The Meaning Of The Red Evil Eye + How To Use It For Protection

The evil eye is the belief that someone can cause another person harm through bad intentions alone, with people who believe in it often wearing an amulet or talisman as a form of protection. Today, you can find the evil eye in many colors, including red, used as decor, jewelry, and more.

The evil eye is an idea that has existed for thousands of years—the idea being that someone with negative intentions can inflict harm on another person. 

According to Solaris the Hii Priestess, astrologer, tarot reader and author of Y.O.U, Your Own Universe, "The evil eye is a belief and superstition that is often associated with the concept of jealousy or envy." Believers say that a person with bad intentions can energetically harm or place a curse on someone, for instance.

The evil eye is both a belief and a symbol, and is found in many cultures throughout the world. "The symbol, often in the form of a talisman, protects us from the judgmental and malicious stares of others," explains shamanic healer, spiritual teacher, and adjunct professor at California State University-San Bernardino, Jonathan Jay Dubois Ph.D..

"For Mesopotamians, eyes were the destructive creation of the sky god An," he tells mindbodygreen, whereas in Ancient Egypt, eyes were associated with the sun, and so protected from the evil eyes of their enemies."

"Until recently, most evil eyes were blue, as this was the color most often associated with them in ancient Egypt," explains Dubois, though red is another evil eye color that is popular.

Many people wear this symbol as a piece of jewelry. According to Dubois, "They tend to be worn in necklaces but can also be used in bracelets." 

The red evil eye symbol can also as decor as well. "They also come in larger sizes that you can use as wall decor or hang around your house to protect from negative intentions coming into the home," says Dubois. People may hang one in their car or in their office for additional protection. 

The evil eye symbol is often combined with the hamsa symbol, which hails from the Middle East and represents strength and protection.

"The Hamsa symbol incorporates the eye into a hand, whose five fingers symbolize the five pillars of Islam or simply the fingers of the hand in Jewish tradition," Dubois tells mindbodygreen, adding, "It is a fascinating symbol respected in both cultures and so takes on a new meaning—of unity through the value of history and love of tradition that both Jewish and Arabic cultures share."

Each person who uses this symbol will have a different experience. "While it is a widely recognized symbol, its effectiveness is a matter of personal belief and faith," according to Solaris.