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The Evil Eye: The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Quiet Curse
A practical, modern-day exploration of one of the oldest, most universal, and storied forms of folk magic.
Antonio Pagliarulo explores the phenomenon of the Evil what it is, its origins and causes— and, most crucially, how to avoid, repel, and remove it. Rich with cultural anecdotes and traditions, mystical lore, and modern concepts, The Evil Eye offers practical advice for shielding yourself from the destructive and lingering power of this mysterious and persistent force.
The
Antonio Pagliarulo explores the phenomenon of the Evil what it is, its origins and causes— and, most crucially, how to avoid, repel, and remove it. Rich with cultural anecdotes and traditions, mystical lore, and modern concepts, The Evil Eye offers practical advice for shielding yourself from the destructive and lingering power of this mysterious and persistent force.
The
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2023
62 people are currently reading
2885 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 29, 2025
I am not really sure how to evaluate this book because I'm an atheist. The writer is what I'd call a pan spiritualist with a foundation in Catholicism. But it's clear Pagliarulo is open to all modalities of spirituality, including shamanism, witchcraft, fortunetelling, hexing, the occult, Jewish mysticism, etc. If there's someone or something to pray to, the author is going to do it - not just try it, but actually do it. Even includes incantations and prayers, scriptures to reference, and rituals to follow. According to Pagliarulo, all if it is valid, and all of it works.
I'm open to whatever is out there that I don't know. While I'm an atheist, I also acknowledge there is arrogance in thinking that there is no possibility of a higher power. So while I'm open to its existence, I neither want a relationship with it. My focus is on the people of this planet and in my life. I'm happy for everyone else to engage with this higher power on their volition. I also prefer to prove or disprove everything through science and math first, before I look to the metaphysical (which I won't do since I don't care enough about it). Even when I followed Christianity or practiced Reiki, I felt like a phony. So reading this book was kind of similar - a heavy dose of skepticism on my part but enough respect that Pagliarulo has evidence in his own life that all of it is valid and all of it works for him.
If you are interested in warding off evil with talismans, artifacts, spells, and whatnots, this book would probably be of interest to you. If you are more like me, then you may find this book to be one more way to understand other people a bit better. I don't recommend it to anyone who is looking to engage in any kind of apologetics or debate or to arm yourself with information to engage in any kind of spiritual warfare with people like Pagliarulo. This is the kind of Christianity I was raised in, and this kind of defensiveness is actually quite offensive and will only serve to antagonize people unnecessarily, which I've always thought was the antithesis of what Jesus would've done. Yes, we are back to WWJD, which also means that there's no room for ridicule if you happen not to believe in any of this either.
I'm open to whatever is out there that I don't know. While I'm an atheist, I also acknowledge there is arrogance in thinking that there is no possibility of a higher power. So while I'm open to its existence, I neither want a relationship with it. My focus is on the people of this planet and in my life. I'm happy for everyone else to engage with this higher power on their volition. I also prefer to prove or disprove everything through science and math first, before I look to the metaphysical (which I won't do since I don't care enough about it). Even when I followed Christianity or practiced Reiki, I felt like a phony. So reading this book was kind of similar - a heavy dose of skepticism on my part but enough respect that Pagliarulo has evidence in his own life that all of it is valid and all of it works for him.
If you are interested in warding off evil with talismans, artifacts, spells, and whatnots, this book would probably be of interest to you. If you are more like me, then you may find this book to be one more way to understand other people a bit better. I don't recommend it to anyone who is looking to engage in any kind of apologetics or debate or to arm yourself with information to engage in any kind of spiritual warfare with people like Pagliarulo. This is the kind of Christianity I was raised in, and this kind of defensiveness is actually quite offensive and will only serve to antagonize people unnecessarily, which I've always thought was the antithesis of what Jesus would've done. Yes, we are back to WWJD, which also means that there's no room for ridicule if you happen not to believe in any of this either.
February 18, 2024
♦️ „𝒵ł𝑒 𝑜𝓀𝑜” 𝒜𝓃𝓉𝑜𝓃𝒾𝑜 𝒫𝒶𝑔𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓇𝓊𝓁𝑜♦️
•• Skuteczne zaklęcia i rytuały na odwracanie złych plotek, klątw i uroków ••
▪️𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗭𝗝𝗔 ▪️
Zacznę od tego, że książka „Złe oko” ma przepiękną, minimalistyczną okładkę! Już to przyciąga wzrok czytelnika, a co dopiero środek. Przyznam szczerze, że sama nie wiele wiem na temat Złego oka, odczyniania uroków, czy różnych przesądów, a dzięki tej książkę mogłam się bliżej przyjrzeć tym aspektom. Spodobało mi się to, iż sam autor krok po kroku objaśnia nam różne aspekty Złego oka, starając się wytłumaczyć czym ono tak właściwie jest i co może się z nim wiązać. Autor bada starożytne praktyki egipskie, symboliki antyczne Grecji i Rzymu oraz odniesienia w głównych religiach monoteistycznych w kontekście Złego oka.
