Talismans

bibliotecha-secreta:

image

A talisman an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.

History 

image

The stories of crystals go back to the very beginnings of recorded history and reveal a long tradition of seemingly magical artifacts used by kings, queens, bishops, popes, sultans, and ordinary folk to improve luck or prosperity, or to cure diseases.

The history of talismans and amulets, made by alchemists, priests, magicians, magi, shamans, and witches, goes back as far as we have records. George Kunz reports that Pliny wrote in the first century about some of their uses and that poems and epics of the third and fourth centuries paint a rich pattern of the uses of crystal based elixirs, potions, talismans, and amulets.

Albertus Magnus, writing in the thirteenth century, elaborated on the uses of herbs, plants, and minerals for both protection and health. All through history, curative, protective, and divination powers have been attributed to rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and virtually every other precious stone. The records of virtually all Western and Eastern civilizations provide extensive reports on the use of all kinds of crystal talismans for a seemingly inexhaustible list of needs.

Medieval Talismans

  • Bells were another form of Talisman used in olden days, the traditional idea being that any great noise would terrify the Devil and all evil spirits, so that bells were attached to the heads of horses and to the playthings of children to protect them from harm; and were also hung in church towers to scare the ears of demons, whilst the Gargoyles struck terror to the eyes of the evil ones
  • A Badger’s Tooth sewn inside the right-hand pocket of the waistcoat is also a well-known Talisman for luck at cards.
  • Gold Nuggets are considered lucky charms for speculators in mines, and miners; and Leap Year Pennies should always be kept in the kitchen to bring unexpected windfalls to the house.
  • A four-leaf clover has always been considered a lucky talisman.

    One leaf is for fame, 
    And one leaf is for wealth, 
    And one is for a faithful lover, 
    And one to bring you glorious health, 
    Are all in the four-leaved clover.

Gemstones As Talismans

image

Crystals and gemstones have been used as amulets and talismans for thousands of years. It is believed that people wore earrings and necklaces before they started wearing clothes. During the Crusades, many soldiers carried talismanic stones carved with runic messages. They also carried bloodstones because this type of stone was associated with Mars, the god of war. The soldiers felt that bloodstones would make them brave in battle and protect them from harm. 

  • 1. RED: Red stones relate to passion, enthusiasm, and energy. Examples are ruby, garnet, and red jasper.
  • 2. ORANGE: Orange stones relate to close relationships and personal satisfaction. Examples are citrine, carnelian, and orange sapphire.
  • 3. YELLOW: Yellow stones relate to expressing the fun-filled, joyful aspects of life. Examples are yellow beryl and topaz.
  • 4. GREEN: Green stones relate to hard work and accomplishment. Examples are emerald, peridot, and tourmaline.
  • 5. BLUE: Blue stones enhance clarity and perception, and aid in goal-setting. Examples are lapis lazuli, sapphire, and blue tourmaline.
  • 6. INDIGO: Indigo stones relate to caring for others. Examples are sodalite and iolite.
  • 7. VIOLET: Violet stones relate to spiritual truth and the higher consciousness. Examples are amethyst, garnet, and purple ruby.
  • 8. PINK: Pink stones are stimulating and energizing. They enable progress to occur. Examples are rubellite tourmaline, rose beryl, and rose quartz.
  • 9. CLEAR: Clear stones symbolize pure energy. They are nurturing, loving, and ultimately successful. Examples are clear quartz and diamond.
  • 11. SILVER: Silver stones are peaceful and gentle. However, they also possess great power, and provide enormous potential. Hematite is a good example.
  • 12. GOLD: Gold is for achieving goals. Gold knows no limits. Examples are pyrite, pyrite-sun, and tiger’s-eye.