While some people believe that objects are inanimate and lack an essence, magicians, witches, sorcerers, alchemists, mystery schools, artists, and athletes know otherwise. Objects, like talismans and amulets, can help you channel magic, power, and protection. Talismans and amulets may arrive in your life in a variety of ways. They may speak to you in a crystal store or show up in your intuitive dreams, sending you on a quest to find an object carrying a particular pattern or symbol.
They carry magical, powerful, protective symbols that inspire or invoke certain elements or qualities, inviting conversation on what would like to grow or be illuminated at this time.
Some of these symbols, such as the rose or ouroboros, are ancient and deeply embedded in the psyche. They may have protected your passage in past lives, guided you through astral planes, or inspired creative works. Some symbols are assigned to you at birth: for example, astrological talismans cultivate the magic of the stars. When it comes to talismans and amulets, the symbolic world is your oyster.
Talismans versus amulets
Talismans and amulets are objects, such as ornaments, jewelry (pendant or ring), or even inscribed stones. They are generally small and inconspicuous. While they are sometimes ornate and detailed, they do not desire the attention of the greedy or covetous. A simple stone makes a wonderful talisman.
A talisman has magical powers and brings luck; an amulet protects against evil, disease, and danger.
Amulet and talisman energies are slightly different in their purpose. A talisman invokes a quality or power, say your ability to see auras or speak with plants. An amulet provides protection. They are both tools to guide and aid you on your mystical journey.
Power objects
Power objects, also known as relics, expand beyond the realm of talismans and amulets: they may include larger objects, such as staffs, wands, or even clothing. You can infuse power objects with an essence, such as courage or creativity. Sorcerers associate them with certain superpowers: think of Dr. Strange’s sling ring, which grants him access to other realms and planes. A particular ring or symbol may aid your focus or your ability to access your own intuition.
How to find your talisman, amulet, or power object
There are many ways to find your talisman, amulet, or relic. The symbols, appearing in object form, are connected to your essence and your life journey. Sometimes a symbol arrives before an object; sometimes the object arrives of its own free will. So, stay open to the possibilities.
Try one or a combination of the methods below to uncover a symbol for your talisman, amulet, or power object.
1. Let it choose you
Talismans, amulets, and power objects sometimes choose you. The Cloak of Levitation chose Dr. Strange. Symbols themselves may also choose you, presenting themselves boldly or quietly along your path. Just listen. While your power object may not arrive in the most glamorous format, remember that sometimes an inconspicuous object provides the most freedom for the practice of magic.
2. Watch for patterns
Pay attention to recurring symbols that appear in your life. Perhaps you are intrinsically attracted to a particular symbol. If you drew pictures of Pegasus or scarab beetles as a child, resurrect this symbol in your search. Perhaps people consistently give you presents with arrows or cats on them. Or real arrows and cats continue to show up in your life. Again, listen with your heart to find the most attuned symbol.
3. Research
Research may uncover your symbol. Spend time in a bookstore. Research the symbolism and cosmologies of your lineages. Perhaps Norse, Gnostic, or Egyptian philosophy and art interest you. Follow these paths and educate yourself about the meanings, uses, and histories of various symbols. As your educational journey unfolds, you may experience a symbolic or talismanic epiphany.
4. Use your intuition
Follow your intuition on your search for a symbol or object. Don’t overthink it. If it calls to you, you may find deeper meaning later in your journey. For example, perhaps Zeus’s lightning bolt or Seshat’s crown arrives before you connect those symbols to their respective deities. Trust the process and know that meaning may arrive after form.
5. Ask your well ancestors and spirit guides
Family members or ancient mystery school teachers often pass down talismans, amulets, or power objects. Ask your living family, crossed-over and settled ancestors, and spirit guides to lead you through dreamwork or IRL to your symbol or object.
6. Ask permission
Always ask your symbol, talisman, amulet, or power object for permission. Asking for permission can help you narrow your search if many symbols and objects present themselves. When you encounter an object or symbols, meditate to ask permission or even try using a pendulum to guide you.
How to treat your talisman, amulet, or power object
Now that you’ve found your object, recognize that you’re embarking on a relationship. Your talisman, amulet, or power object responds to tenderness and gratitude. Here are a few guidelines for taking care of your object:
1. Devotion
Spend time with your object. It thrives on being useful. Wear it on your bare skin or use it in some way every day. Its potency grows as you wield it. You may even meditate with your object: embark on a visualization journey with your object in tow and let it lead the way. Perhaps new insight will surface about the origin of your object or how you should work with it.
2. Cleanse
Just as moonlight and saltwater cleanse crystals, your object will need occasional cleansing. Bathing in moonlight or steeping in lukewarm saltwater (if water-soluble) are effective ways to energetically clear your objects. Practice the power of intention and surround your object in light or the affirmation of your mantra as you cleanse.
3. Stay secretive
Talismans, amulets, and power objects connect to individuals. Families and teachers of ancient knowledge pass them down, but they are always meant for one person. Don’t share them. It is best to keep them a secret, if possible.
4. Craft an invocation
Carefully select an invocation, phrase, or quality for your talisman, amulet, or object. Choose a simple word, like “courage” or “intuition.” Create an invocation that you repeat, such as, “I invoke love as I heighten my power and understanding of my craft.”
A note on materialism
These practices are based on animism and the understanding that objects have energy and spirit. Avoid a transactional relationship with your talismans and amulets. Instead, build a relationship. Do not hoard material objects or inflict damage on other beings and the Earth for the sake of mystical personal gain.
Try to find objects that are native to your surroundings, sourced ethically and sustainably, or allow these objects to find you naturally.
Mind location customs and traditions. In some countries, according to Indigenous beliefs, shells on the beach are believed to carry the souls of ancestors. Respect local beliefs when selecting a power object. Remember that you are here to serve: may these objects guide and aid you on your path of service.
You are the source
Pay attention, mystics, as this is the most poignant note on your search for a talisman, amulet, or power object. Material objects, such as talismans, amulets, and power objects, can give you a sense of magic, protection, and power. However, the source of those elements is always within you.
You—your spirit, soul, and heart, and the relationships you cultivate—cultivate the foundational energy of your talimans and amulets.
If you lose your object, talisman, or amulet, remember that you can live without it. Perhaps someone else needs its essence, or you are making room for new symbolism to arrive in your life.
When you find your talisman, amulet, or power object, use it with pride and integrity. Wield its essence so that you may have a positive influence together.
