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The concept of the evil eye is thousands of years old, and is based on the idea that someone has put a spell or curse on you.

Many countries and cultures believe in the evil eye, with psychology expert and owner of Psychic Medium Witch, Leigh Ann Romano Rogers, M.A., telling mindbodygreen, “Belief in the evil eye is a cross-cultural phenomenon found throughout Europe, the ancient Egyptians, North and East Africa, the Middle East, the Philippines, and Latin America, among other cultures.”

Archeologists have also found an evil eye amulet dating back to 3300 B.C.E. in ancient Mesopotamia, which is present day Syria.

“The evil eye is a belief that the eyes can cause harm with a glance holding a bad intention,” Rogers explains, adding, “The most frequently given form of the evil eye comes from jealousy, but it can also be caused by greed, anger, blame, resentment, hostility, contempt, malice, ill will, or even just an awareness of inequality, leaving harm or destructiveness in its wake.”  

People wear amulets to ward off the evil eye and protect themselves today, just as they did thousands of years ago. Evil eye amulets are often blue, in the shape of an eye, and are known as nazar, which translates from Arabic as “sight and attention.” As licensed clinical psychologist Avigail Lev, Psy.D., explains, “By wearing or displaying the evil eye, individuals seek spiritual and psychological protection,” says

Nowadays, celebrities like Meghan Markle, Jennifer Aniston, Gigi Hadid, and more, have brought this important symbol to the limelight by wearing evil eye-inspired jewelry. “The symbol represents the power to see beyond what is visible to the naked eye and ward off negative energy,” adds Solaris the Hii Priestess, astrologer, tarot reader and author of Y.O.U, Your Own Universe. 

People who believe in the evil eye and experience a sudden, inexplicable ailment often consider receiving the evil eye to be the cause. “Some people believe the evil eye can cause physical and mental health problems, such as headaches and anxiety,” Solaris says, adding, “The belief is that the negative energy is so strong it can disrupt a person’s wellbeing.”

Rogers, for instance, grew up hearing stories in her Italian family her grandmother getting the evil eye from her aunt. “In my family, the story goes that whenever my grandmother would visit [her] aunt’s house, she would come home with an unexplainable headache,” Rogers says. “It was said this aunt’s daughter was not beautiful, but that my grandmother was, and that her aunt would give her the mal’occhio, each time she would visit, envying her beauty over her cousin’s.”

In many cultures, including Italy, there’s even a superstitious method for checking if someone has received the evil eye. “It is said that if you put three drops of olive oil in a bowl of water and nothing happens, then you are free of the evil eye,” Rogers explains. 

Many people also believe that wearing an evil eye symbol can serve as protection from the evil eye. According to Solaris, the symbol is used in different ways—such as wearing amulets or talismans with the evil eye symbol to ward off bad luck and negative energy, performing rituals, or using charms and potions to protect against the evil eye.

“Talismans specifically designed to protect against the evil eye are believed to possess certain qualities or energies that can repel or neutralize the negative intentions or energies directed towards an individual,” Lev explains, adding, ”The belief in the power of talismans as a protective tool against the evil eye reflects the human desire for security, wellbeing, and the avoidance of misfortune.”

Many people will either wear a nazar to create a boundary of negative energy from reaching them, or display one in their home. But it can also be used to attract good luck, and as a meditative or visualization tool.

“A person can use the evil eye as a tool for intention setting by focusing on their desired outcome and using the talisman as a way to attract positive energy,” Solaris says. She notes that incorporating meditation and visualization practices can help “enhance the power of the talisman,” [and] some will also dress the talisman with different oils for protection.

Because the evil eye is based on a belief system, it’s important to be mindful to use this type of amulet in a respectful manner. “While some people may find it helpful in their lives, others may not find it applicable to their experiences,” Solaris tells mindbodygreen, adding, “Understanding and respecting the cultural significance of the evil eye is essential before using it as a talisman or incorporating it into one’s life.”

But for those who don’t doubt the evil eye, it will likely influence how they feel and the practices they implement in their life. “The evil eye, on its own, does not contribute to well-being,” Lev says. “It is only when someone believes in talismans or ways to protect themselves that it may provide a sense of comfort.” 

The evil eye is also about believing in something we can’t see, Lev adds, noting that when we connect with something bigger than ourselves, we often gain perspective on our own lives and challenges. “It reminds us that we are part of a larger tapestry and that our individual experiences are interconnected with the world around us,” she adds.