Protective Symbols, Charms, and Totems

There is power in meanings of the old images and symbols. Below is a compendium of common symbols, charms and totems from antiquity that are thought to be useful against psychic aggression:

Abracabadra: One of the oldest protective amulets, this is the word Abracabadra written in a triangular form like as below for Protection:

A
AB
ABR
ABRA
ABRAC
ABRACA
ABRACAD
ABRACADA
ABRACADAB
ABRACADABR
ABRACADABRA

Or written as follows with an enemy’s name on the reverse in order to diminish their power.

ABRACADABRA
ABRACADABR
ABRACADAB
ABRACADA
ABRACAD
ABRACA
ABRAC
ABRA
ABR
AB
A

This talisman is thought to protect against injustice and evil events.

Agrippa’s Pentagram: A five pointed star superimposed like figure of a Male with arms and legs outstretched. It is used to increase connection with the Higher Self as well as to protect against both visible and invisible astral attackers.

Bast: This is usually represented by the image of a black cat. In ancient Eygpt, Bast or Bastet was thought to protect home and family from negative spiritual influences.

Cancer: The astrological symbol of Cancer, the Crab is thought to protect against astral attack.

Celtic Knots: These rings of circles created from interwoven bands appear in all kinds of intricate forms and designs. One of their prime functions is to protect against wicked plots, group magic, evil spirits and demons.

Celtic Cross: A crucifix within a circle,this ancient symbol is thought to protect from spiritual dangers of all kinds.

Devil’s Snare/Trap: This is a circle of Hebriac writing that spirals inward in a counterclockwise direction. The idea is that evil spirits become trapped in the coil of writing. It is Assyrian in origin and thought to protect against sorcery and all evil.

The Dog: A North American Indian talisman against astral attacks. He stands at the doors of the otherworld and prevents spirits from attacking the living.

The Elk: A symbol of psychic self defense and protection, the rune of the Elk (Algiz) is worn to defend against spirits and make one brave while facing fear of the unknown.

Eye of Horus: An important protective symbol in ancient Egypt it helps protect against the evil eye.

Eye in the Triangle: This is usually a pendant featuring an eye in the center of a triangle. It is thought to repel the usual causes of the evil eye – jealousy and envy.

The Falcon: The Falcon is a North American symbol of perception and represents the high perch of elevated spirituality. It enhances astral abilities so one is able to perceive negative energy and make it one’s metaphorical prey.

Mother Gaia: This is usually the figure of a Goddess with her hands reaching in a circle above her head. She protects against disturbances to our auras and helps ground our energy

Fish: In North American Indian cultures, the fish represents a refusal to recognize the power of another’s magic.

The Frog: North American symbol indicating mediumship. It is thought to cleanse and purify the aura.

Hagal: This protective rune looks like an H, represents hail and protects from all attacks and misfortunes including astral attack.

Ingwaz: This rune resembles a diamond shape and represents an egg. It is protective against the evil eye and astral attack.

Horse: A North American Indian symbol that dissolves astral blockages and cleanses the aura.

Isa: The symbol of an I that represents Ice. It is thought to increase personal shamanic powers as well as protect one from evil influences and undesirable astral forces.

Jaguar: The Mayan symbol of the jaguar is thought to protect against control freaks, evil thought forms and increase one’s own shamanistic abilities.

The Lucky Hand: There are many variations of this from all cultures, but this usually features the palm of a hand facing out. In the center of the palm may be a pentagram, an eye, a gemstone or signs of the zodiac. It is thought to protect against all forms of astral invasion and attack. It is especially effective against ritual abuse.

The Griffin: Most Griffins feature the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Some versions have wings. This mythical being, that is Grecian in origin is said to protect the psyche from dark forces.

Mannaz: This protective Rune resembles an M and represents the higher self. It protects against the cruelty of interference with one’s connection to their gut instincts and God.

The Mitzu Domo: This symbol is Japanese and features three whirling swirl shapes. It is thought to protect against the impatience, greed and acceleration of time associated with astral attacks.

The Om Symbol: This ancient Sanskrit Symbol represents the syllable “om” that is used in meditation. It raises one’s vibration so that the aura can not be reached by the baser energies associated with psychic aggression.

The Pentagram: Also known as the Druid’s Foot, this five-sided star protects against witchcraft and the evil eye. It is thought to return bad energy back to the sender.

Pictish Knot: This Celtic symbol that features an interlocking series of triangles protect against magical rites that have gone wrong and missed their aim.

The Raven: A North American Indian and Celtic Symbol thought to protect against black magic.

Sagittarius: The astrological symbol of the Archer is thought to protect against psychic vampires and those who deplete spiritual energy.

