October Witchy Newsletter

Tools 4 - Bells

In the Altar newsletter we touched briefly on bells and chimes. Listening to my chimes outside in the wind and rain is one of my favorite past times. It is extremely calming, the mixing sound of the chimes, with the howl of the wind and the patter of the rain. When choosing bells and chimes, make sure you enjoy the sound they make

Bells are common in every society. From weddings to the gathering of people during religious rites and services, announcing danger and used in ceremonies, to decorating our clothing. Associated with the mind and the expansion of consciousness, bells can also be a way to communicate with spirits or warding off negative energies. Let’s explore some of these.

Depending on their sound bells and chimes can have several different purposes like pushing energy away from you and if strong enough out of the home. This is especially useful in forcing anything negative out. The more you enjoy the sounds of the bell and your strong intention will make all the difference in pushing the energy from you. Think of the sound of the bells the manifestation of a primal roaring to clear the space around you.

Chimes outside of the door or bells on the front door are a kind of first line of defense to keep negative energy hiding in the doorway or nearby from entering the home behind you and visitors. Consecrating the bells will add to their ability to ward off evil and negative energies. Some call these “Witches Bells” and is always represented as 3 bells hanging from the doorknob. I have found these to be incredibly helpful when keeping the space clear. Having bells hanging around the home can also let you know when energy is moving around, especially if you hear them ring from the other room.

Not as common anymore, but they have been used in wakes and funerals to keep evil spirits away from a dead body, often called a dead bell. Some practices use them to help the soul transition from this life to the next. They can be used to notify you when energy is moving throughout the home. I have used them during communications with spirits, at the beginning of a ceremony and a finite ring to end one.

Of course there are also ritual bell’s and you may even have some on your altar. They can be used to announce the beginning and end to a ritual with the ring of a bell is very finite and specific. There are times to use them during the ceremony as well especially if your ceremony includes dancing or a lot of movement. They can be used to open and close a protection circle for a ritual as well. You don’t want to choose just any bell. You want the right bell for the ritual, and the sound has to resonate with you. If you can’t stand the sound you won’t want to use it, but it also won’t be as effective when you do.

Spirits will also use bells to communicate. If you have a bell that resonates with them then they may make it chime to let you know they are there. If trying to send a message they may continuously ring it to make you pay attention.

If you have any questions about how to incorporate bells into your home or practice feel free to reach out!

~That’s all for now! If you have any questions or suggestion please share!~

As always Happy Conjuring!