The Symbolic Meaning of Charms & Talismans
Whether you want to know the symbolic nature of your adornments or simply attach a charm of intention to your jewelry, here are the meanings associated with some of the more common symbols and subjects made into jewelry charms. Shop for these charms and more on our Charms & Pendants page:
Acorn: A symbol of strength and potential, it was also a Nordic and Celtic symbol of fertility and immortality. The god Thor's Life Tree was oak. Druids believed the consumption of acorns would help see the future, and the word Druid can be translated as "Oak Knowledge".
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Anchor: A symbol of hope, adventure, voyage and steadfastness. The cross within an anchor is a symbol of masculinity while the crescent moon symbolizes the feminine, representing the womb.
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Angel Wings: Symbolic of soaring to new heights in life and the will to do good for oneself and & others. They represent the creative power of God and her protection of all the things she has created on earth.
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Angels: Symbols for faith, devotion, hope, trust and love, encouraging qualities to be a good person.
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Ankh: An Egyptian hieroglyph for "life" or "breath of life" , the Egyptians believed that one's earthly journey was only part of an eternal life, the Ankh symbolizes both mortal existence and the afterlife.
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Birds: In dreams, birds are usually good omens symbolic of desires, goals, freedom, independence, peace and harmony, love, balance & new ideas. Flying birds symbolize abundance and progress.
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Buddha: The term Buddha means enlightened one, a knower. Buddhists believe that a Buddha is born in each eon of time
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Butterflies: A deep and powerful representation of life. Many cultures associate the butterfly with the soul. The Christian religion sees the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection. It is also a universal symbol of endurance, change, hope, and life.
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Celtic Cross: According to popular legend this cross was introduced by St Patrick when he was converting the pagans in Ireland to Christianity. The circles around the intersection of the cross represent unification, totality, wholeness and inclusion.
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Claddagh: A symbol of love, loyalty and friendship; The two hands represent friendship, a heart symbolizes love and the crown on top is for loyalty.
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Cross: A principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death.
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Dragon: A symbol of evil, in both the medieval chivalric and Christian traditions. In the Orient, it symbolizes supernatural power, wisdom, strength, and hidden knowledge. In most traditions, it is the embodiment of chaos and untamed nature.
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Dragonfly: This creature represents change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization, especially mental and emotional maturity in understanding the deeper meaning of life.
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Elephants: Universally seen as a symbol of good luck, power, success, wisdom and experience. Because elephants are highly social animals, they are also considered to be a symbol of loyalty, companionship and unity
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Evil Eye: Many cultures believe that receiving the evil eye will cause misfortune or injury, while others believe it to be a kind of supernatural force that casts or reflects a malevolent gaze back-upon those who wish harm upon others (especially innocents).
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Feathers: Symbolize trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power and freedom. As an adornment, it is a revered and a sign of high honor.
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Hamsa Hand: An ancient Middle Eastern amulet symbolizing the Hand of God. In all faiths it is a protective sign. It brings its owner happiness, luck, health, and good fortune.
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Heart: Synonymous with affection, it is a universal symbol for love, compassion and understanding.
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Horseshoe: A symbol of good luck and protection but also a superstitious symbol dating back to a blacksmith and his dealings with the devil. It is worn to protect against evil and negative energy.
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Lightning Bolt: A symbol of sudden illumination and the destruction of ignorance, it also represents a punishment of humans by the god. In dreams, the lightning bolt is an image of sudden and terrible events and a symbol of intuition. Although it can carry negative connotations, lightning is also a form of divine message, honoring those chosen.
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Lotus Flower: In eastern religions, a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth and analogy for the human condition. Even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower.
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Meditation Buddha/Calming Serenity: An amulet if one is looking for peace and calm in their lives, or improvement in meditation practice. The Buddha is depicted with both hands in the lap, face up, and the legs are crossed, either in a Double Lotus pose (with the ankles of each leg tucked behind one another in a locked position), or in a Single Lotus pose (where one leg rests on top of the other leg).
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Mermaids: In myth, they are messengers associated with the spiritual element of water and are a symbol of transformation, emotional and inspirational. A powerful talisman of something that touches deep in the soul.
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Moon: A feminine symbol, universally representing the rhythm of time as it embodies the cycle. The phases of the moon symbolize immortality and eternity, enlightenment or the dark side of nature
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North Star: The anchor of the northern sky, it is a landmark, or sky marker, that helps those who follow it determine direction as it glows brightly to guide and lead towards one’s destination. It also has a symbolic meaning, for the North Star depicts a beacon of inspiration and hope to many.
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Om', 'Ohm' or 'Aum': Aasacred sound that is known generally as the sound of the universe. Om is all encompassing, the essence of ultimate reality, and unifies everything in the universe.
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Owls: Represent wisdom, good judgment and knowledge. It possesses sharp vision and keen observation associated with insight and intuition.
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Pegasus: A wing white horse of Revelation, its color represents the clouds of heaven and memory of humankind.
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Rooster: A rooster stands for pride, hope, a new day, and even resurrection.
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Sand Dollar: The markings on the shell of the sand dollar symbolize the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. The bottom of the sand dollar bears the outlines of a Christmas poinsettia and bell.
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Seahorse: A sign of good luck and fortune and a symbol of strength and power.
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Shells: Perceived as feminine; a symbol of birth, good fortune, and resurrection. They are among the most remarkable designs found in nature. Examples are the chambered nautilus, the sundial shell, and the triton shell.
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Skull: A representation of death and mortality, and sometimes evil.
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Star of David: Represents the Jewish identity and Judaism.
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Starfish: A universal and celestial symbol of infinite divine love. It also emanates inspiration, guidance, brilliance, intuition, and vigilance, with its connection to the stars.
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Stars: A protective symbol, representing a distant divine force or energy. Star symbols most commonly represent something good and positive.
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Sugar Skull: Represent the departed soul, often placed on an altar or gravestone to honor the return of a particular spirit.
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Sun: Represents the center of the cosmos, life and the circle of life, resplendence and glory.
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Tassel: A symbol of power, protection, prestige and spiritual connection. Worn on a Mala it symbolizes a connection to the Divine and oneness.
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Tree of Life: A symbol of a fresh start on life, positive energy, good health, bright future, growth and strength. It is also a symbol of immortality; as a tree grows old, it bears seeds that contain its very essence and in this way, the tree becomes immortal
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Unicorns: Often considered the most wondrous of all mythical creatures, the unicorn is a symbol of magic, miracles, and enchantment. It appears to only a rare few and has the ability to bestow magic, miracles and wisdom to those who are pure of heart and virtuous in their deeds
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