You’ve probably seen witch bells before, but you may not be sure what they are or what they’re used for. Witch bells (or Wiccan bells) are a type of altar tool that is used in Wiccan rituals to represent the elements of air, water, fire, and earth.
In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about witch bells. We’ll discuss their history, how to use them in your rituals, and some of the symbolism and meanings behind them.
What are witch bells?
Witch bells (sometimes called witch balls) are a type of gazing ball that was popular in the 1700s and 1800s. They were used to ward off witches and evil spirits.
Witch bells are made of glass and are typically round or oval in shape. They have a hole in the center, which allows them to be hung from a string or wire.
Today, witch bells are often used as decorative items. They can be found in homes, gardens, and other outdoor spaces.
The true history of witch bells
You may read on other sites that witch bells have a long and fascinating history used by witches to protect themselves from harm, to call forth the elements, and to communicate with other witches.
This isn’t true.
Witch bells, also known as “scold’s bridles,” are a type of iron muzzle that were historically used to punish and humiliate women who were accused of being witches or of being too talkative or quarrelsome.
The bells were often used in the 16th and 17th centuries in England, Scotland, and Germany as a way to punish and control women who were considered to be disruptive or disruptive. The bell would be placed on the woman’s head, and she would be forced to wear it in public as a form of punishment.
The bell was intended to shame the woman and to serve as a warning to other women to behave. Some witch bells had a small metal cage over the mouth to further restrict the woman’s speech.
The use of witch bells as a means of punishment declined in the 18th and 19th centuries, and they are now considered to be a historical curiosity.
Reclaiming witch bells
Luckily, we’ve gotten through this difficult historical period and have reclaimed the term “witch bell” to mean something positive.
In modern Wicca and other forms of modern witchcraft, bells are often used as a tool for spiritual protection and purification.
They may be rung at the start of a ritual to clear the space of negative energies, or they may be used to signal the end of a ritual. Bells are also sometimes used to call forth the spirit of a deity or to invoke the elements.
Bells are also commonly used in Wicca and witchcraft to mark the passage of time or to mark significant events or transitions. For example, a bell might be rung at the beginning of a new year or at the start of a new moon.
Some Wiccans and witches also use bells as a way to focus the mind and to help with meditation and visualization. The sound of a bell can be very calming and soothing and can help to clear the mind and promote a sense of inner peace.
In summary, bells are used in Wicca and witchcraft for a variety of purposes, including spiritual protection, purification, timekeeping, and meditation.
Witch bells are made from a variety of materials, including copper, silver, brass, and iron. They come in different shapes and sizes. Each of these properties has its associated purpose.
There are many different ways to use witch bells, and each witch bell has its own special properties. If you’re interested in learning more about witch bells, then this is the guide for you!
How to use witch bells
Now that you know all about witch bells, let’s talk about how to use them.
First, decide where you want to hang your witch bells. This could be anywhere in your home, but I think they work best in the entryway. That’s because they create a magical barrier between your home and the outside world.
Once you’ve decided on a spot, it’s time to add some witchy vibes to your space. Here are a few ideas:
- Hang them near your front door to keep unwanted visitors at bay
- Hang them in your garden to help ward off pests
- Hang them in your child’s room to help keep them safe from harm
The different types of witch bells
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics about witch bells, let’s take a closer look at the different types. There are three main varieties.
Witch bell shape
The first type is the pendulum bell. This is a simple bell that hangs from a chain or cord and swings back and forth. Pendulum bells are great for beginners because they’re easy to use and very effective.
The second type is the wand bell. This bell is attached to a wand, which makes it easier to target specific areas. Wand bells are perfect for energy work and other spells that require precision.
The third type is the sphere bell. As you might guess, this bell is in the shape of a sphere. Sphere bells are often used by advanced practitioners because they offer a lot of power and range.
Witch bell material
Choosing the metal for your bell is very important for its magical properties. Here are some common associations.
- Silver: Silver is often associated with feminine energy, the moon, and the Goddess. It is also associated with psychic abilities and intuition.
