Also written "Yakhalò" this is the Romani term for what is better known as "the evil eye" which, contrary to what some believe, is not some secret incantation, symbol or ritual (though these can be used as methods of transmission) but rather is one of a family of "simple curses" which are so common and dangerous precisely because they can be cast out of hand and even, to a degree, unintentionally.
The most common way to become afflicted with the evil eye is to be looked upon with envy, jealousy or spite by another person. At times when these feelings are most intense it could almost be said that they take on a life of their own and latch on to the unwary victim. The person casting the curse needs no formal training, no family history of witchcraft, no spells or charms of any kind, just an intense, burning feeling toward the person they are looking at. If it seems that last statement could have a dual meaning, there is a reason the word "jakhalò" can also mean "attractive" in Romani, it is essentially a form of bewitching, for better or worse, with a look.
Physical symptoms-
crying, or urge to cry, for no reason and without trigger
unexplained feelings of heat or cold
sweating, especially about the back and back of neck
persistent headache which may move about the head
chills or tremor (uncontrollable shakes, as if shivering, but not really cold)
suddenly difficult health, getting sick quickly or often and struggling to recover
uncontrollable and frequent yawning or sighing, especially during spiritual or social interactions
coldness, stiffness, or aching in the limbs and extremities
tightness of the chest or palpitations of the heart, as if one is suddenly stricken with fear or despair with no apparent cause
Spiritual symptoms-
Loss of luck
Loss of skill, especially in one's trade or craft
Loss of job
Loss of money or property in some unexpected way or freak accident
Loss of interest or connection with people and spirituality
Sudden and intense burning hatred of family or spouse which may come in bursts or persist and smolder.
Nightmares, night terrors, insomnia or frequently waking up for no reason
Sudden lashing and flaring of temper or becoming easily agitated to the point of near hysterics
Frequent and inexplicable feelings of fear and dread
Constant, uncontrollable and invasive thoughts about death or "flashbacks" of negative experiences
Inability to disconnect negative memories from the here and now, ie everything reminds you of something painful from the past.
Aversion to things that would normally make one feel better, such as washing/spiritual baths, socializing, going to church, eating healthy, drinking water, likely accompanied by thoughts of how such things are "stupid" or "pointless" or otherwise not believing it will help.
Remedies-
Cloves-
Pierce whole cloves with a needle, light them in the flame of a white candle, and wave them one by one over the head of the afflicted person in an arc. When the clove "pops" the curse is broken. This works fine for curses which only manifest relatively minor symptoms, and may be repeated every three days should it return. Stronger remedies are recommended should symptoms worsen.
Saffron-
A very expensive option, but much stronger than cloves. A few threads can be put in a bath, along with hyssop and basil, You want enough so that the water takes on the slightest yellow tint. Take a good long soak, pouring the water over your head and rubbing the back of your neck and base of your skull as this is often where the spirit attaches. Air dry, preferably putting on a white robe after and do not engage in sex, eat meat, or drink alcohol after. Muslim healers suggest writing verses of holy scripture with saffron ink (mix threads in alcohol then add gum arabic to thicken) then washing them into a glass of water and drinking that. I have also used honey, heated and infused with saffron, taken by the spoonful for three to nine days, depending on severity.
Egg-
Take a white chicken egg and rub it all over the body, starting at the head and working down. Crack it into a clear glass and place it under the bed overnight. Take this out to a crossroads or a place with running water and toss it over the left shoulder and leave without looking back.
Four thieves vinegar-
An old formula with many uses, not the least of which is preventing physical illness or turning negativity back on an enemy. A proper formula should be safe to take internally, but if you make your own without knowing what you are doing or if you buy a commercial product not made for internal use you can still use it externally. I personally recommend doing both, but, again you need to know what you are taking. So, if you can, take a teaspoon a day for up to a week. At the same time, sprinkle a little over your head and rub on the back of the neck at the base of your skull. Do this right before bed at night. Because this is so strong, I recommend doing some sort of positive work such as luck drawing or peace in the home after. Anything really to surround yourself with good mojo since this will essentially strip away everything that is on and around you.
Prayer-
Simple as can be, a period of intense prayer, adhering to a strict regimen of using the same prayers at the same time every day for a period of up to one week is known to help the faithful to overcome the evil eye. There are many good prayers to use, but finding one that most reflects your specific kind of suffering is ideal.
Prevention-
Many things are employed to deflect the evil eye. Beads of red and white, red and black, or black white and red together are used by various cultures. For others, it is cobalt blue glass. Eyes of blue painted on objects such as beads and charms, or mirrors inside eye shapes are often worn as jewelry or embroidered on clothing for this purpose. Rue has been worn or carried in a small pouch at least since medieval times to nullify the evil eye. It has also been recommended in spiritual baths for removing its influence.
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