#amulet magick

[kema-croi]

Ancient Amulets and Talismans: The Magical Legacy of Protective and Prosperous Symbols

Exploring the Historical Significance and Modern Interpretations of Greek, Greco-Roman, and Celtic Amulets and Talismans in People Magical Practices and Cultural Beliefs

In recent times, amulets have once again become consumer items. I say "once again" because the sale of amulets spans thousands of years. However, unlike in previous centuries, they have lost their sacred character. Since people sometimes ask me for a "prosperity amulet"—having seen them for sale elsewhere—I believe it's an excellent opportunity to discuss the topic.

Left: Photo of Dr. John Dee's Black Obsidian Scrying Mirror on Display at the British Museum; Right: On the left, a marble herma with the head of Hermes and an erect phallus on the front of the pillar; above, a Roman tintinnabulum with a hybrid shape of an erect phallus and lion; below, a wappenmünzen with Medusa's effigy; to the right, a lar or Roman representation of the family spirit protector of the home holding a cornucopia.

Surprisingly, I agree with the definition of amulets, except for the "supernatural effects" attributed to them. We attribute certain powers or qualities to the natural world, and all objects from the natural world share the same symbolism, being associated with the culture we belong to and our personal and family beliefs.

In magical arts, there are two distinct types of these magical objects: amulets and talismans. To simplify, amulets are designed to ward off negativity, while talismans attract all kinds of fortunes. They are two sides of the same coin but are not the same. Ancient amulets require a broader explanation—I'll touch on that towards the end—but for practical purposes, the operative definition in the context of current magic is that amulets repel and talismans attract.

To acquire its power, this magical object requires four complementary actions:

Apotropaic: This is the most popular type and does not require formal magical knowledge. For example, a stone naturally holed by erosion. The powers considered are part of the culture, like believing in the protection of a St. Christopher medallion, which can have apotropaic qualities either inherently (animism) or by being "blessed" by a priest.

Liturgical: This involves sanctifying the object through religious rites, invoking the power of entities, gods, or spirits. An example is the aforementioned blessing of the St. Christopher medallion, where the priest acts as an intermediary and channel for the saint's power.

Energetic: Known as "charging" or "energizing," this action seeks to multiply the amulet's power. This does not necessarily involve a religious ritual. For example, leaving a stone exposed overnight to moonlight to "charge" it.

Sympathetic: This transfers the symbolic to reality through signs, words, the addition of objects, or spells. For example, engraving a talisman with the image of a desired book to attract that book, representing the desired object and making it appear in the material world.

Some details: If you buy an amulet because someone told you it's protective, you're trusting the seller's word, not the amulet's properties. If you value the seller's word—as some do with a priest—then you indeed have a powerful object. You can also buy a personalized amulet and "charge" it yourself, but you'd be purchasing the container of power, not the amulet itself. If you learned as a child that a horseshoe above the door brings good luck, then go ahead, because your subconscious likely considers that horseshoe very protective.

For millennia, writing was considered a magical art. The privileged classes guarded it zealously, believing that certain symbols possessed inherent magical powers. This tradition persists even in modern movies, where we see Count Dracula writhing in pain at the sight of a cross. This is the animistic theory of talismans’ operation, prevalent in popular and pagan witchcraft, both ancient and modern.

Today, many magicians reject this theory in favor of the energetic theory of talismans’ operation. They consider the most important thing is to charge the talisman or amulet, that is, to introduce magical energy into the chosen object to make it powerful. The time spent carefully drawing specific symbols on the object is an effective way to create and transmit energy. Adding this energy to the one generated and directed by the magician during the charging ritual explains why this magical technique is so powerful. However, no method—be it Witchcraft or Ritual Magick—is superior to another.

Stones for Making Amulets and Talismans

In historical families of the Celtic areas of the British Isles, the tradition of attributing powers to certain stones has a long history. The most famous of this legacy is the Lee Penny, belonging to the ancient Scottish family of Lockhart. This red stone, set in a silver coin, was believed to have powers to heal cattle: the magical technique involved immersing the stone in water and giving this water to the sick cattle. Sometimes, the distinguished family lent or rented the stone to others with cattle, representing a shared belief and magical practice by a community.

