As it appeared in CIRCLE MAGAZINE – Winter Issue, 2009

A talisman is defined as "Something that produces an extraordinary or magickal effect." Many believe that a talisman attracts something to its possessor.

A symbol is defined as "Something concrete that represents or suggests another thing than cannot in itself be represented or visualized.

The symbols we readily see in our civilization have come down through the ages from many different cultures, races and religions. The average non-wiccan has no knowledge of the greater meaning behind the images. Today, the triangle is the accepted mainstream sign for danger. As Wiccans, we understand there is much more to it. It symbolizes the three aspects of the Goddess: Virgin, Mother and Crone. In India it’s Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Australian aborigines believed it symbolized the ancient Goddess Kunapipi.

I call symbols and talismans "subconscious affirmations". When we glance at a symbol we are reminded of a truth we hold dear. Just as a pentagram reminds us that we must maintain balance, a loaf of bread can remind us of our abundance.

Our ancestors understood the power of symbols and used every opportunity to apply these principals. During Yule they would hang small carved figures on evergreen trees in the forest hoping to have wishes granted. This same principal can be applied to our contemporary Yule Season, celebrated by the mainstream as Christmas.

The centerpiece of today’s Christmas celebration is the Christmas Tree, which traditionally is an evergreen. Evergreens symbolize eternal life and immortality because they survive Winter when all other trees die back.

We can transform our Yule tree into a powerful talisman simply by understanding the greater meaning of the symbols involved and making a conscious effort to hang them with care on our tree.

We’ll start with the overall conical shape of the standard evergreen tree used for this purpose. Think about a person sitting and meditating in full lotus position. The overall shape is similar.

Visualize the areas of the meditating body where the chakras are located. Overlay this image over the conical shape and you have an understanding of how the talisman is empowered.

The crown of the head becomes the top of the tree where the star decoration is usually placed. This Crown Chakra deals with divine knowing and self realization.

A few inches below that is the Third Eye Chakra. This chakra not only has to do with clairvoyance, but intuition and creative visualization as well.

Next is the Throat Chakra. This chakra works with personal power, communication and how we express ourselves.

The chest is the location of the Heart Chakra. This is the healing center that deals with balance, acceptance and peace of mind.

The Solar Plexus Chakra is next. This is the center for all issues of clear thinking, fear and hostility.

Next is the Navel Chakra that deals with sexuality and relationships.

The Base Chakra, which is next, represents earth and our foundation and how we connect and interact with the earth plane.

We can now consider the special decorations and ornaments that will bring the Yule symbolism to our talisman.

Fish ornament – An ancient symbol for plenty and abundance, this ornament is best placed on the Base Chakra.

Gold or silver coins – Throughout the ages gold and silver has meant prosperity and wealth. The best place for this ornament would be the Base Chakra.

Loaves of bread – Another ancient symbol for prosperity, the Base Chakra would be the right place for this ornament.

Cornucopia – This symbol of overall abundance could be put on the Base Chakra or at the Heart Chakra, because it could be a cornucopia of blessings, not just food.

Heart shapes – Like the cornucopia, this ornament could be placed on the Base Chakra, the Naval Chakra or the Heart Chakra. Love and acceptance of family and friends is as important to your grounding as love of your mate or lover.

Gold or silver rings – This symbol of commitment could be placed at the Naval Chakra or the Base Chakra.

Brass keys – Because they open doors, keys are usually symbols of wisdom. They could be placed at the Crown Chakra for enlightenment or the Solar Plexus Chakra for clear thinking.

Tiny doors or gates – These are symbols for either new paths or epiphanies which lead to answers. The best place would be Crown Chakra or Solar Plexus Chaka.

Eyeglasses – Clarity is symbolized by glasses. It could be placed at the Third Eye Chakra or Solar Plexus Chakra.

Eye of god ornament – The best place for this symbol of enlightenment would be the Crown Chakra.

Wooden or stone cube shapes – These geometric shapes symbolize strength and power in our physical world. The Base Chakra would be the perfect place.

Crescent shape – Because this symbolizes the Goddess, anywhere on the tree would be appropriate.

Eight pointed star – This is a symbol for perfection, therefore it could be placed in any area that needs work.

Six pointed star – Because this symbolizes protection, the Base Chakra would be appropriate.

Equal arm cross – Balance is the meaning of this ancient symbol. The Base Chakra or the Throat Chakra would be appropriate.

Pentagram – The Throat Chakra would be an excellent place for this one.

Butterflies – A beautiful and ancient symbol for transformation, the butterfly would be best placed at the Crown Chakra.

Bells – Another ancient symbol for protection, on all levels not just physical, the Throat Chakra, as well as the Base Chakra, would be appropriate.

Birds – This symbol for the ascension of consciousness, would best be placed at the Crown Chakra.

Spider – Anywhere and everywhere would be appropriate for this symbol of the Goddess.

Dog – This ancient symbol for fidelity could be placed at the Base Chakra or the Naval Chakra.

Cat – Another symbol of the Goddess, anywhere on the tree would be perfect.

White winged horse – This ancient symbol for nobility could be placed at the Heart Chakra or the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Bull – The Naval Chakra or the Base Chakra could be utilized for this ornament, which symbolizes fertility.

Pig – Another symbol for fertility, the Base Chakra or the Naval Chakra would be appropriate.

Bee – Industriousness and order is symbolized by this valuable insect. The Solar Plexus would be ideal for this ornament.

Owl – This is a symbol for both the Goddess and wisdom so an appropriate place for this ornament would be either the Crown Chakra or the Solar Plexus.

Ying/yang – This powerful symbol used for balance could be best placed on either the Heart Chakra or the Throat Chakra.

Egg – This is one of the most ancient symbols used to mean fecundity and fertility. The Naval Chakra or the Base Chakra would be good, because both of these Chakras affect reproduction.

Horseshoe – This is a symbol of luck and protection. It could be placed at the Base Chakra or the Naval Chakra.

Sea shells – Long held as the symbol for moon, birth, regeneration, love, marriage and fertility, the best place for this ornament is the Base Chakra or the Navel Chakra.

Crown – This is a symbol for accomplishment. What better place than the Crown Chakra?

Making ornaments can become a family project. Use a wood burning tool or paint to put symbols, runes or sigils on wooden or glass discs. Have fun with it. See how many new ornaments you can come up with.

Blessed Be.

Not so brief bio:

In addition to being an award winning photographer (whose images have appeared in PANGAIA MAGAZINE, issue 41) and artist, I am also a freelance writer. My articles have appeared in JUMP MAGAZINE, FATE MAGAZINE, CIRCLE NETWORK NEWS, NEW RADIANCE HOLISTIC DIRECTORY, UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST MAGAZINE and FLORIDA GARDENING MAGAZINE.

I have been the featured guest on twelve radio talk shows aired across the United States, Canada and South Africa. Currently I am a regular guest on Blog Talk radio with Spiritual Warrior.

I am a certified hypnotist and I work with law enforcement agencies with cases involving missing children.

Wicca has been a driving force in my life since the 1980’s.

Dodie Ulery, 158 Cone Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

386-672-9950, FAX 386-615-8151