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Devo Magix: Amulets, Talismans and Protective Items

20 Jul

During my time in Kemetic groups and forums, I’ve realized that very little is ever shared or discussed about basic ‘magix’. No one really talks about cleansing items or your house. Making amulets or sigils are almost never discussed. And there has never been discussion about warding or barrier creation. I personally think this is a shame, as you never know when things could go wrong, or when you might need extra protection in a situation.

To help with this, I have decided that I will create a series of blog posts relating to these exact things. I want to discuss my methods and means to cleanse, create and protect in a more ‘magical’ sense. My methods are by NO MEANS the only methods. They just happen to be what works for me.

If you enjoy this series, or want me to discuss different aspects or topics of a similar nature, please feel free to post your ideas in the comments section. If there is anything that you would like clarification on, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need/would like 🙂

For this post I am discussing Amulets, Talismans and Protective Items. I consider these terms to be interchangeable, and loosely define each of them as an item that is laced with intent and joo-joo (if you want a more proper definition, there is one here). Amulets can be made from anything and everything, and to some degree even sigils could be classified as an amulet. I personally find that items made of metal or stone to work the best for me- but you could make an amulet of whatever strikes your fancy.

And odds are, you already have amulets around your home that you don’t even realize are helping you out. I do believe it’s possible for amulets to sort of ‘create’ themselves. Many of us have items that we love dearly, or wear frequently, these items can slowly pick up our energies and vibrations while near them or while wearing them. Over time, this can create something similar to an amulet. It’s almost like having a ‘lucky tie’ or a ‘lucky pair of socks’. You could even say the same of a ‘power suit’ or other similar items. Everything you touch has the capacity to pick up your energies and be morphed into something else (energetically). When creating an amulet, you’re doing this intentionally.

Some items I have used as amulets.

So how does one create an amulet?

There are a few steps to creating an amulet:

  1. Determine your purpose or intent
  2. Select the item that you wish to use
  3. Cleanse the item (if necessary)
  4. Joo-joo the crap out of it
  5. Put said item to use

Start off by figuring out what it is you want your amulet to do. What is it’s purpose? General protection? To attract money? Maybe to attract a lover? To give you a boost of energy? For me, the most important aspect of amulet creation is to determine what it is you want the amulet to do. Once you have figured that out, you will want to select an item that works best for your intention. Each person has their own set of symbols, colors and ideas that connect concepts to images. So if you want protection and you are Kemetic, you might want the Eye of Heru… or maybe you find that the Sa is a better choice for you. I personally find that feathers and fish are protective for me- so I might choose to use something with either depicted on it for my own protection. The same goes with confidence. You might use ‘balls’ (as in grow a pair), or the djed (for being strong of spine), or maybe a mini-Sekhmet is more suiting for your tastes. Perhaps a solid rock is better. Maybe a pyramid is well suited- as it’s base is well grounded. As you can see- it’s all about what works for you and what symbolism really suits you.

When deciding what you want the amulet to be made out of, be sure to consider how often the item will be used. If you will be wearing this amulet daily, you will want to make sure that the materials will be able to stand up to daily use. If you only plan to use the amulet once a year, or the item is going to sit on a shelf in your house, then you can pick materials that are less sturdy.

Some AE amulets to give you ideas

More AE amulets to give you ideas.

And here are even more AE amulets to fawn over.

Once you’ve decided your intent and have gotten the item or items that you wish to use as an amulet (or amulets- there are cases of multiple amulets being strung together as a necklace) you will want to cleanse the item. To learn about cleansing items, go here. As mentioned in my cleansing post, you will want to be considerate of what the item is made of in regards to how it is cleansed.

