Legend of the Gazing Ball

The Glorious Gazing Ball has had many names like: Garden Ball, Gazing Globe and Garden Globe and has been referred to as a Witch Ball, Butler Globe, Globe of Happiness and Victorian Ball. Though the reflective, colorful globe might seem "odd" to some folks, the gazing ball is rich in history and legend. 

History of the Globe

Its history , as colorful as the ball itself, had its roots in the 13th century when it was made in Venice, Italy by skilled craftsmen. It was hand blown then just as it is still done today.  A fifteenth century priest, Antonio Nier, called it a Sphere of light and , as time passed, the colorful ball became a permanent fixture in the European garden and home. King of Bavaria during the 1800's, adorned his palace, a replica of Versailles, with the globe.

Legend of the Globe

The Mysterious powers of the ball was said to bring happiness, good luck and prosperity to those who owned it.  The Globe was also known to ward of illness, misfortune, evil spirits, and witches!

The Gazing ball purpose vary from story to story.  Some say the ball should be placed near the entrance to the house so that if a witch came to your house she would not be able to get past her reflection, as she can't tear herself away from her own image. Others say a witch can't bear to see her own reflection so she will not come near a "witch's ball".  The smaller ball made of colored glass as opposed to the reflective kind was believed to attract and trap evil spirits.

Today the Glorious Gazing Ball comes in many different shapes and sizes!  One of my favorite is the Gazing Ball wind spinner!  Whirlywindyspinners.com has a wonderful selection of just the right gazing ball wind spinner thats just right for you.