Charms, Amulets, Talismans & Spells

by Marian Green

A pocket-sized illustrated guide to magic’s history, definitions, and uses today from Marian Green, author of A Witch Alone.

Since ancient times, people have collected and used objects with beneficial properties and chanted words to bring about real-world results. In Charms, Amulets, Talismans & Spells, scholar Marian Green explains the difference between these magical objects and sayings, shows you which to use for luck or protection or other benefits, and explores the history of the magic that gives these charms, amulets, talismans, and spells their meaning.

This unique little book unravels the complex web of associations and correspondences which form the backbone of the Western magical arts. Packed with rare illustrations and useful tables, there is no better volume for the modern travelling magician.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2017

About the author

Marian Green is an author who has been working in the field of ceremonial and folk magic since the early 1960s. She has also organized a conference every March since 1968 to bring together writers and their readers, the Quest Conference. She has written more than a dozen books on ceremonial magic and aspects of witchcraft as well as editing QUEST magazine since 1970. She is a council member of the Pagan Federation and has also been editor of Pagan Dawn.

Reviews

[Alli · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a cute and brief beginner’s guide that touches on quite a lot. I could really do without all the Kabbalistic appropriation though. I understand the western ceremonial tradition is based off of this appropriation, but I really think this should be acknowledged. Really resent the fact that they described the hermetic version of “qabbalah” as the mystical variety and Kabbalah as the Hebrew variety... Kabbalah *is* Jewish mysticism.

[Carl · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good coverage of esoteric topics for the casual reader. Enjoy it more for its gorgeous illustrations, which might inspire more real magic than the author's constricted recommendations. I think that if some kind of bureaucratic "Ministry of Magic" were real, tasked to regulate the practice of magic, this would likely be a "state-approved" text.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simplistic and an easy read, gives plenty of examples for references.

[Josh Senior · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun little insight to magic, the different types, how to create it and the relations of star signs/planets/plants/colours/numbers etc

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I ever need to do a satanic ritual ritual is a great starting place

[Jason Baldauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really enjoyable book from the Wooden Books series. It starts with a discussion about magic in general, and goes into detail about what each is. The difference between charms, amulets and talismans has always alluded me (charms bring good fortune, amulets protect against harm, and talismans are used for specific needs). Wonderful tables are peppered throughout, as well as charming illustrations.