Scorpio: The astrological symbol of Scorpio, the Scorpion is thought to protect against witchcraft, the evil eye and the kind of fanaticism associated with cults and ritual attack.

Seal of Solomon: One of the best known of protective symbols this features two interlocking triangles that form a star shape. It is used to invoke the Archangels and protect against black magick and the power of all evil.

The Sheiah Dog: This Celtic symbol, which features a dog within a circle was a guardian of the secrets of the Druid’s and Metaphysicians. He protects from black magic.

The Sun: The universal symbol of the sun is warn to oppose its shadow: dark energy of all kinds. It is common to all cultures.

Suli: This is a Celtic amulet that depicts the Sun Goddess in a halo of flames. He protects against spiritual weakness.

Thor’s Hammer: This symmetrical three-pronged knot protects against misfortune, the evil eye and those who would rob the spirits.

The Turtle: Helps one remain invisible to others on the astral plane.

Uruz: This Nordic Rune looks like an upside down U and represents an Ox. It helps one connect to their higher self and protects against astral attack. It is thought to help one remain grounded spiritually.

Virgo: The astrological symbol of Virgo, the Virgin, is thought to protect against cults, covens and groups that do not encourage soul freedom.

The Wolf: A Northern European and North American Indian symbol of protection against astral attack.

The Yew Tree: Increases endurance and power and is thought to protect against deception, betrayal, delusion and undesirable influences and thought forms. The rune that symbolizes the Yew Tree (Eiwaz), is worn as a protective talisman.

Samantha Steven's articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. If you wish to buy Samantha's books about metaphysics click here http://www.insomniacpress.com/author.php?id=110 You can meet Samantha Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com

The Amazing February Birthstone - Amethyst

Amethyst is the February birthstone. It is characterized by its purple color but it has other variations from light to deep purple and when subdued to hot temperature it changes to yellow. The yellow colored amethyst is called "burnt amethyst".

Composition of Amethyst

Amethyst is composed of a variety of quartz mineral which is abundant on earth. Quartz makes up 12% of the crust of our planet which appears in the form of metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks.

Historical Background

Amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos" which means sober or not drunken. It was believed that the name was given after the color of a wine. This precious stone was said to be used by warriors to avoid intoxication during wars. If you drink wine from amethyst cup, you will be safe from being drunk.

In the early years, the gemstone was thought to be worn by royalties and monarchs. Purple then signifies the color of highness and power. Along the line, the famous Cleopatra was said to have amethyst rings and St. Valentine let his assistant Cupid to wear an engraved pendant made from Amethyst.

Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that Amethyst can dispel evil thoughts and can lead to high intelligence. It has also been mentioned in the Holy Bible that this gem has been one among the 12 stones beautifying the clothes of high priests of Yahweh. Rosaries during those times are made mostly from amethysts. In Tibet, this stone is deemed sacred to Buddha.

Geographic Distribution

Amethyst can be mined in South American countries such Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as African countries such as in Zambia, Argentina, Namibia, etc.

Here is a list of specific localities from where to find amethyst:

1. Guerrero, Mexico - the stones here are darker and in deep purple. The amethysts found here are considered to be one of most precious amethyst in the world.

2. Vera Cruz Mexico - amethysts here are pale crystallized and have grown in light colored rocks.

3. Maraba, Brazil - the crystals are not fine and in medium or pale colors. These amethysts are often cut and carved.

4. Rio Grande de Sul Brazil - the stones from large volcanic rocks and appears to be quite large.

5. Thunder Bay, Canada - amethyst here is formed from metamorphic rocks and is unique.

6. Uruguay - characterized by brown or gray exterior

7. Africa - there are large stones but are not attractive; however the interior color is clear thus cut pieces from this locality is admired and priced.

8. Maine, USA - they are not available for distribution these days

9. North Carolina, USA - the color of amethysts here are blue-violet

Generally, amethysts of South America are available in larger sizes than in African countries, but the latter?s stones have finer color and more saturated. On the other hand, amethysts in very dark colors are available on Australian regions.

Amethyst can also be found in the localities of United States and Canada. Few mentioned places are Texas, Pennsylvania, Carolina and Ontario. The stones found here are not fine thus are not usually use for jewelries.

Amethyst is available widely in different shapes and dimensions; fancy shapes are also available but generally, the stones are cut in a standard size.

Metaphysical Characteristics

Amethyst is said to be powerful and can the following benefits to the owner:

- Brings calmness and serenity.

- It can enhance a person?s ability to learn new ideas faster.

- Can stabilize minds and a balance of emotional, mental and physical states.

- A person can be tough and good in business.

