Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: To Guard against Adversity, Misfortune, Illness, and Death

Part One
A Scarcely Catholic Tradition

1 On the Words “Talisman” and “Amulet” and Some Definitions
2 Amulets and Talismans in Medieval Culture
3 Some Christian Amulets and Talismans
4 The Medicine of Amulets and Talismans

Part Two
The Use of Amulets and the Making of Talismans

5 Amulets
6 The Crafting of Talismans
7 The Use of Amulets and Talismans

Appendix I: The Seals Representing the Planets
Appendix II : The Talismans of Dom Jean Albert Belin
Appendix III : Seals of the Planets and the Paranatellons
Appendix IV: Creating and Consecrating Magical Objects

Notes

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

Claude Lecouteux is a former professor of medieval literature and civilization at the Sorbonne. He is the author of numerous books on medieval and pagan beliefs and magic, including The Book of Grimoires, The Tradition of Household Spirits, A Lapidary of Sacred Stones, and The Secret History of Poltergeists and Haunted Houses. He lives in Paris.

Reviews

“This is the only talisman book you will ever need. In this expansive tome, Lecouteux has unified information never before assembled in one place. This book is a useful guide and a wellspring on the subject, drawing from cultures throughout time and around the globe. Here, given to the readers, are historical examples of famous talismans and amulets, their meanings and origins, and explanations on how to generate them.”
*Maja D’Aoust, White Witch*

“Recommended to anyone interested in this topic. It doesn’t explain all the secrets of talisman-making, but it does sort out the specifics of materials, methods, and the evolution of talisman-making practices through the Middle Ages in Europe.”
*Facing North, Elizabeth Hazel, July 2014*