Witch bells, also known as evil eye bells, are small bells that are often used for protection against negative energy and evil spirits. They are traditionally hung on doors, windows, and other entry points to ward off bad luck and prevent unwanted spiritual entities from entering the home. The concept of using bells for protection dates back to ancient times when they were believed to possess magical properties. The sound produced by the bells is thought to create a positive and harmonious energy, which can counteract and repel negative vibrations. The ringing sound is said to purify and cleanse the space, removing any malevolent forces that may be present. Witch bells are often incorporated into various spiritual and folk practices, such as witchcraft, Wicca, and feng shui.
The Union of International Associations (UIA) is a research institute and documentation centre, based in Brussels. It was established in 1907, by Henri la Fontaine (Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 1913), and Paul Otlet, a founding father of what is now called information science.
It was established in 1907, by Henri la Fontaine Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 1913 , and Paul Otlet, a founding father of what is now called information science. The title page of the Key of Hell seems to date it to 1717, writes Breen, but a Sotheby s catalogue entry claims, the script seems to be of the late 18th century and dates it to 1775.
Witch bells are often incorporated into various spiritual and folk practices, such as witchcraft, Wicca, and feng shui. They are believed to act as a protective barrier and are commonly used in rituals and spells to enhance the spiritual energy and create a safe and harmonious environment. The specific design of witch bells can vary, but they typically consist of a small metal bell attached to a cord or chain.
Discover The Key of Hell , an Illustrated 18th-Century Guide to Black Magic (1775)
According to the Book of Revelation, the returning Christ arrives surrounded by seven candlesticks. In its author’s prophetic dream, “his head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire.” From his mouth issues “a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.” It’s a startling image, created for symbolic purposes. Without a key to what those symbols mean, the text remains obscure. It is, after all, a vision given to a mystic hermit exiled on an island.
Many a Revelation-inspired magical grimoire from succeeding centuries also remains nearly incomprehensible to non-adepts. Such is the case with the “strange 18th-century manuscript called Clavis Inferni (key of hell),” as Benjamin Breen writes at Slate. “Filled with invocations, cryptic sigils, and paintings of supernatural beings” — such as the illustration from Revelation above — “the book defies interpretation — as it was meant to do.” Also, like Revelation, the text’s authorship is mysterious, and yet significant to our understanding of its intent.
The Key of Hell is attributed to a Cyprianus, a name that “probably refers to St. Cyprian of Antioch (d. 304 CE),” Breen writes in a post at Atlas Obscura, “a very common apocryphal attribution for medieval magical texts, since Cyprian was reputed to have been a powerful magician and demon-summoner before converting to Christianity.” The use of pseudoepigraphy — an author assuming the name of a long-dead figure — was common practice throughout the history of both theological and alchemical writing. Rather than an attempt at deception, it could signal the continuation of a tradition of occult knowledge.
The title page of the Key of Hell “seems to date it to 1717,” writes Breen, but a Sotheby’s catalogue entry claims, “the script seems to be of the late 18th century” and dates it to 1775. At the Wellcome Library — who host the text online in its entirety — we find this “Harry Potter-esque” origin story:
Also known as the Black Book, [the Key of Hell] is the textbook of the Black School at Wittenberg, the book from which a witch or sorcerer gets his spells. The Black School at Wittenberg was purportedly a place in Germany where one went to learn the black arts.
Written in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and “the Magical Alphabet devised by occultist Cornelius Agrippa in his Third Book of Occult Philosophy from 1510,” notes Flashbak, the manuscript is “filled with invocations to spirits and demons — including a Hebrew invocation for summoning God.” (It also includes helpful instructions for banishing summoned spirits.) The manuscript’s full Latin title — Clavis Inferni sive magic alba et nigra approbata Metatrona — translates to “The Key of Hell with white and black magic approved by Metatron,” an archangel in the Talmudic and Kabbalist traditions. The use of this name suggests the spells within come from a higher authority.