Antonio Pagliarulo przybliża nam również działanie talizmanów, które mają za zadanie chronić przed Złym okiem. Opisuje różne talizmany, które pojawiają się w obecnych kulturach, a ich głównym zadaniem jest ustrzec przed złym urokiem. Podpowiada nawet jak stworzyć taki chroniący nas talizman. Zapewne wielu z nas nie zdaje sobie sprawy, że już nosi taki talizman jak np. pierścionek z kamieniem bądź naszyjnik z krzyżem czy innym symbolem.
„Złe oko” to nie tylko suche fakty opisujące zjawisko Złego oka, ale również ciekawe historie ludzi, których dotknął zły urok. Niesamowicie ciekawa pozycja, która objaśnia nam wiedzę na temat złych uroków, talizmanów, a także przybliża różne informacje na temat religii, różnych kultur i praktyk odczyniania tych złych uroków. Nie sądziłam, że kiedykolwiek zainteresuje mnie taka pozycja, a tu tak pozytywnie się zaskoczyłam i pochłaniałam każdą stroną z ogromną ciekawością. To dowodzi, że nie należy się zamykać na niektóre pozycje literackie.
ODKRYJ FASCYNUJĄCĄ HISTORIĘ ZŁEGO OKA! 🤍
•• Skuteczne zaklęcia i rytuały na odwracanie złych plotek, klątw i uroków ••
▪️𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗭𝗝𝗔 ▪️
Zacznę od tego, że książka „Złe oko” ma przepiękną, minimalistyczną okładkę! Już to przyciąga wzrok czytelnika, a co dopiero środek. Przyznam szczerze, że sama nie wiele wiem na temat Złego oka, odczyniania uroków, czy różnych przesądów, a dzięki tej książkę mogłam się bliżej przyjrzeć tym aspektom. Spodobało mi się to, iż sam autor krok po kroku objaśnia nam różne aspekty Złego oka, starając się wytłumaczyć czym ono tak właściwie jest i co może się z nim wiązać. Autor bada starożytne praktyki egipskie, symboliki antyczne Grecji i Rzymu oraz odniesienia w głównych religiach monoteistycznych w kontekście Złego oka.
Antonio Pagliarulo przybliża nam również działanie talizmanów, które mają za zadanie chronić przed Złym okiem. Opisuje różne talizmany, które pojawiają się w obecnych kulturach, a ich głównym zadaniem jest ustrzec przed złym urokiem. Podpowiada nawet jak stworzyć taki chroniący nas talizman. Zapewne wielu z nas nie zdaje sobie sprawy, że już nosi taki talizman jak np. pierścionek z kamieniem bądź naszyjnik z krzyżem czy innym symbolem.
„Złe oko” to nie tylko suche fakty opisujące zjawisko Złego oka, ale również ciekawe historie ludzi, których dotknął zły urok. Niesamowicie ciekawa pozycja, która objaśnia nam wiedzę na temat złych uroków, talizmanów, a także przybliża różne informacje na temat religii, różnych kultur i praktyk odczyniania tych złych uroków. Nie sądziłam, że kiedykolwiek zainteresuje mnie taka pozycja, a tu tak pozytywnie się zaskoczyłam i pochłaniałam każdą stroną z ogromną ciekawością. To dowodzi, że nie należy się zamykać na niektóre pozycje literackie.
ODKRYJ FASCYNUJĄCĄ HISTORIĘ ZŁEGO OKA! 🤍
August 3, 2023
Initially, I looked forward to reading "The Evil Eye: The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Quiet Curse," a copy of which was provided to me by Red Wheel/Weiser Publishing for review. I was intrigued by what sounded like an author's attempts to unravel the enigmatic concept of the evil eye and explore its "history, mystery, and magic." Unfortunately, this tantalizing prospect is reduced to a mere fraction of its overall content, leaving much to be desired. With a mere two chapters allocated to these concepts, one is left yearning for a more profound analysis that uncovers the beliefs and cultural significance that have perpetuated the phenomenon across centuries and civilizations and is instead left with four chapters of basic-level spells, prayers, and rituals.
