Historical talisman traditions
Protective Knots
The Pavitts record knots used as talismans for longevity and against the evil eye. Their explanation gives the knot two functions: retaining what is good and obstructing what is harmful. They contrast wedding knots with a prohibition on knots at birth and death, when passage should remain unimpeded. The same form can therefore help one transition and hinder another.
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In the sources
Principal account
ReportedThe Pavitts record knots used as talismans for longevity and against the evil eye. Their explanation gives the knot two functions: retaining what is good and obstructing what is harmful.
Further detail
ReportedThey contrast wedding knots with a prohibition on knots at birth and death, when passage should remain unimpeded. The same form can therefore help one transition and hinder another.
Context & interpretation
The Pavitts’ 1922 compilation gathers symbols and attributed powers from several traditions, sometimes with conjectural origins. Its statements about protection, health, and fortune document talismanic belief rather than demonstrated effects or medical guidance.
Original passages
Source 1
The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems
the Knot being considered potent to bind that which is good and precious, and to prove an obstacle or hindrance to that which is evil ; forOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Historical talisman traditions; active reader leaf 65
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0074-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0074-E001-P0065
- Original scan leaf
- 66
- Recorded leaf number
- 66
- Current Reader position
- 58
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems
decoration of the wedding dress; but at childbirth and death, there must be no knots about the person to hamper the coming or goingOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Historical talisman traditions; active reader leaf 65
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0074-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0074-E001-P0065
- Original scan leaf
- 66
- Recorded leaf number
- 66
- Current Reader position
- 58
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Continue exploring
Talismans & Protective Charms ↗
Abraxas on Gnostic Gems
A cock-headed, serpent-legged figure interpreted through divine emanations.
Same subject and traditionBulla
A Roman amulet container worn as a sign and safeguard.
Same subject and traditionEye of Horus
A protective eye emblem whose divine associations vary within the compilation.
Same subject and traditionHand of Fatima
An open-hand charm interpreted through protection and sacred family memory.