Ivy's Pentacles

THE SYMBOLISM OF ENGRAVED STONES

It was customary all throughout history to engrave a permanent image into something hard and difficult to destroy, like stone. Certain images came to be known as inspiring or magickal, and were kept, carried, or worn as talismans. In the thirteenth century a book was published (called The Book of Wings) that listed the appropriate symbols to be engraved in stone for different purposes. These are included here as examples, and please note that colors, patterns, and gemstone properties can be combined to give desired symbolism to a talisman or charm.

A dragon carved into any red stone brings happiness and health.
A falcon on topaz causes its owner to be regarded favorably by those in positions of power.
An astrolabe carved in sapphire is a powerful charm for future prediction and wise choices.
A lion on a garnet is a symbol of honor and protection.
A ram on sapphire is a charm for sick people needing to heal.
A frog on beryl helps to bring quarrels to an end; give to a friend or lover with whom you've had a fight.
A bat on bloodstone amplifies magick.
Any figure carrying a sword carved on carnelian will avert the dangers of being struck by lightning.
A swallow or dove on celonite brings peace.
A maiden goddess with laurel is a good luck charm.
A stag (or other animal with antlers) on jasper will help restore sanity.
Any triangular stone that resembles an eye will protect the carrier from the evil eye and other forms of curses.
An Andromeda figure will help to cure marital problems.
A Sard figure is a lucky charm for women.
A donkey engraved on chrysolite helps with clairvoyance.
A vulture engraved on chrysolite helps to control the element of air.
A soldier/archer on iris protects people and places against evil.
A bull engraved on prase causes positive verdicts in court.
A bear on amethyst encourages sobriety.

Some additions were made to this list in the fourteenth century; here are notable changes:

Any gemstone bearing a man with a goat's head helps the owner find favor with other men and all animals.
A man with a scythe engraved on any material brings strength and courage.
Any gemstone with a sun and a moon engraved on it helps to keep virginity.
Any material bearing a man holding a palm branch in his right hand promotes positive rulings and good opinions from powerful people.
A dog or stag on jasper helps the owner cure others with mental health problems.

It should be noted that all of these symbols retain their meanings whether engraved or simply placed semi-permanently in any medium, like being pressed into wax or sewn into cloth. Choose a color of wax or material that resembles the correct color if a gemstone or mineral is not available, and use that to make a charm.

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