Joseph Campbell, one of
the most respected scholars on mythology who popularized the hero’s journey
(which inspired George Lucas’s Star Wars), once said:
“The
images of myth are reflections of the spiritual potentialities in every one of
us. Through contemplating these, we evoke their powers in our own lives.” [1]
For Campbell, myth is a
manifestation of symbols and charms that “helps you put your mind in touch with
this experience of being alive.” The tradition of wearing charms has been
practiced around the world to ward off evil spirits, self-identify with a
religious tradition, and represent symbols from mythology. Understanding
symbols and charms within mythology and religious folklore is, for Campbell and
many others, a means to “seeking an experience of being alive.”
Three’s a charm, but here are five:
- Nazar (Evil Eye): Common in the Middle East
and Balkans, the charm wards off the curse of the evil eye.
- Horseshoe-In Medieval Europe, the upturned
horseshoe used the power of the horned moon to protect against witchcraft.
- Four Leaf Clover: In the United Kingdom, the
four leaves represent faith, hope, love, and luck.
- Wishbone-Originating from the Etruscans, the
tradition holds that the wisher who pulls the larger half of the bone will
have their wish fulfilled.
- Hamsa: In Islam, it represents the hand of
Fatima, in Christianity the hand of Mary, and in Judaism the hand of
Miriam. It is most commonly recognized as a sign of protection.
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