There are many forms of ritual. The use of natural constituents from nature, like minerals, crystals, herbs, sacred water, precious oils, metals, salts and more, have been used for centuries as forms of offerings. It can be said that in every single religion that’s every existed in human history, there are profound accounts that describe the use of these natural sources as offerings during ceremonial events, symbolic items for an altar, and to call in divine energy for manifestation and protection.
There’s so much more to this, but this is a very condensed description of an ancient and sacred art. Considering the intensive and ongoing astrological events constantly on the horizon, more than ever we need to create the time and space within ourselves that honor sacred and protect our magic.
What are Amulets?
The word amulet and talisman are frequently used interchangeably. An amulet is a container which may be filled with herbs, stones or things to promote or enhance magic. A talisman is more of a pendant, disk or solid item where images and symbols are imprinted or carved into it.
An amulet is a tool, a sacred object, that can help bring about changes within your life. It’s a small container which when completed, embodies the energy and power that you’r manifesting to project your vision and dreams into reality. Amulets are perhaps one of the oldest forms of magic, and can be found in all pagan rituals, including more modern religions.
Talismans + Amulets in Nature
A traditional amulet has to have a very clear purpose. All aspects of its design and creation are oriented toward the attainment of a goal. The amulet is assembled and constructed within the contest of ritual, made very carefully and is considered every bit as powerful and sacred as any other ritual tools. An amulet is given a specific blessing or consecration towards its purpose, and it’s meant to be carried
One of the mysteries of an amulet is that it is a microcosm of the person for whom it is made, or of the situation which is the focus of its goal. It is like a small energy cell or battery, containing the physical (symbolic) ingredients and focused energies providing a steady flow of energy. An amulet can be designed so it’s basically like a portable altar, that directly provides you the energy of the universe. Think of it as the womb of creativity, a sacred container that can provide you the gift of life at any moment.
ESSENTIALS TO MAKING YOUR HERBAL AMULET
1. Make sure to have an object representative of each element.
Many practitioners use leather, bones or desiccated insects, as it represents the gift of the creatures of the earth, representing elements of sacrifice, touching the mysteries of life and death. This can also be anything that can be from the animal kingdom that feels in alignment to your beliefs. *The use of leather should never be taken lightly, it is a sacred and profound choice. Essentially this can be a vintage leather bag, or a small recycled leather piece that you can draw a string through to make a small sachet.
2. Choose Your Herbal Allies.
You must choose your herbs carefully as this is the directional force within your sachet. Any herb, including poisonous ones, can be used. Try using herbs local to you that are often in your environment. They are the ones contributing to your daily reality, and even providing you the nourishing power of oxygen. You can also draw upon other herbs that feel in alignment to your vision.
photo by Our Food Stories
SUGGESTIONS ON HERBAL ALLIES
(These are just a few of many possibilities. Always use your intuition first!)
Herbs for Love: Almond, Anemone, Basil, Bay laurel, Cacao, Cinnamon, Coriander, Hemp, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Mistletoe, Patchouli, Rose Geranium, Thyme, Vervain, Wormwood.
Herbs for Purification: Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lotus, Mullein, Pine, Rosemary, Rue (ruda), Lotus, Purslane, Saint John’s, Valerian, Vervain.
Herbs for Protection: Aconite, Aloe, Ruda, Blackberry, Comfrey, Dill, Daises, Fennel, Ginger, Horsetail, Mandrake, Jasmine, Juniper, Mullein, Mugwort, Oak, Palo Santo, Red Clover, Rosemary, St Johns Wort, Sunflower, Thyme, Snapdragon, Valerian.
Herbs for Magic and Ceremony: Borage, Chamomile, Chacruna, Dragons blood, Eyebright, Elderflower, Piri Piri, Peony, Basil, Juniper, Ginkgo, Mandrake, Comfrey, Tarragon, Unicorn root, Rose Petals, Helecrysium, Skullcap, Passionflower, Thyme, Turmeric, Wormwood, Willow, Yarrow.
Herbs for Creativity and Visions: Aconite, Angelica, Bay Laurel, Cedar, Centaury, Chacruna, Damiana, Elm, Eyebright, Hemp, Hops, Kratom, Kava Kava, Datura, Mandrake, Mugwort, Poke root, Pedicularis, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Wormwood, Yarrow.
Herbs of Resilience and Immortality: Reishi, Blue Lotus, Chrysanthemum, Copal, Nettle, Sage, Palo Santo, Myrrh.
3. Crystals + Gemstones
Choose small gemstones that embody the color, tone and vibrational energy that you're seeking to embed into your manifestation, or into the new life you're birthing. You can also choose a piece of jewelry that you’ve had that contains gemstones that you love.
4. Small Piece of Paper
Write your future self symbols or words that focus your will to call in the magic you’re seeking for manifestation. Seek or use symbols that you're familiar with and resonate with the power you're invoking. Use the power of the written word to affirm your dream into reality.
To complete keep your amulet place on your altar for it to charge with your energy. You can place it under a copper prism, or a crystal box, or place on a symbol representative of vitality and renewal so it energizes it. This is not totally necessary, but helpful if you have it. Light a candle, smudge the altar, amulet, and space. Sit for a moment of meditation and breath work as you powerfully visualize your intention.
Full Moon Activation
The full moon is an excellent time to activate your amulet and start creating it. Once you compose your amulet, talisman or sacred sachet, energetically seal it for it to stay with you for the coming time. Many practitioners seal the amulet and it is not opened again. This represents this stage of your life and it is meant to stay whole and representative of that stage of life. Unlike a medicine pouch, which is renewed with different ingredients of protection and so, an amulet stays sealed and it’s used overtime like a wand.
