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Sacred Charms of Power and Protection
Inner Traditions 2004 ISBN #159477025-5
Amulets have a very long and powerful history. They can be found all over the world, in many diverse cultures. What is their purpose? They protect the wearer against negative influences. To do this, they make use of a variety of things found in our natural environment (stones, shells, seeds and the like), as well as man made items, such as mirrors and bells. It is of note that each item that goes into the making of an amulet has a purpose of its own, and that the strength of the amulet comes from the interweaving of its parts. The power behind the use of amulets is one of belief - there is a widespread belief (seen in many diverse cultures) that things in the natural world have a spirit and power of their own, and that they, and humankind, are linked because of this. The amulets presented here come, for the most part, from Europe, Russia, Africa and Central Asia. They are presented in full color, and are absolutely breathtaking! Every page brings something new, something different, something thought provoking. Paine also gives us the background on each particular amulet, where it is from, and how it is used. It was quite interesting for me to see the photo's of actual people wearing their personal amulets - this certainly brings home the thought that there is a deep tradition involved here, and that tradition is still being carried on. It is a good thought to know that as we are evolving in the technological age, our cultural roots are being honored and respected. This is a strong connection with our ancestors, and one that we might take heed to keep in our lives. We see amulets taking great precedence during trying times - such as the times when plague and pestilence are on our doorstep. During these times, amulets become somewhat of the last bastion between life and death. In Switzerland, during the plague of the 1300's, small pieces of paper, printed with saints pictures, were folded into small packets around scraps of red ribbon and tiny cuttings of plants, then wrapped in fabric and worn. In the Great Plague of the late 1600's, strong smelling amulets were the vogue. There is a wonderful section in this book on amulets worn by babies (who are deemed to be the ones that need the most protection) and brides. The photo's that we see here are amazing. To see the hat that a baby wears is one thing, to see the hat on the baby is another! (note: Amulets are often sewn into the pattern of clothing, or attached to clothing.) There are several colorful owl caps from China pictured, as well as pictures from Greece of a young boy and girl decked out for Easter, wearing their amulets. (Included is a bit of history - that the eldest daughter in a Greek family, wears amulets and the family wealth in gold coins. It is also of note that this is a matriarchal society.) Another find in this same section is the pictures of a baby's helmet from Pakistan. The amulets for the helmet are purchased at the bazaar by the men of the family, as the women must stay within the home. The helmet is extended into a shawl at the back, that can be wrapped around the baby. Travelers and hunters are also in the category of those that make use of amulets for protection. How many of us, even now, travel with a St. Christopher's medal, or something else that we feel will keep us safe! Warriors come in this category too, and it is here (as well as with the hunters) that we see the amulets made from items that carry special power, such an animal teeth and bones. One of the most interesting sections in this book for me was the section on house and home. It has always interested me that there are many ways that the home can be protected, and that they are in use to this day. Sometimes this is done in a very esoteric manner, sometimes this is done through something as simple as amulets. There is a wonderful photo of plastic fish flying from a home under construction in Albania. For me, this brought back the banners that I have seen flying from many Asian homes, both here in the mainland United States and in Hawaii. There are also pictures of things like horns on the gable of a home in the Ukraine, door hangings from Turkmenistan and the Japanese cat with its paws up (also predominate in Hawaii). There are many examples of painting on buildings, from something as simple as white painted around the windows to a much more complex painting on the side of a house in Slovakia. There is also a very personal side to wearing amulets - literally as protection from the "evil eye", which is negative energy attracted to beauty and perfection. Here we see amulets in the form of shapes and colors woven into the fabric of clothing to be worn. There is so much more to this book - like the picture of the 18th century apothecary's cabinet from France, filled with amulets dating far back in time. Paine goes into Goddess representations, as well as the use of dolls (here there are unique representations from Japan and Russia). Amulets - Sacred Charms of Power and Protection is a well researched, well documented book. There is something of interest to everyone here, with enough of the history behind the object to make it able to be understood and appreciated. We see the use of form and color, the combining of elements, the use of natural elements - all in support of individual cultures, yet universal in nature. I highly recommend this book - for those interested in amulets, and for those interested in culture and cultural differences. This is a work that is enjoyable, and yet it makes you think. The gift that it carries? It will act as a catalyst for the reader to begin looking at the things in their life in a very different manner.
Bonnie Cehovet
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