Every culture in the world has its own talisman, otherwise known as “protective amulet.” These are objects that are believed to have magical or mystical powers to protect the wearer from danger. They are used throughout all levels of society by ordinary people, rich folk, and royalty. Talismans can be either personal or class-oriented. Personal talismans are worn by individuals for protection against negative forces, whereas class-orientated ones were created for use within certain classes of society, e.g., sailors, soldiers, police officers.
The word “talisman” comes from Arabic “talisman,” meaning “the act of making something similar to a mantra.” A mantra is a sacred word or chant that is repeated in order to change one’s mindset or mood.
Talismans can be either material, e.g., the Egyptian Ankh represented eternal life, or non-material ones, e.g., a belief in God. Some believe we have our own personal talisman, which we carry with us at all times, and this acts as a protective shield around us, so we are kept safe from harm and danger, both physical and spiritual.
What form do they take?
The shape of a talisman often reflects its purpose: hearts protect against pain; keys open doors; rings hold energy just as they lock away secrets; crystals store knowledge and information; animals symbolize certain qualities such as strength or cunning. The symbols on a talisman often carry as much importance as the object itself. The Egyptians, for example, used many images from nature, such as snakes and scorpions, to represent protection from those particular animals.
The materials they are made of also have their own properties: gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity; pearls protect against negative energy; rubies protect against loss of blood or hemorrhages; diamonds benefit the immune system and fight ailments such as asthma, heart disease, and arthritis. The color black absorbs negative energy, while blue evokes truthfulness. Green is often associated with money or wishes coming true; red represents strength, and orange promotes good health (not the fruit but the pigment). While silver has been shown to attract spirits during paranormal investigations, it can repel them in exorcisms.
The famous lucky rabbit’s foot is found around the world today, particularly among gamblers who believe it brings good luck. It was popularized by hunters during the 19th century in America and Europe, where they carried them on their boots to ensure they did not meet an untimely demise while out hunting but more likely because of their association with fertility and sexual potency.
