Although today we often think of amulets as being primarily decorative objects, their history stems long into the past and has foundation in a time when life was not so secure. Amulets were first mentioned as far back as 79AD when the tenth and final volume of Pliny’s Natural History was published. In this great work we are informed that the word ‘amulet’ is derived from the Latin Amuletum meaning, ‘power to divert evil.’

Talismans are the most complex of the sacred symbols. The word talisman itself, at least in more recent times, is thought to originate from the Arabic word, Tilasm, which means completion of a religious rite, and this statement in itself should give some indication of the individual and specific nature of what a talisman signifies. Yet today we would also more commonly recognise the relevance of this object if we used the word ‘synchronicity’ to define it. This is because numerous factors are involved when it comes to the talisman not least in that the benefits they are required to draw upon is specific, but also that there has to be some compatibility, either through energies or spirits, which necessitate the talisman being produced at a spiritually significant time or even an astrologically significant period.

Although today the words amulets, talismans and charms are frequently used interchangeably, by reading through the other articles here you will be able to see there are clear distinctions. When it comes to charms however, they are the easiest to define because they are what we most widely associate in the contemporary world as being objects designed to bring us good luck.

Some things just go together. Tomato sauces work well with chili. A white cotton shirt is a good match for blue denim jeans. The persistent patter of percussion forms a great foundation for wind or stringed instruments to play over.

It’s this simple principle that’s at the heart of talismans: things that go together have a kind of resonance. And putting them together in a particular form allows a person to access that power when they have need of it. Think of how you dress to impress when you go to meet a potential employer or lover – there’s a ritual element to it, the clothes helping you feel a way that’s suited to the outcome you want, whether it’s a job or a marriage proposal.

Feng Shui is a technique of placement and arrangement of living or working space to bring about harmony within the environment. Pronounced in English as “fung shway,” the practice is thousands of years old and originated in China. The original feng shui practice did not only involve the placement of objects within a space but also the placement of homes and other buildings to work in perfect harmony with nature. Modern day architects still use the practice when designing buildings when they want the structure to make the most of the available natural landscape without disruption but with harmony. 

The Fruit Totem