Italian Folk Series: Amulets and Talismans
***I understand that not everyone can afford reading materials on folk practices and spirituality. The book I used and got this information from is Italian Folk Magic by Mary-Grace Fahrun. She also has a website; www.rueskitchen.com It is a great source for all beginner Italian-American practitioners!
What is an amulet?
They are objects meant to banish bad luck and ill will as well as protect the wearer from harm. It is always good for beginner practitioners to invest in some discrete amulets especially when it comes to protection magic.
What are talismans?
These objects are meant to bring the user good luck/fortune and achieve the practitioners desire for a specific positive outcome to a situation. If you are working with luck magic for the first time, talismans are great amplifiers for spells. I use these typically with prosperity workings.
Here is a list of amulets and talismans for Italian practitioners:
Amber: Used to make beads/gems worn by magicians for protection against evil spirits.
Braided Garlic: Is a symbol of Saint Michael Archangel and is a ward against evil spirits, curses, and malocchio.
Branches: Fallen branches (never taken) are a gift from tree spirits and protect the finder and their home from curses and misfortune.
Brass: It is used in love magic, beauty spells, and is corresponding to the Roman goddesses Venus.
Broom: Placed beside the front door on the porch and is supposed to ward against malocchio.
Coins: Provides good luck in games and lotteries.
Copper: Used in love magic, and it also corresponds with the Roman goddesses Venus.
Coral: Used in jewelry, and is a ward against malocchio.
Corno: (Amulet) Either in the shape of bull's horn or long chili pepper. It wards against malocchio; and protects men's potency
Desiccated Sea Horse: Used to ward against malocchio.
Dried Herbs: Dried herbs can be used and hung up in your home for various purposes depending on the herb.
Earrings: Gold earrings are wards against blindness and malocchio.
Fabric: It is used to construct santucci (charm bags) for various amulets and talismans.
Gold: It wards misfortune and malocchio. It symbolizes the power of the sun and masculine energy.
Rabbit's Foot: The charm must be given to you in order to be lucky.
Holy Oil: Used for healing and blessing.
Holy Water: Used to exorcise and to bless.
Iron: Wards misfortune. It is used in defensive and offensive magic. Corresponds with Mars.
Key: Wards against malocchio.
Knife: Used to cut magic ties, cut through lies, and get to the heart of the problem. It is also a ward against curses.
Lead: Used in binding magic and corresponds with Saturn.
Nails: Nails may be used on their own or as part of an amulet.
Needle: It is used for sewing and protection against malocchio.
Object Once Belonging To A Deceased Loved One
Pepperoncini (Long, Red Hot Pepper): Threaded or strung on a cord. They are good luck charms and protect against malocchio.
Saint Medals: Typically, one would wear a medal of their patron saint to protect against malocchio and evil.
Saint Prayer Cards
Salt: Is a powerful weapon to dispel evil and used in both amulets and talismans.
Sand: Contains the power of the ocean.
Sand Dollars: Wards against malocchio.
Santucci: Charm bags made for blessing and protection.
Sea Shells: It provides luck in love and are used in love amulets. It corresponds with Venus.
Silver: Wards against malocchio. It symbolizes moon and divine feminine energy.
Soil: Used to enhance protection against curses. It is even better if the soil is from the grounds of a church.
Starfish Skeletons: Used to ward homes/businesses against malocchio.
Stones/Rocks: Used for luck.
Thread: Used for sewing santucci.
Tools: The tools of one's trades used.
Water: Water is used to cleanse and bless people and objects.
This is by no means the full list. If you notice their is many Catholic Christian elements and if you are uncomfortable right now with Catholicism, please do look into the Roman gods/goddesses equivalents.
I wish you a lot of luck on your journey and happy researching!!!
