Amulet
238200
223500792
2008-07-04T09:59:23Z
Joseph Solis in Australia
957447
/* Hermetic talismans */ Delete </br>
{{for|the ARM asynchronous microprocessor|AMULET microprocessor}}
[[Image:talis02.png|thumb|An amulet from the Black Pullet [[grimoire]].]]
An '''amulet''' ( <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>, meaning "an object that protects a person from trouble"), a close cousin of the '''talisman''' (from [[Arabic language|Arabic]] طلاسم ''tilasm'', ultimately from [[Greek language|Greek]] ''telesma'' or from the Greek word "talein" which means "to initiate into the mysteries") consists of any object intended to bring good [[luck]] and/or protection to its owner.
Potential amulets include: [[Gemstone|gems]] or simple [[Gemstone|stones]], [[statue]]s, [[coin]]s, [[drawing]]s, [[pendant]]s, [[jewelry ring|rings]], [[plant]]s, [[animal]]s, etc.; even [[word]]s said in certain occasions—for example: ''[[vade retro satana]]''—([[Latin]], "go back, [[Satan]]"), to repel [[evil]] or bad luck.
==Amulets and talismans in folklore==
{{Inappropriate tone|section|date=April 2007}}
[[Image:Ibis-headed Thoth amulet.jpg|right|thumb|Ancient Egyptian ibis-headed [[Thoth]] amulet, [[New Kingdom]], [[Eighteenth dynasty of Egypt|Dynasty XVIII]], c. 1539-1292 BC.]]
Amulets and talismans vary considerably according to their time and place of origin.
In many societies, religious objects serve as amulets. A religious amulet might be the figure of a certain [[god]] or simply some symbol representing the deity (such as the [[Christian cross|cross]] for [[Christian]]s or the "eye of [[Horus]]" for the ancient [[Egypt]]ians). In [[Thailand]] one can commonly see people with more than one [[Buddharupa|Buddha]] hanging from their necks; in [[Bolivia]] and some places in [[Argentina]] the god [[Ekeko]] furnishes a standard amulet, to whom one should offer at least one banknote to obtain fortune and welfare.
Every [[zodiac]]al sign corresponds to a gem that acts as an amulet, but these stones vary according to different traditions.
An ancient tradition in [[China]] involves capturing a [[cricket (insect)|cricket]] alive and keeping it in an [[osier]] box to attract good luck (this tradition extended to the [[Philippines]]). Chinese may also spread coins on the floor to attract money; rice also has a reputation as a carrier of good fortune.
[[Turtle]]s and [[cactus]] can cause controversy, for while some people consider them beneficial, others think they delay everything in the house.
In [[Afro-Caribbean]] syncretic religions like [[Voodoo]], [[Umbanda]], [[Quimbanda]] and [[Santería]], drawings are also used as amulets, such as with the ''veves'' of Voodoo; these [[religion]]s also take into account the colour of the [[candle]]s they light, because each colour features a different effect of attraction or repulsion.
[[Perfume]]s and [[essence]]s (like [[incense]], [[myrrh]], etc.) also serve the purposes of attraction or repulsion. Popular legends often attributed [[magic (paranormal)|magical]] powers to certain unusual objects, such as a baby's [[caul]] or a [[rabbit's foot]]; possession of these items allegedly endowed their magical abilities upon their owners.
[[Image:Tartaria amulet.png|thumb|left|Drawing of clay amulet unearthed near [[Săliştea, Alba|Tǎrtǎria, Romania]].]]
In [[Central Europe]], people believed [[garlic]] kept [[vampire]]s away, and so did a [[crucifix]].
The ancient [[Egyptians]] had many amulets for different occasions and needs, often with the figure of a god or the "[[ankh]]" (the key of eternal life); the figure of the scarab god [[Khepri]] became a common amulet too and has now gained renewed fame around the Western world.
For the ancient [[Scandinavia]]ns, [[Anglo-Saxons]] and [[Germany|German]]s and currently for some [[Neopagan]] believers the [[rune]] ''[[Eoh]]'' (yew) protects against evil and witchcraft; a non-[[alphabet]]ical [[rune]] representing [[Thor]]'s [[hammer]] still offers protection against thieves in some places.