Astrological guardianship is crucial to determining the virtues of stones. Most modern lists of zodiac stones or "sign stones" are purely marketing; though beautiful, wearing the wrong stone has no significant magical effect unless you believe in it wholeheartedly (not the seller). However, some lists of stones and their astrological correspondences have ancient consolidation, like the one mentioned in the Bible about the High Priest of Israel's breastplate (Exodus 28:15-21). Historian Flavius Josephus says the stones on the breastplate symbolize the twelve months and the twelve zodiac signs, with the two large stones representing the Moon and the Sun. The current custom of wearing sign stones originated in the 16th century in Poland, among the Jewish jeweler guild interested in the breastplate's mysticism. Nonetheless, the astrological and planetary correspondences do not match the instructions for the stones we can buy today in the Jewish Quarter or any fair ( here you can read the History, magical uses, and spiritual meanings of precious and semi-precious stones).

Due to its color, one of the most magically charged stones is obsidian—less so, onyx—as it is believed to have trapped the very night. The magical mirror of Elizabethan astrologer Dr. John Dee, to whom we owe powerful Enochian magic, was made of polished obsidian.

If you're looking for a universal talisman or amulet but have a limited budget and do not trust the seller's knowledge, the mineral with which we can all symbolically associate attraction and repulsion is the old and beloved magnet. Magically, it is associated with attraction, but it can be used both to attract and repel, especially if combined with the symbolism of the metal it attracts, iron, representing Mars and Aries.

With the right moon, the right day, a spell written by you, and a good magnet, you will have a much more effective talisman than any piece bought in Villa Biarritz market.

Greek and Greco-Roman Amulets and Talismans

In ancient Greece, the most commonly used apotropaic symbols were the eye, the gorgoneion, and the genitals. These symbols were used in various ways. For example, some Greek kylikes were decorated with two large eyes so that when brought to the lips to drink, the face was completely covered by the cup: the person facing the drinker only saw, as if it were a mask, two intimidating fixed eyes. The eyes served as protection against critics and the evil eye, and also allowed the drinker to cast a glance at the guests, giving them the unsettling sensation of being constantly watched. The function of decorated kylikes was to give the illusion of control over one’s destiny and the destiny of others. To protect against enemy attacks and deceive death, the eye was also present in contexts like the Pyrrhic dance and in war weapons, generally represented on shields.

Apart from the eyes, the gorgoneion (or gorgonian) was also depicted on the shields of Athenian soldiers, as Perseus was a favorite of the goddess Athena. The gorgoneion is nothing more than the head of Medusa, the gorgon well-known for her ability to petrify anyone who dared to look into her eyes. Other attributes include the snakes for hair and the boar's tusks for teeth. A more recent interpretation of the myth shows empathy for Medusa because her head was severed by Perseus. However, unlike, for example, Ariadne, Medusa is not a mythical woman but a terrible monster, the embodiment of Death before whom we are all defenseless. (If you want to know my stance on the reinterpretation of myths, you can read the entry about Lilith)

Finally, the erect phallus was present in many iconographic contexts. Depending on the scenes, phallic representations could be simple erotic decorations, symbols of apotropaic objects, or serve to attract fertility and fecundity, similar to the cornucopia or horn of plenty. For instance, some scenes with an erect phallus were placed at crossroads and property boundaries; along with the phallus, a rudimentary bust was generally sculpted in stone. This stone was called herma, originally representing the god Hermes, protector of travelers and merchants, psychopomp and lord of the roads. Sometimes, this hermetic pillar was depicted in skyphos along with the caduceus, also an attribute of Hermes. Other examples include kantharoi with representations of satyrs with an erect phallus, illuminating maenads who carry the thyrsus in the retinue of Dionysus.

