Many people use the terms talisman and amulet interchangeably. But it should be noted that there are differences between the two devices. Learning to understand and identify these differences can aid one in obtaining and or creating the tool you truly desire.
A talisman is a charm or device that has been made with the intention of attracting something to it. The material and or symbolism inscribed onto the charm plays a crucial role in reaching this objective. In ancient time’s talisman were crafted from materials that were believed to posses magical powers. Today, many call those magical qualities energy.
A medicine bag is a traditional Native American talisman. It is filled by the owner with personal items, stones, herbs, feathers and other materials. These items should be selected with intention for their properties, powers and the energies they attract. Medicine bags can be made to attract health and healing, protection and luck, wisdom and knowledge, any positive attribute(s).
Before an item is placed into the bag it should be cleansed, charged and blessed for a specific purpose. A medicine bag is a sacred talisman that should only be opened by its owner. Native cultures believe that if a medicine bag is opened by “others” the power it contains will be stolen.
Most metaphysical and New Age stores carry bags and pouches that will make excellent mojo bags. Remember to choose a bag or pouch for the energies you want to draw to yourself. Don’t choose a hard leather pouch if you are making a talisman to attract romantic love into your life; instead opt for soft materials like silk or velvet.
One of the most famous amulets is the powerful Evil Eye. This amulet originates from Turkey, where it was believed that when people looked at each other, they could transmit their bad energy toward the other person. The Evil Eye amulet protects one from looks charged with envy, fear, resentment or other negative thoughts.
Another popular amulet is the pentacle. For centuries the Wiccan and Pagan communities have used the pentacle or pentagram (encircle pentacle) as an amulet of protection. They are powerful symbols of protection and balance. A pentacle or pentagram can be made of any material. Wear them as jewelry or hang them around the house to protect property and loved ones.
It is important to note that the position the pentacle/pentagram hangs can denote good or evil. The upright position denotes good and features one point facing towards the heavens and two points facing towards the earth. The inverted position has two points pointing to heaven and one towards the earth.
When an amulet is adorned with other symbols it possesses both the qualities to repel and to attract. Take for instant the eye evil with an owl charm. The evil eye repels and protects and the owl attracts wisdom.
So whether you are attracting positive energies and attributes with a talisman or protecting yourself with an amulet, let the heavens guide you to what you need and let your intentions activate its powers.
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