The hamsa, additionally typically known as the Hand of Fatima or the Eye of Miriam, is an emblem of a hand with a watch within the middle. The hamsa pertains to the idea within the evil eye, with the hamsa itself providing safety from the evil eye.

It has been linked to plenty of traditions for hundreds of years, and stays a well-liked image for averting negativity at present. As assistant professor of non secular research on the College of Denver, Dheepa Sundaram, Ph.D., tells mindbodygreen, it has connections to Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

“Inside Islam and Judaism, it is about averting the evil eye—the thought of the protector,” Sundarama explains, including, “In Hinduism, it is usually used as a synonym for the supreme spirit or the last word actuality, which known as ‘Brahman,’ in addition to a automobile for data. In Buddhism it represents the common spirit and being launched from the cycle of rebirth, or samsara.”

And FYI, should you’re unfamiliar, the idea of the evil eye is hundreds of years previous, too, and is predicated on the concept somebody can put a spell or curse on you with simply ailing will or a unclean look alone. Many nations and cultures consider within the evil eye. Psychology skilled and proprietor of Psychic Medium Witch, Leigh Ann Romano Rogers, M.A., tells mindbodygreen, “Perception within the evil eye is a cross-cultural phenomenon discovered all through Europe, the traditional Egyptians, North and East Africa, the Center East, the Philippines, and Latin America, amongst different cultures.”

Within the hamsa image, the evil eye is integrated into the hand, “whose 5 fingers symbolize the 5 pillars of Islam or just the fingers of the hand in Jewish custom,” explains shamanic healer, non secular instructor, and adjunct professor at California State College-San Bernardino, Jonathan Jay Dubois Ph.D.