spring-like scent for deodorant or shampoo.
Take a nice, calming shower or long soaking bath, put on something freshly laundered, enjoy the buzz.
Spend a few quiet moments with affirmative thoughts.
First day of spring is March 20, but it couldn't hurt to get ahead of things.
If that doesn't work, bring in your more tuned-in friends for a deep cleansing.
posted by TrishaU at 10:54 PM on February 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
Get a new broom, mop, other supplies. Really go over the house from top to bottom.
Change the batteries on the smoke detector. Replace burned out light bulbs.
Resupply medicines and throw out kitchen and bathroom items past their due date.
Toss dead and dying plants and add in something herbal and easy to grow.
Have pets? Spring clean their areas, too.
New toothbrush, new comb and hairbrush. Maybe try a new spring-like scent for deodorant or shampoo.
Take a nice, calming shower or long soaking bath, put on something freshly laundered, enjoy the buzz.
Spend a few quiet moments with affirmative thoughts.
First day of spring is March 20, but it couldn't hurt to get ahead of things.
If that doesn't work, bring in your more tuned-in friends for a deep cleansing.
posted by TrishaU at 10:54 PM on February 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
My Italian grandmother used to wear an Italian horn and a Mano Cornuto charm on a chain around her neck. She gave them to all of us grandkids to wear and of course we did not. Anyway, you can order them online, and I'm sure her spirit will be thrilled that someone is following her advice.
I have always been told here in Italy that you cannnot purchase a corno for yourself, it must be gifted to you in order to work against the malocchio.
posted by romakimmy at 2:01 AM on February 22, 2018
I have always been told here in Italy that you cannnot purchase a corno for yourself, it must be gifted to you in order to work against the malocchio.
posted by romakimmy at 2:01 AM on February 22, 2018
my mom used to wave a red chilli in the air all around me, back, front, top, bottom, then burn it. She said that if the chilli smelled bad when being burned, it had absorbed a bunch of negative energy. We're from a Muslim background, although I do not know/think that is a particularly Muslim thing to do.
I would also suggest spring cleaning. Especially, I would recommend opening windows and doors. It'll make you feel more positive and refreshed. I also like the idea of having a party.
Sending you positive energy! Hope things get better for you and your family.
posted by Ziggy500 at 2:59 AM on February 22, 2018
I would also suggest spring cleaning. Especially, I would recommend opening windows and doors. It'll make you feel more positive and refreshed. I also like the idea of having a party.
Sending you positive energy! Hope things get better for you and your family.
posted by Ziggy500 at 2:59 AM on February 22, 2018
When I lived in NW Portland, I discovered that my neighbors (who had lived there for ages) had a long standing feud. My next door neighbor was Greek, and my neighbor across the way (who was not) had hung up a charm like this to repel the evil eye from the Greek matriarch. Looks like they come in all shapes and sizes - as things to hang up or items of jewelry.
posted by ikahime at 8:36 AM on February 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by ikahime at 8:36 AM on February 22, 2018 [2 favorites]
This is an interesting question because if you don't believe in the evil eye, your attempts for protecting yourself from it might be not fully believed in either, which might hypothetically effect the impact of the defenses. (Full disclosure: my religion is Ethical Culture and I do not believe in the evil eye)
I would third the idea of reaching out to your friends who do believe in the evil eye for help. That way you don't have to worry about your attempts to ward it off as being insincere or appropriative, you'll know you have people on your side, and it will free your mind up to focus on ways to reconcile, accept, or otherwise deal with the tragedies you are experiencing. Some years are terrible years.
posted by donut_princess at 1:51 PM on February 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
I would third the idea of reaching out to your friends who do believe in the evil eye for help. That way you don't have to worry about your attempts to ward it off as being insincere or appropriative, you'll know you have people on your side, and it will free your mind up to focus on ways to reconcile, accept, or otherwise deal with the tragedies you are experiencing. Some years are terrible years.
posted by donut_princess at 1:51 PM on February 22, 2018 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
The way my not-exactly-believing-either-but-they-do-stuff-family do it is A) To avoid always wear something red. Supposedly it will suck up the evil eye. This is why you see babies with little red ribbons around their wrists. B) Once you've been evil eyed, they take an egg (just a regular raw chicken egg) and rub it over around the person. Just sort of slide it over clothes over/around whole body area. Then you break the egg into a glass of room temperature water and leave it. supposedly the egg will sort of coagulate (do a cooked-like thing) showing that it has absorbed the evil eye. The last time a family member did this, they used a control egg, which also did the coagulating thing, thus further reinforcing the don't-really-believe-it nature of the ritual.
This is all for kids who are supposedly most vulnerable to evil eye. I don't see why it should work any less for an adult.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 1:22 PM on February 21, 2018 [3 favorites]