Talisman comes from the Greek telesma meaning consecrated or sacred object. Amulet comes from the Latin amuletum and refers more narrowly to objects with an apotropaic or protective function. The key to astrological talismans and amulets is the timing of their creation which is determined by electional astrology.

Unless talismans are created at an astrologically auspicious time as well as being ritually consecrated they are nothing more than jewelry with astrological designs, lacking any magical or spiritual charge. alisman comes from the Greek telesma meaning consecrated or sacred object. Talismans represent the logical extension of a spiritual world view and have been a part of Western culture for thousands of years.

Renaissance Magi like Marsilio Ficino, in his Marsilio Ficino's Theories of Astrological Magic and Cornelius Agrippa in Cornelius Agrippa's Theories of Astrological Magic saw the entire Cosmos as one great, interconnected Being, a system based on intricate harmony, sympathy and correspondence, both spiritual and material. Astrology, Alchemy and Magic were seen as the preparatory studies for Hermetic Gnosis, a practical way of experiencing the unity of the Cosmos.

The Renaissance Astrology website provides resources for both students and practitioners of authentic medieval and Renaissance astrological magic. All of the information on the website has been carefully researched from authentic traditional sources and meticulously cited for further reading and study. Those who find their interest piqued learn can learn how to create talismans for themselves in accordance with the ancient Western esoteric system.

The British Museum was founded in 1753 and is one of the largest and most important museums in the world with its comprehensive collections totaling over seven million objects. It has one of the foremost collections in the world of magical items and objects. Renaissance Astrology is proud that two of its authentic astrological talismans have been made a part of the permanent collection of the British Museum.

The Mercury table talisman and the Venus table talisman are described as "Twenty-first century version of a silver Hebrew Renaissance style planetary talisman based upon a design first described by Cornelius Agrippa in 1531."

The addition of Renaissance Astrology talismans to the British Museum shows our committment to traditional astrology and traditional philosophy and to preserving and teaching this ancient art.

For Renaissance astrological magic our key printed sources for talismans and amulets are Cornelius Agrippa's encyclopedic Three Books of Occult Philosophy, in particular Agrippa's Planetary Talismans and Marsilio Ficino's fascinating Three Books on Life. The association of astrology and astrological magic with evil spirits created a chill with regard to publication of texts on these subjects in the Renaissance.

However, there are several other interesting printed sources including The Supreme Mysteries also known as the Archidoxes of Magic attributed to Paracelsus and Mysterium Sigillorum by Israel Hibner.

A considerable number of astrological magic texts circulated in the medieval and Renaissance period in manuscript. Frank Klassen provides an interesting list of library holdings of Manuscripts of Astrological Image Magic. One of the most important manuscripts of astrological magic was the Picatrix or Ghayat al Hikam, "the Aim of the Wise". This book, written circa AD 1000 and translated into Latin in 1256 at the court of Alphonso the Wise of Castile, was probably the most influential of all astrological magic texts. Both Agrippa and Ficino cite the Picatrix extensively. Here is our complete English translation of Picatrix.

Another key text is De Imaginibus "On Images" by the Harranian Sabian sage Thabit Ibn Qurra. This text, newly translated and published by Renaissance Astrology, represents the most sophisticated astrological magic ever practiced, using as it does, the entire repertoire of traditional Electional Astrology.

The Book of the Treasure of Alexander, translated and published by Renaissance Astrology, is a 10th century Arabic Hermetic source with over 30 fascinating astrological talismans and original talismanic images. Another interesting source for ceremonial magic using astrology are the Pentacles from the Greater Key of Solomon.

Another fascinating text that includes astrological talismans is the Shams Al-Ma'arif, the "Sun of Wisdom" an early modern Sufi text which uses Arabic letter magic, magic squares, Quranic verses and the names of Allah along with astrological timing to create talismans. Here is a translation of a section that includes talismanic instructions on the divine name Al-Alim the "All Knowing" .