Deriving from the ancient [[Celts]], the [[clover]], if it has four leaves, symbolises good luck (not the Irish [[shamrock]], which symbolises the Christian [[Trinity]]). In the celtic tradition a bag made from a crane skin (called a [[crane bag]]) symbolised treasure, a [[wheel]] symboled the sun, a [[boat]] also was a sun symbol, but also a death symbol (to the land of the dead), the [[raven]] was a symbol of death, the [[head]] was a symbol of wisdom as was the [[acorn]] and a [[Water well|well]].
[[Coral]]s, [[horseshoe]]s and lucky [[bamboo]] also allegedly make good amulets.
Figures of [[elephant]]s are said to attract good luck and money if one offers bank notes to them. In [[Arab]] countries a hand with an eye amid the palm and two thumbs (similar to a [[Khamsa|Hand of Fatima]]) serves as protection against evil.
[[Image:Amulette-japonaise.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Omamori]], a [[Japan]]ese amulet]]
In [[India]] and [[Tyrol]], small bells make demons escape when they sound in the wind or when a door or window opens. Amulets are also worn on the upper right arm to protect the person wearing it. In fact this method was more popular in ancient India then wearing it as a pendant or around the neck.
[[Buddhism]] has a deep and ancient talismanic tradition. In the earliest days of Buddhism, just after the Buddha's death circa 485 B.C., amulets bearing the symbols of Buddhism were common. Symbols such as conch shells, the footprints of the Buddha, and others were commonly worn. After about the 2nd century B.C., Greeks began carving actual images of the Buddha. These were hungrily acquired by native Buddhists in India, and the tradition spread.<ref name="Siamese Dream">{{cite web | url = http://www.siamese-dream.com | title = Siamese Dream homepage | work = Siamese Dream of California | accessdate = December 11 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref>
Another aspect of amulets connects with [[demonology]] and [[demonolatry]]; these systems consider an inverted cross (not an upward cross, which drives demons away) or [[pentagram]] in downward position as favourable to communicate with [[demon]]s and to show friendship towards them.
During the tumultuous [[Plains Indian]]s troubles in mid-19th century America, the [[Lakota people|Lakota Tribe]] adopted the Ghost Dance ritual, created by a [[Paiute|Paiute Indian]] living in northwestern Oregon. [[Black Elk]], the great Lakota Holy Man, received instructions on how to create a talismanic shirt that would protect the Lakota from the Greedy White Man's bullets. Tragically, the shirts failed to offer the Lakota any protection.
In addition to protection against [[supernatural]] powers, amulets are also used for protection against other people. For example, soldiers and those involved in other dangerous activities may use talismans to increase their luck. [[Carlism|Carlist]] soldiers wore a medal of the [[Sacred Heart of Jesus]] with the inscription ''¡[[Detente bala]]!'' ("Stop, bullet!").
Amulets can be found among people of every nation and social status. They can be seen in [[jewellery]], [[artisan]] fairs, [[museum]]s, shops, and homes.
==Talismans in the Abrahamic religions==
Since the [[Middle Ages]] in [[Western culture]] [[pentagram]]s have had a reputation as amulets to attract money, love, etc; and to protect against envy, misfortune, and other disgraces. Other symbols, such as [[magic squares]], [[angel]]ic signatures and [[kabbalah|qabalistic]] signs have been employed to a variety of ends, both benign and malicious.
The [[Jewish]] tradition is quite fascinating; examples of [[Solomon]] era amulets exist in many museums. Due to proscription of idols, Jewish amulets emphasize text and names—the shape, material or color of an amulet makes no difference.<ref name="King Solomon's amulets">{{cite web | url = http://www.kabbalah-corner.com/king-solomons-amulets.asp | title = King Solomon's amulets | work = Kabbala Corner | accessdate = December 11 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref><ref name="Hamsa hand">{{cite web | url = http://www.luckymojo.com/hamsahand.html | title = The Hamsa Hand | work = Lucky Mojo | accessdate = December 11 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> ''See also [[Khamsa]].''
The Jewish [[tallis]] (Yiddish-Hebrew form; plural is talleisim), the [[prayer]] shawl with fringed corners and knotted tassels at each corner, is perhaps one of the world's oldest and most used talismanic objects. Originally intended to distinguish the Jews from pagans, as well as to remind them of God and Heaven, the prayer shawl is considered fascinating because of its name: it is very close to the term "talisman."<ref name="JewishBazaar">{{cite web | url = http://www.jewishbazaar.com | title = JewishBazaar homepage | work = JewishBazaar.com | accessdate = December 11 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref>
[[Image:Gotland-Bro-kyrka 19.jpg|right|thumb|A crucifix, considered in Christian tradition as a defense against demons.]]