Once you have cleansed your item, it’s a matter of filling it with ‘go juice’ to make sure it runs. You’re essentially charging it with intent and energy. There are a number of methods to do this. You can…

  • Leave it on a shrine for a couple of days – many Kemetics like to do 4 days, as 4 = completion for them. However, I find that 4 = death, and I prefer to leave things for a moon cycle in the shrine.
  • Place it in sunshine, moonlight, outdoors, in a place of energy (such as forest, trees, etc) that can feed the amulet.
  • Leave the amulet outside for the fae or other local spirits to work with (be sure to leave offerings).
  • Place it in a box, or among other items of power (such as a box of rocks).
  • Focus your intent while holding said item, and transfer your magical joo-joo into the item (my personal favorite).
  • Any combination of these above.

Depending on how much energy you need the item to have, I would do a blend. Many times I will focus my thoughts and energy into the item, then I will place it on the shrine for the gods to magic up (usually with offerings, words of power, etc) and then after they’ve had a whack at it, I’ll put more of my own energy in it again.

Usually, when directing energy into an item, I will hold the item in my hands and visualize my energy flowing into the item. The energy can be visualized as light, water, arrows – whatever works best for you. Many times, I will feel a tingling in my hands as this is being done, though that might not be the case for everyone. While doing this, you can also see visions of what it is you want the amulet to do. So if I want an amulet to bring me money, I will envision stacks of money and gold bars while charging the amulet.

Once you feel like the amulet has enough energy, you are free to wear it or use it as needed.

Amulet Upkeep

Just like any charged item, an amulet can lose some of it’s joo-joo after a while. The item may start to feel empty or look like the color has drained (I’ve noted this mainly in stones). If so, you will want to cleanse the item. If a simple cleansing hasn’t worked, or you feel like the item still isn’t as ‘good as new’, recharge the item using one of the processes above. For items that I really want to keep strong (usually only for periodic wear), I will keep them in my shrine permanently until I need to utilize the item.

Other posts in the ‘Magix’ Series:

 
38 Comments

Posted by on July 20, 2012 in Devo Magix Series

 

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38 responses to “Devo Magix: Amulets, Talismans and Protective Items

  1. Mia

    July 20, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    I usually wear either the Wiccan pentacle or the Ankh as amulets. Is it ok to wear the Ankh?

     
    • von186

      July 20, 2012 at 2:44 pm

      Sure! I actually am wearing an ankh right now 😛 I think ankhs are very powerful symbols, honestly.

       
      • Siobhan

        July 20, 2012 at 2:50 pm

        I feel so much better now. I’m looking into Kemeticism because the Gods and Goddesses (mainly Bast and Thoth right now) have been helping me a lot recently. I also have Ma’at on my alter, but I think I need to do more research on her, because I never know when she’s helping me, same thing with Thoth I believe, but I have no trouble with Bast.

        Lately I’ve felt the urge to look up Isis and Osiris. Do you know of any good places, either online or in a book, that could help me? I’ve looked in my usual places, but no luck so far.

         
      • von186

        July 20, 2012 at 2:56 pm

        One of the best online resources for looking into gods is henadology: http://henadology.wordpress.com/theology/netjeru/

        If you’re into looking at the local library, I would recommend Wilkinson’s Gods and Goddesses of Egypt: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gods-Goddesses-Ancient-Egypt/dp/0500051208/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312555219&sr=1-1

        If you are able or want the links, I can give you some places on FB and different forums where people are able to answer questions about practicing and the gods. It might be a good place for you to gather information 🙂 I work with Osiris, and a bit with Aset, so if you have any specific questions, I can do my best to answer them for you.

         
      • Siobhan

        July 20, 2012 at 3:00 pm

        I’m good for now. But if I need any more help, I’ll let you know. Thanks for the help!

         
    • Neferet

      July 20, 2012 at 5:16 pm

      The ankh to me is an important part of my wardrobe. Every day, I wear an ankh ring and bracelet to remind me how important life is. It is a very sacred symbol that reminds me of the path I’ve chosen to walk, and to me it is very powerful. 🙂

       
  2. freemanpresson

    July 20, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    This is great! The only thing that I generally do that isn’t mentioned is to create amulets and talismans at the best possible times astrologically. I’ve heard a bunch of contradictory stuff about ancient Egyptian astrology or the lack of it; obviously a people with a calendar based on the heliacal rising of Sirius did not have their noses completely in the mud. Whatchoo think?

