9/6/2020 5 steps to creating a talisman (to transform superstition to magic) - Aleph

Understanding how magical thinking works is a powerful

ally in the use of psychological strength to our advantage.

Magical thinking and superstition may appear ridiculous. They’re things that attract the ignorant and the
impressionable. Paradoxically, the irrational actually influences our brains more than many would like to
believe.

Psychology professor, Bruce Hood demonstrated the effectiveness of superstition during a talk at a science
fair. Hood challenged the audience to try on a blue jacket in exchange for ten pounds sterling. Several
volunteers agreed to the proposal, but before they could try the jacket on, Hood told them that the garment
had belonged to serial killer, Fred West. With this knowledge, most of the volunteers simply refused. They
were faced with an apotropaic act, an instinctive rejection of the “ominous,” and a discomfort that is the basis
of superstition. This occurs even in the most rational people (at a science fair). Interestingly, the experiment
ended when Hood informed the volunteers that jacket really didn’t belong to any serial killer, showing that our
minds powerfully determine our attitudes towards everyday objects.

In addition to the “sentimental value” of the objects we’ve inherited from our parents, grandparents, or those
that were present at historical moments, objects also typically carry a lot of psychic energy. These don’t need
to be explained scientifically to recognize their importance. Think, for example, of the relics of Catholicism
and crucifixes.

Using these same principles, it’s possible to create amulets and talismans to suit our own needs, beliefs and
skepticisms, and to use common objects as allies during times of great stress.

Talismans (from the Arab tilasim, or Greek, telesma meaning “initiation”) are physical objects, of mineral,
vegetable or animal origin and traditionally used for the bearing of a charged intent. For example, quartz or
precious stones are associated with astrological signs, rabbits’ feet and four-leaf clovers for good luck,
similar to pentagrams, rosaries or amulets. Below are some tips for loading positive energy into an amulet or
talisman of your own.

1. Select the physical base

One may choose a stone that fits one’s astrological sign, or any stone that already bears a special meaning.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a costly object or a trinket, so long as one may connect with its presence, weight,
smell, touch, with a specific intention, (e.g.; dice are recommended as amulets for gamblers).

2. Transmit positive intentions

Take a few minutes each day for a week to meditate or pray using this physical base. If you believe in a god,
angel, saint, protector or spirit, imagine that their energy envelops this physical base, whatever it might be.
The message being sent to the unconscious is that the physical base, or amulet, is connected with the
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9/6/2020 5 steps to creating a talisman (to transform superstition to magic) - Aleph

invisible through this intention. In other words, the object is the physical representation of an intention, desire
or positive emotion (luck, health, love, etc.).

3. Polarities

One can think of amulets as electric batteries, like the one in your cell phone. These are charged and drained
periodically. At first, it’s necessary to have the amulet close to you during happy moments, and to turn away
from it when feeling sad. Imagining that the amulet serves to “absorb” your intentions will help to reinforce
this.

4. Consecration to the elements

Depending on the type of material chosen, many schools of magic will advise that it be “sealed” through one
of the four elements; earth, water, air or fire. Go with your intuitions rather than by any particular ritual, as the
chosen element will only sanctify the covenant between you and your amulet (immediately, as with a
baptism, a water seal).

5. Recharge

An amulet or talisman will serve to remind you of something important or can be used in stressful situations,
as well as when you need more luck. As mentioned, amulets or talisman are energy batteries, so their
effectiveness will drop noticeably over time. In such cases one should return to step 2 and recharge. One
can also take advantage of events such as rain, eclipses or dawn to recharge some stones or talisman to
power, but again, let intuition guide you.

Lastly remember the anecdote about Niels Bohr, the scientist and Nobel prize winner, who hung a horseshoe
outside his cabin in the mountains. When some visiting colleagues from the scientific community noticed it,
they asked if he was superstitious and really believed in “such things.” To this, Bohr replied that no, since he
was a man of science he didn’t, “but I’ve heard that such things work even if you don’t believe in them.”

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