Do you have a personal talisman or good luck charm?

[lapislzi]

Or something that just gives you a confidence boost when you wear/carry it?

I wear my Phi Beta Kappa key whenever I need that extra lift or when faced with an unfamiliar situation. It reminds me how smart I am (even when I act like an idiot!)

[arwalden]

1. I'm Pleased That You See Your "Charm" As Only A Reminder...

of your capabilities rather than the magical "source" of them.

I'm certain that as this thread continues, we'll be treated to many magical thinkers who actually attribute magical or miraculous POWERS to their talismans. Whether it's warding off evil, attracting good fortune, or bringing health and happiness (even curing disease and predicting the future) these objects are capable of the most astounding feats. Wow!

-- Allen :hi:

[johnnie]

2. Hey....

You makin fun of my mojo????

[arwalden]

3. Never!!

I wouldn't dare!! :-)

-- Allen

[tigereye]

4. there are some values to projection, Arwalden

and to "tokens" having powerful symbolic value. You are such a skeptic. :)

[arwalden]

7. If By "Value" You Mean That Some Folks Find "Comfort"...

in these tokens, then we are in agreement. People find comfort in all sorts of things... whether it's a security blanket, a photo of a loved one, a cup of hot chocolate, or superstitious beliefs. The level of comfort one receives from superstitious beliefs is by no means an indication of its truth.

If by "value" you're trying to suggest that these charms have actual power, then I'd want to see proof. Without proof, such claims of magical abilities amount to nothing more than mere superstition.

-- Allen

P.S. Yes I am such a skeptic. :-)

[tigereye]

13. no, I don't think they have actual power

all the power is in the symbolic. Boy, I sound so deconstructiony. Yikes.

[sui generis]

10. hey you green meanie

I have a circle of lapis lazuli with an elaborate silver dragon that I like to wear. It's not magical - but under business attire it hangs in the hollow of my chest and reminds me to stay centered.

Magical thinkers unite!

[VelmaD]

5. I have had and lost several "talismans"...

I figure it's the unvierse's way of making sure I don't get too attached to things. :)

[arwalden]

6. More Likely, You're Just Forgetful ... Like Many Of Us Are

I'm more inclined to admit my own ordinary failings rather than to interpret them as some sort of sign from the "universe".

-- Allen

[Magrittes Pipe]

8. I always feel better when I have my genitals with me.

[mrboba1]

11. and always within arms reach.

Right?

[lapislzi]

12. Don't leave home without 'em

Now that I think about it, I never do.

[TX-RAT]

9. I carry a 1974 silver dollar, "well not all silver."

It was given to me by Bennie Binion, at the Horse Shoe in Vegas.
My wife thinks it's silly.

[DemWitch]

14. Let's watch Arwaldens head burst into flames :)

Talismans don't come with any particular energy, but instead they receive energy that we give them for an outcome. I wear a silver pentacle. It doesn't protect me or have any "magick" values or powers to it, but it reminds me that The Lord and The Lady gave me the power to make good choices and wise decisions in difficult positions, and I have been given the power to protect myself.

That being said...

Kyra, Enki and Xander all have sterling silver pentacles that were "charged" with protective values to keep them away from harms way. As thier caregiver, it's my responsibility to do what I have to to ensure their wellbeing. If I need a boost from The Lord and the Lady to ensure that outcome, then that's what I have to do, and have done.

I guess that's why they call it "faith". It doesn't work for everyone, but for those of us who have it, it's an important aspect of ourselves.

[arwalden]

15. So What's The Deal With Putting A "K" In Magic?

The rest of your message is pretty much self-explanatory. I understand it perfectly now.

-- Allen

[DemWitch]

16. I buy my magic at K-Mart...

It's a way of defferentiating <is that a bush-ism?> magic like Doug Henning (look at the 747 disappear) from magick like placing a charge on a talisman.

It's a Witch thing :)