CONCERNING TALISMANS
M-L
The basic rationale of the talisman is easily grasped and scientifically sound. Every object is radiactive in its own manner and degree, and all objects and persons continually interact. The fast developing science of radiesthesia gives abundant proof. A few persons are by nature sufficiently sensitive to bring this interaction thru into consciousness. A talisman is an object that has been purposefully charged by some human being, with specific types of energy.
Talismans are classified by Theosophical writers as (1) general (2) adapted (3) ensouled (4) linked. The general talisman has been cleared of any etheric matter or magnetism adhering to it, and then recharged with "forces of good", or with vibration rates such as characterize qualities of strength, courage, patience and the like. These rates or frequencies can be imparted to an object just as naturally as magnetism is imparted to steel. The adapted talisman is one which meets some individual need, or situation, or condition. The ensouled talisman sometimes contains a radiactive mineral, the emanations of which become charged with the character of the talismanic energy; in some cases it is adapted to the Nature Spirits and awakens their response. The linked talisman is an 'outpost of consciousness' for its maker, and maintains a rapport with him. An inadequate summary of Theosophical instruction is to be found in Powell's work on the Etheric Double.§
The present writer has many inquiries concerning talismans, and the clearing or demagnetization of various objects, talismanic or otherwise. At lowest ebb such interest is little more than a superstitious concern with charms and lucky pieces, or their evil-working opposites; yet the talismans of Apollonius do not come in this category - nor the death-dealing stroke of the ark of the Covenant. Dare, in his Indian Underworld, records instances of the deadly effect of certain 'charged' objects, the most amateur psychic sensitive can pick out the properly consecrated crucifix, and the whole vast subject of psychometry bears witness to the actuality of the facts. Their accumulation is so great, that denial can arise only from ignorance, and contempt as the unenvied prerogative of fools. But in what way does the talisman 'work', i.e., produce objective happenings, and also subtly strengthen or corrupt the mind? If the user of a talisman, or the victim of a talismanic attack knows of all that is occurring, and has belief or fear, suggestion must play a powerful role, and our modern wiseacres will allow for nothing more. In this way the amulet, the charm and the crucifix are effective. But we must reckon with the fact, that the range of subconscious knowledge may be very great, and also that telepathic [5] suggestion to the subconscious is continuously operative. Such are general occult acceptances.
Objects used for the establishment of rapport or the focusing of mental energies in psychic attack, are perhaps not to be called talismans in the narrower sense of the word, but it is clear that the same basic principles are involved. To make an effigy in clay or wax or other material, to stick pins into it, bury it or burn it slowly, is by no means the witless viciousness commonly believed. Not, that is, if the attacker is strong and skillful; the effect is not directly upon the victim, but in strengthening the will and visualization of the magician, and in making his mind 'one-pointed.' But a charged object buried, say, beneath a threshold or on a frequented path, has an additional significance; it stores the force imparted to it, and also in some way increases it, by drawing upon a similar force in Nature; and this energy is again irradiated. The victim receives it, because he is its chosen channel, for which the force has been adapted by its originator. With this we come again to the 'true' talisman as generally understood.
The clearing of an object and its subsequent, magnetization is rapid and easy for those instructed in such matters, and some occultists make a practise of so treating all objects which they receive, or give to other persons. It should be noted, that the natural and inherent vibratory rate of a substance is said not to be affected by demagnetization, but only the acquired magnetism or charge. Diseased tissue, for example, excised from a body, cannot be cleared of its own evil vibrations. We venture to add here, a fact apparently little known, and which may be too hastily denied. It is reliably stated that an apparatus used by Abrams would react (click) if exposed, not only in proximity to diseased tissue, but at a spot where the tissue had formerly been placed, and then removed. If, now, the pole or poles of a magnet were passed over the point in question, the instrument would cease to respond. The indication is, that some center of magnetic or etheric stress was developed, and that this was wiped out by the impingement of of a magnetic field. Let us remember that the aura, according to Kilner, is also affected (distorted) by a magnetic field. The emanation, immediate field, or aura of a magnet is often visible clairvoyantly, as are also other effects which might be studied in this connection. The electro-magnetic nature of a multitude of psycho-physical phenomena is constantly being verified. It is in view of this general background of facts that we recommend the seemingly childish procedure of sweeping a suspected object with the pole(s) of a magnet. Secondhand books of magic, talismans of unknown history, relics, weapons, and all objects having an unhealthy aura or psychic "feel" may profitably be treated in this manner.
The exorcisms of the Roman Church, baptism, consecration, anointing and numerous other rites, all recognize the general magical principles of clearing and charging of objects and of various centers of the human body. No belief is more ancient, and its associations lead out in all directions.
