Amulets, Charms,
Fetishes and Talismans
These are essentially items
that act as mini-spells housed in an object or a combination
of objects, all of which are easily carried around. All get
their power from a combination of symbolic value attributed
to the item(s), the faith, belief and energy provided by the
User and Creator.
Typical components used in
Amulets, Charms, Fetishes and Talismans are metals, stones,
plants, fabric, candle wax, pins, fruit, coins, and anything
else of symbolic value. These can be as simple as merely carrying
around a coin, feather or piece of metal to creating something
as elaborate as a Dream Catcher or taking more time to handcraft.
Often times, those sources saying there are certain requirements
or taboos when making such items; such as abstaining from
food or sexual activity for a time or it has to be made on
a certain day; this was/is done for the sake of purifying
one’s spirit or to help put them into the proper frame
of mind for doing magick.
An amulet varies slightly
from the others in that it’s typically thought of as
being worn such as a necklace or ring. A charm varies as well
from the others in that they can be quickly spoken or are
a quick gesture. Fetishes are often thought to be small objects
of a magical nature. However, this
does not hold true to the full definition of a charm. According
to the "Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desktop Dictionary,"
the following definition is offered:
Something worn to ward off
evil or ensure good luck; an amulet.
Any formula or action supposed to have magical power.
The "Encyclopedia of
Witches and Witchcraft" further explains this definition
by including: magical words, phrases, chants, incantations,
inscriptions, and actions which can be used separately or
in combination to make a charm.
Acorn
Attracts the opposite gender,
increases income, divine powers, and prosperity.
Akhet
Ancient Egyptian amulet representing
the rising sun. It is held to give the wearer the vigour of
the sun god Ra.
Alligator Teeth
Protection from sorcery and
danger.
Animals
Any statue, symbol or image
of an animal can be used as a talisman. The meanings will
change accordingly to the type of animal, it's meanings and
any cultural significance surrounding them. This even includes
fantasy or mythological animals as well.
Ankh
An Egyptian amulet meaning
life or soul. It symbolizes enduring life and grants the wearer
one hundred thousand million years of life.
Bell
An amulet used by primitive
and Western people whose sound was intended to ward off the
evil eye and dispel hostile spirits. In the Middle East bells
were attached to the harness of horses and camels for the
same purposes.
Billiken
A good luck ornament in the
shape of a human figure.
Cat Whisker
Carrying a cat whisker in
the glove box of the car protects against car theft, troubles,
accidents and traffic tickets.
Chai
A symbol of life. Usually
made from gold or silver. It supposedly grants the wearer
longevity.
Coffin Nails
In was said that a ring made
from three nails that had been used in a coffin and dug up
in a churchyard would act as a charm against convulsions and
fits of every kind.
Cross
Life and divine protection.
The Christians believed it to be a supreme amulet against
all forces of evil. The sign of the cross was thought to cure
illness and drive off demons.
Cylinder Seal
A seal cylindrical in shape
made of clay, precious stones and limestone worn around the
neck by the Sumerians and other ancient people as a signature
to authenticate business agreements.
Deities
Symbols and images of Gods,
like animals will also have varying meanings depending on
the God or Goddess used and the particular attribute wanted
or needed.
Dream Catchers
According to the Sioux, the
legends speak to us of the Dream Catcher. It is believed that
each carefully woven web will catch your dreams in the night
air. Placed over the bed or centered in a window, the bad
spirit dreams will become entangled in the new day. The good
spirit dreams will always find their way through the center
opening, and will gently float down the sacred feather to
bless the dreamer with peaceful dreams. Note: If you buy or
make your Dream Catcher, make sure the center hole is not
covered by a stone or fetish as that traps all dreams.
Eye of God
Amulet used to counteract
the evil eye. Made of sticks and coloured yarn by Huichol
Indians of Mexico and attributed with power of protecting
people, homes, and fields.
Eye of Horus
Egyptian Eye of God made of
gold, copper, silver, clay, faience, or wood and worn to acquire
strength, vitality, and protection against the evil eye.
Four Leaf Clover
Good luck amulet. The four
leaves going clockwise from the left side of the stem represents
fame, wealth, love, and health.
Fox Tail
Good luck amulet attached
to personal possessions. Primitive people believed that it
endowed the owner with the cunning of the animal.
Heart
An amulet worn by many people
around the world. It's a symbol of love and devotion. Ancient
Egyptians thought the heart was the abode of the soul. In
Europe a heard amulet was reputed to prevent heart disease.
Hexagram
A figure of six lines forming
a six pointed star. It is worn in many parts of the world
as a protection against evil. A widely worn symbol of the
Jewish faith called Morgen David, shield or, popularly, star
of David.
Horn of Plenty
A contemporary amulet symbolizing
prosperity, modelled on the legendary cornucopia overflowing
with flowers and fruit.
Horseshoes
Nail a horseshoe above the
door way leading into a home, keep it pointed upwards so as
to keep the luck from running out.
Knot
An amulet usually of knotted
string or cord that was believed to hold the love of a sweetheart
or ward off illness.
Lizard Tail
In many species, as seen by
geckos especially, the tail drops off when seized by a predator,
allowing them to escape and a new tail grows to replace the
old one. For this reason, lizard tails are regarded as good
luck talismans.
Magic Triangle
Cabbalistic amulet based on
the belief that by reducing the size of an inscription, line
by line, and evil spirit could be eased out of the sufferer.
Mezuzah
Doorpost amulet designed to
keep a house safe from evil spirits, demons, ghosts. and good
fortune in travel. To assure good fortune it should be worn
as a waxing, not a waning moon. That is, with the points to
the left.
Mirrors
The mirror is the quickest
way to send back negativity or to absorb it. In ritual, cleanse,
consecrate and empower the mirror for protection. Hang the
mirror in a central place of the house where it will absorb
the negative energy of the house. This is also the source
of the term: "Break a mirror, you'll have seven years
bad luck" as the person who breaks the mirror, takes
all the negative energy absorbed by the mirror into themselves.
Nefer
An amulet worn by the Egyptians.
It represents beauty and goodness. It probably is a form of
the heart and windpipe, and was thought to bring youth and
happiness. Very popular for making necklaces.
Pennies
"See a penny, pick it
up and all day long you'll have good luck." Popular to
this is if the penny is heads up when found, it's good luck.
Tails it's bad luck. To avert this, place the penny in your
left shoe to counter the bad luck and give a day, 24 hours
of good luck. Pennies placed in the left shoe were also a
ward against the magicks of fairies, particularly the harmful
ones.
Pentagram
A five pointed star representing
the five elements of air, fire, water, earth, and spirit.
Also represents the figure of a human being. It is thought
to protect the wearer from all kinds of evil spirits. Can
also be used by magicians to control spirits. Should be worn
with one point up.
Porcupine Quills
Supposedly charms against
the evil eye.
Sma
An amulet representing the
shape of lungs. Was used by Egyptians to give breathing power
to the dead by placing on their mummies.
Tassels
Tassels or Fringes, as used
during the medieval ages and after have been used as protective
devices, because they confuse and distract evil or negative
entities.
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