Beware the Gaze: Unraveling the Mystery of the Evil Eye and Ways to Shield Yourself
Understanding the Origins and Power of the Evil Eye
The evil eye, or mati (μάτι in Greek), isn’t just an old superstition; it’s a belief rooted deeply in ancient history, spreading its mysterious tendrils through various cultures, from Greece and Turkey to the far reaches of India. Tracing its origins back to the sixth century B.C., the idea of this curse has haunted humanity for millennia. In those ancient days, the eye would be scrawled on cups, vases, and everyday objects—its watchful gaze symbolizing both fear and protection.
This malevolent force, said to be driven by envy, casts a shadow over the fortunate—those blessed with wealth, beauty, or success. The curse is believed to bring misfortune, illness, or even disaster, a slow trickle of bad luck set into motion by nothing more than a jealous glance. Sometimes, a person may cast the evil eye without even realizing it, like an accidental gust of wind toppling a house of cards. Today, the evil eye has become iconic in its imagery, often seen in the form of talismans and jewelry, particularly in deep, serene blue shades. These blue eyes, believed to reflect and repel the curse, are worn like invisible shields, warding off the unseen forces of jealousy and envy. Whether adorning a wrist or painted on the hull of a ship, these symbols have become more than just cultural ornaments—they are tokens of protection, steeped in ancient mysticism and modern belief.
What is the evil eye used for?
People need an evil eye because it will protect them from the evil eyes of others. The talismans can deflect any evil eye that may be cast the wearer’s way. These reflecting talismans are Greek in origin, and many Grecian people wear them to protect themselves.
Methods of protection against the evil eye
Amulets and talismans are not the only way people can protect themselves from the evil eye. However, they remain the most popular, particularly in modern times. There are several other methods of protection out there that historians recommend. There are many different methods that residents of Greece did to ensure that the evil eye would not get to them. Some people carried incense to ward off any curse, while others carried small crosses as a preventative measure. It was also common practice to sleep with small, protective items under one’s pillow. Women who had just given birth made sure to do this. The evil eye was thought to be particularly dangerous towards infants. Some of the items that people slept with include rings, garlic, nails, and, in some instances, indigo stones. These same indigo blue stones are used to make the protective talismans that many people wear. Sometimes, protection from the evil eye required Greek citizens to perform more drastic measures. For example, some villages would catch and skin a bear, then burn its fur in an elaborate ritual.
There are several suggested places to hang an evil eye talisman to adequately protect oneself. The most common place to hang an evil eye is around one’s neck or bracelet, which is another reason why jewelry has become so popular. By hanging an evil eye in this method, a person can assure themself of constant protection. It is also a good idea to hang an evil eye in one’s home or office. It is common to hang or display them over doorways and entryways, so everyone who enters the home is safe. There are also evil eye wall hangings that can be placed in rooms around the house. If you like, you can try an evil eye ornament and put it on a tree or bush on your property. It is also an excellent idea to hang an evil eye talisman around the rearview mirror in one’s car. Driving can sometimes be a risky activity. Having an evil eye talisman in one’s car means that the driver and passengers are always protected. The evil eye is mighty and has been respected by cultures for centuries. People who have become afflicted with the evil eye curse usually experience a range of symptoms that are hard to explain at first. Their mood may suddenly change and become poor, or they may even feel like an actual weight on their shoulders.
