Post by Sorcière Charmante on Aug 15, 2004 4:08:12 GMT -5
Amulets and Talismans
Magic comes in many forms. Throughout the ages, witches and wizards have used magic in ritual, religion, meditation and virtually every aspect of their lives. It has been used to bolster popularity and finance and to ward off opposing magic. Most people did not have access to exotic potion ingredients, precious stones or spell books. They had to rely on their own creativity combined with a keen insight into the worlds surrounding them.
Power objects can vary greatly from one person to another. For instance, a muggle policeman might consider his badge to be a power object because it is a symbol that he wears which has personal meaning and power, while a shaman might consider his power object to be a ritual mask, medicine bag or small carving of an animal. Power objects can come in many forms but are often referred to as amulets or talismans. While both amulets and talismans can be carried, they are usually worn in jewelry form or concealed inside of a garment or a pouch.
"Talismans and Amulets are objects, drawings or symbols which confer their magical or supernatural power upon its possessor. Talismans attract good luck, success, fortune, health and love. Amuletsare protectors, guarding against disease, evil, infertility and bad luck. Talismans are active. They bring things to the possessor, whether it be luck or health. Amulets are passive. They protect the wearer against danger. "
“Talismans can be any object, design, or symbol believed to be endowed with magical powers. The item is active in it, and of itself, bestows this magical power upon the one who possesses it at the time. For example, this is the reason why the Excalibur was of such importance in Arthurian lore. The sword gave King Arthur magical powers."
Go to library.thinkquest.org/27661/docs/compare.htmand click “visit site” for more information.
Before constructing a power object it is important to decide what it will be used for and what emotion/energy/spirit animal is appropriate. This is where symbolism comes in.
A symbol is something that represents something else because it is associated with it or looks somewhat like it. Symbolism is the practice of representing meaning by using symbols.
In order to construct a meaningful piece, it is imperative that you do some thinking and at least a little research. Below are places that you can go to see many examples of symbols used throughout history and in many different cultures. Some may be recognizable to you while others are not. Sometimes one symbol can have more than one meaning through different cultures.
Visual Library of Religious, Scientific & Magical Symbols
altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/blsymbols.htmThey Feature the symbols and meanings of Shamanic, Vodoun, Neopaganism, Egyptian, as well as Eastern & Western Religions.
Native American Symbolism
spirit-bears-tipi.50megs.com/symbols-02.html
Celtic, Nordic, Mythological Animal Symbolism
groups.msn.com/CTCAnimals/animalssymbolismincelticmythology.msnw
Animal Symbolism in HP books
www.darkmark.com/c.c?l=animagi&t=Animal%20Symbolism
Feel free to do your own research.Take a look at as many sources as you can. Do this to build your creative intuition as well as your ability to use symbols effectively.
You might find something that really appeals to you.
Beetles and symbolism
For my purposes, I choose a symbol of the beetle or scarab. You may choose what you like as long as it has meaning to you. A scarab is a variety of beetle: image of beetle in clay, faience, precious stones, or other material.
Beetles symbolize; the act of rising from the dead or returning to life, the state of one who has returned to life, the act of bringing back to practice or use; revival. They were used in ancient Egypt to acquire the strength and long life of the god of creation. The symbol of the scarab was also thought to speak up in the judgment room for a favorable verdict for their master.
Beetles are a powerful, though well-used symbol in mystic tradition. In some circles their image is thought to protect its owner from the evil eye.
These are some places where you can find more information on scarab beetles and their symbolic meaning in ancient Egypt.
Scarab Beetle Info
www.dread.net/~finder/beatles/scarab.html
Egypt and Divine Animals
paganizingfaithofyeshua.netfirms.com/divine_animals.htm
[glow=green,2,300]Assignment #1b, Amulets- Imagination in Decoration [/glow]
Choose a meaningful symbol (or create one from scratch AFTER DOING YOUR RESEARCH on symbolism.) Use the symbol to create a wearable power object for yourself. The object may be made from clay, wood, stone, metal, string, feathers, etc. Remember that anything that you put significant time and purpose into can be powerful. Be creative!
Submit a Private Message including any of the following: a photograph, drawing, scan or DETAILED description of your object no later than December 6, Midnight GMT.
(See Next Post for Example Amulet)
Definitions
A symbol is something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible.
Symbolism is a system of symbols or representations, revelation or suggestion of intangible conditions or truths by artistic invention. It is the practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships.