Evil Eye and Envy: How to Protect Yourself from the Evil Eye & Envy.
What are the evil eye and envy? How can you protect yourself from envy according to the Orthodox Church? Learn about prayers, blessings, and ways to fortify your spiritual defenses.
Envy, often associated with the evil eye, is a widespread phenomenon in both popular tradition and the teachings of the Orthodox Church. Many believe that envy, malice, and the negative energy of a person can affect another’s life—causing misfortunes, weakness, or bad luck.
The Orthodox Church acknowledges envy as a genuine spiritual phenomenon, one linked to ill will and malicious intent. However, it does not offer magical solutions; instead, it urges the faithful to protect themselves through faith and prayer.
How Can One Protect Themselves from Envy?
The Church’s Blessing
The most traditional and effective method for counteracting envy is the special blessing against it, recited by priests. This prayer asks for God’s grace to shield a person from any harmful influence.
The Cross and Holy Oil
- The Cross: Wearing the cross serves as a reminder of Christ’s power.
- Holy Oil: Holy oil (from a candle or chrism) may be used to anoint the forehead as a form of protection.
Prayer and Spiritual Life
- Daily Prayer: Regular prayer—especially the “Our Father”—fortifies one’s spiritual defenses.
- Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion: Participation in the Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion offers the greatest protection against any negative energy.
Humility and Love
This negative force is fueled by the envious feelings of others. When one lives with humility and love, it minimizes the likelihood of provoking envy in those around them.
Avoidance of Superstitions
The Church rejects talismans, blue beads, incantations, and other folk practices deemed magical. The only true protection comes from a personal relationship with God.
The Church’s Blessing Against Envy
The Orthodox Church recognizes envy as a real spiritual phenomenon and has established specific blessings to protect the faithful from its effects. One of the best-known is the “Blessing Against Envy” by St. Basil the Great, which is recited by a priest to dispel any harmful influence.
This blessing is addressed to God, asking for the removal of every diabolical energy, satanic attack, and envious plotting originating from ill-intentioned and envious individuals. The priest invokes divine power for the protection of the faithful, requesting the sending of a peaceful yet powerful angel—a guardian of both soul and body—to dispel any wicked plans and envious forces.
It is important to note that this specific blessing is intended to be recited exclusively by a priest, not by laypeople. The Church rejects practices such as talismans, blue beads, or other superstitions, urging the faithful to trust in divine grace and prayer for their protection.
For those who feel affected by envy, it is recommended to consult a spiritual father or priest so that the appropriate blessing may be recited and the Church’s protection received.
Conclusion
Whether one believes in it or not, envy psychologically affects many people. The Orthodox Church offers specific solutions through prayer, faith, and the sacraments. Rather than fearing the “evil eye,” it is preferable to strengthen your spiritual life and trust in God.