Talismans vs Amulets vs Sigils

Tools of protection and power take different physical forms in Witchcraft. Not all magickal objects are the same and understanding the difference between talismans, amulets and sigils is key to working with them. While they might seem interchangeable, each of them carry their own energy, purpose and way of creation.

Amulets are generally used for protection and are the oldest and one of the most universal magickal objects. They can be found in every culture and are imbued with protective energy. They can be worn or carried to shield the bearer from harm.

Their purpose is to defend, repel and guard against negativity, curses, ill-wishes or misfortune. They can be made with a naturally powerful object (like a crystal or protective herbs) OR it can be enhanced with protective spells. An example of this would be Evil Eye Pendants, Pentacles, Black Tourmaline Jewellery and Hanging Garlic above your doorways.

You should use amulets when you want to keep bad energy at bad, especially in your daily life or when you feel like you're entering a risky/unsafe space. Think of amulets as your magickal shield that constantly works in the background

While amulets protect, talismans attract. Talismans are objects that are charged to draw in specific energies, blessings and outcomes. Instead of warding things off, it pull positive things toward you instead. They can be worn or carried to attract the bearer's desires to them.

Their purpose is to attract what you want. Such as, love, luck, money, health, creativity and success. They're created with intention and consecrated during a ritual to hold a specific energetic charge. Examples of these are, a rose quartz necklace charged for love, a stone carved with a rune for courage, or even our King Mammon's Orb of Influential Luck & Wealth Coin. 

You should use Talismans when you're manifesting or calling something (usually positive) into your life. It's more for bringing your desires closer to you rather than protecting yourself from things/situations. Talismans are your magickal magnets and draw what you want into your auric space.

Sigils are different from amulets and talismans. They are symbols crafted from your will, like pieces of intention that carry magickal power. Their purpose is to embody a specific intention like, "I attract confidence", "I am protected" and "my path is free from obstacles".

They're traditionally made from a broken down statement of intention that's transformed into a unique symbol. The symbol is charged with energy through ritual, meditation or spellwork. Examples of these include hand-drawn magickal symbols and even custom designs you create. It's best used when you want direct and flexible magick. Sigils are like coded spells in symbolic form. You can draw them on candles, slip them under your pillow and even write them on your skin. 

To recap,

Amulets = Protection (keep away harm)

Talismans = Attraction (draw in blessings)

Sigils = Intention (encode your will)

Each have their own role but they can also work together. You can wear an amulet for constant protection, carry a talisman to attract luck while job hunting and draw a sigil on your morning coffee cup for confidence. Use these tools together so they can support and amplify your energy and daily life. 

HOWEVER, don't get too hung up on labels. What matters most is your intention, energy and relationship with the object/symbol. Your magick is what makes it powerful