TALISMANS.
Magical figures, engraven or cut under superstitious observances of the characterisms and configurations of the heavens, are called talismans; to which some astrologers, hermetical philosophers, and other adepts, attribute wonderful virtues, particularly that of calling down celestial influences.
The author of a book, intituledTalismans Justifies, pronounces a talisman is the seal, figure, character, or image of a heavenly sign, constellation, or planet, engraven on a sympathetic stone, or on a metal corresponding to the star, &c. in order to receive its influences.
The talismans of the Samothracians, so famous of old, were pieces of iron formed into certainimages, and set in rings, &c. They were held as preservatives against all kinds of evils. There were other talismans taken from vegetables, and others from minerals.
Three kinds ofTalismanswere usually distinguished,viz.Astronomical, which are known by the signs or constellations of the heavens engraven upon them, with other figures, and some unintelligible characters.Magical, which bear very extraordinary figures, with superstitious words and names of angels unheard of. Andmixt, which consist of signs and barbarous words; but have no superstitious ones, or names of angels.
It is maintained by some rabbins, that the brazen serpent raised by Moses in the Wilderness, for the destruction of the serpents that annoyed the Israelites, was properly aTalisman.
All the miraculous things wrought by Apollonius Tyanæus are attributed to the virtue and influence ofTalismans; and that wizard, as he is called, is even said to have been the inventor of them.
Some authors take several Runic medals,—medals, at least, whose inscriptions are in the Runic characters,—for talismans, it being notorious, that the northern nations, in their heathen state, were much devoted to them. M. Keder, however, has shewn, that the medals here spoken of are quite other things than talismans.