- Gold: Gold is often associated with masculine energy, the sun, and God. It is also associated with abundance, prosperity, and success.
- Copper: Copper is associated with the energies of love, sexuality, and fertility. It is also believed to enhance psychic abilities and increase energy flow.
- Iron: Iron is associated with strength, courage, and protection. It is also believed to help with grounding and stability.
- Tin: Tin is associated with creativity and innovation. It is also believed to enhance communication and self-expression.
- Brass: Brass is associated with the energies of success, prosperity, and wealth. It is also believed to enhance confidence and courage.
It is important to note that these associations are not set in stone and may vary among different practitioners. It is always a good idea to explore and discover the energies and associations that resonate with you personally.
Getting witch bells
So how do you get a witch bell? You can buy them or make them.
Where to buy witch bells
Witch bells are a Pagan tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as warding off negative energies, inviting positive energies, and summoning spirits. They’re typically made of metal and have a clapper inside that creates a sound when the bell is shaken.
If you’re looking to buy witch bells, there are a few places you can go. One option is to check out your local Pagan shop, where you’ll likely find a good selection of bells in different sizes and shapes. You can also find witch bells online, on sites like eBay and Etsy. Just be sure to read the reviews before you make a purchase, so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
How to make witch bells
To make a Wiccan bell for protection, you will need:
- A small bell with a clear, ringing tone of the metal that suits your needs.
- A piece of string or cord long enough to go around your neck or wrist
- A piece of paper and a pen
To create the bell:
- Focus on your purpose for the bell while holding the bell in front of you. This could be a specific prayer or affirmation, such as “This bell is a symbol of my protection” or “I am surrounded by love and light.”
- Write your intention on the piece of paper and place it inside the bell.
- Tie the cord around the bell, securing the paper inside.
- Hold the bell in both hands and visualize a white, protective light surrounding you.
- Ring the bell three times, repeating your intention with each ring.
- Wear the bell around your neck or wrist as a reminder of your intention for protection. You can also place the bell on your altar or in a special place in your home as a symbol of protection for your space.
Remember that the power of the bell comes from your intention and focus, so it is important to be clear and specific when setting your intention for the bell.
FAQs about witch bells
Let’s talk about the most common questions people have about witch bells.
First, what are they? Witch bells are a type of metal bell that’s used in witchcraft and magic rituals. They come in all shapes and sizes, and each bell has its own unique sound.
Second, why do we use them? Witch bells are used to attract energy and to create a positive space for spellwork. They’re also thought to be helpful in protecting against negative energy.
Third, how do we use them? There’s no one right way to use witch bells—it’s all about finding what works best for you. Some people like to carry them with them, while others like to hang them in their homes or workspace. Experiment and see what works best for you.
And lastly, where can I buy them? Witch bells are available at most occult stores, or you can order them online. You can also make your own!
Conclusion
You’ve probably seen witch bells being sold in occult shops or online, and you may be wondering what they are and what they’re for. Witch bells are a type of brass bell that is used for summoning spirits or otherworldly entities.
They come in different shapes and sizes, and each one has a unique sound that is said to invite spirits to join you. Witch bells are also used for protection, as the sound of the bell is said to keep away evil spirits.
If you’re interested in purchasing a witch bell, be sure to do your research to find the one that’s right for you. Make sure to listen to the sound of each bell before making your purchase, as this will be the most important factor in determining which bell is right for you.
Further Reading
- Levack, B. P. (2015). The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe (4th ed.). Routledge.
- Elemental Magic for Beginners: Basic Principles
- Choosing an Athame
- Make Incense from Kitchen Scraps
- Charm Bag Recipes
- Wiccan Garden Supplies
- Incense Holders
- Types of Incense
- Wiccan herbs and herbal magic
- Lithomancy stones
- Stones for Protection: 8 Protective Crystals
- Magical Tools in Wicca: A Guide
- Make a Pentacle
- Make a Wand
- The Wiccan Scourge
- Wiccan cingulum
- Witch’s Broom
