full of universal and earth energy, while the man-made
amulet is empowered by magick or faith.
Some believe that the word amulet is derived from an
Arabic root, which means "to bear, to carry." Others
hold that the word is derived from the Latin amuletum,
which is an object that protects a person from trouble.
The ancient Egyptians had several names for amulet.
One early Egyptian name for amulet was hekau, which is
a form of the word for magick. Another was udjaou; the
literal translation is "the thing that keeps safe." Other
times the word mekti, or "protector," was used.
Talismans are similar to amulets, except that a
talisman is a man-made object and is charged through
ritual to do one specific duty for a specific person, while
amulets are general in nature. Talisman is derived from
the Greek root teleo, which means, "to consecrate."
Charms can be symbols or written words and combine
the functions of both talismans and amulets. The
modern charm bracelet is very old in origin. Examples of
charm bracelets and anklets have been found in early
Roman ruins.
Amulets were very popular among the Egyptians and
were frequently part of the grave goods in tombs, where
they were inserted into the mummy wrappings. Most
amulets had small holes in them so that they could be
hung on a neck chain, pectoral, or bracelet (like the
modern charm bracelets), or fastened to a ring. A
pectoral is a wide collarlike piece of Egyptian jewelry
that laid flat around the neck and hung down onto the
chest.
Amulets were made according to strict magickal rules
and traditions. It is possible that certain priests oversaw
their production. An ancient document known as the