From the days of the earliest travelers and explorers man has always had apprehension about travel. We have always sought comfort from objects we believe brought luck, belief and safety to our ancestors.
The earliest charm or talisman would probably have been the staff or stave which not only assisted physically but also spiritually. Staves provided support as they negotiated obstacles and streams but could also be used as a weapon of self defense against robbers or dangerous animals.
Many of the staves or staffs bore words or inscriptions that acted as inspirations related to ancient mythology and the protection that the mythological gods offered the traveler.
Modern civilizations merely adapted and modified their ancestor’s ideas to suit the period i.e. the ‘St Christopher pendant’ but the fundamental idea remains the same ‘protection from the unknown and peace of mind’
On the seas and oceans elaborate carvings of figureheads on galleons or dragon heads of the Viking ships to the humble hag stone (stones with natural holes) attached to Dorset fishing boats were used as omens of good fortune. To this day talismanic symbols welded to hulls of some ships are not uncommon, although not generally noted.
Ash trees have from the earliest civilizations played a major role in travel belief. The Ash was a sacred tee to the Vikings ‘Aescling’(meaning men of the Ash) and was used extensively in the carved dragon heads to ward of the dangerous monsters of the sea. These dragon heads are believed to have been turned around when approaching land so as no to scare the friendly spirits of the forests. Shields and staves were believed to be carved with runic inscriptions to act as sea charms known as BRUN dedicated to the Norse god NJORD ‘the stiller of storms and protector of ships’.
The Saxons staves known as GEALDORS were also made of ash probably for its strength and durability; these were also believed to have carved runic inscriptions. These staves or staffs existed until the 17th century after which they were then banned by religious law however smaller pieces of inscribed ash were concealed and carried. Many people believe St Christopher’s staff and little John of the Greenwoods staff were probably Gealdor’s.
During the potato famine of Ireland the Ash tree of Killura was stripped bare piece by piece by the poor people who emigrated to America for use as charms for protection against drowning.
There is not a civilization in the world where some form of ‘travel charm’ is not used
Image:
This 'Saxon Journey Charm' is a piece of Ash branch with the branded Bindrune for travel and protection. It comes with a simple clip to attach to belt, bag, rucksack or keys. As each charm is handcrafted they are unique and will differ slightly from picture. It comes packaged with with an informative insert making it an ideal gift.
The Saxon Journey Charm £4.00
UK POSTAGE AND PACKAGING INCLUSIVE
Image:
This 'Viking Brun Sea Charm' is a piece of Ash branch with the branded Bindrune for water, power and protection in a compass design to represent 4 winds and 4 tides. It comes with a simple clip to attach to belt, bag, rucksack or keys. As each charm is handcrafted they are unique and will differ slightly from picture. It comes packaged with an informative insert making it an ideal gift.
The Viking Brun Sea Charm £4.00
UK POSTAGE AND PACKAGING INCLUSIVE
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