Witch balls are interesting glass objects with a long history. They are hollow and can be quite big, sometimes as large as 7 inches across. They first appeared in the 18th century. The name “witch ball” may have come from the older term “watch ball.” People in England started making them first.
These glass balls were not just for decoration. People believed they had special powers. By the 19th century, witch balls had become popular in the United States too. When they reached America, they started to change a bit. Americans began to make them in their own style, adding different designs and meanings to them.
The Witch Ball as a Protective Object
Witch balls have been used for protection for a long time. But we’re not sure exactly when they started being used this way. Some think it was in the 1800s. Even so, they were based on older magic for protection.
Folklore tells us that witch balls were often hung near doorways. Putting charms in places like doorways is common in many cultures. These are places where two different spaces meet. The witch ball was one of many things people put in their homes for safety. They believed this would keep bad forces away.
There are many British stories about how witch balls work. One story says the shiny ball makes a witch’s curse go back to her. Another story says the ball traps curses and evil spirits inside. Because of this, people thought the ball needed cleaning often. They believed this kept the ball working well.
Apotropaic Meanings
The protective use of witch balls started in the early 1800s. They drew on older magic to keep away negative energy. The name might come from ‘watch ball’. This refers to how they let people see more than usual. The balls were shiny and reflective. This meant they could show more of a room or area. Like a mirror, but round. People used them to keep an eye on things. They could spot someone like a thief or a visitor without being seen. Even parents found them useful. They hung witch balls over baby cradles. This way, they could watch their children from another place.They were also helpful for spotting thieves or visitors.
The oldest known witch ball for protection is in Ireland. It dates back to around 1800. People usually put these balls at doorways or windows. These were spots for other protective items too. The hollow ball’s contents were important for its magic. Some believed it needed wool inside. This would trap the evil eye.
In different countries, witch balls hung outside shops. They were seen as exotic items. Even in churches and homes, they were used for protection
Divination
With their protective powers, witch balls also appeared in fortune-telling. Some clairvoyants used them with mirrors. This was believed to help with readings. In the 1940s, one fortune-teller was fined for using witch balls. She claimed they were just decorations. Folklore says that a cloudy witch ball predicts death.
Design and Look of Witch Balls
Witch balls are made in many colors. The most common colors are green and blue. In the old days, especially in England, witch balls had a unique look. They were made near Bristol, in a place called Nailsea. These early witch balls had enamel colors. They also had stripes on them, making them stand out.
Today, witch balls have a new feature. Many have a silver coating inside. This makes them reflective. They can mirror an entire room. This silver inside gives modern witch balls a special touch.
Witch Balls in Folklore and Everyday Use
Witch balls have a big place in old stories and beliefs. People used them for protection. They thought witch balls could stop spells and curses. They also believed witch balls kept away evil spirits and bad luck.
People said witch balls could catch tricky spirits. This was because of how shiny and pretty they were. The spirits would get drawn to the witch ball and then get stuck inside. This helped keep homes safe.
Witch balls are also linked to the sea. Sailors had their own beliefs about them. They are similar to the glass balls fishermen used. These balls helped keep fishing nets afloat. Sailors thought witch balls could protect them on the water. This shows how witch balls were important both at home and at sea.
Witch Balls for Seeing the Future and Faraway Places
Witch balls weren’t just for protection. They were also used in scrying and divination. This means people used them to see things. Like magic mirrors or crystal balls. They were tools for seeing into the future or far-off places.
Famous witches used witch balls. One of them was Biddy Early from Ireland. She was well-known. Biddy Early used witch balls to predict what would happen later. She also used them to see places that were far away. People went to her to learn about their future. They believed she could see things through her witch ball.
Witch balls were important for people who practiced magic. They helped them in their work. This made witch balls more than just pretty glass objects. They were tools for understanding the unknown.
Modern Witch Balls
Today’s witch balls are not just old traditions. They now come in many bright colors. They also have different shapes and patterns. This makes them very artistic.
A company called Iron Art Glass Designs makes these witch balls. They have a big collection. You can find witch balls in many sizes. They also have over 150 color choices. This means there are lots of options.
These modern witch balls are more than just art. They still are used for protection. But now, they also add beauty to a place. People use them to make their homes look nice. They also use them to feel safe.
How People Use and Believe in Witch Balls Today
Witch balls are still popular today. Many people use them to protect their homes. They believe witch balls can keep away evil spirits. This is an old belief that continues in modern times.
The designs of witch balls have changed, too. Now, there are many different kinds. For example, there are Medusa Spirit Balls. These are a new kind of witch ball. They come in various sizes and colors. But they still serve the same purpose. They are meant to protect homes from bad spirits.
