In the past, when most people did not know how to read or write, carrying amulets and talismans was a way to carry knowledge with them, like a manual of instructions which would tell how they should behave and act in difficult situations of life. Symbols were carefully crafted in order to demonstrate the ancient wisdom without words, and those who could understand their messages, would be forever protected from evil.
Egyptians were specialists in the art of making amulets and talismans, leaving some important notes about how they were created. Later, Hermeticist and Kabbalists also developed ways to craft these wonderful symbols.
Natural Symbols vs. Cultural Symbols
Life is a huge symbol. The world, according to the ancient wisdom, is the "footprint of the divine", and therefore, nature, as the sock that involves God's foot, reflects the characteristics of its creator. Animals, plants, humans, natural phenomena, were all seen as tools to unlock the universal truths, since even the smallest cell reflects the universal wisdom. "Know yourself and you will know the universe, know the universe and you will know yourself", says the Hermetic wisdom.
So, natural symbols are symbols found in nature. Needless to say, some of the most used amulets and talismans are depictions of natural symbols such as animals, flowers, gemstones and so on – their characteristics tell much about the laws of the universe.
Cultural symbols, on the other hand, are emblems artificially created to pass on a message. They can be the combination of natural symbols, geometric forms and lines, but the amulet maker needs to know what each symbol represents in order to make a statement through the amulet, otherwise the message can come out inaccurate. Read Deciphering Ancient Symbols for a brief overview of meaning behind common symbols and emblems.
The Difference Between an Amulet and a Talisman
There is little difference between amulets and talismans, but basically talismans were made to attract some specific benefits, while amulets were generally made for protection. It is important to point out, however, that the object itself was never the most important part of the process – the power of amulets and talismans were in their messages, and once understood and introjected, the object became unnecessary.
How to Make Amulets or Talismans
Creating an amulet or a talisman was the task of a person who not only possessed knowledge, but also moral virtues, and, most importantly, pure intentions, as the feelings and emotions of the talisman or amulet maker would interfere in the energy of the object, predisposing those who carried them to intrusive thoughts and emotions.
So, not every person was apt to create amulets and talismans, it was necessary to know the meaning of both natural and artificial symbols, and exercise moral virtues.
White Magic – Using Symbols to Heal
In the ancient world, particularly in Egypt, it was common to use talismans to help a person overcome sadness, fear and even cure some health problems which were believed to be a result of emotional problems - if the emotions were cured, then the body would stop generating illnesses. But how can a symbol help a person heal?
Since each symbol contains a different meaning, and reveals a different facet of the universe, healers used the symbols that could "inform" the patient about a certain knowledge that the patient didn't have. For example, if a patient feared death, and such fear was causing physical problems, the healer would make a talisman that would depict the immortality of the soul. by carrying the amulet around, the patient would be constantly reminded about the laws of eternity and immortality that are present in nature, relieving the fear.
Like Attracts Like
It was believed that people's thoughts, feelings and emotions attract the same kind of energy, so emotions of anger, attachment and despair would predispose people to encounter situations of fear, anger and despair. This is why the talismans and amulets were also tool to imbue a person with a certain wisdom, allowing him or her to attract better situations.
Common Symbols Used as Talismans and Amulets
These were the most used symbols in ancient cultures:
- Scarab Beetle – used in Egypt to represent transformation and immortality,
- Ankh or Tau – also used by Egyptians to represent protection,
- Eye of Horus – Egyptian symbol to represent enlightenment,
- Six -Pointed Star (star of David) – used by Kabbalists to represent the bridge between heaven and Earth, and;
- Pentagram – represents the control of the mind over the body.
Unfortunately, in today's world, people have lost the ability to create talismans and amulets, making them only for commercial purposes. The true wisdom that once was used to heal and teach about the cosmic laws are now mere decoration. No wonder they do not work anymore.
Sources and resources:
Wilkinson, Richard H. Symbol & Magic in Egyptian Art. London: Thames and Hudson, 1994
Chevalier, Jean and Gheerbrant, Alain. Dictonaire des Symboles. Ed. Robert Laffont S.A, Paris 1982
H.P.B, Isis Unveiled, Vol II. Theosophical University Press, 1886.
H.P.B. Theosophical Glossary, Theosophical University Press, 1892. Online version available published by the United Lodge of Theosophists, Phoenix, Arizona.
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