Furthermore, the book's claim to explore the theological and psychological dimensions of the evil eye appears to be more of an assertion than a substantiated endeavor. In reality, these dimensions remain largely uncharted territory within its pages. The theological implications, rooted in various belief systems and their interpretations, are brushed over without the depth required to genuinely comprehend their impact on human behavior and societies. Similarly, the psychological facets of the evil eye, including its role in shaping perceptions, attitudes, and intergroup dynamics, are merely hinted at rather than rigorously investigated.
Notably, one cannot help but notice that the book goes on to employ the evil eye as a metaphorical lens to examine the fear of the unknown, a thematic connection that could be seen as intriguing if not employed to stoke that fear in its readers.
Overall, what is introduced as a "practical, modern exploration" of the evil eye appears more as an introductory essay, with an initiate practitioner's associated basic-level spells, prayers, and rituals - useful material, to be sure, but not what was expected of, nor promised, by the author.
Furthermore, the book's claim to explore the theological and psychological dimensions of the evil eye appears to be more of an assertion than a substantiated endeavor. In reality, these dimensions remain largely uncharted territory within its pages. The theological implications, rooted in various belief systems and their interpretations, are brushed over without the depth required to genuinely comprehend their impact on human behavior and societies. Similarly, the psychological facets of the evil eye, including its role in shaping perceptions, attitudes, and intergroup dynamics, are merely hinted at rather than rigorously investigated.
Notably, one cannot help but notice that the book goes on to employ the evil eye as a metaphorical lens to examine the fear of the unknown, a thematic connection that could be seen as intriguing if not employed to stoke that fear in its readers.
Overall, what is introduced as a "practical, modern exploration" of the evil eye appears more as an introductory essay, with an initiate practitioner's associated basic-level spells, prayers, and rituals - useful material, to be sure, but not what was expected of, nor promised, by the author.
August 4, 2023
I had no idea until reading this book how widespread the concept of the evil eye is across different time periods and cultures. It was fascinating to learn about how it’s reflected in various places around the world, as well as in religious and philosophical texts. The second half of the book focuses on rituals.
I do wish the historical section were longer and more in depth, but that’s really my only critique. I actually bought a copy of this in print after borrowing it from Hoopla so I can refer back to it as needed. It made for an interesting book club discussion.
I do wish the historical section were longer and more in depth, but that’s really my only critique. I actually bought a copy of this in print after borrowing it from Hoopla so I can refer back to it as needed. It made for an interesting book club discussion.
April 4, 2024
Lately you have had some great fortune blow your way. Got a new car, sporting nice clothes and you got the trophy lover. Then bam all of the sudden you get hit qwith a series of events that can only mean one thing, someone gave you the evil eye. The evil eye is born of jealousy and envy and sometimes the person who gave it to you is unaware that they gave it to you. Might notice someone staring at you intently or hey may pay a complimnt but underneath it all they are slipping you some bad energy. the evil eye is known the world over and it goes by many different names. Lately it has become a trend to wear a nazar or blue eye from the middle east in order to repel the danger.
The author grew up in an Italian American household and was raised around the mythology o the evil eye. His olsder female relatives were experts in diagnosing and getting rid o the evil eye. There are several ways someone can hex you with the evil eye. One way is for someone to compliment you like "gee that is a real cool are" and some passive aggressive comment might be thrown in. Sometimes they just stare at you an at other times they are openly hostile. When you are hexed with the evil eyes sometimes you feel psychologically off and at other times you are hit with headaches, insomnia or other physical maladies. There are instances when things just start going bad.
the author gives techniques on how to diagnose the evil eye and how to be rid of it. Included in this volume are deities and saints who help you fiht against the evil eye. There are also stone and herbs that also combat the evil eye. the book also lists talismans that have been traditionally used to ward against the evil eye. He pulls his methods from his own background and from that of other cultures. Neat little book!
The author grew up in an Italian American household and was raised around the mythology o the evil eye. His olsder female relatives were experts in diagnosing and getting rid o the evil eye. There are several ways someone can hex you with the evil eye. One way is for someone to compliment you like "gee that is a real cool are" and some passive aggressive comment might be thrown in. Sometimes they just stare at you an at other times they are openly hostile. When you are hexed with the evil eyes sometimes you feel psychologically off and at other times you are hit with headaches, insomnia or other physical maladies. There are instances when things just start going bad.
the author gives techniques on how to diagnose the evil eye and how to be rid of it. Included in this volume are deities and saints who help you fiht against the evil eye. There are also stone and herbs that also combat the evil eye. the book also lists talismans that have been traditionally used to ward against the evil eye. He pulls his methods from his own background and from that of other cultures. Neat little book!
July 12, 2023
This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 07/12/2023.
