Ear Ringing Spiritual Meaning: The Omens of the "Death Bell"

Have you ever felt a ringing in your ear? Did something happen afterward that made you wonder if there was more to it than just a random noise/buzzing?

I’ve been researching this topic lately and came across some fascinating folk tales and superstitions surrounding ear ringing. It’s made me curious to get your opinions on what this could mean spiritually!

Old Superstitions and the “Death Bell” :bell:

It’s wild to think that, in the past, people associated ear ringing with the ominous sound of a “death bell,” a superstition that claimed ear ringing could be a warning of bad news.

Popular Beliefs about ears ringing
Popular Beliefs about ear ringing 2
From: Popular Beliefs and Superstitions from North Carolina

Over time, though, these beliefs have evolved, and today ear ringing is more often seen as a signal of something spiritual, whether it’s a guide trying to communicate or someone thinking about you from afar.

This shift in meaning is similar to how we view tarot cards like Death or The Tower. While these cards might seem alarming at first, they usually represent transformation or sudden change rather than literal endings.


Death Bell of Girardius from the 1730 grimoire, Parvi Lucii Libellus de Mirabilibus Naturae Arcanis

What Does It Mean When Your Ear Rings Spiritually? :ear:

There are many interpretations of ear ringing, but it’s most commonly believed to be a sign of receiving a message from the universe, spirits, or even someone in your life.

Encyclopædia of Superstitions
From the Encyclopædia of Superstitions

It’s important to note the difference between left and right ear ringing when exploring its spiritual meaning.

Beyond old superstitions, a summary of what I gathered is: The left ear ringing signals internal, intuitive messages or reflections of gossip, while the right ear ringing often relates to external, spiritual guidance or affirmations.

When Your Ears Ring

Ringing of the left ear vs right ear

The Spiritual Meaning of Left Ear Ringing

If your left ear is ringing, many traditions hold that this is linked to the energy of the Yin (receptive). A traditional interpretation is that it could mean that a woman is speaking or thinking about you, possibly in a gossiping manner. This is one of the most widespread beliefs that has been passed down for generations.

Think of The Moon: It is connected to intuition, emotions, and the unseen. It reflects the idea of things happening behind the scenes, much like the whispers associated with left ear ringing.

The Moon Tarot-min

It’s said that when your left ear rings, you’re being talked about behind your back. But it’s not all bad—sometimes this could simply mean someone is thinking about you fondly.

The Spiritual Meaning of Right Ear Ringing

When your right ear rings, it’s often thought to be associated with Yang or active energy. Some say this could mean a man is talking about you or that you’re receiving active energy or guidance from higher realms.

Think of The Sun: It is associated with clarity, success, and positive energy, which aligns with the right ear ringing as a sign of guidance or a message of encouragement from the universe.

The Sun Tarot-min

Ringing in the right ear can also be a sign of incoming important messages, either from spirit guides or as a warning of significant change or an opportunity approaching. If you’ve been seeking answers or guidance, this could be the universe’s way of alerting you to the fact that clarity is coming your way soon.

Ringing in Right Ear at Night Spiritual Meaning

Ever experienced your right ear ringing late at night? This could indicate that spiritual beings or loved ones who have passed are trying to communicate with you during a quiet, peaceful moment when the veil between worlds is thinner. Nighttime is a powerful time for messages to come through. If you find your ear ringing at night, try meditating or journaling to see if any messages or signs come through to you more clearly.

Ear Burning? Always Prioritize Your Health :dizzy:

It’s important to remember that there are also practical, medical explanations for this sensation. Ear infections, fluid buildup, or other health issues can cause ringing, discomfort, or pain in the ears. If you’re experiencing persistent ringing, pain, or any other discomfort, it’s always a good idea to visit a doctor to rule out any medical conditions.

Savory Oil for Ear Ailments

Here’s a formula I came across on Llewellyn’s Complete Formulary of Magical Oils for mild tinnitus or cases of ear infection. (This is not a substitute for medical advice.)

Savory Oil 1
Savory Oil Celeste Rayne

Recipe in plain text

For Exhaustion
The refreshing, stimulating fragrance of Savory Oil helps banish fatigue and malaise. Add the following blend to an aromatherapy lamp:

  • 3 drops Savory
  • 2 drops Lemon
  • 2 drops Oregano

Therapeutic Effect: Cymene, thymol, carvacrol, and phenol give the oil its stimulating properties and help to boost blood circulation, which eases muscle pain and tension. The oil’s antiseptic quality helps treat intestinal ailments, respiratory conditions, and skin inflammations. Savory Oil also activates the adrenal glands. In addition, it is believed to be an aphrodisiac.

For impaired hearing and mild tinnitus, or ringing in your ears, resulting from an ear infection, try the following remedy:
Blend 1 drop of Savory Oil in 3 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil. Mix well and add to a dropper bottle. Put 3-4 drops in each ear canal once a day. Lie down on your side and let the oils soak into each ear. Even if you have symptoms in only one ear, you must treat both ears at the same time.


What do you think? Have you experienced ringing in your ears at a significant moment? I’d love to hear about your experiences and what you think these signs could mean. Let’s dive into these old superstitions and see what we can uncover together!

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This is the meaning I grew up with! I wish I could listen to my ear-guidance but I have tinnitus and my ears are always ringing :rofl:

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I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: I love how everything that pops up on this forum is relevant to some thought or experience I’d just had! :heart_eyes_cat:

Last night, I was reading Kelden’s The Crooked Path, and when I read the “Meeting the Witch Father” exercise, I decided to read the spoken call to the Witch Father out loud, and as I did so, I got chills, goosebumps – and my right ear started ringing :eyes:

I didn’t grow up with any sayings about what a ringing in the ears meant, but the first interpretation of it I read even before I started my path into the Craft was that a ringing in the ears meant that your spirit guide had a message for you or was trying to get your attention. Because I hadn’t heard anything else, and because it seemed to line up with my personal experiences, that was the interpretation that I stuck with and carry with me to this day. :slight_smile:

I’d never heard of the “Death Bell” – thank you for sharing your research! Very interesting :thinking: :slight_smile:

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I have been having strange sounds in my right ear. I have been taking them as warnings. It started as a beep like a truck or heavy equipment backing up. It has changed to a siren sound. I have never experienced this before and it scares me a little.

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