Welcome Spirit Friends! Before today’s topic I just want to salute any *** Veterans*** reading out here in the U.S.A. Thank you so much for your service in this great country of ours. It is because of your dedication that we are all FREE. I honor and THANK each and everyone of you, including some family members of mine. *** Also, this date is 11/11 so that is very special with ones being universal and spiritual. Plus, it is a Full Moon so I hope the Universe brings you great manifestations today without too much craziness!!

That brings us to those words of amulet and tailsman. First off, I guess I had some sort of spiritual guidance on this topic so this one wasn’t really in my “wheelhouse” to talk about. The Universe wanted me to share so here I am! I do believe we get so much ingrained in our heads with terminology or beliefs that it becomes hard to really decide for ourselves. At least not until we are grown and can go our own way. I had heard of these words but always thought they were just connected to sorcery or witchcraft in a negative way. I STILL remember that episode of “The Brady Bunch” in Hawaii where they were given this totem of the Native Menehunes and every time one of them wore it, it brought bad luck. It was sacred but depicted in such a bad way that I never forgot it. Do any of you remember that as well? We can use words interchangeably such as totems or charms and we do all the time. I had a charm bracelet when I was younger that my Grandma sent me for my 13th birthday. I loved it and wore it often. People carve totem poles and use that reference to Native Americans with statues or art. See, we use THOSE two words but what about the other two?

People use amulets or tailsmans without even realizing it at all. Do you wear a crystal necklace or crucifix? Some may believe in that rabbit’s foot for good luck. Do you carry around an item from a deceased loved one or have special jewelry? Guess what? You BELIEVE in the power of those items and your own intention so that’s what amulets and tailsmans do for us. Here’s a little explanation of both. They are NOT the same thing although most think they are. They serve different purposes and ones I wasn’t even aware of. An amulet is worn to ward off anything you want to keep away like negative spirits, thoughts, emotions, etc. A tailsman draws something towards you like good luck (rabbit’s foot!) or love, intuition, protection, etc. The key to remembering is this: A for amulet = away, T for tailsman= towards. Anything can be used and it is all for good, not bad. One can define witchcraft in many ways but I was always taught it was bad and very voodoo like with spells and hexes. It really isn’t that at all so BOTH of these words can be used for good purposes, not negative ones.

Most use jewelry for amulets or tailsmans like your favorite crystals. I made a Hamsa Hand blogged about in the summer so that counts too! You can have pictures with images on them that mean something like Animal Totems~~ also previously blogged! Things from your deceased ones they wanted you to have are also used in this way. Both can be used so no worries about the energy not working if you combine at all. It is all up to you and what you like. The Universe doesn’t care as long as they are used for the greater and highest good, you’re all set. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve or bring forth. Think about areas in your life you need to work on or would like to make better. Perhaps you need guidance on love of self, others, compassion, and forgiveness. Wear a rose quartz necklace or carry around that crystal for a bit. Maybe you feel attacked by psychic vampires who take you for granted. Call on amythest for this one.

You can look up info on runes or sigils as well with lots of symbols to write down if that serves you. It isn’t just the crystals. Some may also use photos of deities or Gods to guide them along. Before really beginning a practice, cleanse or bless the object you wish to use. For crystals, they can be sage smudged or placed out in the moonlight too. Some can be washed with water or out in the sun but be careful with those light colored ones. A salt bath may also be a choice but again, find out that info since it is different for each crystal. Some even bury them overnight but you will find what works for you. You can try many options but wait a month before starting a new one. Your amulet or tailsman can also aid in meditation or dream work so make it part of your daily practice if you feel so inclined. Assign it a statement of intention relating what you’d like the object to provide for you, like an affirmation and MEAN IT. The object will pick up on your energy and work on your behalf if you believe.

Call them charms, totems, or any of those words but if you really delve into it~~~ use the amulet or tailsman since spiritually those terms are correct. Remember all those ancient stories about “warding off evil?” Well they believed so you can too. I’m not saying wear garlic around your neck but didn’t you believe in a four leaf clover as a kid? I hope you did! This has been going on for centuries but we do need the good, not the bad. One article even mentions the old tales we grew up reading about such as King Arthur’s magic sword Excalibur, Aladdin’s Magic Lamp, and even a magician’s hat. Sure, those are stories and we all have magic within us without objects but like I said before— we use what works for us. I also am reminded of the movie Dumbo and his feather. Yes, that made him sneeze so he could fly but he always had that in him anyway even without the feather. Things do help us along but we have to be the ones using our intuition and inner guidance making it all happen.

One more thing to think about if you’re still confused is that most amulets or other objects are to keep things away but tailsmans are mostly crystals and gemstones that bring something into your life. I hope that helps some too. Herbs and natural remedies are also used as amulets since think about it— none of us want to be sick and full of toxins, do we? Not me! Well, there you have it. All this great info on yet another topic that interested me in a different way and am so glad I learned something too. Just go for good and believe in your intentions. The amulet or tailsman you use works with the Universe for the greater good, not bad spells!

~~~~ Next week, I will be sharing all about my event this week at a library. I will be discussing intuition, my book, spiritual experiences, leading a meditation session, and more. Can’t wait to let you all in with the details! Until then, stay tuned and stay true Spirit Friends! *** Connect with me to answer your questions, I am here to guide you on this journey!