“You certainly draw a lot of eyes,” a customer told me at a pop-up event where I was selling goods from my Etsy store. I responded, “Well, they are one of the oldest, most recognized symbols of protection, and I can draw them.” This is why I was thrilled to learn about “The Evil Eye: The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Quiet Curse” by Antonio Pagliarulo.
Pagliarulo puts together what anyone who’s studied the occult and/or folk magic for a while has figured out, and that is nearly all cultures believe in a version of the Evil Eye and they all have their own versions to protect or counter the effects. “The Evil Eye” brings all this information together in an informative and entertaining way. By reading Pagliarulo’s work you’ll learn to diagnose the Evil Eye, ways to cure it through magic or prayer, how to protect yourself against, and for those who dare, how to cast it (a thing that can also happen unintentionally).
“The Evil Eye” by Antonio Pagliarulo is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in multicultural magic and symbolism. I know I’ll be referring to it going forward in my personal work with talismans.
“You certainly draw a lot of eyes,” a customer told me at a pop-up event where I was selling goods from my Etsy store. I responded, “Well, they are one of the oldest, most recognized symbols of protection, and I can draw them.” This is why I was thrilled to learn about “The Evil Eye: The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Quiet Curse” by Antonio Pagliarulo.
Pagliarulo puts together what anyone who’s studied the occult and/or folk magic for a while has figured out, and that is nearly all cultures believe in a version of the Evil Eye and they all have their own versions to protect or counter the effects. “The Evil Eye” brings all this information together in an informative and entertaining way. By reading Pagliarulo’s work you’ll learn to diagnose the Evil Eye, ways to cure it through magic or prayer, how to protect yourself against, and for those who dare, how to cast it (a thing that can also happen unintentionally).
“The Evil Eye” by Antonio Pagliarulo is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in multicultural magic and symbolism. I know I’ll be referring to it going forward in my personal work with talismans.
February 17, 2024
I was really impressed by the depth of this book. Although I wish it went even more into each culture’s history (I love history!), Antonio Pagliarulo did a fantastic job providing a comprehensive telling of the evil eye (or nazar).
This book is generous in sharing helpful practices that would ordinarily be close kept secrets only passed down to special persons.
This is a great history lesson that would also be a nice gift to give someone! I was introduced to the evil eye from the European husband and his family and am a true believer. I had no idea it was found in so many cultures.
Read this book and protect yourself!
This book is generous in sharing helpful practices that would ordinarily be close kept secrets only passed down to special persons.
This is a great history lesson that would also be a nice gift to give someone! I was introduced to the evil eye from the European husband and his family and am a true believer. I had no idea it was found in so many cultures.
Read this book and protect yourself!
July 10, 2024
This was an extremely well-written, detailed, and educational look at the belief in the 'evil eye', something which spans numerous countries over the continents of the world. As far as I'm aware, there are very few books on the subject which reach the calibre of professionalism encountered here. There's also a particular art to writing non-fiction in a professional and engaging manner, and this author has the talent to use words and language just as a skilled painter would use his brush and oils. An excellent book, highly recommended for anyone interested in curses, spiritualism, the paranormal, supernatural, or other-worldly beliefs.
January 20, 2025
In "The Evil Eye: The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Quiet Curse," Antonio Pagliarulo weaves an enlightening narrative that transcends cultures and generations. His exploration of the Evil Eye is rich with true anecdotes, offering a profound glimpse into individual experiences that resonate deeply. During a recent East Coast snowstorm, I found myself engrossed in this captivating read, devouring its pages in a single day. The protective tips provided not only rounded out the narrative but also equipped me with valuable insights for my life journey. This book is now a cherished reference point as I navigate my own path.
June 1, 2023
I am probably biased as an Italian American folk witch but I absolutely adored this book. The foreword by Judika was a pleasant surprise, and although I disagree with some of her own writing choices outside of this book — her words here were lovely!
This has a treasure trove of information about the evil eye, and it’s many iterations across different cultures. I thought I knew a lot about malocchio but that was before this book. Great read for any practitioner or folklore enthusiast who wants to learn about the evil eye, beginner or otherwise!
This has a treasure trove of information about the evil eye, and it’s many iterations across different cultures. I thought I knew a lot about malocchio but that was before this book. Great read for any practitioner or folklore enthusiast who wants to learn about the evil eye, beginner or otherwise!
June 11, 2023
I wasn’t too impressed but at least the book had: an appendix, a bibliography, academic paper sources, and online resources.
I really just thought the book was a little too dull. It focused on maybe five religions mainly, references to Italian folklore and Judeo beliefs.
