Made of the horn of a castrated bull, dried herbs and flowers, white string, a horseshoe, and other fanciful items, Evil Eye Charms are delicately made and passively used. Many of these objects have been passed down through several generations; however, they are no longer used and their purpose has been misremembered or forgotten. Today, some Evil Eye Charms are used as decorative wreaths or stashed away with other antiquities. 

In the past, when a baby was first born, an Evil Eye Charm was crafted for them. Items were gathered and bound, wrapped in a soft blanket for a day; the infant’s name was then spoken over the object－and sometimes spells and wards were added by fae in the middle of the night. After a day had passed, the ritual was deemed complete, a potent charm. 

These items started small, light enough to be pinned to the front of an infant’s garment; there the charm lay, offering protection from witches’ spells, curses, and kidnapping. After a few months, extra herbs and items were added, increasing its strength. When the owner grew older, the charm could be fastened elsewhere, like on a hat. Throughout the their life, the item would continue to grow in size; in later years, some would abandon it for its heft.

Once married, tradition dictated that the item be beautified with more objects and ingredients－a charm powerful enough to protect a home. The wreath-ish trinket was nailed to the inside of the door where it was believed to prevent witches’ or evil entities’ entry. The Evil Eye Charm was also believed to guarantee protection from the ‘evil eye’ (a type of curse meant to cause material damage), as well as provide protection against most forms of witchcraft and evil magic.

A second version of this charm takes the form of a ball adorned with glass shards; they are known as “witching balls”. These charms are said to provide them same protection, though at a lesser power; they also scare away witches and their minions.

LISTEN to full episode (not yet released). 

BECOME A MEMBER for full bestiary entries. 

BUY the book for full bestiary entry.