Talismans and Amulets: Symbols and Meanings
Despite having different origins, many people today consider talismans and amulets to be synonymous to one another.
The most common differentiation is that amulets are said to ward off unwanted influences, while talismans are said to draw in particular energies.
This distinction is not in any formal definition, but still routinely recognized.
For the sake of simplicity, the terms amulets and talismans will be used interchangeably throughout this article.
Amulets and talismans have been a part of the history of people, for as long as there have been stories and tales.
From ancient Egyptians to Romans to Medieval times, symbolic trinkets have been used by the most common of folk to the highest monarchy.
Kings and queens would have trusted confidants create small tokens they could keep in the secret folds of their robes and peasants would see the village witch and purchase bundled herbs or woven twigs to hang above their door or to place under their pillows.
Indeed, the history of amulets is rich and varied.
Nowadays many people still wear amulets and talismans, though they may not realize the thought behind their jewelry.
Consider the devout Christian who wears a cross around their neck - this can mean many things, symbolizing the life and death of their saviour, eternal life after death, or it can even serve as a reminder of the golden rule, do unto others as thou would have done unto you.
It is important to understand that while some symbols have universal meanings, many symbols may also carry a private, personal reminder.
The strength in the meaning of an amulet or talisman relies on the faith of the person using it.
When trying to determine the meaning behind an amulet or talisman, consider all of its factors.
What shape is it? What colour is it? Is there a precious gemstone or crystal in it? Are there herbs or natural elements encased in it? By combining several factors, such as colour, material and shape, it is possible to customize the meaning behind a talisman.
Amulets can be bought in nearly any jewelry store, however they can also be made and customised just as easily.
Though by no means a complete list, consider the components below if you are looking to find an amulet or talisman that is right for you.
Colours · Red: Red symbolises passion, courage, strength, good health and strong emotions.
This colour can be used when trying to overcome the fear you have of a situation or person.
It also promotes the ability to be strong and confident in your convictions and encourages healing for good health.
· Pink: This colour universally stands for love, but also represents friendship and beauty.
When trying to improve a relationship, whether it is romantic or not, pink is the right colour to choose.
· Orange: Orange is used to increase personal energy or to attract energy from the world around you.
It is stimulating and is said to help increase the ability to concentrate and think clearly.
· Yellow: This colour represents intellect, communication, and clear thinking.
It is commonly used to assist with persuasion or public speaking.
Yellow is also a colour of joy and happiness, and is therefore used to ward off depression and anxiety.
· Green: Green is most commonly associated with prosperity and wealth.
It is not limited to financial prosperity, however, as it also promotes healing and fertility.
Women who are having trouble conceiving will often turn to this colour.
· Blue: Blue has two sides, light and dark.
Just like water can be calm and still or violent and aggressive, so can this colour.
In lighter shades it represents healing, peace, calmness, and happiness.
In darker shades blue focuses more on impulsive action, moving forward, and change.
· Purple: Once considered a royal colour, purple now most strongly represents spirituality and psychic ability.
If you are having trouble focusing and calming your mind, purple aids in meditation and is used to strengthen your will power.
· White: White is a pure colour, symbolising protection, sincerity, truth, and optimism.
White is considered to be the most powerful choice in any situation, as it represents and contains all colours and therefore can take on all aspects and characteristics.
· Black: Black has been promoted as an evil colour within the media, but that could not be more removed from the truth.
Instead, this colour is said to banish negativity and to encourage change.
· Brown: Brown is a natural colour, and is associated with being grounded, finding your roots, animals, and order in your life.
Gemstones · Amethyst: Known for it's protective powers, amethyst is one of the most commonly used gemstones.
It is said to focus not only on protection, but to aid with meditation, serenity, and peace.
· Citrine: Citrine is used when a person requires balance in their life and is in need of energy and creativity.
· Garnet: Considered to be energising, garnets can assist with health, love, and devotion.
· Jade: A soothing stone, jade is used for becoming more balanced and grounded.
· Quartz: Quartz is commonly associated with power, protection, and meditation and spiritual progression.
· Tiger's Eye: This is a very popular option for the modern day person, as tiger's eye is said to help organize a cluttered, scattered mind, helping a person to think more clearly, focus, and stay calm.
Symbols · Ankh: A popular Egyptian symbol, the ankh represents life and immortality.
· Circle: Having no clear ending or beginning, the circle represents eternity.
It is also used for the natural cycle of life, femininity, and as a symbol of the Goddess.
· Four leaf clover: If you are familiar with any symbol, it is probably the four leaf clover.
Representing good luck and fortune, the four leaf clover is a popular jewellery charm.
· Hand of Fatima: A Muslim symbol, the hand of Fatima is said to ward against the evil eye and negative energy in general.
This symbol is depicted as a hand with an eye on its palm.
· Moon: Mystical and magical, the Moon often represents femininity, wisdom and intuition.
· Pentacle: A five pointed star, the pentacle stands for the four elements plus the addition of God, Goddess, Spirit, or whatever higher Power its owner believes in.
It is also often used to banish negative energy and to ward off evil.
· Sun: The Sun is said to be the bringer of prosperity, health, and hope.
It is also the male counterpart to the moon's feminine energy.
· Tao: Also known as yin/yang, this ancient Chinese symbol depicts unity, equilibrium, and universal harmony.
As you can see there are many factors that go into creating a talisman or amulet.
For this reason, talismans are often personal and unique from one individual to the next.
Whether for religious reasons, superstition, or as a last hope, most people will utilize a talisman or amulet at some point in their lives, whether they realize it or not.
If you do not have a trusted advisor who can assist you in determining what materials will attract desired energies or ward off negative influences, consider doing a bit of research.
