Throughout history, on every continent and in almost every culture, it has been held that amulets have offered protection against negative forces. In addition to providing a physical enhancement, magical jewelry helps us to heighten our focus, encourage healing, and amplify and focus spells and personal energy.
The 'dictionary' definitions: An amulet is "an object that protects a person from trouble." Amulets were originally objects worn about the neck or other parts of the body to prevent or cure diseases. Amulets were believed to be either naturally imbued with powers or they were given powers by spiritual leaders. Closely related to the amulet is the talisman which is any object intended to bring good luck or protection to its owner.
Egyptians believed that amulets had powers not only during life, but also in the afterlife. The Egyptians used frog symbols for fertility; ankhs to symbolize everlasting life, and the scarab was used for resurrection and protection against evil magic. One of the best known amulets of ancient Egypt is the Eye of Horus. Horus was an Egyptian deity who wore the head of a falcon, and was god of the Sky, god of War and god of Protection. The amulet consisted of an image of an eye and eyebrow, along with a stylized beard, the symbol of divine kingship. You might recognize that as part of our logo here at Mama C's!
In Asia, figures of elephants such as the God Ganesh are said to attract good luck and money. For the ancient Norse people, the runes, and symbols such as Thor's Hammer provided protection. The Celtic people, believed the clover, if it had four leaves, would bring good luck. The ancient Celts also used complicated Celtic Knots, the Triquetra, the Tree of Life, and many other symbols which have migrated their way into both modern Christian and Pagan religions.
In ancient African culture, the carrying of an animal's foot, or other parts of a swift creature, was supposed to help a person escape or flee with the speed of the animal. This “lucky rabbit’s foot” charm was handed down and assimilated into modern western culture by the enslaved Africans who were brought to the New World. African culture also provided many of the animal totems still used today.
Amulets also permeated almost every aspect of the Native American culture. Any small object could function as an amulet, but they all symbolized the power of a certain spirit. Amulets were given especially to children because they were considered to be the most vulnerable to the bad forces of the universe. An amulet might relate to a specific god - placing the wearer under the protection of that god - or to an animal, in which case a special quality of the animal would become helpful to the wearer.
Modern day pagans and Wiccans also wear amulets as protection against evil. Magical jewelry takes its power from several directions...first, the symbolism and materials used in the piece, and the spell or prayer infused into it. While "pre-spelled" jewelry can be highly effective, we here at Mama C's recommend that you personally charge your amulets or talismans yourself as an addition to the charging they have received by the creators. It adds quite the extra punch when you add your own personal energy to your talisman!
There are as many ways to charge an amulet as there are people who do it....if you are new to amulets and talismans, or need help designing your charging ritual, just contact us here at Mama C's - we are always happy to help!
Blessings,
mama C
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