Witch Balls / Charm Balls

Witch Balls were very popular in both England and the New World since the 17th century, but their actual origin is believed to be much older. Some say their roots are in the 13th century when garden gazing balls were made in Venice, Italy by skilled craftsmen. They were hand-blown then just as it is still done today.The gazing balls were called a Sphere of Light by fifteenth century priest Antonio Nier. In time the colorful balls became a permanent fixtures in the European garden and home. In the 1800’s King of Bavaria, King Ludwig II, adorned his palace, which was a replica of Versailles, with the globe.

Witch balls are glass spheres that either reflect back, or capture, negative or malicious influences. They have been a variety of shapes but the most common today is round. The hollow glass spheres were created at the end of the day by the glass blowers from left over glass. They were hung at the doorways of barns and porches and have been hung in windows for over 300 years to ward off witch's spells, evil spirits and ill fortune. Hanging these decorative balls in the window is thought to tantalize evil spirits which may be threatening a home's tranquillity.The evil spirit is attracted to the ball and mesmerized by its reflection and beauty. When the spirit touches the sphere, it is absorbed and trapped in the web-like strands of glass inside the ball.

Glass is a perfect example of balancing of the elements; created with fire, harder than iron, reflective like water, transparent like air and beautiful like spirit. Mirror-like balls are made to reflect back any unwanted energies to the sender, the transparent globes filled with twisting threads divert the Evil Eye drawing its attention to tracing the intricate patterns within, pins can both capture and reflect the energies.

You can find clear balls at craft stores around yule, or recycle your old scratched up balls.

To remove the paint from a normal colored christmas ornaments
Instead of buying brand new ones, take old scratched balls (or new ones) and soak them in full strength bleach for several minutes. Rinse with warm sudsy water. Newer balls have a plastic like film on the outside that will slough right off. Bleach will remove the silver color inside the ball. You may need to use a Q-tip to get all the silver out.

If your going to use paint on the inside of your ball instead of leaveing it clear, I don't see any reason to remove the paint already on them unless the color conflicts with your intent.

Basic requirements

glass ball
herbs based on intentions
fishing line to hang your ball
ribbon (optional)

Witch balls should be created during the Waxing - Full Moon phase.

Coat the inside of the ball with your chosen paint. Place upside down in a jar or glass to allow the excess to drain out, this can take up to a couple of days depending on the paint you use. Add your chosen herbs. The herbs listed are only a few, you can use all of some or look up the herbal correspondences and choose your own based on intent.Decorate the finished ball with a ribbon color again based on the intent, you can combine colors or choose one. You may paint the ball with magickal symbols if desired, keep your intention in mind the whole time you are making the ball. Pour your energy into it as you pour in the herbs. Replace cap on your globe and thread with fishing line to hang.

Alternate Directions

Thread Ball

Cut thread and carefully insert into the globe. It is recommended that you do this one at a time to maximize the effect of the twisting pattern. Some choose to use only red thread while others alternate the colors, weight, and textures of the threads for a truly unique effect. Some combine red to absorb slander and green to stifle jealousy. Some choose to cut them into 3 inch pieces, while others cut at random knowing that the Goddess directs them where to make each cut as they go. Continue until the ball is nearly full. Add Essential Oil. Frankincense or Basil for protection choose the others the same way.

Pin ball

Insert pins into the globe until the globe is full.

Old English Witch Balls

Using a clear glass ball, make a cage of black satin ribbon and Gems of the four Elements (Air, Fire, Water, and Earth) surround ball out side or glue them along the ribbons themselves. Fill the inside with protective such as Mandrake root, Snakeroot, Mistletoe, Sage etc. Include nine strands of black silk thread to entangle and confuse any negative spirit.

Foil pieces, tensil and garland may also be used for their reflective power. Other things that may be added are stones for their corresponding powers.