The Evil Eye: The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Quiet Curse

Description

A practical, modern-day exploration of one of the oldest, most universal, and storied forms of folk magic. The "evil eye" is rich with cultural anecdotes and traditions, mystical lore, and modern concepts. This book takes a deep dive into the origins of the evil eye, from ancient Egyptian practices to those found in ancient Greece and Rome. Most people are unaware that the world's major monotheistic religions are replete with references to the evil eye. What did Jesus say about it in his Sermon on the Mount? The prophet Muhammad warned against the dangers of the eye, but what remedy did he provide to offset misfortune? Why and how does the evil eye appear in rabbinic literature and other Jewish texts? The Evil Eye answers these (and other) timeless questions while taking readers on a literary journey that is at once informative, enlightening, and, at times, disturbing. The book: Defines the evil eye and traces its roots into antiquity and across an extraordinary breadth of cultures and traditions. Shows readers how to diagnose the evil eye, how to cure it, as well as cast it on others. Explores the use of amulets and talismans bearing the "evil eye," including its remarkable prevalence in popular jewelry designs. Includes the history and use of various talismans such as the Hamsa; the Italian cornicello and mano figa; the azabache stone; the Kabbalah red string; mirror pendants; jumble beads; the Assyrian evil eye; and many others

Antonio Pagliarulo has been a professional writer for over two decades. He writes frequently about religion and spirituality. Antonio was schooled in the ways of Italian folk magic, learning and collecting dozens of traditional rituals, spells, and incantations for healing, prosperity, and protection

"The Evil Eye by Antonio Pagliarulo is a remarkable work, being a book on one of the most important aspects of world magic by someone who is not only a good researcher but also a believer. The result is both a compendium of useful information for scholars and a manual of practical magic--and all the better for both aspects." --Professor Ronald Hutton, author of The Triumph of the Moon "The Evil Eye by Antonio Pagliarulo displays diligent research into the subject, as well as how to protect yourself from the Evil Eye's malignant effects. Read this book and you will become a warrior and not a worrier. Envy is the Evil Eye: l'invidia il malocchio. The evil of envy is worldwide, the underside of vision! No need to write more. You who read my words, obtain this very valuable book." --Reverend Lori Bruno-Sforza, HPS, Our Lord and Lady of the Trinacrian Rose Church and Chapel of the Archangel Michael "Antonio Pagliarulo clearly, honestly, and lovingly guides us through the origins and exercises of harnessing the energy of practical folk magic in our daily lives with his book The Evil Eye. Whether you are simply curious about what seems to be this rapidly rising pop-culture trend in jewelry and home decor or want to understand more about some traditions your friends and family observe and why, or whether you were raised knowing all about malocchio, mal de ojo, or 'bad juju, ' this book is an indispensable addition to your library. It will quickly become your go-to reference guide in times of need." --Jessica Pimentel, actor in Orange Is the New Black, and musician in Brujeria and Alekhine's Gun "Combining the metaphysical understanding of an occultist, the research of a historian, and the first-hand wisdom of a true teacher, Antonio Pagliarulo dives deeply into the maladies, mysteries, and cures associated with the Evil Eye, including information ranging from the ancient world to modern popular trends. Even if you think you know all about the Evil Eye, I'm certain you will learn something new. I certainly did." --Christopher Penczak, cofounder of the Temple of Witchcraft and author of the Temple of Witchcraft series "Our eyes are among mankind's most powerful and ancient weapons. This belief is so widespread that cultures all around the world have words to name this weapon, such as Evil Eye, mal de ojo, malocchio, matiasma, and xematiasma. In The Evil Eye, Antonio Pagliarulo presents an informative, insightful, fascinating, and very important instructional book for understanding, handling, using, fighting, and defeating this powerful weapon. The Evil Eye is a gem in the field of folklore, culture, and magic, and how they are intertwined. An exceptional contribution to treasure for future generations." --Laura Davila, author of Mexican Sorcery, @daphne_la_hechicera "A detailed, lively account of il malocchio from the point of view of a cultural insider thoroughly familiar with the tradition. Antonio Pagliarulo combines ethnographic observations and factual knowledge with magical expertise in a way that will appeal to practitioners from a variety of religious and esoteric traditions." --Sabina Magliocco, professor of anthropology, University of British Columbia "Finally, there is a book written by an actual practitioner, in plain language, with warmth and compassion, that takes the Evil Eye and the misery it causes seriously. If you have been wondering about the Eye; if you fear it or think you have been struck by it; if you feel drawn to Evil Eye jewelry, this book is for you. May it provide you with safety, relief, and happiness." --from the foreword by Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells and Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting "Having had the privilege of working with Antonio, I was given the ability to catch a small glimpse inside his craft as a practitioner of magic and as a writer. His ability to connect with his magic is as passionate and accurate as he is--a person who listens when the universe speaks. In his wonderfully and beautifully written book The Evil Eye, you will find a wealth of information and a thorough knowledge of magical workings. I do hope you enjoy this read as much as I did, and, like myself, will keep it in that special place in the library you visit often for reference." --Penny Cabot, reverend and green minister, high priestess of the Cabot Kent Hermetic Temple "I highly recommend Antonio Pagliarulo's contemporary exploration of this ancient and globally recognized, yet persistently enigmatic subject viewed through the lens of his own culture and experience, as well as those of people from other cultures. His writing is approachable and relatable without skimping on the requisite academia. The Evil Eye: The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Quiet Curse is an excellent resource for anyone interested in folklore and folk magic." --Mary-Grace Fahrun, author of Italian Folk Magic: Rue's Kitchen Witchery