     
    • von186

      July 20, 2012 at 7:25 pm

      The Egyptians seem to have paid attention to the stars to format their calendars, but I don’t know that they had astrology in the sense of a zodiac or sun signs (virgo, cancer, picses, etc). I think that it could be useful to align things to, say- new moon, full moon, or for Kemetics Wep Ronpet (new years), however beyond that would be at the discretion of the person (obviously). I have never times a lot of things to the days of the week, moon signs or astrological signs. Not sure why, but I know a lot of people do it.

      So I guess, if it works for whoever reads this, feel free to give it a shot 😛 Certainly can’t hurt.

       
  3. helmsinepu

    July 21, 2012 at 6:15 am

    Many of the amulets you find in museums were for funerary use. One common type that you don’t often see was like a gris gris bag, with a little written spell and magical items inside.

     
    • von186

      July 21, 2012 at 1:04 pm

      That sounds almost like a mojo bag.
      I imagine a lot of what I have up there is partially funerary. But, I do think that the amulet shapes used in funerary situations could probably be formatted to be okay here too.

       
  4. Aubs Tea

    July 21, 2012 at 7:29 am

    I don’t think I can possibly convey how much I appreciate the time you are taking to write this series. I wish I had questions about other things, but I don’t. I want to PROLONG THE AWESOME SAUCE.

    I do agree about the layers and the picking up of energies after a while. When I had my Dodge Neon, that thing went across the country six to eight times. (Seriously.) And after a while, besides developing its own distinct personality, it also felt like a second home and exceedingly safe because of all of the layers of intent I had put into the car re: safety and protection.

     
  5. fannyfae

    July 21, 2012 at 12:26 pm

    An excellent article, my friend! I enjoyed it very much and think you should keep posting on topics like this one.

    I think the reasons for Kemetics not sharing so much are several. Magicians really are responsible for their own work and just “handing” that to someone takes a little something out of the effort. The West has a constant how-to culture and I think that there is a spontaneity that is either discounted, not discussed that really is a part of all magical work.

    This is ultimately *why* as a Kemetic Priest, I never really liked the aspect of teaching that required me to show another Sekhmet sibling “how” I did things. I felt that because my way was not going to be verifiable, sometimes it was intiuitive for that moment and that particular working only, it was possibly not going to really make too much sense to anyone else but me. I can teach anyone about herbs and herbal magic, what they do, why they do, but it honestly and truthfully boils down to that personal relationship that worker of magic, wielder of heka, the plant spirit or Name or Netjeri being entreated and the intent. I cannot provide that part of the equation – no one can. And that is why (speaking only for myself here) I tended to be guarded.. There is also a more blunt and blatant sentiment which sometimes upsets people, but I will say it anyway:

    I absolutely hate handing anyone anything that they have not earned or don’t understand the mechanics of. NO ONE ever handed it to me/ I had to be free to make mistakes, and understand why something fell apart. Falling down and making mistakes is what it’s all about.

    Thusly, we learn.

     
    • von186

      July 21, 2012 at 1:08 pm

      I am glad that you enjoyed it 🙂

      I will admit that I was nervous about posting these topics, too. I was worried that I’d put my methods out there, and a bunch of people would come and tell me I’m doing it wrong 😛 I Mean, there really is no one way to do this sort of thing, and so I guess I worried that my unverified methods would be shot down… or something.

      I can understand both of the points you brought up. I do believe that wielding heka well involves some intuition, some investigation. I don’t think that any two people do magical whatnots the same way. So while people can give the tools, it does take some exploration to really make them work *well*.

      As for handing, I can see that being a two edged sword. It’s always nerve wracking to give someone methods they might not understand. Methods that might hurt them or others. But at the same time, I wanted resources to be available for people who might need them… hence why I stuck my neck out there a bit. I can only hope that these posts will lead to good things for others- instead of the opposite 🙂

      And hurrah! to making mistakes! Best way to learn!

