Spells and Magickal Practices Protection Spells: Warding Off Evil and the Evil Eye
Part IV: Spells and Magickal Practices
Protection Spells: Warding Off Evil and the Evil Eye
Protection spells have been a fundamental aspect of many magical traditions throughout history, serving as a means to safeguard individuals, homes, and communities from negative influences, malevolent spirits, and the infamous evil eye. In ancient Egyptian practices, protection spells were deeply rooted in their belief system, incorporating the power of deities, sacred symbols, and rituals. This chapter will delve into the nature of protection spells in ancient Egyptian magick, focusing on the concepts of warding off evil and the evil eye, along with various spells and techniques used for protection.
1. The Nature of Evil in Ancient Egypt
Concept of Evil
In ancient Egyptian thought, evil was often associated with chaos, disorder, and the forces of darkness that opposed Ma’at, the principle of truth, balance, and cosmic order. Evil entities were believed to disrupt the harmony of life and could manifest as malevolent spirits, diseases, or the actions of other individuals (e.g., jealousy or malice).
The Evil Eye
The evil eye was a significant concern in ancient Egyptian society, believed to be a malevolent glare that could inflict harm, misfortune, or illness on its target. This harm could come from jealousy or envy, and protection against the evil eye became essential for safeguarding oneself and loved ones.
Role of Deities
Many gods and goddesses in ancient Egypt were associated with protection and healing. Key deities included:
• Isis: A goddess known for her healing powers and protective nature. She was often invoked in spells to ward off evil.
• Sekhmet: The lioness goddess associated with protection, warfare, and healing. She was called upon to provide strength and defense against malevolent forces.
• Horus: Representing kingship and protection, Horus was often invoked to safeguard individuals from harm and evil.
2. Types of Protection Spells
Amulets and Talismans
Amulets and talismans were commonly used in ancient Egypt as protective charms. These objects were inscribed with sacred symbols, spells, or images of deities, believed to confer protection on the wearer or the space they inhabited. Key aspects include:
• Symbolism: Amulets often featured symbols like the Eye of Horus (Wedjat), which represented protection and healing, or the ankh, symbolizing life and immortality.
• Inscription: Spells or names of deities could be inscribed on amulets to empower them with protective magick. The act of writing was considered sacred and imbued objects with the divine essence.
• Placement: Amulets were worn as jewelry, placed in homes, or buried with the deceased to ensure protection in the afterlife.
2. Rituals and Incantations
Protection rituals often involved spoken spells or incantations designed to invoke divine power and ward off malevolent influences. Common elements included:
• Invocation of Deities: Practitioners would call upon specific deities associated with protection, asking for their aid and guidance.
• Ceremonial Practices: Rituals could involve the lighting of candles, burning of incense, and offerings of food or flowers to appease the gods.
• Circle of Protection: Creating a sacred space, often marked by a circle drawn with salt or sand, was believed to create a barrier against evil influences during the ritual.
3. Herbal and Elemental Magic
Herbs and natural elements were often incorporated into protection spells. Certain plants were believed to have protective properties and could be used in various forms:
• Herbal Infusions: Boiling protective herbs (e.g., rue, garlic, or lavender) in water and using the infusion to cleanse a space or individual.
• Pouches and Sachets: Creating protective pouches filled with herbs and crystals, carried or placed in homes to ward off negative energy.
• Elemental Rituals: Utilizing the elements (earth, air, fire, water) in rituals to create protective barriers, such as burying protective items in the earth or using water to cleanse and purify.
3. Specific Protection Spells and Techniques
Spell to Ward Off the Evil Eye
Ingredients:
• A piece of blue thread or cloth
• A small bowl of salt
• A mirror
Instructions:
1. Tie the blue thread into a loop and hang it over your doorway or keep it in your pocket.
2. Place the bowl of salt on your altar or a prominent space in your home.
3. Hold the mirror while reciting an incantation that invokes protection from the evil eye, focusing on the light reflecting back any negativity aimed at you.
4. Visualize a protective barrier surrounding you as you say: “May the gaze of envy be turned away, and may I be shielded from harm each day.”
2. Cleansing Ritual for Protection
Ingredients:
• A white candle
• Water
• Sea salt
• A small bowl
Instructions:
1. Light the white candle to represent purity and protection.
2. In the bowl, mix water with a pinch of sea salt, symbolizing cleansing and purification.
3. Dip your fingers in the mixture and sprinkle it around your home, focusing on areas where you feel negative energy may accumulate.
4. As you do this, recite a cleansing chant: “By water and salt, I purify this space, banishing negativity and inviting divine grace.”
5. Let the candle burn down completely as a symbol of your commitment to protection.
3. Amulet Crafting Ritual
Ingredients:
• A small piece of clay or wax
• A carving tool
• Protective symbols (e.g., the Eye of Horus, ankh)
Instructions:
1. Take the clay or wax and mold it into a shape that resonates with you (e.g., a heart, a circle).
2. Carve protective symbols into the surface, focusing your intention on imbuing the amulet with protective energy.
3. Leave the amulet in sunlight for a day or under the moonlight overnight, allowing it to absorb the celestial energies.
4. Carry the amulet with you or place it in your home as a shield against negativity.
4. Maintaining Protection
Regular Cleansing and Renewal
To ensure continued protection, it is essential to perform regular cleansing rituals. This may include:
• Cleansing Spaces: Regularly smudging your home with sage, burning incense, or sprinkling salt to clear out negative energy.
• Recharging Amulets: Periodically recharging your amulets under the sun or moon, reaffirming their protective properties through intention and ritual.
• Daily Affirmations: Incorporating affirmations or prayers for protection into your daily routine, reinforcing your connection to the divine and your protective energy.
Awareness and Intention
Awareness of one’s surroundings and intentions is key to maintaining protection. Practicing mindfulness and being attuned to any negative influences or feelings can help in recognizing when additional protective measures are needed.
Protection spells are an essential aspect of spiritual practice, offering individuals a means to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from harm and negative influences. In ancient Egypt, these spells were deeply integrated into religious beliefs and daily life, invoking the power of deities, sacred symbols, and natural elements.
By understanding the principles and techniques of protection spells, modern practitioners can tap into this ancient wisdom to create their own protective rituals and amulets. Whether warding off the evil eye or shielding against negative energies, the magick of protection remains a powerful tool in spiritual practice today.
