A witch ball is a type of ornament that is believed to have protective properties and is traditionally hung in windows or other prominent locations in the home. The origins of witch balls can be traced back to the 18th century in England, where they were thought to ward off evil spirits and protect the inhabitants of a household. The most common place to hang a witch ball is in a window, where it can catch the sunlight and create a beautiful display of colors. It is believed that the vibrant colors of the witch ball can attract and trap negative energy, preventing it from entering the home. The ball's reflective surface is also said to confuse and deter malevolent spirits, making them think twice before entering the space. In addition to windows, witch balls can also be hung in other areas of the home, such as entryways, living rooms, and bedrooms.
Over time, glassblowers started to make witchballs in their spare time in the hot shop, adding colours, shapes, and patterns to the balls, and their uses shifted from spirtualist to decorative. In the 1840s in Germany and Austria witch balls were commercially blown, placed on wire poles, and set in flower beds, adding colour the garden and catching the sunlight and in America they were also placed on pitchers or jars to keep insects out.
As opposed to having colour all around the ball and meandaring strands of glass within, Tree of Life balls have colourful leaves just on the top of the ball and the strands inside resemble a tree trunk and outstretched branches. In the 1840s in Germany and Austria witch balls were commercially blown, placed on wire poles, and set in flower beds, adding colour the garden and catching the sunlight and in America they were also placed on pitchers or jars to keep insects out.
In addition to windows, witch balls can also be hung in other areas of the home, such as entryways, living rooms, and bedrooms. The goal is to place the ball in a location that is visible and easily accessible to negative energy, so that it can do its job of warding off any harmful influences. Some people also choose to hang witch balls outdoors, such as in a garden or on a porch.
Witch Ball Folklore
Witch Balls have been very popular since the 18th century. First in England, then in New England, but their actual origin is considered to be much older. For well over 3 centuries hollow glass spheres have been hung in windows to ward off witch's spells, evil spirits and ill fortune. Hanging these decorative glass balls in the window or on the porch is thought to tantalize mischievous spirits which may be threatening a home's tranquillity. The wayward spirit is mesmerized by the ball's reflective beauty. When the spirit touches the sphere it is absorbed and trapped in the web-like strands of the glass inside the ball.
A witch ball or speculum was a device used for scrying or divining things. Sometimes the speculum was a magic mirror, a polished stone, or a crystal ball. Some witches fashioned specula from black bowls filled with water. By gazing into the reflective depths, a witch could find answers to urgent questions, predict future events, or see faraway places. In maritime villages, witches sent out the glass globes fishermen use to hold their nets afloat. The globes were usually made of dark blue or green glass and appeared quite innocuous. Biddy Early, a well-known Irish witch, had a favorite blue glass bottle with which she used to view the future.
Witch Balls measure up to 10 inches in diameter, and are occasionally decorated in enamelled stripes and swirls or varying colors. Some are mirrored for use as convex mirrors. Crystal gazers sometimes claimed they used balls in which the spirits of dead souls had been banished. Therefore, the seer was thought to be dealing with spirits. Hollow glass balls have been suspended in the windows of homes for centuries to ward off evil spirits. Legends say that evil spirits are attracted to the beauty of the ball, and upon touching its surface they are pulled inside and become forever trapped within the glittering web, thus protecting the home from any harm.
Now commonly known as "Witch Balls", these colorful glass balls originated in England during the 18th century, as people hung them in their windows to ward off demons and their evil spells. Witch Balls were originally glass balls used to protect various pieces of glass as they shipped around the world. A glass ball was blown and used as a means to protect the edges of a vase of cup as it was transported. Along the way, collectors began using these leftover pieces of glass as art and the history of the Witch Ball was developed.
Over time the philosophy of what a Witch Ball is and should be has changed and number artists over the years have altered the Witch Ball to include vibrant colors, strands inside, twisting patterns and shape.
We here at Iron Art Glass Designs have been creating Witch Balls for the past 15 years originally starting off by producing designs in six inch diameter and eventually producing our current selection of various shapes and sizes. We currently offer almost a half dozen different Witch Ball shapes and sizes and over 150 different color combinations. We currently offer the largest selection of Witch Balls and colored glass balls anywhere.
Our selection of Witch Balls currently include almost 100 different designs of six inch Witch Balls in various color combinations. We have also expanded our selection of four inch Witch Balls to include almost 50 different color designs. Please browse our inventory often because we are always adding new designs. Our latest Medusa Spirit Balls use a solid color from the bottom that is pulled up to the top to create a mesmerizing sensation that protects your home like ancient times.
Our Witch Balls are blown spherically round and include numerous colors. All of our Witch Balls include blown glass strands that protrude through the bottom of the ball and meet near the top. The majority of our Witch Balls are approximately colored 66% of the glass and include at least three strands. Some designs may vary. All of our Witch Balls are hand blown from recycled glass one at a time. We use a special glass produced only in Germany that provides for vibrant colors that can not be replicated anyone where else.
We offer a 100% buy back guarantee* on all of our Witch Balls. We offer the best selection, price and service when it comes to Witch Balls and we promise you won't be disappointed.
Let the magic of our Witch Balls protect your home.
As opposed to having colour all around the ball and meandaring strands of glass within, Tree of Life balls have colourful "leaves" just on the top of the ball and the strands inside resemble a tree trunk and outstretched branches.
In these settings, the ball can serve as both a decorative element and a protective talisman. It is believed that the witch ball's presence can help keep the surrounding area safe and free from negative energies or unwanted visitors. Regardless of where it is hung, it is important to remember that a witch ball is not just a decorative item, but a symbol of protection and spiritual significance. It is a reminder to keep negative energies at bay and to create a positive and harmonious environment within the home..
Reviews for "Where to Hang a Witch Ball for Protection: Expert Recommendations"
1. Jessica - ★★☆☆☆
I was really excited to read "Where do you hang a witch ball" as I love mystery novels, but I was left feeling disappointed. The story started off promising, with a spooky legend and a mysterious disappearance, but it quickly lost its momentum. The characters were flat and one-dimensional, and I found it difficult to connect with any of them. The plot felt predictable, and I guessed the ending long before it was revealed. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others looking for an engaging mystery.
2. Mark - ★☆☆☆☆
I have to say, "Where do you hang a witch ball" was one of the worst books I've read in a long time. The writing was clunky and awkward, with excessive descriptions that didn't add anything to the story. The pacing was off, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The characters were unlikable and lacked depth, making it hard to care about what happened to them. The plot was convoluted and confusing, and the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. Save your time and skip this one.
3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Where do you hang a witch ball" based on all the positive reviews I had seen, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The main character was so irritating and made irrational decisions throughout the book, which made it hard to root for her. The storyline had potential, but it was overshadowed by unnecessary subplots and a lack of focus. The pacing was slow, and the suspense I was expecting never really materialized. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre at best and wouldn't recommend it to others who enjoy a good mystery.