There are also a large number of translations from authentic Renaissance and medieval astrological magic sources available on the Renaissance Astrology web site including translations from Picatrix, as well as Planetary Rings from the Treasure of Alexander, Hermes on the 15 Fixed Stars, Albertus Magnus on the Talismans of the Signs of the Zodiac and Constellations, The Images & Figures of Hermes, Seals of Stones of Solomon and the Seals & Sigils of Chael as well as Saturn Rings from Magia Astrologica. Learn about Black, White & Red Algol

If you are interested in astrological magic and astrological talismans, the best way to learn is through the Renaissance Astrology astrology and magic courses, which include shorter, more focused mini-courses and the comprehensive full courses. The full Astrological Magic Course teaches the full range of traditional astrological magic including planetary, lunar mansion, fixed star, decan/face and house based talismans.

You can get a great introduction to astrological magic with the Planetary Magic Mini-Course, Mansions of the Moon Mini-Course and the Decan/Face Mini-Course as well as the Green Magic Mini-Course which allow you to learn and immediately put to use specific types of astrological talismans.

In addition to our courses the Renaissance Astrology website is an excellent resource with over 300 pages of material on traditional astrology and astrological magic. Here is a useful page on Astrology and Magic Books some of which are available directly from Renaissance Astrology, links are provided for other useful book sources.

Also check out the Renaissance Astrology Facebook page, the Renaissance Astrology blog and the Spiritus Mundi Yahoo Discussion Group to learn and be part of the Renaissance Astrology community. Also for those interested in advanced traditional astrology and astrological magic and their use as a spiritual path we have the Renaissance Astrology Inner Circle that includes the Inner Circle Marginalia newsletter.

Renaissance Astrology is proud to present authentic astrological talismans. Astrological pentacles and mirrors are also examples of different types of astrological talismans. Here is How to Choose a Talisman. The key to the creation of astrological talismans is that they must be created and take on their final form at a time that has been elected, i.e. properly selected, using the appropriate astrological factors. For example, the basic recipe for a planetary talisman is that the planet be:

Dignified (usually by sign or exaltation)
Rising or culminating (within at least 8-10 degrees of the Ascendant or Midheaven)
In the planetary hour of the planet
With the planet and the Moon unafflicted

It is not enough to make the talisman whenever convenient and then to consecrate the talisman at a properly elected time. The talisman needs to take on its final form, e.g. be inscribed, etched, cast, painted, carved, printed out, etc., when the appropriate astrological factors are in effect. In addition, to creation, it is also vital that the talisman be consecrated at the elected time, because consecration calls the appropriate spirit or spirit into the talisman which is the source of its power.

Renaissance Astrology usually works directly from our traditional (pre-1700) sources which provide recipes for hundreds of different talismans or we use the principles of traditional astrological magic to elect appropriate times for talismans. We make talismans not only of the planets, but also of fixed stars, Mansions of the Moon, decan/faces, multiple house based and other celestial factors.

While there are different models for understanding how talismans work, I am increasingly pulled towards seeing talismans as a dwelling place of a celestial spirit or spirits. Talismans provide a way to connect with these spirits and to allow their influence to spread throughout our lives. At Renaissance Astrology we follow only the right hand path and do only benefic magic. The spirits we work with are angelic. Our approach is devotional. We see these spirits as powerful and positive beings who cannot be commanded, but to whom polite requests can be made.

Respect is the key and we always seek to act respectfully towards the celestial spirits. We do not need to be afraid that if we make a small mistake in ritual that the reaction will be strongly negative as the celestial angels are benign and forgiving. On the other hand, we do not act foolishly or disrespectfully towards them.

The effects of astrological talismans are unpredictable. Generally the effects will fall within the actions and areas ruled by the particular planet, fixed star, etc. For example, Jupiter rules wealth, prosperity, good fortune and justice, but also storms. One client who bought a Jupiter talisman reported that just as the deliveryman came to their house, a sudden thunderstorm started. If you are interested in seeing what sort of effects that talismans can have take a look at the Talisman Testimonials. However, exactly what effects a particular talisman will have for a particular person cannot be predicted.

Many clients are happy and have noticeable and positive effects, some clients are unhappy with their talismans and say that they see no effects at all. A few clients have reported what they believe are negative effects from talismans. While these clients often have never had any experience with magic or have extravagant expectations, potential clients should keep this in mind. We cannot guarantee what the effects of talismans will be.

Timing is also unpredictable. We have had clients that had noticeable and appropriate effects as soon as they bought the talisman, but before receiving it. Others have effects immediately upon receipt, others took months, and some, as noted, saw no effects at all. Astrological talismans are best suited for clients that are knowledgeable about the esoteric, experienced with magic and/or are willing to take the time and energy to make a long term connection with the spirit of the talisman. Astrological talismans are not appropriate for clients looking for a quick fix, to immediately win big at the lottery or stock market or are in an emergency situation.

