About Talismans
Talismans are purportedly magical items that have been used throughout history in a number of cultures and religious systems. The word comes from the Greek "teleo," which means "to consecrate." Talismans are consecrated objects that are used as magical charms. The creation of a talisman is believed to unleash magical energy that helps to draw that which is desired, or repel that which is unwanted.
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Function
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A talisman is an object that's magically charged with a specific intent in mind. For example, one might create a talisman to bring luck in gambling, for safe travel, to find love, or to improve job performance. There are no limits on the uses of a talisman; each one that is created can be made to suit the specific situation or need. It can be worn, carried, or put in a significant place where its magical help is desired.
History
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Talismans have been used since ancient times. Symbols, especially those associated with gods and goddesses or things held sacred in nature, have always been viewed by various cultures as holding magical powers that can aid those who use them. Ancient Egyptians used talismans for healing purposes. In China, coins were used to attract money. In Christianity, the cross is used to ward off evil;Arabs used the image of a hand with an eye for the same purpose. Perhaps the most well-known talismans of all are those with the Hebrew seal of Solomon, considered to be a powerful protector.
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Identification
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Talismans can be made of any materials or objects, such as crystals, metal, wood, clay or even paper. A talisman is often inscribed with words and/or symbols to imbue it with the appropriate energies. The words can come from the Bible or any religious scriptures, poetry, ritual chants, or verses made up by the talisman's creator. Symbols commonly used are zodiac signs, pentagrams, the Star of David, elemental symbols, runes, numerological sequences or sacred geometric shapes.
Creation
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Creating a talisman begins with an objective. You must have a clear goal of what you want it to accomplish. With that objective in mind, magical correspondences are chosen to work with the objective. Some correspondences would be the type of material used to make your talisman, the astrological timing of its creation, and the words and/or symbols inscribed upon it. The creation of the talisman itself is a ritual act that should be given a lot of thought and care. The final step would be to ritually consecrate and charge the talisman with your magical intent.
Misconceptions
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Talismans are often mistakenly confused with amulets, but there are some differences between the two. Amulets are natural objects that are imbued with natural energies, while talismans are man-made objects that are charged with energy. Amulets are more commonly used to repel something, while talismans are used to draw something. Further, amulets are usually for general purposes, such as providing overall protection, while talismans are created with very specific purposes in mind, such as protection during travel or blessing of the home.
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References
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