(Ball 277)
Acorn An acorn symbolizes new beginnings and rebirth, also strength of purpose. An acorn anointed
with musk oil and carried in your purse, pocket or charm bag will help to attract the opposite sex. To increase your income,
anoint an acorn with 3 drops of pine oil when the Moon is waxing and then bury it in your garden as close as possible to the
front door of your house.
Amaranth Is a symbol of immortality, faith and fidelity.
It is sacred to the Moon and her Goddesses and is used for enhancement of fidelity and psychic perception.
Anchor Represents stability, hope and salvation. It favors all matters to do with the sea and would protect against
physical harm.
Ankh (Crux
Ansata) The Egyptian
Cross of Life, is the key to spiritual wisdom and the hidden mysteries. Representing the Life Force and creative energy, it
is a strongly protective symbol. It brings about health and abundance and, through knowledge, gives power over the temporal
(physical) realm.
Ant An amulet in the form of an ant will help
the wearer to be industrious and hardworking. Placed on the altar it will attract career opportunities.
Antelope The head of the antelope or ibex is one of the earliest known amulets, dating to 4500BC.
It was first associated with speed, then with evil as the God Seth. It is regenerative in its powers and also signifies overcoming
- transcending - death and its associated fears.
Antlers (horns) Most cultures pay deference to the power of the antler, which suggests power over the forces of nature.
They are sacred to the horned God, Pan and represent fruitfulness.
Anvil This represents physical strength, the primal force of Nature as it manifests Earth and matter. In that
sense it suggests the feminine principle and the forging of partnerships and links. It has a connection with all Thunder Gods.
Arrowhead Carry an arrowhead for protection against enemies, bad luck, hexes, jealousy, evil
spirits and all negative forces. Place an arrowhead over your front door (of under the mat) to prevent burglars.
Asp The asp was an Egyptian symbol of royalty. It carries the same symbolism as the snake
from a Shamanistic point of view particularly favoring those seeking personal advancement. It also gives help and protection
from those in authority.
Axe Has a meaning similar to that of an arrowhead.
It represented the Chief, God or Divine Being and had significance as the double headed axe, which was said to represent the
spiritual journey, in common with the double headed hammer. It signifies power of all sorts. In the last few hundred years
it has been replaces as a symbol of power by the sword.
Badger The badger's courage is commemorated in the wearing of this amulet. He also represents the balance of negativity
and positivity and the idea of living successfully in the underworld.
Bamboo This is a Buddhist emblem symbol representing truth, integrity and lasting friendship. Its aspect of
wisdom means that is symbolizes a healthy old age and would be a good amulet to use for businesses which have been in existence
for some time.
Bat This creature signifies long-life. In Chinese
folklore five bats represent the 'five blessings' - Wealth, Health, Love of Virtue, Old Age and Natural Death. It is especially
beneficial to educational matters, since it symbolizes arcane knowledge. It is said to bring good fortune.
Bear The bear is reputedly the guardian of the world and symbolizes inner knowing and healing
as well as the watcher. Such an amulet calls on the protection of the energy of the bear clan.
Beads These are magically significant whether they are made from crystals or ordinary materials
such as wood. In African magic, beads were invested with supernatural meaning owing to the high regard that primitive Africans
had for their overlords - the Carthaginians - and their Gods. Necklaces and pendants even today are worn as amulets, and prayer
beads and rosaries also make use of beads.
Bees The
bee represents immortality and the soul. It is a messenger of the Gods and as an amulet brings wealth through inspiration
and intuition.
Bells Symbolize the angelic forces and are used
to frighten off the Devil and evil spirits. They were put on anything that needed safeguarding (horses, babies, etc.) to give
them protection against evil actions or thoughts. They can also represent the four Elements and the cycles of the seasons,
which is why they are rung at rituals.
Birds Symbolize
man's quest for his utmost potential and the Unconscious. As an amulet it protects the wearer on long journeys and ensures
safe travel.
Buckles,
belts or Girdles Were
often associated with Isis or Venus and as such offered Divine protection. Symbolizing personal fulfillment, these articles
also represent physical well-being and moral strength, and were often used as ties for other protective objects. It is for
this reason that the girdle is so important in magical workings such as knot magic.
Buddha's Footprints This is an Indian amulet which is said to signify the eight emblems of Buddha - The Wheel of Law
(cause and effect), the Golden Fish (first incarnation of Vishnu), the Lucky Diagram (long life), the Lotus (good luck), the
Conch Shell (wealth), the umbrella (majesty), the Vase and the Trumpet of Victory.
