Evil Eye The Origins and Practices of Superstition

""Evil Eye: The Origins and Practices of Superstition"" by Frederick Thomas Elworthy is a comprehensive study of the ancient belief in the evil eye, its origins, and its practices. The book explores the superstition's prevalence in various cultures and regions around the world, including the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa, India, and Europe. The author delves into the history of the evil eye, tracing its roots to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, and its spread through the Roman Empire and beyond. He examines the various forms of the evil eye, from the malevolent gaze of individuals to the use of amulets and talismans to ward off its effects. Elworthy also analyzes the psychological and social factors that contribute to belief in the evil eye, such as envy, fear, and cultural norms. He discusses the role of religion, magic, and folklore in the perpetuation of the superstition, as well as its impact on daily life and customs. Overall, ""Evil Eye: The Origins and Practices of Superstition"" offers a fascinating exploration of one of the most enduring and widespread superstitions in human history. It sheds light on the cultural and psychological factors that drive belief in the evil eye, and provides insight into the ways in which ancient beliefs continue to shape our modern world.1895. A review of the forms and uses of sympathetic magic throughout the world. The story of superstition or everyday magic. Contents: Introduction; Sympathetic magic; Totems, portents, tree-worship; Symbols and Amulets; Gorgoneion; Crescents, horns, horseshoes; Touch, hands, gestures; The Cross; Mano Pantea; Cimaruta, Sirene, tablets; Cabalistic writing - magical formulae; Spitting, incantation, and other protective acts - pixies; Appendices (Celestial Mother, Gargoyles, divination, incantation, etc.) Copiously illustrated.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.