Amulets, Talismans, and Charms, Oh My!

To save her from the serpent’s little eye

   I set a stone of blue Chalcedony

     Within a cunning loop–so it shall be

      Aware and mindful when her lashes lie

      Untaught of danger nigh.

To keep her from the dragon’s hungry tooth

In seven laps the quorls were subtly twined;

From seven rivers seven grains of gold were mined,

Hammered by black elves’ mauls, and tempered sooth

In hissing brews uncouth. 

                                                                                                The Amulet by Donald Davidson

 

What is a Charm?

A charm is a common word used to describe a small ornament worn on a necklace or bracelet.  There is also a less common definition which indicates that a charm is controlling or achieving something by magic specifically relating to an object which is “charmed.”

Talismans and Amulets

Talismans and amulets are both types of charms, in that they are both objects that control or achieve something using magic.  The difference between a talisman and an amulet is the energy used to charge them.  A talisman is charged with energy to attract positive energy to enhance health or positive goals, increase wealth and abundance or any other positive purpose.  Some common talismans are objects like crystals or stones or a piece of jewelry worn by the person it is charged for.

Conversely, an amulet has the opposite energy effect.  It is charged to deflect negative energy and create a defense around an individual or place thereby sending away danger, misfortune or any other negative event or energy.  Some common amulets today are  eyes to ward against the “evil eye” and the pentacle which has been used for centuries as a protective charm.  Many other objects can function as amulets as well, such as,  crystals, coins, or words inscribed on parchment.

Cleansing

Before charging an amulet or talisman you should start with a good cleansing of the object you have chosen for this purpose. Start with your intention of cleansing unwanted or negative energy fixed in your mind or spoken aloud.  Some ways to cleanse an object are:

1.  Moon Bath: Leaving the object under the full moon’s light.  Retrieve the object just before dawn.
2.  Solar Bath:  Leaving the object in the sun all day.  Retrieve as the sun is setting.
3.  Sage:  Passing the object through sage smoke.
4.  Palo Santo:  Passing object through smoke from Palo Santo wood.
5.  Water:  Cleansing object with spring water, lake water, river water, blessed water, silvered water, holy water, etc.  Object must not be soluble in water.
6.  Fire:  Only use for noncombustible objects.  Pass object quickly through flame.
7.  Salt:  Burying object in salt for a one day minimum.
8.  Earth:  Giving object a nice dirt or sand bath for a few days.
9.  Incense:  Pass object through incense smoke.
10.  Visualization:  Visualize all negativity flowing out of the object like a dark gray mist or smoke.  Hold this visualization for 1-3 minutes.

Charging 

After cleansing, hold the object in your hands and visualize energy building in you for the intention of the charm, whether it be an amulet which protects the wearer and deflects negativity or a talisman which draws positive energy and positive goals.  Visualize the energy streaming into the talisman or amulet as a bright white or gold light.  I usually visualize a gold, glittery light flowing into the charm.  Alternatively, I have also held the charm to my forehead to charge it.  Hold this visualization for a few minutes until you are satisfied that it is fully charged.  Your charm is ready to use!  If you aren’t going to use it right away, wrap it in a dark cloth and put it away where no one else will touch it.  Periodically, repeat these steps of cleansing and charging as unwanted energy will tend to bog down your magic.

 

Photo credits:

Photo by Artsy Vibes on Unsplash

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash