A talisman

 A talisman is an object believed to possess magical powers that bring good luck, protection, or other benefits to its owner.¹

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of a talisman:

• Object: It can be any kind of object, such as a stone, piece of jewelry, coin, parchment, or even a specific word or symbol.
• Magical Powers: The core belief is that the talisman is imbued with supernatural or magical properties. This power is often attributed to the way the talisman was made, the materials it's made from, or specific symbols or inscriptions it bears.
• Good Luck and Protection: The most common purpose of a talisman is to attract positive outcomes, such as good fortune, health, wealth, or love. It's also frequently believed to offer protection against negative forces, evil spirits, or harm.²
• Personal Connection: Talismans are often considered personal objects, and their effectiveness is sometimes believed to be tied to the owner's faith or connection to the object.³

Distinction from Amulet:

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there's a subtle distinction:

• Talisman: Typically created with the intention of attracting positive benefits or empowering the wearer.
• Amulet: Primarily used for protection against negative forces, danger, or illness.⁴

However, in everyday language, the terms are often used loosely, and many objects serve both purposes.

In summary, a talisman is an object believed to have magical properties that bring positive benefits to its owner.⁵ It's a concept rooted in folklore, superstition, and spiritual beliefs across various cultures and throughout history.