Buffalo The buffalo possesses great strength and also represents the Great Spirit. Sometimes taken also to represent
death, this protects the wearer from harm.
Bull To
increase fertility in women and virility in men, wear a bull-shaped amulet, or place one under the bed before making love.
This also commemorates overcoming the lower urges.
Butterfly This is a widely accepted symbol of the psyche and the soul. It signifies the continuous cycle of life, death
and resurrection. It suggests joy, laughter and pleasure.
Caduceus This is a powerful image in health matters and is an almost universal symbol for medicine and communication.
Represent the wand or staff of Mercury or Hermes, messenger of the Gods, it promotes knowledge and understanding. On a slightly
more mundane level, it represents commercial success and safe travel.
Castle Symbolizing self-knowledge, spiritual enlightenment and esoteric wisdom, the castle is
a strongly protective image. It suggests the doorway to knowledge and power.
Cats A black cat crossing your path is said to be lucky. In Egypt, cats were under the protection of the Cat Goddess,
Bast, and hence they are now seen as witches familiars. Worn in the form of an amulet, they seek the protection of the Lunar
Goddess in her many forms. They are often worn as small charms on bracelets. In China they are portents of misfortune, poverty
and ill-health.
Corn (Wheatears/
Sheaves) This representation
of Mother Nature signifies abundance, fertility and wealth. Symbolizing the harvest, corn makes a connection with Demeter
and other corn Goddesses.
Cosmic Egg This combines two very potent symbols -
a serpent entwined around an egg. It stands for the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth and is universally recognized.
As a health and fertility symbol, it is strongly protective.
Cow The
cow represents the Mother forms of the deities whose qualities are nurturing and caring. In Egypt, amulets with cows heads
were almost certainly dedicated to Hathor.
Cowrie Shell Because
of its shape, which is similar to the cornucopia or horn of plenty, this represents prosperity. In Egypt it was thought to
represent the female genitalia, so worn on a woman's girdle it was said to afford her protection. In Polynesian societies
it was considered a valid form of exchange token.
Crescent There is a strong connection between the Crescent and the Moon. As an amulet the Crescent is said to bring success
in love and promote good motherhood. The crescent points should always be turned to the right. Any amulet or charm connected
to the Moon puts the wearer under the protection of the Goddess and also puts them in touch with their feminine, emotional
side.
Cross This is a protective device against all forms of evil, especially
the Devil. It is found in many forms, such as the Egyptian ankh or the equal-armed Maltese cross. The cross is thought to
restore good health and is probably the symbol most often worn universally. Esoterically, it stands for the union of opposites:
spirit and matter, positive and negative, male and female, sacred and secular, and also for the coming together of all planes
of existence. It is much used in talismanic work to represent balance and manifestation in the physical world.
Crow This signifies justice and fair dealing and in some cultures the creation of negativity.
Using this symbol either as an amulet or in talismanic work gives you access to these qualities.
Crown The crown represents victorious strength and marks authority and
rulership. As a symbol it signifies the recognition and reward which success brings.
Crocodile Wearing this symbol as an amulet is a protection against the powers of the negative. First seen in Egypt,
there, it protected against being eaten by the reptile, since, if this happened, the dead person could not go onto the afterlife,
since the parts of the being would be scattered. It was a general symbol of rebirth in many cultures.
Cupid An amulet or charm in this form represents love and, as Cupid is the counterpart of
Eros, is used in love charms. It also suggests the breaking of a taboo.
Deer This embodies compassion and grace. Wearing a brooch or having a representation of the deer in the home
calls on the powers of Gods such as Herne the Hunter or Cernunnos.
Dog Loyalty, and guardianship are qualities inherent in the dog, particularly the domestic variety. Wearing this amulet
signifies protection.
Dolphin Wise and happy, the dolphin suggests the
exploration of deep emotion and psychic abilities. It has come to be accepted as initiator of new power and therefore guardian
of the human race. It also represents safety in travelling.
Dove The
dove is the soul, the life spirit and transfiguration. The symbol of the turtle dove protects the wearer against death, fire
and lightning. Associated with the Mother Goddesses, it brings peace and tranquility into your home or workplace. It also
signifies communication in love.
Dragon The dragon by tradition symbolizes royalty
and riches. The dragon, knowing the answer to many universal riddles, is a symbol of heaven, the Sun and the essence of Nature.
The qualities of fire are called upon by wearing a dragon symbol. It is a protection against ill-fortune. In Chinese lore
the dragon represents luck, material gain and wealth.
Dragonfly This suggests imagination and breaks through illusions, thus gaining power and understanding through any dreams
you may have.
