Choosing Your Lucky Charm: The Use of Talismans

Do you need a little extra luck for that upcoming project, adventure or dream that you’re planning to embark on? Talismans have been used since the dawn of mankind to enhance fertility, ward off evil and bring luck. These mystical uses are not just wishful thinking, there have actually been some recent studies that support the use of luck charms and talismans.

What is a talisman?

A talisman is an object believed to bring luck to its keeper. Talismans have been present since the Stone Age and can be traced through multiple cultures. Similar words for “talisman” can be found in French, Spanish and Italian. They are all derived from the word “tilsam,” which is an Arabic word meaning “charm.” Further roots are traced back to the Greek expression “telein,” which is “to initiate the mysteries.” These similarities in languages tell us that talismans have been used across the globe and throughout time.

Are there real benefits of using charms?

Okay, so here’s the scoop on why you should be using a lucky charm. In short, they’re basically holistic performance enhancers for your soul. That’s right, a totally natural way to up your game. In 2010, the University of Cologne performed a study on people who used lucky charms. The results?

• Increased Confidence: Belief in a talisman in turn makes you believe more in yourself

• Higher Goal Setting: When you have more confidence in your abilities you set your sights higher

• Persistence: The belief that you have a lucky charm on your side enables you to push through until you’ve reached the desired result

Our Top Picks

THE LOTUS FLOWER: SUN, REBIRTH, PURITY, PROSPERITY

Because the lotus flower grows beautifully despite its murky habitat, this might be the talisman you choose to rise above any murky waters in your life.

HAMSA HAND: PROTECTION, STRENGTH

The hamsa hand brings luck by warding off the evil eye. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, this has been a chosen charm for me. I’ve told you of a time that it has helped me push through a challenging yoga mala. What I didn’t tell you is that I began wearing the hamsa hand because I had someone directing bad energy my way, specifically towards my yoga practice.

DREAMCATCHERS: SUCCESS, BALANCE, PEACE, CREATIVITY

Many of us know that dreamcatchers “catch” our bad dreams. However, they also have the ability to harness the magical qualities of dreams and present these qualities in our lives. So, dream big! This talisman represents success, balance, peace, creativity, and a deeper connection with the spirit.

SAYING GOODBYE

If you lose your charm you might think you are totally doomed. Fear not! Often times when we lose our charms it is simply the Universe’s way of communicating to us that our charm has served its purpose and the job is complete. In fact, I lost my hamsa hand when the person sending me bad energy ceased to be in my life.

Rune Symbols: A Beginner’s Guide to Divination

Sometimes we just need a message from the Universe to pull us through. Does this ring true for you? My grandmother relied on answers from her pendulum for big and small life questions, her open-mindedness to divination tools caught my attention at a young age and I was instantly hooked. Oracle cards, tarot, palmistry, astrology, pendulums, tea leaf readings, name a divination tool and you’ll be sure I’ve dabbled in it. Runes are new for me though, I’ve always been intrigued by their symbolism but never knew how to use them.

You could be wondering how to proceed in a relationship, or just looking for some guidance as you start your day. Rune symbols can remedy many of the nagging questions you might have racing through your head. Here are some basic history and tips I’ve learned for getting started.

A Brief History of Rune Symbols

Before the Latin Alphabet, rune letters were used to write German languages. Their roots can be found in Old Norse, and they make up an ancient runic alphabet containing 24 symbols. Rune symbols have been found to date back as far as 150 AD. They have been discovered on spearheads, charms, and even on headstones in the form of spells! It is said that the word “rune” has come to mean “secret, something hidden,” and many people believe the symbols were used as a form of divination. Some people continue this practice today.

3 Ways to Use Runes as a Divination Tool

There are several ancient tales that explain how to cast the symbols.

THE 3 RUNE SPREAD

Around 98 AD a book was written (The Germania) detailing Germanic tribes. In this book, a story is told of symbols being chosen from “a nut-bearing tree” in groups of three. In this version, you will draw three rune symbols to answer your question.

YNGLINGA SAGA

In an Old Norse saga (Ynglinga Saga) dating between 1869-1872 a king learns his fate when all of the “chips” are cast. This refers to a full reading casting all 24 symbols

VITA ANSGARI

A biography of Saint Ansgar written around 875 CE, recalls the lives of some of the common people during the Viking Age. In the accounts of the everyday people, Ansgari describes several situations where runes are used for divination. He refers to these instances as “drawing lots.” This describes the method where you will draw only one rune symbol at random.

• The symbols should be cast East to West or facing the sun

• Symbols should be cast on a white cloth

• Facedown symbols shouldn’t be read

• Reversed symbols take on a different meaning

Meanings of the Rune symbols vary slightly from source to source, but here’s an image that shows the simplest meanings I’ve found. In general, the reversed symbols will mean the opposite.I purchased my new set of runes at a local crystal shop, but quite a few Etsy sellers offer handmade sets, here’s one of my favorite finds. Whether you’ve had experience with using Rune’s as a divination tool or you’re just starting out I’d love to hear about your experience!