6,860
edits
Difference between revisions of "Talisman"
no edit summary
Occultwiki (talk | contribs) |
Occultwiki (talk | contribs) |
||
| (2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[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 [[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. | 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, | 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. | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
| Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
===Islamic preparation=== | ===Islamic preparation=== | ||
[[File:Islamic Talisman.jpg|350px|thumb|An Islamic talisman crafted of lapis lazuli in a modern gold setting. The inscription contains ''surah al-Ikhlas'' verses.]] | [[File:Islamic Talisman.jpg|350px|thumb|An Islamic talisman crafted of [[lapis lazuli]] in a modern gold setting. The inscription contains ''surah al-Ikhlas'' verses.]] | ||
The 10th century ‘Abbasid mathematician, Thabit ibn Qurra, was considered to be an expert on talismans. In one of his texts on talismans, he wrote, "The noblest part of astronomy is the science of talismans." According to the 12th century translator John of Seville and Limia's version of ibn Qurra's Arabic text, ''De imaginibus'', he saw talismans and astronomy to be more crucial for gaining wisdom than the studies of geometry and philosophy. In Adelard of Bath's translation of the same text, it is stressed that extensive knowledge of both astronomy and [[astrology]] is needed for creating a talisman. This information is necessary because talismans should be made at the moment of an auspicious celestial event. One's birth [[horoscope]] could also be a factor in the efficacy of talismans. The maker cannot have any distractions or doubts, otherwise their talisman will be powerless. | The 10th century ‘Abbasid mathematician, Thabit ibn Qurra, was considered to be an expert on talismans. In one of his texts on talismans, he wrote, "The noblest part of astronomy is the science of talismans." According to the 12th century translator John of Seville and Limia's version of ibn Qurra's Arabic text, ''De imaginibus'', he saw talismans and astronomy to be more crucial for gaining wisdom than the studies of geometry and philosophy. In Adelard of Bath's translation of the same text, it is stressed that extensive knowledge of both astronomy and [[astrology]] is needed for creating a talisman. This information is necessary because talismans should be made at the moment of an auspicious celestial event. One's birth [[horoscope]] could also be a factor in the efficacy of talismans. The maker cannot have any distractions or doubts, otherwise their talisman will be powerless. | ||