Examine the infinite variety of charms and fetishes found in every civilization, from the distant past to the present. Learn the entire history of these tools, their geography, how they are part of each man and woman's search for connection with spiritual forces, and how to make and use them. Loaded with hundreds of illustrations, this is the ultimate reference guide.

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.

Making Jewelry with Meaning The things you collect - the ticket stubs, the coins, the pieces of shell from a beach - hold meaning and significance, reminding you not only where you've been, but also where you're capable of going. Making these items into wearable pieces of art - amplifying their power to become amulets and talismans - is a rewarding experience that's easy to do. Working with the most basic of tools, you will learn cold-connection jewelry techniques to expand your creative process. In addition to basics like creating jump rings and using a file, you will also: • Make your own hook and latch clasps • Cut windows from sheets of metal • Inlay designs into polymer clay • Incorporate concrete into your work • Achieve patinas with heat • Journal your thoughts onto faux bone • Turn paper pulp into realistic rocks • Create "time capsule" beads from Plexiglas • And much, much more! Discover the rewards of making your own amulets and talismans by learning new techniques to drive your creativity in an entirely new direction.

Includes information on what talismans are and how they work; a brief history of talismans in the Western Magical tradition; how to use names of power, angels, magical languages, and color magic; how to draw talismans, consecrate them, and even destroy them.

Practical Magic techniques of the Golden Dawn revealed! Founded in 1888, by legendary magicians Wynn Westcott and S.L. MacGregor Mathers, the Golden Dawn has been a major influence on the development of Western Magic. Although the material which inspired adepts such as Alistair Crowley and W.B Yeats has been available, until now there has been little explaination as to how this group performed its rites of ritual magic. Now at last Pat Zalewski, himself an adept within the Golden Dawn system, has revealed secrets that have never before been published or which were only communicated orally to a handful of select pupils. For years people have known that the Golden Dawn adepts could summon spirits so that they could be seen, but no one could explain how they did it. Likewise their techniques of manufacturing and empowering talismans were a closely guarded secret until now. In this book readers will learn the secrets of evocation and how to make Talismans of Power. This book is a very valuable tool into understanding the practical considerations of Golden Dawn ritual magick at its best. The book is a must for serious Golden Dawn students.

KEYNOTE: A fascinating and culturally significant study of Thai beliefs, design appreciation, and a document of the daily existence of Bangkok taxi drivers Strings of beads and amulets hang from rear-view mirrors, swaying as the driver negotiates his taxi through Bangkok's chaotic streets. Statuettes of Buddha glued to dashboards sit patiently beside flower garlands and beribboned objects. Buddhist ritual patterns adorn the ceilings, and photos of monks are everywhere. Dale Konstanz, artist, freelance designer, illustrator, and academic has spent over three years documenting the interiors of Bangkok taxis, photographing the iconography and asking what it means to the drivers. In this book he recollects and ruminates about these mini-altars, photographs the myriad of talismans, sacred objects and icons and documents the various explanations and beliefs of the Bangkok cabby. AUTHOR: Dale Konstanz is an artist, freelance designer/illustrator, and academic. He has exhibited his work internationally and currently teaches Communication Design at Mahidol University International College in Bangkok. He has also taught at several art and design colleges and universities and museums in the US, including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He has been living in Bangkok for seven years and during this time, has done considerable research on Thai art and culture. For the past two years, he has been maintaining a blog on Thai taxis. http://lifeinmovingvehicle.blogspot.com 150 colour illustrations

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.