The All-Seeing Eye -- a single human eye surrounded by radiating beams of light -- is found in many eras and cultures. It is generally a symbol of the watchful and protective power of the Supreme Being, especially when that entity is considered in a solar or heavenly context. It appears on the Great Seal of the United States, and is among the many beautiful symbols of Freemasonry, where it represents the Great Architect of the Universe.

In regions where the evil eye belief occurs, the All-Seeing Eye is one of many forms of reflective eye-charm used as apotropaic talismans against the this danger. In its specifically protective role, the All-Seeing Eye appears on at least one North American Good Luck Coin to "guard" the bearer "from evil." A similar talismanic function was assigned to the protective Wadjet Eye or "Eye of Horus" of Ancient Egypt and the Third Eye of Buddha in India. Even the Mexican ojo de venado charm, an ancient shamanic amulet made from a psychedelic legume seed is given an eye-related name: ojo de venado means "Deer Eye."

The apotropaic all-seeing eye charm shown at above right is from Turkey. Just 1 1/4" x 2" in size, it is hand-made of blue glass and fitted with a blue ribbon and brass chain, so that it can be hung in a window, on a wall, near the door, or over a baby's bed, where it will ward off the evil eye. Related symbolism assigns protective power to the eye-in-hand and other blue eye amulets of Turkey. Greece, North Africa, the Middle East, and India. Similar blue glass eye charms from Turkey include the horseshoe and eyes; the eye, horseshoe, and grapes; and one i call the "eyes-all-over" sphere.

The protective all-seeing eye wall hanger is from Egypt. About 2" x 4" in size, it is made of stamped silvery-coloured metal covered with a transparent wash of bright blue enamel paint that gives it a lovely "dimensional" effect. It is fitted with a silvery-coloured metal chain and a bunch of little "danglers" for added protection. It can be hung in a car from the rear-view mirror or on a wall at home, either near the door or over a baby's bed, where it will ward off the evil eye. The back is unpainted; if it is to be hung where it can be seen from both sides, glue two together back-to-back; they fit together perfectly. The maker of these all-seeing eyes also makes a similar stamped metal hamsa hand wall hanger.
 

The anchor -- usually fouled in a length of line -- is a symbol with disparate meanings, not all of them magical.

For obvious reasons, it is widely used as an emblem for various naval organizations, such as the United States Marine Corps.

In the symbolism of Freemasonry, it is typically displayed along with a book and clasped hands or a heart, to represent a triumvirate of Biblical virtues, Faith, Hope, and Charity. The book is Faith, the anchor Hope, and the hands or heart are Charity.

As an amulet, the fouled anchor is carried to ensure safe travel. The late 20th century American pewter key ring charm shown here is a typical sample of that aspect of anchor imagery. It makes an especially nice safe travel charm because car keys are kept on such rings and thus the lucky anchor would be carried with the owner on the road. Anchor milagros and ex-votos are also placed in Catholic shrines, to ensure the safe return of a loved ones, especially fishermen and sailors.

Another amuletic use for the fouled anchor is found in the African-American hoodoo tradition. Here, as an extension of the symbol's use as a safe travel charm, it implies safe return to the home, and thus faithfulness and marital fidelity. For this reason, mojo bags created for the purpose of ensuring sexual fidelity -- as well as those for safe travel -- are often embellished with or contain a fouled anchor charm. Likewise, hoodoo seven day candles embellished with or cast in the form of a anchor are sometimes used to "anchor" a lover to one's side so that he or she will not stray.

Angelica Root (also known as Holy Ghost Root, Archangel Root, and Dong Quai) is widely thought to be a powerful Guardian and Healer, and to provide Strength to Women. We believe that Angelica Root is used by many people for the purpose of Warding Off Evil and bringing Good Luck in Health and Family Matters.

Some folks tell us that they place the root in a white flannel bag, anoint it with Blessing Oil and keep it near the Baby for protection. Others use it in a ritual magic spell called the Fiery Wall of Protection. It is also widely claimed that dressing a whole Angelica Root and a pinch of Lavender Flowers with Peaceful Home Oil and carrying them in a blue flannel bag will bring Peace to the Home and Faithfulness to the Marriage.

In America, Angelica root is commonly found in African-American mojo bags prepared for protection from evil, for uncrossing, and to break a jinx. In powdered form, it is an ingredient in sachet powders used for healing and blessing. It may also be dusted on magic candles used for protection and prayer in matters of spiritual peace and blessing.

In Mexico, when an adolescent girl has suffered a bout of susto (a form of supernatural fright), she may be given a white flannel bag containing an Angelica Root and a small print of Saint Michael Archangel to carry for protection.

There are actually seven Archangels in the Jewish belief, four of whose names are mentioned in scripture. Two of them are symbolically connected to this root. Archangel Michael, the eldest, is used with Angelica Root as a defender of women. Archangel Gabriel is concerned with the announcements of pregnancy, is allied with this root in its role as an herbal tonic for women's reproductive health.

Psychic Protection for the Witch in Everyone!