It was awkward to have the book shuffle with “bad things happen and there are reasons for it” … “BUT the EYE”. It was part historical record of superstitions and part “3 cashews in a water cup will heal you.”
I think it could’ve just been handled better, but it did have something for everyone.
I really just thought the book was a little too dull. It focused on maybe five religions mainly, references to Italian folklore and Judeo beliefs.
It was awkward to have the book shuffle with “bad things happen and there are reasons for it” … “BUT the EYE”. It was part historical record of superstitions and part “3 cashews in a water cup will heal you.”
I think it could’ve just been handled better, but it did have something for everyone.
May 21, 2023
Antonio Pagliarulo's book on The Evil Eye is a powerful reminder of my ancestors and their ancient practices. With a wealth of cultural anecdotes, mystical lore, and modern insights, this book delves into the origins, causes, and most importantly, how to protect oneself from the destructive power of the Evil Eye. It offers practical advice and techniques that empower and shield against this mysterious force. A captivating and enlightening read!
May 28, 2024
I love all the information-it was like a textbook -so much knowledge!
Love the simple protection and the list of herbs to have
How to see if we have the evil eye curse, how to get rid of it
Loved all the history tied to religion since most people think it isn’t hand-in-hand
Great book-so great, I got the tattoo of the cover 🧿
Love the simple protection and the list of herbs to have
How to see if we have the evil eye curse, how to get rid of it
Loved all the history tied to religion since most people think it isn’t hand-in-hand
Great book-so great, I got the tattoo of the cover 🧿
February 1, 2025
A very basic, readable account of the breadth and general consistency of belief in the Evil Eye. It is anecdotal rather than analytical, focusing on how to apply the belief in healing. My interest is in imagery, about which it had little to say. It did, however, provide a useful, easily accessible, broad context.
August 31, 2023
Quick impressions: Overall, I do recommend this book for public and academic libraries. For folks interested in forms of folk magic, this is a recommended book and one to add to their collections.
(Full review with reading notes available on my blog.)
(Full review with reading notes available on my blog.)
November 16, 2024
Excellent comprehensive guide with thoughtful research across multiple regions, contexts, cultures, and traditions. I always love the detaol behind folktale. The sad fact is that this book felt more about awareness and removing darkness to me.
November 20, 2024
I appreciate the research that went into this book. Its tone is approachable without pandering. There is just enough detail to add (with citations, of course) to your grimoire. The bibliography is itself a great source, too.
June 7, 2023
Very interesting!
December 21, 2023
Talks a lot about different societies’ versions of the evil eye, a lot of ways to cure it. Seems fertility and folk magic are the main cures. I understand the symbolism better now.
January 30, 2024
This was a great book. It is full of interesting information that I definately will be able to use. It was very well written and easy to read. I hope this author writes more books!
April 16, 2024
this was such an interesting and inspiring read. I loved learning how widespread this is across different cultures and beliefs.
Read
May 30, 2024Chyba trochę oszalałam przez tę książkę, ale w sumie była oświecająca.
December 14, 2024
It was pretty thorough. A good read, and a good resource.
January 1, 2025
A very nice, if quick, overview of both beliefs in and responses to the evil eye across cultures and faiths.
February 6, 2025
For a metaphysical book, I really appreciated how well researched and cross cultural this was, though the author's key examples were Italian from his own heritage/practice.
June 29, 2024
As someone who is part Greco-Italian I really appreciated this book who wanted to know more of my ancestors folklore and traditions Antonio did a amazing job of the history of the evil eye and what it represents and means not just Greece or Italy but also Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Celtic traditions, etc. though I do think he mostly focused on Italian side which is completely understandable that’s where he is most experienced. He tells how to diagnose the Evil eye and how to cure with various methods, personal stories of what has been told to him and from his own personal experiences. The hand gestures and the deities and the saints to help protect and derive away the evil eye was really insightful. I am completely new to Italian folk magic and always learning, this book really helped what my ancestors were doing to survive and thriving it’s an excellent book.
But if you’re generally looking into the evil eye I highly recommend it’s my most annotated book lol with many tabs lol. He gives a lot of wisdom as well it really helps on my path hopefully on yours as well :).
But if you’re generally looking into the evil eye I highly recommend it’s my most annotated book lol with many tabs lol. He gives a lot of wisdom as well it really helps on my path hopefully on yours as well :).
July 28, 2024
I guess I was expecting a more scholarly approach to the topic. The “history” is mostly anecdotal, and the main topic of the book actually seems to be “how to become an evil eye consultant.” Although it includes some practical spells and rituals, all but a few are rooted in Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam. Since I don’t practice any religion, this book was not useful to me.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews