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[[File:Talisman Image.jpg|350px|thumb|Nostradamus' talisman for Catherine de Medici.]] | [[File:Talisman Image.jpg|350px|thumb|Nostradamus' talisman for Catherine de Medici.]] | ||
A '''talisman''' is any object ascribed with religious or magical powers intended to protect, heal, or harm individuals for whom they are made. Talismans are often portable objects carried on someone in a variety of ways, but can also be installed permanently in architecture. Talismans are closely linked with | A '''talisman''' is any object ascribed with religious or magical powers intended to protect, heal, or harm individuals for whom they are made. Talismans are often portable objects carried on someone in a variety of ways, but can also be installed permanently in architecture. Talismans are closely linked with [[amulet]]s, fulfilling many of the same roles, but a key difference is in their form and materiality, with talismans often taking the form of objects (e.g., clothing, weaponry, or parchment) which are inscribed with magic texts. | ||
Talismans have been used in many civilizations throughout history, with connections to [[astrology|astrological]], scientific, and religious practices; but the theory around preparation and use has changed in some cultures with more recent, new age, talismanic theory. Talismans are used for a wide array of functions, such as: the personal protection of the wearer, loved ones or belongings, aiding in fertility, and helping crop production. | Talismans have been used in many civilizations throughout history, with connections to [[astrology|astrological]], scientific, and religious practices; but the theory around preparation and use has changed in some cultures with more recent, new age, talismanic theory. Talismans are used for a wide array of functions, such as: the personal protection of the wearer, loved ones or belongings, aiding in fertility, and helping crop production. | ||
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==In Islam== | ==In Islam== | ||
In [[Islam]], using | In [[Islam]], using [[amulet]]s as protection is considered ''Shirk''. However, use of verses of the Qur'an in slips of parchment rolled inside talismanic objects has been common throughout the Muslim World. For example, Muslim Ibn al-hajjaj instructed military commanders to inscribe Quran 54:46 on a cloth with rosewater, musk, and amber when Libra is rising and in the hour of the sun, and to carry it to the battlefield to prosper over oppressors and nonbelievers. | ||
In the Islamic world, talismans were regularly employed for personal, social, political, and ideological reasons at both popular and elite levels. They function as a conduit for divine protection, which can involve both the attraction of positive energies to the wearer and the deflection of disease, danger and the evil eye. They may also be referred to as a ''hafiz'', (protector) as well as a ''himala'' (pendant) often affixed to or suspended from the body, for example as a necklace, ring, talismanic shirt, or a small object within a portable pouch. | In the Islamic world, talismans were regularly employed for personal, social, political, and ideological reasons at both popular and elite levels. They function as a conduit for divine protection, which can involve both the attraction of positive energies to the wearer and the deflection of disease, danger and the evil eye. They may also be referred to as a ''hafiz'', (protector) as well as a ''himala'' (pendant) often affixed to or suspended from the body, for example as a necklace, ring, talismanic shirt, or a small object within a portable pouch. | ||
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According to [[occult]] talismanic practices, features with magical associations—such as colors, scents, symbology, and patterns, figures—can be integrated into the creation of a talisman in addition to the chosen planetary or elemental symbolism. However, these must be used in harmony with the elemental or planetary force chosen so as to amplify the intended power of the talisman. It is also possible to add a personal touch to the talisman by incorporating a verse, inscription, or pattern that is of particular meaning to the maker. These inscriptions can be [[sigil]]s, [[bible]] verses, or sonnets, but they too must be in harmony with the talisman's original purpose. | According to [[occult]] talismanic practices, features with magical associations—such as colors, scents, symbology, and patterns, figures—can be integrated into the creation of a talisman in addition to the chosen planetary or elemental symbolism. However, these must be used in harmony with the elemental or planetary force chosen so as to amplify the intended power of the talisman. It is also possible to add a personal touch to the talisman by incorporating a verse, inscription, or pattern that is of particular meaning to the maker. These inscriptions can be [[sigil]]s, [[bible]] verses, or sonnets, but they too must be in harmony with the talisman's original purpose. | ||
During the Medieval period in Europe, | During the Medieval period in Europe, [[amulet]]s and talismans were widely prescribed by medical practitioners. The use of such charms and prayers was " rarely a treatment of choice because such treatments could not be properly justified in the realm of Galen's medical teachings. Their use, however, was typically considered acceptable; references to amulets were common in medieval medical literature. | ||
For example, one well-known medieval physician, Gilbertus, writes of the necessity of using a talisman to ensure conception of a child. He describes the process of producing this kind of talisman as "...writing words, some uninterruptible, some biblical, on a parchment to be hung around the neck of the man or woman during intercourse." | For example, one well-known medieval physician, Gilbertus, writes of the necessity of using a talisman to ensure conception of a child. He describes the process of producing this kind of talisman as "...writing words, some uninterruptible, some biblical, on a parchment to be hung around the neck of the man or woman during intercourse." | ||
===''Pseudo-Aristotelian Hermetica''=== | ===''Pseudo-Aristotelian Hermetica''=== | ||
The ''Pseudo-Aristotelian Hermetica'', a series of closely related Arabic texts attributed to [[Hermes Trismegistus]] and perhaps dating to the ninth century CE, explores the concept of ''ruhaniyyat'', i.e., [[angel]]s from spiritual force/realm in the natural world, and how an individual can gain access to those forces. A text relating a conversation between Alexander the Great and Aristotle explores a variety of instructions of how to harness these spiritual forces through talisman, concoctions, | The ''Pseudo-Aristotelian Hermetica'', a series of closely related Arabic texts attributed to [[Hermes Trismegistus]] and perhaps dating to the ninth century CE, explores the concept of ''ruhaniyyat'', i.e., [[angel]]s from spiritual force/realm in the natural world, and how an individual can gain access to those forces. A text relating a conversation between Alexander the Great and Aristotle explores a variety of instructions of how to harness these spiritual forces through talisman, concoctions, [[amulet]]s, and more that are each used for a designated purpose. Alexander himself wore a talisman or amulet made of [[chrysoprase]] on his armor. | ||
Some instructions include placing a carved stone on top of a ring that is then placed on a dead black ram when [[Mars]] is in a specific degree of [[Scorpio]] and the [[moon]] is in [[Cancer]]. These texts dates are unknown however, they were the basis of many mystical practices in the Islamic medieval world. | Some instructions include placing a carved stone on top of a ring that is then placed on a dead black ram when [[Mars]] is in a specific degree of [[Scorpio]] and the [[moon]] is in [[Cancer]]. These texts dates are unknown however, they were the basis of many mystical practices in the Islamic medieval world. | ||
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==Seal of Solomon== | ==Seal of Solomon== | ||
[[File:Seal of Solomon.png|300px|thumb|The Seal of Solomon]] | [[File:Seal of Solomon.png|300px|thumb|The Seal of Solomon]] | ||
The [[Seal of Solomon]], also known as the interlaced triangle, is another ancient talisman and amulet that has been commonly used in several religions. Reputed to be the emblem by which [[King Solomon]] ruled the Genii, it could not have originated with him. Its use has been traced in different cultures long before the [[Judaism|Jewish Dispensation]]. As a talisman it was believed to be all-powerful, the ideal symbol of the absolute, and was worn for protection against all fatalities, threats, and trouble, and to protect its wearer from all evil. In its constitution, the triangle with its apex upwards represents good, and with the inverted triangle, evil. | The [[Seal of Solomon]], also known as the interlaced triangle, is another ancient talisman and [[amulet]] that has been commonly used in several religions. Reputed to be the emblem by which [[King Solomon]] ruled the Genii, it could not have originated with him. Its use has been traced in different cultures long before the [[Judaism|Jewish Dispensation]]. As a talisman it was believed to be all-powerful, the ideal symbol of the absolute, and was worn for protection against all fatalities, threats, and trouble, and to protect its wearer from all evil. In its constitution, the triangle with its apex upwards represents good, and with the inverted triangle, evil. | ||
==Swastika== | ==Swastika== | ||