- It can get rid of all the toxins from the body and can treat arthritis. Other disorders that can be treated are problems in nervous and digestive system. it can also build up the immune system

Amethyst is the gemstone for those under the zodiac signs of Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn. It is also the gemstone for the 17th wedding anniversary.

Amethyst, like other gems have its historical details being decipher from as far as 25,000 years ago. These stones are characterized by its beautiful color and thus quite expensive. Learning through birthstone will give us many information; some quite factual and others fictional; one thing is for sure, studying this birthstone is very interesting!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.artisan-jewelry-online.com where you can learn more about jewelry and gems.

Custom Jewelry And Enhancer Bails Work For Your Pendant

Enhancer Bails Work. Generally, an enhancer is a bail which opens to allow the necklace, pearls, for instance, to be inserted and the enhancer is closed to secure it to the necklace. The types of closures are an important consideration. Some only "snap" shut. Others only have a small "figure 8" shaped safety that folds from one side over a small bead on the other to make the closure.

The "figure 8" safety is one commonly seen on bangle bracelets, gold necklaces with box or cylindrical clasps and on bracelets. The most secure type of enhancer both "snaps" shut and has the "figure 8" safety for added assurance the enhancer will not come open while being worn on the necklace.

Generally, a 14k gold enhancer bail will run from about $50 to $90 in the most common sizes. Fancier ones and added stones will certainly increase the price. If the pendant you have will need a loop soldered on to fit the enhancer, or if the enhancer must be soldered to the pendant, the cost will rise a little. A simple loop soldered on will be about $14 to $18 in my neck of the woods. Solder directly to the enhancer will run from $10 to perhaps $15, including soldering and refinishing. This is added to the cost of the enhancer.

Prices certainly may vary from location to location. Keep in mind, in the usa most jewelers can get the findings, parts, like enhancer bails, for essentially the same prices, regardless of location. For any pendant, and enhancer of the right size is needed to maintain balance in the look of the jewelry. The enancer should fit the necklace and not overpower or look too small for the pendant.

Then again, a necklace of pearls should also balance in size with the pendant. I have seen some enhancers which are much too large for the pendant part of the jewelry and detract from the beauty. If the necklace requires a larger opening, you might choose a longer and more "slim" enhancer which can accommodate a larger necklace but is narrow enough to look in balance with the pendant.

The best thing I can suggest is to go to a jewelry shop and ask to see enhancers. Generally, not many are kept in stock since it is very difficult to predict what a particular customer may need. You can generally see life sized images in catalogs from suppliers. At this time, the store should be able to tell you what labor or modifications to your pendant are needed to fit the enhancer.

There is alot of people that are looking for a some custom jewelery like a gold jerusalem cross pendant with small diamonds or cz at the center of each cross. This unusual form of cross is not likely to be found in stock in jewelry stores. Sometimes these stores will have cross jewelry but most will not be made in gold.

My suggsent is, you will likely have to go to jewelry stores and ask if they can special order the cross for you. At this time of the year, the sooner you can do this the better. Once you get the cross, any competent jeweler should be able to add a stone to the cross.

I did find one jewelry supplier who has a Jerusalem Cross in their religious jewelry catalog. This company is Stuller Findings. The company sells only to businesses but so many jewelry stores use Stuller for supplies and various jewelry items it should not be too difficult to find a store with a Stuller account. The cross could then be ordered. The order would need to specify white gold.

Alternative suggestion. There are many of these crosses listed on Internet sellers sites along with other jewelry that you might like. I do not know if white gold is available or not and that will take a search and perhaps an inquiry to the seller. If you can get the cross that way, still, a local jeweler should have little problem setting a stone in the cross. Whether stones may be set in the side crosses will depend on how the cross is made in the first place. Center should be no problem in the larger cross.

Custom Work: A jewelry store who advertises "custom work" should be able to make the cross if you cannot find one. This approach will be more expensive and it might be pushing to get this custom work done by the time that you need it at. If you try the custom direction, please download and print or otherwise get pictures of the cross for the jeweler to see. This will be needed to get the cross done properly and initially to work up and estimate of cost.

There are certainly some other suppliers that jewelry stores use who will have a Jerusalem cross available. When checking stores, I recommend local stores first and not mall chain stores. Local stores often have a lot more flexibility for special ordered items such as the cross. Local stores are often more eager to place a special order than some chain stores appear to be.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.DiamondGems.info/. DiamondGems.info carries the best selection of loose diamonds, diamond rings, and diamond jewelry on the market. Browse through our selection of loose diamonds by size, cut, shape, type, and other features here: http://www.DiamondGems.info/subcategory/loose-diamond.html.