Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Amulets Talismans and Charms
Amulets Talismans and Charms
Akhet: Ancient Egyptian amulet representing the rising sun. It is held to give
the wearer the vigor of the sun god Ra.
Aladdin's Lamp- A charm shaped like Aladdin's lamp means good luck and
happiness.
Animal Shapes: Amulets made from any material representing the shapes of
animals. They are supposed to give the wearer the desirable qualities of the
animal.
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.
Chai: A symbol of life. Usually made from gold or silver. It supposedly grants
the wearer longevity.
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.
Eye of God: Amulet used to conteract the evil eye. Made of sticks and colored
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.
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 mogen David, shield or, popularly, star of David.
Horse and Cattle Amulets: Decorations such as ribbons, bells, and bits of
metal once attached to animals in Europe and the Middle East to keep them
from harm.
Knot: An amulet usually of knotted string or cord that was believed to hold
the love of a sweetheart or ward off illness.
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.
Mercury: Brings success in arts and science. It also gives skill in detecting
thieves. Best made out of agate, carnelian, and sardonyx.
Mezuzah: Doorpost amulet designed to keep a house safe from evil spirits,
demons, ghosts.
Moon: Amulet worn in ancient and modern times to bring success in love and
good fortune in travil. To assure good foftune it should be worn as a waxing,
not a waning moon. That is, with the points to the left.
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.
Rings: Worn as amulets to treat illness, dispel forces of evil, keep lovers
together, and prevent flight of the soul from the body.
Saturn: Promotes dignity, industry, trustworthiness, and success in business.
Best made from black stones such as jet, obsidian, or black coral.