Most of my talismans are unconsecrated: empty vessels waiting for you to fill them with power and/or a spirit. There are numerous traditions and schools of thought on how to perform that enchantment (even the word “consecrated” is up for debate), and I’m writing some guides for that as we speak.
In addition to those empty vessels, I offer a small selection of talismans that I have cast and consecrated at opportune astrological moments. I have made initial contact with the spirits that now dwell within them and acquired a name and sigil, which I pass on to the client, but I can’t do all the work. You – the hypothetical you who is both reading this post and has purchased one of my consecrated talismans – must still introduce yourself to the spirit, and come to some sort of arrangement.
If you have a lot of experience with spirit work, or a well-developed tradition into which you’ve been initiated or from which you’re working, this guide will not be necessary for you. You will either have your traditional rites to fall back on, or be able to communicate with the talisman spirit without my guidance or input.
This guide is for solitary and intermediate practitioners for whom a roadmap is at least helpful. If your tradition covers some of this territory (anyone with a background in eclectic Wicca, for example, has a tried and true circle-casting procedure), feel free to substitute that. However you proceed, I recommend writing out an outline and doing some basic divination to confirm that that ritual at that time is the way to go.
You will only need to perform this ritual once, to make initial contact. Afterward, the talisman spirit will tell you what it needs. My personal talismans all wanted a box to live in while they weren’t being worn or carried. They all also eventually promoted themselves to familiar spirits, at which point they were added to my spirit altar and now receive daily offerings and weekly consultations. Yours may not be so intimate or demanding.
Supplies
You will need:
A flat surface upon which to lay or draw your triangle of conjuration. If you do not have one you already prefer, I have included my own, based on the Trithemius circle used by Frater Rufus Opus. If you have a mirror or crystal that you use for spirit work, place it in the center of the triangle.
Consecrated incense for your temple space. I use a stick of frankincense and myrrh, usually consecrated just before lighting it.
A brazier and charcoal and tools to light it.
The incense from the envelope that came with the talisman.
An offering candle. I prefer tea lights or chime candles.
A libation to offer. I prefer coffee or wine. Clean water is usually acceptable.
Set and Setting
Schedule your ritual for an appropriate day and hour. I recommend the dawn hour of the appropriate planetary day, or the Third Hour of Night.
If you have an altar or temple space you usually use for spirit work, use that.
Opening
Purify yourself with a bath and/or by washing your hands with cinnamon.
Cast your circle by drawing the perimeter clockwise with a blade and consecrate the space with incense.
If you have any guides or familiar spirits, invoke them to help make the talisman spirit welcome, and to facilitate communication between you.
Body
Draw the talisman from its envelope and either draw the sigil in the center of the triangle or place the envelope with the sigil in the center, beneath the mirror or crystal if you are using one.
Place the talisman in the triangle on your altar. If possible, sit it upright so that you can look at the image on its face.
Call the spirit by name, setting some of the incense in the charcoal as you do so. If necessary, chant the spirit’s name until you can sense its presence.
Introduce yourself. (Also introduce your cadre of guides and familiars, if you have brought any.)
Light the offering candle, pour a libation, and add more of the incense to the charcoal.
Ask if the spirit has another name or sigil that it would prefer you to use.
Sit with the spirit until you are confident in the answer. If given a name or sigil, record them and thank the spirit.
Tell the talisman spirit what you need from it.
Sit with the spirit until it speaks to you, or until you have a sense that your petition has been heard.
Ask the talisman spirit what it needs from you. Possible answers include preferred offerings, or taboos.
Put the rest of the incense on the charcoal and sit with the talisman and spirit until all the incense has burned.
Closing
Thank the talisman spirit for appearing.
Thank any guides and familiars that you have summoned.
Dismiss the circle by drawing the knife along the perimeter counterclockwise.
If you are in an environment where it is safe to do so, leave the offering candle to burn.
Going Forward
Magical talismans are not D&D magic items. They don’t just work without your interest and attention. Traditions vary as to what maintenance they need. As I mentioned above, the talismans I have kept for myself have been, I think, needier than average. Then again, I ask for a lot.
At a minimum, your talisman should be kept clean and intact. To that end I have included a polishing cloth and a box to store it in. As jewelry, your talisman should not be worn in the shower or when swimming, or when you sleep. Please trust me on this: I’ve been a jeweler almost as long as I’ve been a magician.
My experience has also been that talismans left on the altar, rather than worn or carried, need that time and attention made up in other ways.
Commune with your talisman on a regular basis. Thank if for fulfilling petitions. If it fails to manifest what you have asked for, ask what it needs to fulfill your requests. If you can’t hear spirits clearly, use divination to facilitate the conversation.
Thank you for patronizing the Sorcerer’s Workbench, and I hope that your talisman serves you well.