Eagle The eagle signifies expectation of power,
high ideals and spiritual philosophy. It signifies the teaching of higher spiritual aspirations. In China and Japan it symbolizes
aggression, fearlessness and courage. It also means good fortune and the highest of Gods. It is the father-principle and the
solar emblem of all sky Gods.
Eye of Horus Also known as the udjat or 'all-seeing
eye', this is an ancient symbol used as an amulet for wisdom, prosperity, spiritual protection, good health, the increasing
of clairvoyant powers and protection against thieves. Following on from this symbolism, any eye suggests the Sun, stability
and purpose. It is one of the most powerful charms there is.
Falcon This is another amulet linked with Horus and is meant to represent the protection of the God. Falcon-headed Gods
were important deities in Egypt.
Fan In Eastern tradition the fan represents protection and
safety, so makes a pleasant love charm. It is a lunar symbol depicting life unfolding.
Feather This is the symbol of the wind and the soul's journey to other realms. It is truth, knowledge
and power and is a general omen of good fortune. It is said to help with games of skill rather than strength.
Fingers Two fingers held across the palm is a symbol of protection and assistance in Egyptian
folk lore. Such a charm represents security. Fingers in talismanic work represent direction.
Fish Used by most religions to represent the deity, it often signifies the universal mother,
fertility and procreation. It stands for the psyche, intuition and the unconscious. The fish also symbolizes gracefulness
and going with the flow. The Carp represents expansion, particularly in Chinese meaning. In Europe however - following Celtic
tradition - the carp and the salmon are often interchangeable. Wealth, abundance and general prosperity are a more general
meaning.
Fleur-de-Lys This is a stylized lotus or lily which
signifies health, wealth and happiness. It is a representation of the Trinity - even perhaps the Triple Goddess - and is also
the flower of light, life, and love.
Flowers These
are manifestations of developing life and nature, and represent spring and beauty. They often signify the successful completion
of a contract, either personal or connected to business.
Fly In
Egypt this may have been used as a protective device. Fly amulets were found with the head of a falcon, the crescent Moon,
a ureaus and an udjat eye which would suggest that protection was expected on all levels of existence.
Four-leaf Clover Good fortune is said to smile on you if you carry a four-leaf clover, or if you wear
a pin, ring, or pendant shaped like one. The four-leaf clover (a highly magical plant and a powerful amulet of Irish origin)
is believed to be the most powerful of all natural amulets. The first leaf signifies fame, the second wealth, the third faithful
love and the fourth health.
Fox An amulet in the shape of a fox symbolizes
elusiveness, agility, cleverness and sometimes deviousness. You might wear this, for instance, if you had to be particularly
sharp at a business meeting.
Frog It is said that to promote friendship or
reconcile enemies you should engrave the image of a frog on a piece of beryl and carry it near your heart or wear it as a
necklace. A frog amulet is also good for increasing fertility and virility. It is a lunar symbol. In Egypt, the four male
creator Gods all had frogs' heads. They were a symbol of regeneration and perhaps a symbol of Hecate in her animal form. This
type of amulet was replaced by scarab amulets. It is a symbol of life and the creator, potential life, health and strength.
Fruit (general) This tends to represent Nature's harvest and earthly fulfillment. It can also suggest
worldly desires, reward for past labors and, by association with the idea of the cycle of life, immortality.
Garlic One of the oldest and most famous of natural protection amulets, garlic has been used
throughout the world in a variety of ways. Witches and Shamans use it as a carrier for healing energies.
Gods and Goddesses An amulet or a representation of any of the Gods and Goddess, particularly worn as a
bracelet, brooch or necklace, immediately puts the wearer under the protection of that deity.
Grapes Signify the wine of life, fertility and sacrifice, thus giving the attributes of youthfulness
and vigor. At the other end of the spectrum the association is with wisdom and truth, hospitality and peace and prosperity.
Grasshopper The symbolism of the grasshopper is favorable to agricultural matters, in the sense of
abundance and fullness. Signifying riches and wealth, if achieved through effort, this image probably supersedes the dragon
fly, in the sense that the grasshopper is more grounded.
Gryphon/ Griffin This is a strongly protective symbol representing moral fortitude and physical strength. A hybrid solar
symbol incorporating characteristics of the lion and the eagle, it can be used most potently in talismans.
Hammer The representation of the formative, masculine principle is particularly powerful in techniques
of manifestation (having something happen). It signifies victory over one's enemies or obstacles and is especially beneficial
for business or career ambitions. Esoterically it is an attribute of all Thunder Gods. The double-headed hammer is said to
stand for the labyrinth and for justice and vengeance in equal measure.