In Roman times, the preferred object to ward off evil influences was a kind of rattle usually placed on the doors and thresholds of houses. One of the most beautiful examples was found in Pompeii and features five phalli arranged like horns. Astragali and protective hand figures were also popular, as were the gorgoneion and cornucopias—whose origin lies in the goat Amalthea who nursed Zeus—as an attribute of the goddess Fortuna. Mercury's tintinnabula, which had the apotropaic function granted by the phallic rays emanating from the god's head, were also fashionable. This type of tintinnabulum is fascinating because it simultaneously served to protect and attract luck and fortune with the bag of coins Mercury held in his hand.

Tarot by Kema

Montevideo

[becoming-persephone]

An ocean lives within its aqua hues. As you wear it, you feel the ebb and flow of its energy. Peaceful, it lulls me into watery daydream. Like the sea, it provides clarity, a space to sit and breathe. You watch the waves within its crystallized temple, finding answers in the blue depths. Aquamarine works with the throat chakra, providing fluid expression. The throat is where the truth flourishes. a sacred space of earth roots and cosmic wonder, our voice the passage between worlds.

AQUAMARINE: "Stone of the Sea,” It connects to the depths of the ocean, allowing you to reflect and find peace with your emotions. A magical stone that allows you to communicate with water spirits. Aquamarine strengthens communication with nature spirits, deepens intuition, and provides ocean energy.

Item: Large 55mm aquamarine cabochon framed in blackened sterling silver. Comes with an oxidized sterling silver 18” chain.

Purchase From My Shop: HERE

[ualthum]

"HERVAKON ERZ AFN"

Talisman of Erz.

A wearable artwork made from stone clay. Depicted is the Sul'voth rune Erz, sacred symbol of light, knowledge, and creation.

[lunasapphire]

✨Charms✨

Protection amulet, protection chant, protection charm and a good luck and movement charm

[crazyskirtlady]

......Digital Talisman

@darklena1

[iguessimakejewelrynow]

This looks like a sea witch amulet 💙

Blue Labradorite nestled in hammered copper wire with 4 faceted peridot ovals and 1 round Ethiopian Opal.

Oxidized and polished for an antique look.

This piece radiates such magical and spiritual energy.

[lacymoonchild]

[wanderlust-psifang]

Prismatic Feeding

Using the prism is one of my favorite ways to conceptualize psi feeding. If you equate lifeforce with light then you are essentially allowing the electromagnetic force of the target to enter your body. Whether you do it with a tendril or with pore breathing is irrelevant.

As you can see from the picture below, a single source of light enters the prism, once in the prism the light is refracted and reflects in a rainbow of colors. Imagine for a moment that stream of light is lifeforce, the refraction (bending of the light) is the lifeforce feeding you, and the reflected light is the lifeforce filling your aura.

You can also utilize this concept as a way to understanding magical projection through feeding. You absorb the lifeforce per usual, but instead of the reflected light being absorbed into your aura you direct it towards a goal or into a charm, amulet, or talisman.* When the stream of light is being refracted it is the melding of lifeforce with the statement of intent, and upon reflection it is colored with magic.

Another thought experiment is to reverse the prismatic effect, namely pulling in the reflected light to refract it back into a single stream. This of course is not how an actual prism works, but for purposes of conceptual play it can be useful and fun. This can be a way to understand healing and using personal power.

Where the refracted light is now being pulled in rather then reflected out, it pulls from your aura and, refracted to a single point, the energy is thus directed at a target for healing. Psi, essentially, is the bending of light and sound through a focused mind.

Source: Pinterest, Fixthephoto

* "...a charm is worn to attract good luck; an amulet provides protection from danger; and a talisman is used to attract a particular benefit to its owner.", Llewellyn online article, Richard Webster

[dancingwithenergy]

St. Expedite Talismans for a Magickal Life!