Breen, however, found some unusual commentary on the book’s possible author, including the idea in Denmark that Cyprianus was “a fellow Dane so evil during his lifetime that when he died the devil threw him out of Hell,” writes professor of Norwegian literature Kathleen Stokker. Cyprianus was so enraged by this treatment that “he dedicated himself to writing the nine Books of Black Arts that underlie all subsequent Scandinavian black books.” Another apocryphal story identifies Cyprianus as a “ravishingly beautiful” Mexican nun from 1351 (?!) who met a “gory” end.
Whoever wrote the Key of Hell, and for whatever reason, they left behind a fascinating book of sorcery full of curious illustrations and a cryptic cosmology. See Breen’s attempts to decipher some of its key symbols here and make your own with the full text at the Wellcome Library.
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Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Follow him at @jdmagness
Vividly detailed and highly readable, this classic history of witchcraft and demonology provides a thorough exploration of sorcery, Satanism, and every variety of the black arts. Reflecting popular folklore and theological opinions of the late medieval and early Renaissance periods, this survey of necromancy traces witchcraft from ancient times to the twentieth century, describing the link between heresy and the occult. Threaded with dramatic accounts of witch trials and devil's pacts, this time-tested reference offers a compelling look at The Worship of the Witch, Demons and Familiars, the Sabbat, and Diabolic Possession and Modern Spiritism. It also offers fascinating insight into the role of the Witch in Dramatic Literature.
A prolific occult historian, Montague Summers wrote numerous books, and he edited and translated such important early demonology and witchcraft texts as the Malleus Maleficarum. An intriguing perspective on the development of the black arts and their heretical interpretations by society, church, and state, The History of Witchcraft and Demonology will capture the attention of the general reader as well as the occult enthusiast. Eight meticulously reproduced illustrations from the original publication are included in this unabridged edition.
Some bells are adorned with additional protective symbols, such as the evil eye, pentagrams, or other spiritual motifs. While witch bells are primarily used for protection, they can also serve as decorative items. Many people hang them as a symbol of good luck and spiritual connection. They can be found in various styles and materials, ranging from simple and rustic to ornate and elaborate. In conclusion, witch bells are designed for protection against negative energy and evil spirits. Their purpose is to create a harmonious and positive energy, repelling any malevolent forces and providing a sense of spiritual safety. Whether used for practical or symbolic purposes, witch bells hold a significant place in spiritual and folk practices..
Reviews for "Using Witch Bells to Ward Off Negative Energies & Entities."
1. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I was really excited to read "What are witch bells designed for" as I am a fan of paranormal fantasy novels. However, I was disappointed with the execution of the story. The plot was weak and lacked complexity. The characters felt one-dimensional and the dialogue was often unnatural and forced. The pacing of the story was also off, with slow moments that dragged on and rushed sequences that left me confused. Overall, I found it difficult to connect with the story and its characters, making it a less than enjoyable read.
2. Mark - ★☆☆☆☆
I have to say that "What are witch bells designed for" was a huge letdown for me. The writing style was amateurish and lacked sophistication. The descriptions were simplistic and lacked depth, leaving me with no sense of the world the author was trying to create. The characters were uninteresting and their motivations were unclear. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, offering nothing new or exciting to the genre. I found myself struggling to finish the book as I couldn't become invested in the story or its characters. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written paranormal novel.
3. Emma - ★★☆☆☆
"What are witch bells designed for" had a promising concept, but it ended up falling short for me. The writing style was uninspiring and lacked the descriptive language needed to bring the story to life. The characters felt underdeveloped and their actions often felt inconsistent or unrealistic. The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on while others were rushed. The plot twists were predictable and didn't offer any surprises. I was hoping for a gripping and atmospheric paranormal novel, but this book failed to deliver on those fronts. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn't leave a lasting impression.
4. Daniel - ★☆☆☆☆
I couldn't finish "What are witch bells designed for" because it was just plain boring. The story lacked any sense of urgency or excitement, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. The characters were flat and uninteresting, with no memorable traits or personalities. The writing style was dull and lacked any sort of creativity. I was hoping for a captivating paranormal read, but this book was a complete letdown. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and thrilling story.