{"id":17345,"date":"2021-06-09T14:58:27","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T19:58:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/themagicalbuffet.com\/blog1\/?p=17345"},"modified":"2021-06-09T15:04:22","modified_gmt":"2021-06-09T20:04:22","slug":"the-ancestral-power-of-amulets-talismans-and-mascots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themagicalbuffet.com\/blog1\/?p=17345","title":{"rendered":"The Ancestral Power of Amulets, Talismans, and Mascots"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s safe to say that I\u2019ve become a Nigel Pennick fan. You may remember I reviewed his books \u201cWitchcraft & Secret Societies of Rural England: The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen<\/a>\u201d and \u201c Operative Witchcraft: Spellwork & Herbcraft in the British Isles<\/a>\u201d. His latest book, \u201cThe Ancestral Power of Amulets, Talismans, and Mascots: Folk Magic in Witchcraft and Religion\u201d is destined to be my favorite.<\/p>\n

$\"\"$ \u201cThings worn around the neck as pendants or carried somewhere on the person are generally amulets. The belief that certain objects, natural or artificial, composed of metals, stone, clay, or other materials sometimes possess occult powers capable of protecting those who carry them from danger, disease, or evil influences,\u201d writes Pennick, \u201cThe word talisman has the meaning of objects bearing sigils, seals, or magical or religious texts that have been empowered by consecration or ritual. Like amulets, their function is to protect the person from evil, illness, and bodily harm.\u201d <\/p>\n

This is of particular interest to me because if you didn\u2019t know, I make talismans. (SHAMELESS PLUG:<\/strong> Visit my store!<\/a> Buy my stuff!<\/a>) \u201cThe Ancestral Power of Amulets, Talismans, and Mascots\u201d opened my eyes to all the ways people of different cultures and eras created and utilized amulets, charms, and mascots. As always, religion played a heavy hand in their evolution, but so has community tradition. Pennick has an impressive personal collection of these items and thankfully shared much of it as photos in the book. So many wonderful photos and illustrations!<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not going to say that \u201cThe Ancestral Power of Amulets, Talismans, and Mascots\u201d by Nigel Pennick is for everyone, but if you ever found yourself curious about some of the symbols you see people wearing or adorning their homes with, this is absolutely the perfect book for you.<\/p>\n

You can learn more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shop your local indie bookstore<\/a> <---This is an affiliate link to IndieBound, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.<\/br><\/p>\n

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you\u2019ll receive monthly tarot\/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/magicalbuffet<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"