Talismans and Their Meanings
What is a Talisman?
The word "Talisman," derived from the Greek verb "teleo," means, primarily,
to accomplish, or bring into effect. The Talisman is an object marked with magic
signs and is believed to confer on its bearer supernatural powers or protection.
Virtually every religion in human history has offered as adherents small decorative
objects which purpose is to do anything ranging between healing, protection
or success.
View David's Collection of Talismans
Astrology Talismans - Made at Optimum Time with Astrologer Guidance
The concept of A Talisman has its roots In ancient metaphysical and cosmological
world views, mainly the Hermetic and Neoplatonic Traditions. Those philosophies
serve as the underlying ideas and principles that are applied in the practices
of Astrology, Magic/Theurgy and Alchemy.
Limited Editions Astrology Talismans
The Ancients believed that the 'Higher' world is reflected in the 'lower', which
is the basic premise of astrology and magic, and that by certain means
one can Intentionally create 'images' that reflect those higher 'ideas' and
their corresponding virtues, or as modern will say, the Archetypal essences
or principles.
The astrological procedure of electing the right time for a Talisman (for
a specific purpose) is much the same As the rules of Electional astrology, which
is a branch in Astrology That is concerned with finding Auspicious times for
different ventures and projects, no matter how big or small, from finding the
best time to go to war, or crown a king, to a opening of a business or publishing
a book, or having a weeding etc.
Ficino Image of the Cosmos Talisman
Talismans and Sacred Geometry
Very often the talismans symbols are taken out of sacred geometry. The term
"sacred geometry" is used by archaeologists, anthropologists, and geometricians
to encompass the religious, philosophical and spiritual beliefs that have sprung
up around. It is a term covering Pythagorean geometry and neo-Platonic geometry.
Sacred geometry is often referred to as a language of G-d. Sacred geometry symbols
are a means of bringing subtle, inner realities to a focus in outward expression.
Within the fundamental unity of consciousness, certain symbols, such as the
lotus lifting itself in purity above the muddy water, possess universal relevance
and power.
Jewish and Kabbalah Talismans
Star of David
The name David in ancient Hebrew (during the time of King David) is made up
of three letters "Dalet", "Vav" and "Dalet". The letter Dalet in ancient Hebrew
is actually a triangle. King David used the six pointed star as his signature
(the two triangles of his name). The middle letter "Vav" means six - The six
pointed star. The six-points symbolize that God rules over the universe and
protects us from all six directions: North, South, East, West, Up and Down.
King David used this symbol in the battlefield on his shield as an omen from
God.
Hamsa
The Hamsa is known as the hand of Miriam or Hamesh hand. The Hamsa serves as
an ancient talismanic way of averting the evil eye and providing a "protecting
hand" or "Hand of God". The Hamsa often appears in stylized form, as a hand
with three fingers raised, and sometimes with two thumbs arranged symmetrically.
Five Metals Ring
According to the ancient kabalistic text, the secret of the five metals ring
success is that at the specific time of the creation of the ring with these
five metals, Jupiter's influence is summoned forth. Jupiter is the star of development
and expansion, and success is at it's strongest at the specific time of the
ring's creation. The layer on the top of the five metals ring is pure gold.
Below it there is a layer of lead and tin, and the last layer is copper, while
the ring itself is made out of silver.
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is one of the most familiar of the Sacred Geometry Symbols.
The structure of the Tree of Life is connected to the sacred teachings of the
Jewish Kabbalah. The Tree of Life is explained in Sefer Yetzira ("Book of Creation").
The book explains the creation as a process involving the 10 divine numbers
(sefirot) of God the Creator and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The
10 sefirot together with the 22 letters constitute the "32 paths of secret wisdom".
Ancient Egyptian Talismans
Scarab Beetle
The young scarab beetles emerged spontaneously from the burrow they were born
in. Therefore they were worshipped as "Khepera", which means "the one who came
forth". The scarab-beetle god Khepera was believed to push the setting sun along
the sky in the same manner as the beetle with his ball of dung. In many artifacts,
the scarab is depicted pushing the sun along its course in the sky.
Ankh
The Ankh is a symbolic representation of both Physical and Eternal life. It
is known as the original cross, which is a powerful symbol that was first created
in Ancient Egypt.
Ankh is typically associated with material things such as water, air, sun, as
well as with the Gods, who are frequently pictured carrying an Ankh.
Heart
In Egyptian history, the heart replaced the heart which was removed during mummification.
Sometimes assimilated to the Bennu, "Soul of Râ", it brings the protection
of both Osiris and Râ.
Other Egyptian talismans
Buckle or Knot of Isis, Djed, Ba, Two Fingers and Udjat or Eye of Horus.
Christian Talismans
The cross
The cross of Christianity was a symbol of the faith. It was previously considered
a pagan symbol, with several early church fathers objecting to its use. The
cross represents Christ's victory over death and sin, since it is believed that
through His death he conquered death itself.
Fish
The fish's first known use as a Christian religious symbol was sometime within
the first three centuries AD. Christians began using the Greek word for
"fish" as an acronym for "Jesus Christ God's Son, Savior". Followers of Christianity
were called Pisciculi; the root of this Latin word is "fish".
Buddhist Talismans
Buddha
Buddha images provide a reassuring reminder of the basic tenets of Buddhist
religion. Just as Buddhist religion is practiced in many different ways, the
Buddhist image also serves a wide variety of ritual purposes and has different
meanings for different people. Buddha can be invested with a huge amount of
information, meaning and implication; they evolve and they are given life. The
Buddha image cast in the human form gives it a value presented as calm, still
and serene.
Mandalas
The Tibetans create their beautiful Mandalas from colored sand and if you'll
take a metal plate and cover it with sand and make it vibrate with different
sounds, you will be able to see different structures that are formed in the
sand, that are very similar to the sand Mandalas. In the end, after a few weeks
when the Mandalas is finished, they simply wipe the sand off Mandalas to show
the non-attachment to the illusion of the external, and also to show the constant
change and the process of life and death that takes place in the external world
of illusion.
OM
Om (ॐ) is the most sacred syllable in Hinduism, first coming to light
in the Vedic Tradition. The syllable is sometimes referred to as the "Udgitha"
or "pranava mantra". The symbol of Om contains three curves, one semicircle
and a dot. The large lower curve symbolizes the waking state; the upper curve
denotes deep sleep (or the unconscious) state, and the lower curve (which lies
between deep sleep and the waking state) signifies the dream state.
Tibetan Knot
The Tibetan knot (Srivatsa or the endless knot) is one of the eight symbols
of the Tibetan Buddhism. The Tibetan knot can stand for karmic consequences:
pull here, something happens over there. It is an apt symbol for the Vajrayana
methods: Often when we tug at one part of a knot while trying to loosen it,
another part becomes tighter. You have to work with the knot to enable it to
come undone. In its endless configuration, it evokes the cyclic nature of rebirth
and also calls karmic connections to mind.
Related category
Talismans
Astrology Jewelry and Talismans
About the Author
David Weitzman
The jewelry artist David Weitzman combines ancient and sacred knowledge into a unique line of jewelry designed to bring people both beauty and inspiration. David's artwork harnesses the power of spiritual symbols and sacred geometry from around the world to bring those wearing this sacred jewelry happiness, vitality, excitement, and love.
