What are amulets and talismans? (from the book An ABC of Witchcraft by Doreen Valiente


An amulet is a magical object the purpose of which is to avert danger and evil influence from its
possessor. It is a protection device, as distinct from a talisman. The latter is intended to attract some
benefit to its possessor, whereas the amulet acts as an occult shield to repel.  Amber was anciently
called 'amuletum' also, because it was believed to be an averter of evil influence and infection. The word
amulet is probably derived from the Latin 'amolior,' meaning "I repel or drive away."
All kinds of things have been, and still are, used as amulets, all over the world. That which they are most
called on to drive away is evil influence of an occult nature, bad luck generally, or the much-dreaded Evil
Eye. Brightly polished horse-brasses are
amulets for this purpose. So are the bright blue beads popular in the Near East. In fact, the color of pure
bright blue is much esteemed in the East as an averter of evil, perhaps from its connection with heaven.
The charm bracelet, so popular today, was known in Ancient Greece. A beautiful example of such a
bracelet, delicately fashioned in solid gold, and over 2,000 years old, was shown in Brighton Museum in
1960 as part of the collection of the late Mr. Moyshe Oved. It was of exactly the same type as those worn
today, consisting of a number of 'charms' hung from a gold chain which fastened around the wrist. The
word 'charm' is usually applied to these little amulets of silver or gold; but the word is actually derived
from the Latin 'carmen,' a song, and originally meant the incantation which was chanted over an amulet
or talisman, to consecrate it and endow it with magical power. The word became transferred to the object
itself, which had been 'charmed.' The idea that an amulet needs to be consecrated in order to be really
effective, is behind the belief that a 'lucky charm' which someone gives you is more potent that one which
you buy for yourself. The thought of goodwill behind the gift has in a sense consecrated it. Many of the
ancient magical symbols are regarded as being both amulets and talismans, able to attract good fortune
as well as repelling bad luck. Such, for instance, are the swastika, the Ankh Cross, the five-pointed star or
pentagram, and the six-pointed star or Solomon's Seal. These symbols are so old that thier actual origin
is hidden in prehistory, and the changing fortunes of nations have carried them all over the world. The
usual practice of witches, when giving someone an amulet, is to choose some small object which is
strange or unusual, which makes a strong impression on the mind of the recipient. They will then charm
the object with some ceremony or formula of words, and give it to the person, usually telling them to keep
it secret and not show it to anyone else. This involves practical psychology. People can often think
themselves into being lucky or unlucky. If they have accepted the idea that nothing they do will ever
prosper, that they are doomed to misfortune, then they are in effect beaten before they start in whatever
they undertake. Life being what it is, everyone at some time or another encounters adverse conditions,
and becomes a prey to depression and negative thinking. Acquiring an amulet can change the direction
of their thought, restore their self-confidence, and so really and effectively change their luck.