First Published in 2001. Everywhere that excavations of ancient sites, temples and tombs have been carried out, the objects most frequently brought to light are amulets and talismans. The use of these objects is not confined to anyone place, people and period - they are universal, reflecting a belief in magic which is as old as humankind and continues today. Amulets and talismans have always been used for protection against enemies and the evil eye, to attract love and to cast spells of all kinds. This remarkable work - both scholarly and highly readable - contains the original texts with translations and descriptions of key Egyptian, Sumerian, Assyrian, Hebrew, Christian, Gnostic and Muslim amulets and magical devices and figures. Among the subjects dealt with are ring amulets; the protective and therapeutic qualities of gemstones; the importance of colour, shape and form in amulets; the Kabbalistic names and signs, stones of the planets and their influences, mystical numbers, lucky and unlucky days and contracts with the devil. This is a rich resource for all those interested in ancient wisdom and timeless practices.

Comprehensive discourse on origin, powers of amulets in many ancient cultures. Covers cross, swastika, crucifix, seals, rings, stones, etc.

In this illustrated study, renowned Egyptologist E. A. Wallis Budge investigates amulets of ancient civilizations, revealing their cultural and religious significance. A stunning and thorough investigation, Amulets and Superstitions seeks to demystify the jewelry worn or displayed by ancient peoples. Some were everyday charms worn widely, while others are exquisite crafts made of precious metals, reserved for royalty or nobility. Their symbols reflected aspects of social and cultural life, such as the importance of good fortune or fertility. It was common for such amulets to be worn in reverence to the ancient Gods, and to display an important deity or symbol of faith. This thread is identified across the Egyptian, Gnostic, Hebrew, Phoenician and other ancient peoples. Some jewelry is carved with certain numbers or peculiar symbols, each signifying a particular meaning and importance to the ancients of yore. E. A. Wallis Budge was one of the leading figures of ancient history in the early 20th century, writing numerous books and researches at an exciting time of numerous discoveries involving Ancient Egypt and Middle-Eastern civilizations. This work was published in 1930, and is imbued by decades of the author's accumulated experience and knowledge.

A comprehensive study of the use of talismans and amulets in the Western Mystery Tradition • Provides an in-depth look at the medieval and Renaissance use of amulets and talismans, including the work of Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Athanasius Kircher • Provides a full summary of the magical knowledge required to make an amulet or talisman, including the invocations required to activate their powers • Reviews different kinds of amulets and talismans, from ancient jewelry and magical objects to the modern rabbit’s foot or lucky horseshoe The use of talismans and amulets stretches back nearly to the dawn of man, from everyday items magically prepared, such as horns or coins, to intricate and beautiful jewelry imbued with protective powers. Drawing on his private collection of medieval manuscripts as well as his privileged access to the rare book archives of major European universities, Claude Lecouteux provides a comprehensive history of the use of talismans and amulets for protection, healing, and divine influence. He explores their use in the Western Mystery Tradition as well as Eastern and Middle Eastern beliefs about these magical objects and their incorporation--despite Church anathema--into the Christian tradition of Medieval Europe. Reviewing many different kinds of amulets and talismans used throughout the ages, such as a rabbit’s foot, horseshoe, gris-gris bag, or an inscribed parchment charged through ritual, he details the principles and symbology behind each object and shows that their use is still as widespread today as any time in the past. Lecouteux explains the high magic behind the hermetic art of crafting amulets and talismans: the chains of sympathy, astrological geography, and the invocations required to activate their powers. He explores the work of adepts such as Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Athanasius Kircher, including an in-depth look at Kircher’s work on planetary seals in his Oedipus Aegyptiacus. Illustrated throughout with period art depicting magical symbols, seals, and a wide array of talismans and amulets, this comprehensive study provides a practical guide to the historical development and step-by-step creation of magical objects.

"Most people - even those who insist they are not superstitious - have some sort of amulet or charm that they keep 'just for luck'. Whether these are worn, carried, kept in the home or placed on a horse, boat or car, they are still used as Body Guards to ward off bad luck or attract good fortune." "In this book, the world-famous author Desmond Morris traces the traditions and legends behind over 100 of the most important Body Guards. He explains how each charm or amulet has been used, examining the powers attributed to it and its significance today. The author's own extensive collection of amulets, acquired during his travels in more than 70 countries, has been specially photographed for the book."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Saint Christopher medals, ankhs, birthstones, four-leaf clovers--all are examples of magical objects used for protection or to attract good luck. This introductory guidebook tells you everything you need to know to make or find talismans, amulets, and charms, and use them to improve your life. Author Richard Webster shows you how to create, charge, purify, and empower your own personal magical objects for a variety of purposes, from attracting love to attaining wealth. With protective amulets from around the world and a dictionary of lucky charms, this easy-to-use book is designed so even absolute beginners can achieve success with their own magical objects.