The most powerful amulet is one that is customised and that intuitively feels right for you, so don't be afraid to do a little digging around to find the right piece.
The most common differentiation is that amulets are said to ward off unwanted influences, while talismans are said to draw in particular energies.
This distinction is not in any formal definition, but still routinely recognized.
For the sake of simplicity, the terms amulets and talismans will be used interchangeably throughout this article.
Amulets and talismans have been a part of the history of people, for as long as there have been stories and tales.
From ancient Egyptians to Romans to Medieval times, symbolic trinkets have been used by the most common of folk to the highest monarchy.
Kings and queens would have trusted confidants create small tokens they could keep in the secret folds of their robes and peasants would see the village witch and purchase bundled herbs or woven twigs to hang above their door or to place under their pillows.
Indeed, the history of amulets is rich and varied.
Nowadays many people still wear amulets and talismans, though they may not realize the thought behind their jewelry.
Consider the devout Christian who wears a cross around their neck - this can mean many things, symbolizing the life and death of their saviour, eternal life after death, or it can even serve as a reminder of the golden rule, do unto others as thou would have done unto you.
It is important to understand that while some symbols have universal meanings, many symbols may also carry a private, personal reminder.
The strength in the meaning of an amulet or talisman relies on the faith of the person using it.
When trying to determine the meaning behind an amulet or talisman, consider all of its factors.
What shape is it? What colour is it? Is there a precious gemstone or crystal in it? Are there herbs or natural elements encased in it? By combining several factors, such as colour, material and shape, it is possible to customize the meaning behind a talisman.
Amulets can be bought in nearly any jewelry store, however they can also be made and customised just as easily.
Though by no means a complete list, consider the components below if you are looking to find an amulet or talisman that is right for you.
Colours · Red: Red symbolises passion, courage, strength, good health and strong emotions.
This colour can be used when trying to overcome the fear you have of a situation or person.
It also promotes the ability to be strong and confident in your convictions and encourages healing for good health.
· Pink: This colour universally stands for love, but also represents friendship and beauty.
When trying to improve a relationship, whether it is romantic or not, pink is the right colour to choose.
· Orange: Orange is used to increase personal energy or to attract energy from the world around you.
It is stimulating and is said to help increase the ability to concentrate and think clearly.
· Yellow: This colour represents intellect, communication, and clear thinking.
It is commonly used to assist with persuasion or public speaking.
Yellow is also a colour of joy and happiness, and is therefore used to ward off depression and anxiety.
· Green: Green is most commonly associated with prosperity and wealth.
It is not limited to financial prosperity, however, as it also promotes healing and fertility.
Women who are having trouble conceiving will often turn to this colour.
· Blue: Blue has two sides, light and dark.
Just like water can be calm and still or violent and aggressive, so can this colour.
In lighter shades it represents healing, peace, calmness, and happiness.
In darker shades blue focuses more on impulsive action, moving forward, and change.
· Purple: Once considered a royal colour, purple now most strongly represents spirituality and psychic ability.
If you are having trouble focusing and calming your mind, purple aids in meditation and is used to strengthen your will power.
· White: White is a pure colour, symbolising protection, sincerity, truth, and optimism.
White is considered to be the most powerful choice in any situation, as it represents and contains all colours and therefore can take on all aspects and characteristics.
· Black: Black has been promoted as an evil colour within the media, but that could not be more removed from the truth.
Instead, this colour is said to banish negativity and to encourage change.
· Brown: Brown is a natural colour, and is associated with being grounded, finding your roots, animals, and order in your life.
Gemstones · Amethyst: Known for it's protective powers, amethyst is one of the most commonly used gemstones.
It is said to focus not only on protection, but to aid with meditation, serenity, and peace.
· Citrine: Citrine is used when a person requires balance in their life and is in need of energy and creativity.
· Garnet: Considered to be energising, garnets can assist with health, love, and devotion.
· Jade: A soothing stone, jade is used for becoming more balanced and grounded.
· Quartz: Quartz is commonly associated with power, protection, and meditation and spiritual progression.
· Tiger's Eye: This is a very popular option for the modern day person, as tiger's eye is said to help organize a cluttered, scattered mind, helping a person to think more clearly, focus, and stay calm.
Symbols · Ankh: A popular Egyptian symbol, the ankh represents life and immortality.
· Circle: Having no clear ending or beginning, the circle represents eternity.
It is also used for the natural cycle of life, femininity, and as a symbol of the Goddess.
· Four leaf clover: If you are familiar with any symbol, it is probably the four leaf clover.
Representing good luck and fortune, the four leaf clover is a popular jewellery charm.
· Hand of Fatima: A Muslim symbol, the hand of Fatima is said to ward against the evil eye and negative energy in general.
This symbol is depicted as a hand with an eye on its palm.
· Moon: Mystical and magical, the Moon often represents femininity, wisdom and intuition.
· Pentacle: A five pointed star, the pentacle stands for the four elements plus the addition of God, Goddess, Spirit, or whatever higher Power its owner believes in.
It is also often used to banish negative energy and to ward off evil.
· Sun: The Sun is said to be the bringer of prosperity, health, and hope.
It is also the male counterpart to the moon's feminine energy.
· Tao: Also known as yin/yang, this ancient Chinese symbol depicts unity, equilibrium, and universal harmony.
As you can see there are many factors that go into creating a talisman or amulet.
For this reason, talismans are often personal and unique from one individual to the next.
Whether for religious reasons, superstition, or as a last hope, most people will utilize a talisman or amulet at some point in their lives, whether they realize it or not.
If you do not have a trusted advisor who can assist you in determining what materials will attract desired energies or ward off negative influences, consider doing a bit of research.
The most powerful amulet is one that is customised and that intuitively feels right for you, so don't be afraid to do a little digging around to find the right piece.