As part of the launch of my new book, The Witch’s Shield: Psychic Protection and Psychic Self Defense, I wanted to share the techniques that helped me maintain psychic boundaries and a healthy sense of safety. Though few of us learn them when we should, I really think they are basics of psychic hygiene. If you learn to take care of yourself on a daily basis, you can avoid problems in the future. I learned these techniques studying the art and science of witchcraft, hence the book title – The Witch’s Shield. I’ve shared them in classes for both witches and non-witches alike with great success.

Sometimes the word "witch" scares people off. I can understand that. I thought it was silly at first. When my first teacher, a good family friend, revealed she was a witch, I didn’t understand. But I soon found out the spiritual traditions of witchcraft stretch across the globe and throughout time. Witches were the priestesses and priests of the ancient world. They kept the mysteries of magick and psychic ability. A witch is someone who does magick, not only for her- or himself, but for the good of the community. Sometimes the first step in helping our communities, in helping the world, is helping ourselves by finding health, balance, and clarity. Only then can be devote energy to help others.

So, with that in mind, the wisdom of the witch broadens for us. We might not all identify spiritually as witches, but these techniques of psychic protection and magick are universal, and can apply to anyone as long as the person is open to magick, change, and personal responsibility. You will find similar wisdom in the traditions of shamanism, energy healers, ceremonial magicians, and other New Age seekers.

Here are seven psychic protection techniques from which anyone can benefit:

1 - Smudging – Smudging refers to passing yourself or an object through sacred smoke as a means of purification. When burned, certain herbs release a high vibrational energy that is used to purify unwanted, harmful forces – what most people call negative energy. Herbs like sage, cedar, sweet grass, pine, and lavender can be burned, as well as incenses such as frankincense, myrrh, and copal. Simply wave the smoking substance around you and make sure you pass through the smoke. Don’t do too much. It’s an energetic process, not a physical one, so you don’t have to feel like you are asphyxiating.

2- Sea Salt Bath – Similar to smudging, taking a sea salt bath can cleanse the physical body as well as the energy. Put two tablespoons of sea salt or kosher salt in your bath water and soak. Imagine all the stress and harmful energy you have accumulated or taken on from others flowing into the water. Sit in the bathtub as its drains and imagine it flowing down the drain, neutralized by the salt and water. I have a friend who puts a spray bottle of sea salt and water and gives herself a little spritz and sponge bath. The salt neutralizes any harmful energies, and then she just wipes it off. It's a great way to clear yourself if you're on the run and a bath is too time consuming.

3 - Amulet – Symbols and charms have long been lauded for their protective powers. In almost every culture, there is a tradition of wearing or carrying a particular amulet, often blessed by a priest/tess, to confer the powers of divine protection upon the wearer. Take a symbol you find sacred and divine. Find it in a jewelry or pendant form. If you cannot, try drawing the symbol on a piece of paper or wood, and carrying it with you. If you are Christian, use a cross. If you are Wiccan, use a pentacle. Hindu, try the Ohm symbol. There are a variety of symbols, from the Star of David to the Hammer of Thor. Find the one that speaks protection to you. Smudge the amulet and hold it in both hands. Think about protection and infuse your thoughts into the amulet, activating its power to protect in the name of your divinities. Carry the charm with you to receive its protection.

4 - Protection Stone – Like a symbolic amulet, you can carry a stone known for its protective and grounding qualities with you. Most dark colored stones have magical associations with protection. Some of my favorite choices are hematite, smoky quartz, onyx, obsidian, jet, and aragonite. Other stores that are protective include red jasper, amber, citrine, and clear quartz. Like an amulet, cleanse your stone and infuse your intention into it.

5 - Meditation – Meditation is one of the greatest keys to psychic defense. Regular meditation practice leaves you clear, centered, and in a mental place where you can respond to potential threats, rather than unconsciously react to them. It doesn’t matter the style or tradition of meditation. Regular practice is the key. You will not get the long term psychic protection benefits of meditation by doing it only once every few weeks. It must be like exercise, done regularly. I suggest at least three times a week. If you can do it daily, so much the better.

6- Healthy Emotional Boundaries – Emotional boundaries are not the most esoteric form of psychic defense, but one that quite a few people leave out. Sometimes psychic defense - particularly from people who are harmful to us, intentionally or unintentionally - is the ability to say “no” and stick to it. If someone asks you to do something or go somewhere, and you only say yes because you are afraid of being “mean” or “letting them down” but you know its not a good situation for you, you must learn to say no. As an adult, only you define what is acceptable and unacceptable in your life. Draw those boundary lines and stick to them.

7 - Living Your True Will – The best form of psychic self-defense is to live out your true will. What is your divine purpose? Find it! Then actually live it. If you are doing what you are meant to be doing, the universe will support you and very little anyone else does or says will be able to stop you. You true will, or what some call your magical will, is not your destiny. It doesn’t happen regardless. This your partnership with the divine. You must choose to fulfill it. But once you choose to be a full, conscious partner with the divine, you will have a divine protection that will help you in all of life’s difficult areas.

For more information and an expanded view on these techniques, and a whole philosophy on psychic protection, look to my full length work, The Witch’s Shield: Psychic Protection and Psychic Self Defense. May the divine guide, bless, and protect each of your steps.