~ Glossary of Traditional Craft Terms ~

amulet

An object cleansed and infused with energy by a trained witch or ceremonial magickian intended to be a defense against negative energy by deflecting or sending away a specific danger, misfortune, or any negative energy or energies.

Today, the most common form of amulet is a charm ornament worn on a necklace. The most common designs are that of an eye (to protect against the "evil eye"), a stylized hand (the Yud HaShem worn by Sephardic Jews), and a Pentacle (five-pointed star in a circle worn by some Pagans).

But an amulet can actually be of any object, such as a watch, a necklace without a charm, or a gem, stone, coin, or even an inscription on paper, parchment, wood or other material.

A talisman is the opposite of a amulet; it is an object magically infused to attract positive energy or a specific force. A charm is the common term used by the public for both talisman and amulet jewelry.

~ Glossary of Traditional Craft Terms ~