Meanings of Jewelry Charm Symbols
Understand Egyptian, Celtic, Pagan and Christian Amulets and Charms
Apr 19, 2008
Still a very popular form of jewelry, charms are invocative when they create a mini-history of the wearer. Find out the historical background of some popular charms
Charms and charmed jewelry are still extremely popular. Prior to selecting charms, find out the historical background of some popular charms.
The Meanings of Egyptian Amulets
Egyptian charms are known as amulets. Three ancient Egyptian words translate to amulet: mekat, nehet and sa. All three come from verbs with the meaning of protection. Amulet is also derived from the word wedja – which means wellbeing.
- Scarab – The scarab beetle is the symbol of new life and resurrection. Wear this amulet for good luck, good health and long life. The modern application of the scarab is that of seeking the truth. The person who seeks truth is not satisfied by outward appearances but seeks what lies below the surface.
- Ankh – the symbol of life. The circle at the top of this amulet symbolizes eternal life and the cross below it represents the material plane.
- The Eye of Horus – A protective amulet which symbolizes strength and wisdom. In battle, Horus' eye was torn out and subsequently magically restored by another god, Thoth. This restored eye is the basis for the legend of the power of this amulet. It is said that Horus gave his healed eye to his dead father to bring him back to life. Present day, practical application of this amulet: Those that are drawn to this amulet are those that need the ability to stand back from personal or business events to gain perspective.
- Bast – A loving and gentle goddess. Most times represented in her cat form, Bast protected early Egyptians from infection, disease and evil. Bast also represented the protective charactertistics of motherhood. Modern applications of Bast: This amulet attracts those who strive for good health in all aspects of their lives - mind, body and spirit.
The Meanings of Other Popular Charms
- Equal Arm Celtic Cross – Represents the four corners of the Earth coming together by a joining of all forces. It is a symbol of eternity and everlasting faith.
- Spiral Goddess – In the Invocative Pose, she symbolizes the drawing down of the powerful feminine energy of the moon and stars. This power acts as an encouragement to become more nurturing and benevolent.
- St. Christopher Medal – A popular surfer charm. Legend states that St. Christopher was crossing a river when a child asked to be helped across. When St. Christopher lifted the child, the child was unbelievably heavy; legend being that the child was Christ, carrying the weight of the world. In 1969, the Catholic church determined that Christopher had basis only in legend and dropped him from the universal calendar.
- Five-Pointed Star – Bring magic, protection and good fortune.
- Four-Leaf Clovers and Ladybugs – Bring good luck and good fortune.
- Om – Symbolizes the quest for spiritual perfection.
The next article in this series, gives instructions on making easy charmed jewelry for that special woman on Mother's Day.
The copyright of the article Meanings of Jewelry Charm Symbols in Jewelry is owned by Maire Loughran. Permission to republish Meanings of Jewelry Charm Symbols in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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