Astral Magick
Is There a Difference Between an Amulet and a Talisman?
Much like their magical brethren Magic Charms, Amulets and Talismans have been used for centuries in magical and metaphysical practices. Over the years many different interpretations and definitions have been given to describe the differences between an Amulet and a Talisman.
Many Occult doctrines hold that the difference lies in the origin of the magical object used in a ritual or to perform a magic spell. Therefore, talismans are generally those objects that are natural, and imbued with their magical properties as a consequence of their natural origins and kinship to The Elements. By this way of reckoning certain roots, crystals, mustika pearls, and bezoar stones would be talismans. Amulets on the other hand would be magical articles that have been wrought by the hands of a magician, sorcerer, or Shaman. In the Judeo-Christian tradition blessed religious artifacts are akin to Amulets and Talismans such as Medals of Saints, and Phials of Water and Earth from Holy Places.
Some practitioners of The Arts say that Amulets are always worn as jewelry, while Talismans can be worn, but are more often carried secretly upon the person, or placed within the home to achieve their magical effect. Over the centuries the distinctions have blurred. Is a piece of Magic Jewelry made with specific crystals and stones known to have the property to protect from psychic attack, an Amulet or a Talisman?
Today even full-fledged and openly practicing witches cannot agree on the exact difference between talismans and amulets. However, no matter the magical doctrine followed all those versed in the occult agree on one thing: despite what these objects are labeled, amulets or talismans, these articles are basic necessities in the practice of all known magic and witchcraft. Further all metaphysical practitioners agree that for the uninitiated amulets and talismans offer powerful magic, such as psychic protection when used alone. However, for the practitioners they serve a greater purpose. Amulets and Talismans greatly increase their magical ability and the power of any spell or divination.
It is believed by many occult scholars that the word Talisman is derived from a similar Arabic root that meaning “to make marks upon as would a magician”. The origin of the word Amulet is less in doubt. It is derived from the Latin Amuletum and means simply “magical object”. Whether you accept or not the reality of Amulets or Talismans possessing magical properties, in medieval times they served as proof positive against the “evil eye”. A beautiful and visually stunning amulet literally distracted the “evil eye” away form the face of the wearer.
Despite continued debate over definitions, almost all occult and magick practitioners agree that both amulets and talismans are small objects, worn or carried to benefit their owners in some practical way. Some are used for a specific purpose i.e., to prevent disease, protect from psychic or magical attacks, bring wealth, love money, etc.
In most cases a magic amulet is placed around the neck, but amulets and talismans have been worn anywhere. Magic amulets and talismans have been forged into pins, cuff links, bracelets, earrings, and all manner of other jewelry and adornments. It is generally believed that wherever an amulet or talisman is worn or carried the closer it is to the body it lays, the more powerful its magic. In fact in some traditions talismanic symbols are carved into food such as a block of cheese and ingested to yield their effect.