The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems

About this book

A ruby belongs to the Sun, a pearl to the Moon, and an ordinary ring may promise protection against powers its wearer cannot see. William Thomas and Kate Pavitt gather the traditions attached to these objects across centuries.

Their illustrated survey follows charms, amulets and gemstones through astrology, religion and folk practice. Some associations are ancient; others accumulated through later retellings and commercial lore. The appeal is in the objects themselves, each small enough to carry yet large enough to hold an entire belief about fate, danger or desire.