Working with Renaissance Astrology astrological talismans could possibly be best analogized to working with saints. These are highly benefic and powerful beings whom you can make requests of, but cannot command. They will do what is in your best interest, not necessarily what your ego desires. Just being in their presence and being under their influence is a very positive experience causing positive internal change, ultimately perhaps of more value than simply getting one's ego desires and physical needs met.

Please note that while many clients are happy with their talismans, some are not and I cannot guarantee exactly what the effects will be for any individual client. In addition, Renaissance Astrology talismans are all hand made at precisely chosen times in very limited editions. Once a talisman has been shipped, it is used and I cannot re-sell it. Because used talismans cannot be resold and because, as noted above I cannot guarantee what the effect of talismans will be there are NO REFUNDS, RETURNS OR EXCHANGES FOR TALISMANS, MIRRORS OR PENTACLES. If you buy a talisman, you take the risk of it not working as you wish or hope.

At Renaissance Astrology we are totally, completely and utterly dedicated to getting the correct and powerful astrological timing and then consecrating talismans at the elected time. You would not believe how difficult and time consuming this is. But you can't do everything and the surface appearance of the talismans and pentacles is about 3rd or 4th on the list. If we have to chose, which we sometimes have to, we are going to go with getting the timing and consecration perfect and let minor flaws in the appearance go. So be aware that with the artisanal and hand made processes we are using to individual craft talismans and pentacles, that some have casting flaws, variations in surface color and with gold plated pentacles and talismans there can be unplated lines, grooves or spots even at initial sale. In addition, gold plating can rub off. Feel free to replate, it will not affect magical power of the talisman or pentacle. There are no refunds, returns or exchanges of talismans and pentacles due to flaws in initial appearance or subsequent tarnish or wear and tear.

Because Renaissance Astrology talismans are made in the form of pendants it is natural to ask about wearing them. Here is a Video: How to Make Astrological Talismans Effective: Do I Have to Wear It All the Time? Also there seems to be a lot of unsourced lore circulating out there about all kinds, not just astrological talismans, that insists that you have to wear the talismans all the time, ie bed, shower, etc., and you have to wear the talisman next to your skin.

I'm really not sure exactly where this information comes from or exactly what the reasoning behind it is. My view of astrological talismans is that they are a way to contact and have a relationship with the spirit/angel of the talisman. The power comes from the spirit of the talisman, not from the talisman itself or from some natural properties of the materials in the talisman.

So in my view the key to maximizing the power of talismans is establishing and maintaining your relationship with the spirit of the talisman through the initial and repeated personal consecration. Renaissance Astrology talismans are consecrated at the same elected time as when they are created. Instructions for personal consecration are included with all talismans and pentacles. The personal consecration is the best way to introduce yourself to the spirit of the talisman and begin forging a connection. You can maintain this connection by repeating the consecration regularly.

In addition to the personal consecration, "respect" is really the watchword. We want to show our respect to the spirit of the talisman in how we do the consecration and treat the talisman. It is certainly respectful to wear the talisman, but we do not need to wear it all the time. You can also carry the talisman or leave it in its box or on an altar. In fact in bed or the shower, it might well be more respectful not wear it. We don't let our dog chew the talisman or leave it in the dirt. We store the talisman respectfully when we are not wearing it. It is respectful to invoke the spirit only at an astrologically appropriate time, e.g. planetary hour for planetary talismans. We also want to use at least one candle and some form of incense for the invocation. Don't fall into the mistake of not using any incense if you can't find the particular or specialized incense listed for a particular talisman. It is respectful to have a separate altar space for the talisman, if you have the room.

It is fine to have more than one astrological talisman, I have many and I've worn up to five at once. You should, however, be careful about mixing astrological and non-astrological talismans. Not that they are automatically problematic, but the interaction of astrological and non-astrological spirits and talismans is unpredictable.

As you look at Renaissance Astrology talismans and pentacles you can see that they are often listed as being +4 or +5 or even +8. The source and meaning of these different point values can be mysterious. First the planetary talisman scores come from adding up the essential dignity scores for the planet at the sign or degree it was at when the talisman was made. Sign = +5, exaltation +4, triplicity +3, term +2, face +1.

It is possible to have multiple dignities and thus to get greater than +5. For example, it is possible to have a Mercury +10 talisman, with Mercury dignified by sign +5, exaltation +4 and face +1, for a total of +10.

It does sound very impressive to have Mercury +10 because we have multiple essential dignities and it does indeed boost the strength a bit. However, just looking at the essential dignity score alone is too simplistic, particularly when I've had clients turn up their nose at talismans and say, "I won't take less than +10" The problem here is that for many planets it is impossible for them to have +10. The Sun, for example, we have trouble getting less than +7 and it's basically impossible to get more than +8. Refusing anything other than a +10 Sun talisman means no Sun talisman at all!

Secondly, the scale of the points doesn't reflect their effectiveness accurately. (face) +1 is very weak, almost not worth doing. (triplicity) +3 is actually pretty good. +4 (exaltation) is all you ever need in a talisman. +8 on the other hand, is stronger, but is not twice as good as +4.

This is because we are not charging batteries, what we are doing is trying to contact and keep a good relationship with the spirit of the talisman. The power of the talisman is more like the quality of a phone connection. +1 and you have a super staticky line you can't hardly hear the other person. By the time you get to +4, this is like a good cell connection, no problem for a conversation. +8 is like using a T3 line for a phone call, maybe even overkill.

So, while it is nice to say Wow! +10! and yes, it's good, exaltation (+4) is really all you need for an excellent talisman. It is nice to have the extra points, and worth the extra effort to make them and the cost, but refusing a talisman because it is JUST dignified by sign or exaltation, is like telling your friends you won't talk on a cell phone, you only use a T3 line!

Before you get an astrological talisman, you should get the talisman checked against your birth chart. If you are serious about buying a Renaissance Astrology talisman just Contact me and send me your date of birth. I will then look at your birth chart and make talisman suggestions or check the talismans you are interested in.

Keep in mind that talismans will give the natural effect of the planet, not what it predicts in your birth chart. For example, Saturn is the planet of long life and esoteric, solitary wisdom. He may be the ruler of your 7th house, but this will not make a Saturn talisman a love talisman for you.

You can either pick talismans based on their natural effects and then make sure your chosen talisman or talismans are appropriate for your birth chart or you can pick planets that are strong or at least not afflicted in your birth chart and then sort these based on their natural effects.

Basically we choose talismans whose planets are strong in your birth chart to give you their natural effect strongly and talismans whose planets are weak in your natal chart to strengthen their natural effect. We avoid planets that are afflicted in your chart because you can have an "allergic" reaction to them. Whatever their placement or rulership in your birth chart planets primarly give their natural effects through their talismans and give their natal placement or rulership only weakly.

If you are familiar with traditional astrology you can check your birth chart as follows:

1. Talismans will give a strong effect if the planet is dignified in its sign, exaltation or triplicity, in your natal chart. For example, Jupiter in Pisces, his sign, in your natal chart means Jupiter is an excellent talisman for you.
   
2. Talismans in which the planet is afflicted by being in fall or detriment or without dignity and combust or without dignity and retrograde in your natal chart, are "yellow flags". Also, just for Saturn if he is afflicted by being retrograde no matter what his dignity. Use these talismans with caution. Some people get good results with talismans of planets afflicted in their natal chart, others have problems. It is a good idea to do a divination (I ching, tarot, etc.) first before using these talismans. For example, if your Saturn is in Aries, his fall, in your natal chart, you need be careful using a Saturn talisman. If a planet is afflicted in your natal chart you can do planetary charity to help with the problems it causes.
   
3. Planets in any other placements in your natal chart other the specific dignities or afflictions list listed above are fine as talismans. The dignities and afflictions listed above are the only ones we consider with talismans, even though there are many other types of dignity and affliction in traditional astrology. For example, planets in particular houses or making particular aspects in your natal chart are not a problem if you wish to use them as talismans.

Before you get an astrological talisman, you should get the talisman checked against your birth chart. If you are serious about buying a Renaissance Astrology talisman just Contact me and send me your date of birth. I will then look at your birth chart and make talisman suggestions or check the talismans you are interested in.

You can get an in-depth look at the appropriate talismans for your birth chart and a Talismanic Prescription through all of my natal readings, including the mini-natal reading, Astrological Checkup or the the Full Natal Reading or the Mage's Reading or the Spiritual Path Reading.