       
  6. fannyfae

    July 21, 2012 at 9:10 pm

    I more worry about the plagiarism aspect. Right now there is a very good group on Facebook called Pagans against Plagiarism and there are some people who shamelessly borrow and republish and who don’t ask permission and don’t accredit. For all the work, research and passion you put into your work, I would be very sorry to see it happen to you. If anything, you need to be slapping the copyright symbol on every post because some folks will steal anything that isn’t nailed down and feel completely justified in having done so..

    I agree with you on the double edged sword. It’s a fine line to walk and I think your approach is nicely general. It isn’t like you put out “The Grand Grimoire of Kemetic Magic” and hoped that no would blow themselves up! 😉

    In that case there is mistakes and then there are train wrecks. *g* I have to admit, even I have had a couple of those! ;

     
    • von186

      July 22, 2012 at 4:00 pm

      I do worry about plagiarism, but on the other hand, I guess I don’t feel popular enough to worry about it 😛 But I do get what you mean.

      I want The Grand Grimoire of Kemetic Magic!

      I have also been in my fair share of train wrecks :3 but then again, haven’t we all!

       
  7. warboar

    July 26, 2012 at 4:21 am

    Excellent article, Devo!

    Also, for the benefit of the class, if anyone is looking for traditional faience amulets — pectorals, singles, and multi-amuletic necklaces — World Spirit Arts (http://www.egyptiansacredart.com/faiencejewelryshop/) makes some really nice ones, most of which are fairly inexpensive. The artist makes a lot in the way of less Modernly-common designs, like Taweret amulets, Taweret being one of the most potent deities in regard to heka and magical protection, specifically in regard to mothers and children, but obviously not limited to mothers and children. Amulets and icons of Her are generally hard to find, though one could certainly make one’s own. The benefit of making one’s own being that some level of energy is invested in what is created. Although, it usually comes at the expense of aesthetic, since most of us are sadly not natural sculptors. 😛

    The only issue I have with traditional faience amulets is that ceramics can be rather fragile if not cared for meticulously. Hers look fairly sturdy, as far as ceramics go, but the point still stands. I personally prefer brass, bronze, silver, or gold when it comes to amulets and talismans. With the exception of oil and metabolic waste excreted through the skin, and in some cases, oxygen, metals are fairly resistant to most forms of abuse. A lot of stones, for instance, don’t hold up well to water (like bloodstone and turquoise), or oxygen (like amber), and sometimes can be toxic and shouldn’t come into contact with a person’s skin or mucous membranes (like chicken blood stone, which contains mercury, since it is partly comprised of cinnabar). I believe those factors should also be accounted for when selecting materials for amulets, and are often overlooked.

     
    • von186

      July 28, 2012 at 4:16 pm

      Yes, I much prefer metals for anything- they are so much more durable. And I connect with them well. I was hoping to hint at different stones not being good on your skin, toxic or breakable with water… etc. But you explained it much better than me! 😛

       
  8. SatAset

    August 14, 2012 at 9:41 pm

    Thank you for this post and this whole series! These are so helpful! Thank you!

     
    • von186

      August 17, 2012 at 2:20 pm

      I am glad that you have found them helpful 🙂

       
  9. Sati

    August 23, 2013 at 5:47 pm

     
    • von186

      August 24, 2013 at 9:25 am

      yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

       
  10. Telemachus

    September 21, 2013 at 7:26 am

    Me personally I build them from scratch. Buy your components and then structure for your individuals needs. Most of my items are some form of jewelry, so invariably thats what gets made and used

     
  11. blackmoonpagan

    February 13, 2014 at 7:26 am

    Reblogged this on Black Moon Pagan.

     
  12. Shadow

    December 17, 2015 at 10:16 am

    Amulets and talismans are some of my favorite ways to do magic. I like to use natural objects such as acorns or stones.

     

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