The newest addition to my Altar.
I have been looking for a hand bell to add to my repertoire of tools for a very long time. I finally came across this vintage bell for sale online recently. It just arrived the other day.
For those of you who do not know, bells have been used across many spiritual practices and in many cultures since the beginning of time. In fact it may be one of the oldest original tools to be used in the practice of witchcraft.
Often bells are used as a ward to dispel and discourage the presence of evil spirits, and to encourage the presence of positive spirits. This practice was notably used in the protection of livestock. Bells were often hung around the neck of large animals like alpaca, oxen, and many other animals. We commonly associate this practice with smaller animals like cats and dogs, however this stems from the ancient traditions designed to protect something or someone we care about.
There are many, many, many,....... examples of these funeral bells, and church bells in general are another. Different bells of different tones are also used in the practice of Necromancy and many other art forms. Most often when you encounter a bell such as the one above it is most likely being used to mark the end of a ceremony.
Regardless, I finally have acquired my own, and wanted to share with everyone. This one is about 8" tall and 3" wide at the bottom of the bell. Fully cast in bronze and it rings in a high crisp register with a following bass register. The handle is that of a vajra, a legendary ritualistic tool that symbolizes indestructibility and an irresistible force. This kind of tool is perfect for exorcism, as well as to ward off evil or unwanted spirits.
