Acrylic paint, Aluminum Foil, Cardstock, and Permanent Marker on Canvas. 2’x1′. 2023.
This talisman was created as part of the Earth Art Gallery on display at the Unitarian Society of East Brunswick. It is a community-based Earth talisman created with the intention of inspiring environmental action. Talismans such as these are usually personal and kept to oneself, but this work would be visible to anyone who visited TUS and so I wanted to create something that reflected a call to action while still remaining true to the esoteric roots of the tradition of planetary talismans. These talismans are generally created out of particular metals associated with each planet, however, the Earth was not considered a planet in the past the same way we think of planets today. Regardless, I have assigned Aluminum to be the planetary metal of Earth, as it is the most common naturally-occurring metal to be found in nature.
The symbols and colors found on the talisman connect it to various streams of energy used to power the effect. Primarily the Latin words “Terra Sanāre” meaning “Earth, Be Healed!” on the left hold the intention of the talisman. The sigil on the right is of my own design, created from this intention. This intention can be converted to the number 58 and this number is represented in Arabic, Roman, and Mayan numerals. Symbols of Earth and the earthly zodiacal signs also grace the right side. The number 58 reduces to 4, connecting the talisman to the planet of Jupiter and the color blue. The geomantic figure within the square is of Acquisitio, associated with Jupiter. The Latin phrase “Terra Sanāre” reduces to 3, reflected in the three black dots on the left side.
Talismans and other mystical objects often include quotations from holy texts, and so I wanted to honor The Book of the Living by Octavia Butler in this talisman. Environmental change is not an easy road and will require great change and sacrifice from us all. It is an ongoing struggle with no end, as we must move in harmony with the world until we return to it.
The talisman itself is made from two ten-sided discs bearing the symbols and markings of the talisman. The number ten relates to the number of the physical world in Hermetic Qabalah, connecting the talisman to the Earth itself. The frame painted around the talisman is done in the colors of Malkuth: Citrine, Olive, Russet, and Black. The background of frame was inscribed with Mystical Circuitry as a way to build energy into the magical working. The majority of the circuitry is covered by the talisman, adding a dimension of secrecy to the working and also references the “hidden” nature of technology, where it works even if we don’t see or understand the inner workings.
Frater Zigmund 