Online Reference For Body, Mind & Spirit

Term: Amulet

DEFINITIONs:
1.  A magical device used for protection. Although often used synonymously with talisman, amulets are made to keep things away (such as illness) while talismans are used to bring things to you (such as good luck).
SOURCE:  The New Encyclopedia of the Occult, by John MIchael Greer
2.  A device of some sort worn to protect the wearer from some specific evil or malady. The term amulet seems to be derived from the Latin word amulteum, a “means of defense.” Amulets are Barrier and Guardian talismans.
SOURCE:  The Seven Secrets of Crystal Talismans, Henry M. Mason (Llewellyn Publications)

3.  Usually a physical object of metal or stone that has been deliberately crafted to represent and be additionally charged with particular energies believed to inspire or stimulate corresponding energies in a person carrying or wearing the amulet. Most often, the material is associated by traditional correspondences, and then is shaped or inscribed with symbols likewise derived from correspondences. The amulet may be activated and its energies transferred by prayer, manipulation, or magical use

AUTHOR:  Carl Llewellyn Weschcke
Related Encyclopedia Articles
Amulet
by John Michael Greer
A magical device for general protection and good fortune. An amulet differs from a talisman in that talismans are made and ritually consecrated for specific tightly focused purposes, while amulets are more general, and are often not formally consecrated at all. The use of amulets goes back far ...
READ MORE