In antiquity and the Middle Ages, most Jews, Christians and Muslims in the Orient believed in the protective and healing power of amulets and talismans. Talismans used by these peoples can be broken down into three main categories. The first are the types carried or worn on the body. The second version of a talisman is one which is hung upon or above the bed of an infirm person. The last classification of talisman is one with medicinal qualities. This latter category of magical item can be further divided into external and internal. In the former, one could, for example, place a magical amulet in a bath. The power of the amulet would be understood to be transmitted to the water, and thus to the bather. In the latter, magical inscriptions would be written or inscribed onto food, which was then boiled. The resulting broth, when consumed, would transfer the healing and magical qualities engraved on the food into the consumer.
There is also evidence that Jews, Christians, and Muslims used their holy books in a talisman-like manner in grave situations. For example, a bed-ridden and seriously ill person would have a holy book placed under part of the bed or cushion.<ref name="Arabic Talismans">[[Tewfik Canaan]], ''"The Decipherment of Arabic Talismans," The Formation of the Classical Islamic World 42'' (2004): 125-149.</ref>
Christian authorities have always been wary of amulets and other talismans. However, the legitimate use of [[sacramentals]], as long as one has the proper disposition, is practically encouraged in traditional Christianity. For example, the [[crucifix]] is considered a powerful apotropiac against demons and fallen spirits, and [[rosary|rosaries]] or [[St. Christopher]] medals are frequently hung on rear-view mirrors of vehicles.
A little-known but well-worn amulet in the Jewish tradition is the kimiyah or "angel text". This consists of names of angels or [[Torah]] passages written on parchment squares by rabbinical scribes. The parchment is then placed in an ornate silver case and worn someplace on the body.<ref name="Ahuva">{{cite web | url = http://www.ahuva.com/ | title = Ahuva homepage | work = Ahuva.com | accessdate = December 11 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Muslims also wear such amulets, called [[Ta'wiz]], with chosen text from Quran. The text is generally chosen depending on the situation for which the amulet is intended. Generally however, usage of amulets and other talismans is considered superstitious among more radical Muslims.
The similarities between Jewish and Buddhist amulet traditions is striking.
The Christian [[Copt]]s sometimes use [[tattoo]]s as protective amulets, and the [[Tuareg]] still use them, as do the [[Haida]] [[Canada|Canadian]] [[Aboriginal peoples of Canada|aborigine]]s, who wear the [[totem]] of their clan tattooed. Many Thai Buddhist laypeople are tattoed with sacred Buddhist images, called [[Sak Yant|sak yant]] ({{lang-th|สักยันต์}}), and even monks are known to practice this form of spiritual protection. The only rule, as with Jewish talismans and amulets, is that such symbols may only be applied to the upper part of the body, between the bottom of the neck and the waistline.
==Hermetic talismans==
The word ''talisman'' also describes a number of consecrated magical objects used in [[Hermeticism]].
Instructions for how to create a talisman can be commonly found in [[Grimoires]]. These talismans, sometimes called [[pentacle]]s, were usually either made to protect the wearer from various influences of disease and other forms of danger or to protect the wearer from demons and to seal a certain demon under the users control.
A common version of the later talisman is known as the [[Seal of Solomon]]. This became an extremely important talisman due to the [[legend]] that [[Solomon]] used [[demons]] to create [[Solomon's temple]] and was protected by a seal sent by [[God]] (although the earliest accounts describe this seal as a ring: see [[Testament of Solomon]]; later innovations were made by various ceremonial magicians and authors of other grimoires where they have described the seal as a ring.)
==See also==
*[[Evil eye]]
*[[Nazar (amulet)]]
*[[Hamsa]]
*[[Apotrope]]
*[[Folk religion]]
*[[Painted pebbles]]
*[[Touch pieces]]
*[[Ta'wiz]]
==Notes==
{{commonscat|Amulets}}
{{wiktionarypar|amulet}}
{{reflist}}
==References==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book | author=Gonzalez-Wippler, Migene | title=Complete Book Of Amulets & Talismans | publisher=Lewellyn Publications | year=2001 | id=ISBN 0-87542-287-X}}
*{{cite book | author=S.C. Plinius | title=Natural History | publisher=[[London]] | year=1964 | id= }}
{{refend}}
[[Category:Jewellery]]
[[Category:Luck]]
[[Category:Magic (paranormal)]]
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