The term “amulet” comes from the Latin
word meaning “defense.” Indeed, amulets are a way to protect yourself that
dates back from the earliest human beliefs.
Pliny himself subscribed to the use
of amulets and wrote about three common kinds used by the Romans of the
classical age. A typical amulet of that era was a bit of parchment inscribed
with protective words, rolled up in a metal cylinder, and worn around the neck.
Evil eyes might be the most global of all amulets, the belief being that they
could ward off a hex by simply reflecting it back to its origins. Phallic
symbols have always been popular, too, coming in the shapes of horns, hands,
and the phallus, of course. Some amulets were devoted to a specific god or
goddess, and the wearer of such a piece would be protected by that divine
entity.
The peoples of the Mesopotamian plain
wore amulets. The Assyrians and Babylonians favored cylindrical seals encrusted
with precious stones. They also loved animal talismans for the qualities
associated with different animals: lions for courage, bulls for virility, and
so on. The ancient Egyptians absolutely depended on their amulets for use in
burial displays, and we can see many preserved in the cases of today’s museums.
To make their amulets, the Egyptians employed a material called faience, a
glazed composition of ground quartz that was typically blue green in color.
Wealthier denizens of the Nile, royalty, and the priestly class wore precious
and semiprecious gems and crystals as amulets. Lapis lazuli was perhaps the
most revered of these and was worn in many shapes, the eye of Horus being the
most significant religious icon, followed by the scarab symbolizing rebirth;
the frog, symbolizing fertility; and the ankh, representing eternal life.
Organized religions appropriated the
idea of amulets from pagan peoples, and it was very popular in medieval times
to wear a tiny verse from the Torah, the Bible, or the Koran. Today, many a
Catholic wears a medal honoring a given saint, such as Saint Christopher, the
patron saint for travelers. Wiccans and modern pagans are great proponents of
protective amulets, causing a resurgence in Celtic symbols and imagery.
Amulets are very easy to create and make
nice gifts, as long as you believe your friends will truly benefit from them
and are aware of the special qualities and powers they hold. To make one,
select a crystal that is endowed with the desired energy. Hold it in the palm
of your hand until it is warm from your touch. Then, visualize the specific
power the stone is offering. If you’re giving your amulet to yourself, wear it
as a pendant or tuck it into your pocket or purse for a “guardian to go.” Here
is a list of stones from which to choose for the specific kind of safeguard you
are in need of:
-Amethyst helps with sobriety by
preventing inebriation.
-Aquamarine is good for
attracting wisdom and overcoming a fear of water and drowning. It is also a
guard against malevolent spirits.
-Bloodstone brings luck and is
good to wear during travels.
-Carnelian is to the devil as
garlic is to a vampire—keeps him away!
-Chrysolite drives away evil
spirits and promotes peaceful sleep, especially if set in gold.
-Diamond in a necklace brings
good fortune and lends force and valor. This dazzling stone should always touch
the skin and works best when it is received as a gift.
-Emerald can cancel out the power
of any magician!
-Jade offers protection, especially
for children, and guards their health. It also creates prosperity.
-Jasper is reputed to be a
defense against the venom of poisonous insects and snakes.
-Jet set in silver will help
expel negativity.
-Moonstone is another boon to
travelers and brings fortune and fame.
-Turquoise is believed to be great for a
horse’s gait if affixed to the animal’s bridle
