How to Ward Off the Evil Eye

Many believe the Evil Eye is a form of curse, either unintentionally or intentionally cast by someone, bringing illness and misfortune to another when they are gazed upon, often stemming from jealousy. In some cultures, this belief is particularly focused on children, where it is thought that praising a child can inadvertently attract the Evil Eye, as it draws in negative energy. If you suspect that you or your child is affected by the Evil Eye, you can use the following methods to recognize and ward it off.

Watch for physical symptoms. The negative energy caused by envy can lead to physical symptoms unrelated to illness, such as fatigue, eye irritation, stomach discomfort, fever, and nausea. Additionally, the affected person may experience personal, family, or career issues without any apparent cause.

Method using charcoal. This method is practiced in Western Europe, where you simply drop a piece of charcoal into a pot of water. You can also use the end of a burnt matchstick. If the charcoal sinks, it's a good sign, but if it floats, it means the person or child is afflicted.

• Typically, this ritual is performed by parents or a spiritual healer if the victim is a child. If the person is an adult, they can perform it themselves.

Method using wax. Another method involves dripping hot wax into sacred water. Watch the reaction of the wax. If the wax splatters, it means you or your child is a victim of the Evil Eye. The same explanation applies if the wax sticks to the side of the pot. This method is commonly used in Ukraine.

Method using oil. In this method, the practitioner drips oil into water. If the oil forms the shape of an eye, it indicates that the child is under the influence of the Evil Eye. Another technique involves pouring oil through the hair of the afflicted person into a cup of water (preferably sacred water). If the oil sinks, it means the person is affected.

• To cure the Evil Eye, specific prayers must be recited until the oil no longer forms the shape of an eye. The practitioner will pray for the Evil Eye to leave the afflicted person. Local healers may offer suggestions for the special prayers used during this process.

Touch method. Some people believe the easiest way to cure the Evil Eye is for the person who caused it to touch the child. Often, people unintentionally cast the Evil Eye, so they may be willing to touch the child. The location of the touch doesn't matter – it could be on the hand or forehead.

• This belief is common in Latin American cultures.
• Sometimes people think the Evil Eye is cast simply by praising the child without physically touching them.

Using an egg. In Mexico and Latin American countries, some parents use eggs to cure the Evil Eye. They roll an egg over the child’s body while simultaneously saying prayers, then place the egg in a bowl under the child’s pillow. They leave it overnight and check the next morning to see if the egg white has turned cloudy. If it has, the child is under the influence of the Evil Eye. This method also serves to treat the Evil Eye.

Try hand gestures. Some people believe that certain hand gestures can ward off the Evil Eye. One such gesture is called mano cornuto, which involves clenching the fist and raising the index and little fingers (the hand forms two horns). The hand should be pointed downward when making this gesture. Another gesture, mano fico, is performed by placing the thumb between the index and middle fingers while the hand is clenched.

• Some Italians carry a small red horn (corna) on them, either worn as jewelry or attached to a keychain, as a substitute for the two-horned hand gesture.

Find a hexagonal mirror. Another method believed to cure the Evil Eye is using a mirror to reflect the negative energy. This practice is common in China. Simply hang the mirror in front of a window or doorway.

• Many Indians also use mirrors to treat or ward off the Evil Eye. However, instead of placing them inside the home, small mirrors are sewn into clothing or worn on the body.

Consult a spiritual healer. Folk spiritual healers often offer treatment for the Evil Eye. If you're not confident in handling the Evil Eye on your own, you may want to seek their help in performing rituals.

Using a pink coral bracelet. Some people believe that giving a child a pink coral bracelet is an effective way to protect them from the Evil Eye. Others claim that giving the child a horse chestnut has a similar effect.

Try using a red string. In Jewish culture, parents often use a red string to protect against the Evil Eye. For instance, they sometimes tie the red string to the crib’s railing or the handle of a baby stroller.

Give the child a protection amulet with a hazel nut. In some Latin American cultures, people give babies a protection amulet with a hazel nut. Typically, the amulet is shaped like a small fist. You may see this amulet worn along with red and black beads on a gold chain.

Use the spitting method. When someone praises the baby, you can try spitting over your left shoulder three times and then touch a wooden object (or tap your own head) three times. This method is commonly used in Russia.

Sprinkle salt. A Sicilian method to ward off the Evil Eye is to sprinkle salt on the floor inside or outside the front door of the house. It is believed that the salt (which consists of countless tiny grains) confuses the Evil Eye.

• A urine method is also used in Sicily, where everyone in the house urinates into a bucket, and the urine is then poured in front of the house.

Try using an eye amulet. Many cultures use eye amulets to protect against the Evil Eye. You can wear the amulet on a necklace or attach it to a keychain. In Turkey, these charming amulets are made from blue glass, but in other cultures, they can be crafted from different materials.