Bells: Tibetian Buddism paralled to European Paganism

In Tibetan Buddhism, the bell (ghanta) and the vajra (dorje in Tibetan) are two of the most important ritual implements, each symbolizing complementary aspects of spiritual practice. These tools are often used together in rituals, representing wisdom and compassion, respectively, and their use holds deep symbolic meaning. When comparing the use of bells in Tibetan Buddhism with their use in witchcraft and pagan traditions, similarities can be seen, particularly in their roles as tools of spiritual invocation, protection, and energy manipulation.

Tibetan Buddhism: Bell (Ghanta) and Vajra (Dorje)

Vajra (Dorje)

• Symbolism: The vajra, or dorje in Tibetan, is a ritual scepter that symbolizes upaya or skillful means, which represents the masculine aspect of compassion. It is also associated with unbreakable power and indestructibility, much like a diamond.

• Uses: The vajra is held in the right hand during rituals and is used to invoke compassion, power, and the ability to cut through illusions. It represents method, action, and the male principle of transformation and strength.

Bell (Ghanta)

• Symbolism: The bell (ghanta) is usually held in the left hand during rituals, symbolizing prajna, or wisdom, which is considered the feminine principle. The bell is associated with the female energy of enlightenment, wisdom, and the void, or emptiness.

• Uses: In Tibetan rituals, the bell is rung to signify the sound of wisdom, which calls forth awareness and the realization of shunyata (emptiness). The sound of the bell purifies the environment and is believed to dispel negative energies and illusions. Its ringing marks the beginning and end of ceremonies and symbolizes the attainment of wisdom.

Combined Use (Bell and Dorje Together)

• In many Tibetan Buddhist rituals, the bell and vajra are used together to represent the union of wisdom and compassion, the feminine and masculine principles. Their simultaneous use during meditation or ritual is said to lead to the realization of the true nature of reality and the attainment of enlightenment.

• When the two are used in harmony, the practitioner is reminded that wisdom (bell) and compassion (vajra) are inseparable and that both must be cultivated for spiritual progress.

Uses of Bells in Witchcraft and Pagan Traditions

Symbolism and Function

In many witchcraft and pagan practices, bells are also sacred tools used for their sound and vibration, believed to have magical properties. The use of bells in these traditions often parallels their use in Tibetan Buddhism, though the emphasis differs.

1. Invocation and Protection: Bells are used to invoke deities or spirits, much like in Tibetan Buddhism where the bell calls forth the energy of wisdom. In witchcraft, the sound of the bell can attract positive energies or specific spirits and deities during rituals. It is also used to cleanse and purify spaces, similar to the Tibetan belief that the bell dispels negative energies.

2. Energy Manipulation: The vibration of a bell is thought to shift the energy in a space, which is a common use in both witchcraft and Tibetan Buddhism. In witchcraft, the sound can "raise energy" for a spell or ritual, and it may be used at different points in the ritual to signal transitions or important moments.

3. Protection and Banishing: Like in Tibetan Buddhism, where the bell’s sound purifies and removes negativity, in witchcraft, bells are used for protection and banishment of harmful entities. The ringing of a bell at a doorway, for instance, is believed to keep unwanted spirits away.

4. Cycle Marking: In both traditions, bells are often used to mark beginnings and endings. In Tibetan Buddhism, the bell is rung at the beginning and end of a meditation or ritual session. In witchcraft, bells might be used to signify the opening and closing of sacred space or to announce transitions between ritual phases.

5. Connection to the Divine: Bells in witchcraft, particularly in Wiccan and pagan practices, are often used to create a bridge between the mundane and the divine. Similar to their use in Tibetan Buddhism, where the bell symbolizes wisdom, the sound of bells in pagan traditions is believed to call the divine or otherworldly energies into the sacred circle.

Comparative Names and Functions

Tibetan Buddhism - Bell (Ghanta)	Witchcraft/Pagan - Bell
Wisdom Symbol: Represents feminine energy (prajna) and emptiness, linked to enlightenment.	Sacred Sound: Attracts divine spirits, cleanses spaces, and raises energy for spells.
Use in Rituals: Paired with the vajra (dorje) to symbolize the union of wisdom and compassion.	Use in Rituals: Used in casting circles, invoking spirits, and marking ritual transitions.
Purification: The sound of the bell clears negative energies and illusions in Tibetan ceremonies.	Banishing: The sound of bells is used to protect from negative forces and banish evil entities.
Marking Transitions: Used to begin and end rituals and meditation sessions.	Cycle Marking: Rings at the beginning and end of rituals to create or dissolve sacred space.

Conclusion

While the bell in both Tibetan Buddhism and witchcraft serves as a potent tool of purification, invocation, and energy manipulation, the context and underlying philosophies differ. In Tibetan Buddhism, the bell is inseparable from the vajra and is a symbol of wisdom, ultimately leading to enlightenment. In witchcraft and pagan traditions, the bell serves similar functions of clearing energy, invoking divine forces, and protecting from negativity, but the focus is often on magic and altering spiritual energy within the earthly realm. Both traditions recognize the power of sound as a medium for transformation, protection, and connection with the sacred.