Witch balls have new looks, but the main idea is still the same. People trust in their power. They use witch balls to make their homes feel safe. This tells us that old traditions can live on. They might change a little, but the main belief is still there and strong.
Southern Witchballs: Tradition and Practice
In the South, witchballs have a special place. They are known for curses and hexes. Witchballs here come from old folklore. This folklore even gives a recipe for making them. The ingredients show how people saw witches in the past. Some ingredients are scary and strange. Others have been changed over time.
Making witchballs is something witches do together. It’s a group effort. They don’t always need a formal group, like a coven. Any group of witches who think alike can make them. They usually make witchballs on Friday the 13th. This is an important day for them. Before this day, they decide what to use in the witchballs. They use divination and common sense for this.
Bringing the right ingredients is very important. Each witch must bring something. The most important things are their hair and the wax for the balls. Other items depend on what the group needs for their curses. Some common items are pepper powder, rust from coffin nails, and graveyard dirt. There’s a rule: if you forget an ingredient, there are consequences. You might get fewer witchballs. Or there might be another punishment.
When they make witchballs, each witch adds their ingredient. They say what it’s for. Like pepper to burn, or graveyard dirt to bring sickness. They mix everything in a double boiler. They chant while doing this. The chant is about cursing others. After mixing, they pour the wax into containers. They let it cool a bit. Then, they put a hair from each witch into the wax. They share the finished witchballs among themselves. The number of balls you get shows how much cursing you should do that year.
In the old days, witches threw these balls at their targets. Then, they would get them back later. This was to keep their power and avoid punishment. Today, witches don’t usually throw witchballs around. It’s not secret enough. But they still use them in their magic.
Southern witchballs are a mix of old beliefs and modern practices. They show how traditions can stay alive. But they also change to fit new times.
Different Ways to Use Southern Witchballs
Southern witchballs are not just for show. They have many uses in witchcraft. Let’s explore some of these methods.
Melting Roof Curse
One common use is the Melting Roof Curse. On a hot day, you throw a witchball onto someone’s roof. You do this with a command. For example, you might say, “Leave this home and never come back.” This is good for dealing with a bad neighbor. You can also throw it on a car roof. Later, you can hide the witchball under their doormat. This way, you might get it back when they leave.
Poppet
Making a poppet is another way to use witchballs. A poppet is a small doll. You make it to look like someone you want to curse. You fill the doll with herbs and put a witchball at its heart. The doll needs something that belongs to the person. Like their hair or clothes. Then you name the doll after them. You put it somewhere to work its magic. Poppets work fast and are very effective.
Witch’s Bridle
A Witch’s Bridle is a cursed piece of clothing. It makes the person who wears it do what you want. You can melt a witchball onto the lining of a shirt or pants. Or you can put it inside a shoe. Another way is to wash the clothing with water that has a witchball melted in it. You give the witchball a command. Like, “Give me a raise.”
Counter Cursing
Witchballs are also good for counter cursing. This means sending a curse back to the person who cursed you. You melt the witchball onto the object they used. Then you send it back to them. Agrimony is often used in the wax for counter cursing.
Lantern
A lantern can protect your home. You use a gourd to make the lantern. Then you put tea lights made from witchballs inside it. The story of Jack-ma-lanterns inspired this idea. The lantern keeps away threats or can be more aggressive if needed.
Exorcism
You can use witchballs for exorcism, too. This means forcing out unwanted spirits from your home. You can use them with the lantern for this.
Healing
Healing with witchballs is more complex. It’s like an exorcism. You use the witchball to force out the spirit of a sickness. This breaks the virus apart. It’s a way of curing the person by cursing the sickness. But remember, witchcraft should not replace proper health care.
These are just some ways southern witchballs are used. Each method shows how versatile and powerful they can be in witchcraft.
The Cost of Cursing in Witchcraft: A Cautionary Conclusion
Using witchballs for cursing or ‘dark magic’ comes with a cost. In witchcraft, there’s a big rule about this. It’s called the Law of Threefold Return. This means whatever you do comes back to you three times stronger. If you send out a curse, you might face consequences.
When you curse someone, it’s not just about them. It can affect you, too. You might get back three times the harm or bad luck you sent out. This is important to remember. It’s a warning to be careful with such powers.
Dark magic is not just about the spells. It’s about the balance in life. If you disturb this balance, it can disturb you back. It’s like throwing a stone into a pond. The ripples come back to you.
So, if you use witchballs for cursing, think about this law. It’s about being responsible with your powers. Remember, every action has a reaction. This is true in life and in witchcraft. Always think about what might come back to you.