Lustrous Gems As Amulets And Talismans Of Ancient History

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Ram-headed falcon amulet,	gold, lapis lazuli, turquoise and carnelian. (1254 BC) Department of Egyptian Antiquities of the Louvre (Rama/ CC BY-SA 3.0)

Lustrous Gems As Amulets And Talismans Of Ancient History

Astrology is a very significant component of traditional magic. Although today it is marginalized even in magical practice, it played a significant role in determining when and how to implement a magical act. Gems played an important role in late Roman belief, as attested to by the Gnostic gems that still exist. Gems were considered powerful if they complemented the astrological horoscope of the individual, but could be detrimental if in conflict with the persons' signs. Wearing the zodiacal stone of one's birthday, the birthstone, is commonplace today, even if the deeper symbolic and magical meanings are rarely understood.

Ceramic replica of the High Priest's breastplate with 12 gemstones. Sephardic synagogue in Ramat Gan (Dr. Avishai Teicher/ CC BY-SA 2.5) Jewish High Priest wearing the sacred vestments. (Public Domain)Ceramic replica of the High Priest's breastplate with 12 gemstones. Sephardic synagogue in Ramat Gan (Dr. Avishai Teicher/ CC BY-SA 2.5) Jewish High Priest wearing the sacred vestments. (Public Domain)

Ceramic replica of the High Priest's breastplate with 12 gemstones. Sephardic synagogue in Ramat Gan (Dr. Avishai Teicher/ CC BY-SA 2.5) Jewish High Priest wearing the sacred vestments. (Public Domain)

Amulets To Ward Off Illness

Traditional medicine is indistinguishable from magic, using sympathetic principles, the doctrine of signatures, and the planetary attributes of gemstones as a means of treating illness, disorders, and disease. Religious talismans used in traditional medicine include the Tau cross, which in northern Europe was conflated with the Hammer of Thor and the ax of Saint Olaf, and the Agnus Dei, a talisman bearing the Christian emblems of the Lamb and Flag.


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