[blackumbrellajewelry]

The most recent custom toadstone ring to ship out. #magicisintheair ✨ . . . . . . . . . . #toadstone #toadstonering #mythology #futureheirlooms #moodygrams #fossiljewelry #oldworld #witchaesthetic #bewitching #modernwitch #amulet #ringcollector #ooakjewelry #ooakring #magick #magicaljewelry #darkfashion #fossilring #metalsmithsociety #showmeyourrings #ringsofinstagram #medievalring #handmadejewelry #hellodarknessmyoldfriend #practicalmagic #medievaljewelry #witchesofinstagram #blackumbrellajewelry https://www.instagram.com/p/CqahHpTOHuB/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[elhoimleafar]

OUR SORCERY HOUR / This Weekend.

~ Learn to create and perform Initiation Rituals with real experts on Traditional Witchcraft, directly from New Orleans;

Ylva Mara Radziszewski.

~ Dive and Navigate the border aspects of Sex Magick with an authentic New Orleans Spirit Woman;

Mawiyah Kai El-Jamah Bomani.

~ See how craft, made, bless, and use your own Incense cones at home with our favorite Wiccan Witch from the Bronx;

Alysha Kravetz.

~ Take this exclusive pre-record class on Herbal Magic based on the Lore with our most amazing Folk Witch out there;

Ella Harrison.

~ Enjoy this class on Folk German Magic from our most passionate teacher in the topic, an authentic welsh witch;

Moss Matthey.

~ Are you a Crystals magic fan? Nicholas Pearson, author of eight books and the biggest crystal expert in the world of witchcraft and Reiki is here to teach us a very authentic class for modern practitioners;

Nicholas Pearson.

~ Put aside everything you think you know about love magic and romance spells based on the western perspective, and learn to perform Love Traditional Magic from a different cultural background and context with an authentic Mexican Bruja/Hechicera;

Laura Davila.

~ Come to take notes with me on a lecture searching the cultural context and the history of Indigenous tribes in South America and how these elements help to create the different regional expressions of Magic and Brujería with me;

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~ And... If you have a couple hours free at night Afterclass, come to hangout with us in our private Meet & Greet (both days); just for the attendees ✓

Link Here: https://elhoimleafar.com/oursorceryhour/

[knoxvillerose-blog]

Magick Herbals Bundle! KnoxvilleRose on eBay

KnoxvilleRose on eBay - These works are in very good condition and contain a wealth of information on herbs and their magickal and spiritual properties!

[mrstotemica]

Thanks a lot @polpettinasprint 🤍🪨

Done at @ottottottotattoo ✨

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

info✸bookings: DM | mrs.totemica@gmail.com

[crazyskirtlady]

Ahktually I would like a more specific protection spell for our problematic princess/hero (no shade at the one you linked before! If you could pwease?🥹

sure thing! here we go...

This is a Trishula protection amulet:

At the top we have seed bija DŪM which is our weapon from Mother Durga. Eliminating enemies, sorrows, obstacles/barriers and opposition. Mother Durga rules martial powers(think cops etc.) and has power over and above them to command them.

On the 2 sides center we have HRĪM from Creatrix Shakti, giving the energy and motivation to our amulet, and also granting preservation, empowerments and magickal force.

In the direct center we have OM of course, this primal sound begins all chants and magickal activation, ascending our forces to the highest planes.

At the bottom we have HŪM from fire goddess Kali and Chandi this is our firepower, literally. It is a weapon of protection, destroys any negative forces and directs our other bija with explosive power.

Now we activate our amulet by chanting:

OM

HRIM DUM

HRIM DUM

HRIM DUM

HUM PHAT!

(Pronounced as; aum hreem doom hreem doom hreem doom hoom pei) Seed bija PHAT simply means NOW! or WITH HASTE MAKE THUS!

After chanting activation we can combine our amulet to our target like this:

(Usually paper amulets are "cast" onto the forehead, but we can't block that facecard now can we?)

this amulet can also be made, charged and cast to whatever target you want to protect!

🙏🏾 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 🙏🏾

[iguessimakejewelrynow]

3 antiqued sterling silver pendants that have been uploaded to the site!

First is a b grade emerald, second is a large clear quartz with fun inclusions, and the last is a round labradorite with a gorgeous blue flash✨️

Which ones your favourite?

Available for purchase on the website

[lacymoonchild]