The Power of Talismans, Amulets & Charms
I have researched talismans & amulets for many years, I have a fascination with symbols and the power they are given. A recent find in France has unearthed an Earth Mother charm used in fertility rites that is estimated to be around 25,000 years old. This is an indication that symbols have been used for as long as Gods have been worshipped.
Talismans and amulets are usually an item that is worn or carried, and is given some kind of function to perform. They can be made from virtually any material and be used for almost any purpose. For instance; a four-leaf clover to attract luck, a Chinese lucky coin to bring wealth or a piece of snowflake obsidian to repel negative influences.
The power given to an object can be entirely of personal choice or can use the principles of sympathetic magick, in other words, to use something that relates to or resembles the required outcome. You could find a stone that you like while walking and this might become your ‘lucky stone’. Someone you care about may give you an item (ring, jewellery, photo etc) that suddenly holds power for you or you may use a more traditional form of amulet.
Traditional charms include; Rabbits foot (bad for the rabbit), the Crucifix, A piece of jade, garlic (to repel vampires and demons), Holy relics, dried flowers and herbs, metal talismans (often from ceremonial magick), astrological symbols, crystals, the Evil Eye, the pentagram (5 sided star, used for protection), the Star of David and countless thousands more.