A simple process with good tho limited effects, in case of a suspect object of small size, is to place the tips of the thumbs together, and the tips of the first fingers of each hand, and visualize strongly the film of etheric or auric matter which then forms a kind of disk [6] within the circle. Pass this disk downward, over and past the object, visualizing the clearing away of its magnetism; shake the hands free and repeat twice. Afterward, if desired, hold the palm of the right hand closely above the object and visualize the flow of your own magnetism upon it. It is well to remember (despite the smiles of 'common-sensible' folk) that every object handled by man, and especially books, food prepared with the hands, jewels, money (particularly bank notes), clothing, bedding, weapons, relics, woolen articles, religious articles, personal ornaments, letters, and photographs are bearers of a psychic infection,§ which in our day of increasing sensitiveness has become a conscious reality to many. The data of psychometry bear abundant witness. For all sensitives the processes of neutralization have a most practical value. One may add, that the rapport between revenant spirits and objects familiar to them in life, is also well known in spiritualist circles.§§
Talismans offered for sale are worthless, yet they may contain the proper symbols, so that one can decharge and remagnetize them. The making of talismans for another person is dangerous, if an attempt is made thereby to affect the karma or life current. The attempt will usually fail, or will fail in large part, and will react on the maker. Only the adept can do this safely. And even where the most simple and material affairs are concerned, forces are initiated or invoked in the life of another person, and responsibility for this cannot be evaded. But if you must make a talisman for another, take care to first clear clear your mind of all emotion toward him. Remember that a talisman contains an energy (a ray or vibration) from yourself as maker, plus an increment of like force from Nature. If now it should chance that these energies are broken down by opposing forces, then they will flow along these connecting links and so fall upon you.
The usual means of attracting and concentrating power is thru ritual, hence talismans are frequently charged by that method. Their forms are legion and their potency infinitely varied. The consecration of a Cross or Crucifix by ritual, as in the Catholic and Episcopalian Churches, does not differ in essential nature from the charging of a talisman, so long as the priest desires to act only as a means and channel of Grace. It is quite practicable to make and charge a talisman for yourself, without special magical knowledge. First form a clear idea of your intention, and of the nature of the Force to be invoked, and employ some form of banishment to clear the place of working, and then by earnest and appropriate prayer, and with strong visualization, invoke the desired rowers into the talisman and its symbols.§§§
Footnotes
- § (1) Note: Powell, A.E. The Etheric Double, 1925, pp 113-119. See also v. Leadbeater, Hidden Side of Things, II, 212, 213, 215 et pas., and Inner Life, vol. I; Science of the Sacraments; Glimpses of Occultism - all passim.
- § (2) Many amateur occultists, whose paths are not always those of peace, seem to learn this the hard way. We recall a quarrelsome woman occultist, who would have refused a lock of hair or a photograph, yet wrote a a note in her own hand, and moistened stamp and flap in the usual manner, whereby an unscrupulous enemy night have made her very uncomfortable indeed...
- §§ (3) "Keep that clock! I can always come to you in its vibrations." (A materialized spirit, in presence of this writer.)
- §§§ (4) Consult the 4th vol. of The Golden Dawn, pp 51, 74, et pas. (Israel Regardie; Aries Press, Chicago, 1940), for talismans and related subjects; also Leadbeater, as heretofore noted.
References
- Powell, Arthur E. The Etheric Double and Allied Phenomena. London: Theosophical Pub. House, 1925. Print. <http://amzn.to/1BEttih>
- Leadbeater, Charles W. The Hidden Side of Things: Vol. 2. Adyar, India: Theosophical Pub. House, 1913. Print. <http://amzn.to/1DeC80v>
- Leadbeater, Charles W. The Inner Life. Adyar, India: Theosophical Pub. Society, 1910. Print. [Digital, 1922 ed.: <https://archive.org/details/innerlife00lead>]
- Leadbeater, Charles W. The Science of the Sacraments. Los Angeles, Calif: St. Alban Press, 1920. Print. <http://amzn.to/1Dl4YxQ>
- Leadbeater, Charles W. Some Glimpses of Occultism, Ancient and Modern. London: Theosophical Pub. Society, 1903. Print. <http://amzn.to/1xtpx8z>
- Regardie, Israel. The Golden Dawn: An Account of the Teachings, Rites and Ceremonies of the Order of the Golden Dawn: Vol. 4. Chicago: Aries Press, 1940. Print. [Revised 4th ed., Llewellyn Publications, 1982: <http://amzn.to/1n1w5VS>]