Some time ago I had a reading with a shaman, and I purchased a talisman from him designed to bring me prosperity. Do you believe in things like lucky charms, amulets and talismans? If so, do they need to be recharged after a while? If they do, is this something I can do myself? How would I go about that? Thanks in advance for your enlightenment!
- Pamela
Dreamchaser:
I'm not sure what you bought from this shaman, so I can't tell you if I believe in it or not. Did you find yourself becoming more prosperous after you got it?
I don't believe in typical lucky charms, because I don't believe in luck
in the first place - but that is another column. I do, however, absolutely believe in the power of stones and crystals. I believe that if I charge a crystal, stone, talisman, or anything else with a specific energy and intention, then that is what that object will put out.
I also believe in amulets for protection, love, prosperity, etc. I have stones on my desk that I've collected from all over. Some are rocks that I found in special places. Some are crystals or stones that I bought at a shop or fair. Each one has meaning to me, and each one serves a purpose in my life.
One of my favorites is a round copper ball. It is approximately one inch around, and it always sits on my desk. I pick it up almost every time I am sitting at my desk. I roll it around between my palms and I feel its energy. It infuses me with energy - it's almost like a power surge. It also balances me. I love how it feels, and I love how it works.
Everyone needs to find his or her own favorite item. If something fills you with positive energy, then it is a good thing. It doesn't matter if it is a rabbit's foot, copper penny or precious stone: whatever works for you, works for you.
You can recharge such items whenever you feel they need to be recharged. I usually put my stones in a glass of water and put them on a windowsill in the moonlight. I leave them there for 24 hours. If I need to do a quick charge, I might do some Reiki on the item.
Be sure to put your intention into the water along with the stone or talisman. Water is a natural cleanser for stones. If your object is something that can't get wet, then you can simply lay it in the moonlight and ask that it be cleared and charged.
Please remember that the Universe hears your intention more than the ritual, so if you don't follow a prescribed ritual exactly, it doesn't matter - the Universe knows your true aim.
If your intention is to clear the stones and recharge them, then that is what will happen. Putting them in water is more symbolic than anything. It does help to cleanse them, but it's not necessary. If your intention is prosperity, just state that when you lay the object down to charge. (Often, we make things more complicated than they have to be!)
I wish you endless abundance on all levels.
*****
Astrea:
I am the world's most superstitious person when it comes to charms, talismans and the other goofy stuff we carry with us for protection and other manifesting purposes. Just this past weekend, I emptied my bedroom of so many lucky beads, rocks, amulets, strings, feathers, coins and jewelry that I filled a whole big trunk with the stuff!
If I'm not wearing a charm, I'm busy making one for someone else to wear. If I can't find anyone selling those little anklets made from string, I make them myself. (The idea with these is you make a wish, and when the string breaks, the wish comes true.)
If I make an amulet and wear it once and something bad happens, I put it away and never wear it again. I have the most beautiful dark pearl necklace. It's very witchy, but I can't wear it because I was rear-ended the first time I wore it. Even though I've cleansed it in a dish of saltwater outside under a full moon, I'll never be able to trust it again, or give it away to a friend.
I believe the only thing that will make it okay again is to take it apart, cleanse all the elements, throw the clasp away (because what binds also controls) and start over. I won't remake it in the same design just in case that's what caused the bad luck.
Despite all of this, I don't really believe that lucky charms CAUSE things to happen. I think that we all make choices and we live with the consequences of those choices. However, things like charms and rituals can help us to consciously align with what we want in our lives.
For example, when I leave for the day, I place an invisible net of blue stars over my home and my car. This ritual represents my desire for protection and well-being. When I'm carrying or wearing something for good luck, it means I'm consciously choosing to align a positive experience.
I don't recommend buying charms off the rack from other people, with the exception of buying a charm or talisman FOR someone else if you feel it's appropriate. Buying and selling should be reserved to jewelry only. If you make charms for sale, for every one you sell, be sure to give away three.
I sold a wonderful coral piece right off my neck in Whole Foods to one of the deli servers because I felt she needed it more than I did. That was four years ago, and I STILL miss it. It was a powerful piece that drew excellent energy to the wearer, and I now think I should have kept it for myself!
Talismans may seem silly, but if they make you feel good and they reinforce what you want in your life, then they will work a certain magic for you.