Check out the the Renaissance Astrology currently available talismans and currently available pentacles.

So if I check your natal chart for talismans and say that certain planets are not the best choices, are there alternatives? First, you can find a planet that is not afflicted that has similar properties. So if your Jupiter is afflicted, you can go with the Sun or Mercury for wealth.

But fixed stars are also great alternatives. Again, if a planet is afflicted we can often find a fixed star with similar effects. So again, for example, if Venus is afflicted, Andromeda is a good choice for love.

But we can also look for fixed star alternatives to planets by understanding the traditional spiritual causality through occult virtue. First we need to understand how the meaning of these words has changed. Occult simply means "hidden" not bad or malefic and virtue means "powers" without any moral connotation. So occult virtues are hidden powers.

So in the traditional view all occult virtues were united in the One and then differentiated in a perfect form in the Intelligences/Archetypes. The occult virtues then manifest through the Anima Mundi (the Soul of the World) and then to the fixed stars. The Renaissance philosopher Marsilio Ficino then explains that,

"I have said elsewhere that down from every single star (so to speak Platonically) there hangs its own series of things down to the lowest...Under the celestial Serpent or the entire constellation of the Serpent-bearer, they place Saturn and sometimes Jupiter, afterwards daemons who often take on serpent's form, in addition men of this kind, serpents (the animals), the snake-weed, the stone draconite which originates in the head of a dragon, and the stone commonly called serpentine...By a similar system they think a chain of beings descends by levels from any star of the firmament through any planet under its dominion.

Three Books on Life, Bk. III, Chap. 14, tr. Kaske and Clarke p. 311.

Thus we can see that occult virtues combine, separate and recombine as they flow through various channels. We can obtain these hidden powers by interacting with these dynamic channels with a wide variety of interfaces. We are most familiar with the planets as a means to access occult virtues, but we can access many of the occult virtues of a planet, by interacting with a connected fixed star.

My method is to find one of the 15 Behenian fixed stars that is in a constellation/sign where the planet has rulership and has similar qualities to the planet. Please note that this is not simply a "like rules like" classification. Instead we are trying to locate a stream of occult virtue that the star and planet have in common.

Thus for an afflicted Saturn we turn to Deneb Algedi (Tail of Capricorn) as Saturn is in rulership in Capricorn.
For an afflicted Mars we turn to Antares
For an afflicted Sun we turn to Regulus (Heart of Leo)
For an afflicted Venus we turn to Aldebaran (Eye of Taurus)
For an afflicted Mercury we turn to Spica (Sheaf of Wheat in Virgo)

For the Moon and Jupiter we do not really have one of our Behenian fixed stars in Cancer (Moon) or Sagittarius or Pisces (Jupiter) that are analogous. Keep in mind that these are not 100% substitutions, but by using the traditional understanding of occult virtue we can find alternative interfaces to the flow of occult virtue. Very useful!

Here are the currently available talismans and pentacles. Take a look at actual Talisman Testimonials from Renaissance Astrology clients. Here is How to Choose a Talisman .

Here are House Based: Wealth/Success, Protection & Dream Talismans
Moon Talismans - Safety, Visions, Growth
Mercury Talismans - Wealth, Business, Esoteric Arts, Study
Venus Talismans - Love, Art, Music
Sun Talismans - Promotion, Success, Health, Wealth
Mars Talismans - Strength, Determination, Victory
Jupiter Talismans - Wealth, Good Fortune, Wisdom
Saturn Talismans - Wisdom, Esoteric Arts, Longevity
Fixed Star Talismans - Wealth, Happiness, Esoteric Knowledge
Protection Talismans - Spiritual Protection and Protection from Enemies, Curses and Malefic Spirits
Mansion Talismans - Wealth, Success, Love,
Currently Available Paper Talismans

If you are seriously interested in getting a Renaissance Astrology talisman just contact me and send your date of birth and I can give a quick analysis of which talismans are appropriate for you.

The Bronze house based PICATRIX GREAT WEALTH TALISMAN for, "money in great quantities and...good fortune in all your undertakings." Includes image and personal consecration instructions. $499.95 plus shipping.

ONLY A FEW MADE! POWERFUL HOUSE BASED WEALTH TALISMAN!!!