Did you know...

[eyeofhorus2010]

The symbol of modern pharmacies and prescriptions "Rx" is derived from the three pieces of the Eye of Horus.  The highly stylized eye of the falcon head, solar and sky god Horus is associated with regeneration, health and prosperity.

In ancient Egypt the eye was used as a funeral amulet as protection against evil and rebirth in the afterworld.
Worn as jewelry the eye served to ensure safety, protect health and provide the wearer with wisdon and prosperity.

According to legend the right eye of Horus was torn out by his uncle Seth in a great power struggle. Seth lost and the eye was restored by Isis, thence the eye became to symbolize security of kingship, perfection and protection against evil influence.

In searching for a means to keep me on the path to recovery I felt I needed some sort of token or good luck charm to keep with me at all times. The Eye of Horus seemed to fit the bill.  The one I bought weighs about 5 oz and I can easily feel it weight in my pocket and I go nowhere without it. When I get stressed or sometimes when I crave I simply pull it out and feel it's weight in my hands, look at it and I'm reminded of what the last 9 years have cost me and all of the effort it has taken to finally be clean.

The mental part of being clean is hard and it's so abstract at times that it's good to have something that can pull it into a physical state.

Just thought I'd share one of my many tricks for coping. Anyone else use a talisman of any kind?
Thanks for listening.

[Mangee]

Amongst the Jewish people we have what is known as the ,"Hamsha Hand or the Hames Hand." It is an amulet in the shape of a hand supposedly the hand of Miriam. It contains a jewel or stone which is the ,"Eye of Horus." It is used to ward off the ,"Evil eye." In some traditional households the amulet was attached to the door frame. We also have attached to the door frame what we call ,"The Mezzuzah." It is a piece of metal in the shape of a torah and it contains a prayer which the Jewish npeople mreach out to as they enter or leave. After they touch the ,"Mezzuzah," they kiss the tip of the finger that touched it. it is also used to ward off evil as well as well as a prayer to God.

[eyeofhorus2010]

I'll be busy finding just the right charm for you. I want to help you as much as you've helped me. You're a good friend to me Alison, thank you. Bob

[WantToBeNormalAgain]

Very cool ideas, both of you. I would love to have something tangible to remind me of where I am now, where I was a year ago at this point..I will have to find something. Hopefully an idea will come to me as to what I can carry around or look at when I need a reminder of things past. I love symbolism in any form, any context.

Bob, how'd ya get so smart, lol..you're very knowledgeable and I'd love your input (as always) as to any suggestions you'd have for me for something I can carry with me..? I know I should probably do this one on my own, but you know my story so well so maybe you cna think of something..and outside perspective is always great.

I always wanted to ask you what your screen name meant, I knew, knowing you, that it had a profound meaning. Very cool! Love the story, I am in to mythology and ancient history and epic stories. Thanks for sharing friend, talk to you soon!!

xo Alison

[eyeofhorus2010]

I read earlier that you had encased your last Roxy and thought that was pretty cool. My problem is that I would have eventually chipped it out of there and taken it. lol.

Turtles are a great talisman too,

Dating back to ancient times, turtles and tortoises were thought to bring good health, longevity, and protection from evil. American beliefs resemble those of ancient times. The long survival of the turtles in the animal kingdom, having remained the same for millions of years gives rise to the belief in supernatural powers. Moreover, individual specimens of these hard shelled creatures are long-lived, can go without food for almost a year and rarely if ever die of disease. Chinese culture considers the turtle a divine animal. While the turtle may be slow, its steady determined gait, slow breathing, composure and lack of aggression gives it a placid character that Chinese compare to hermit sages. The divine turtle, “peacefully living a hermit-like existence for thousands of years in a spring’s waters” has much the character of an immortal Taoist who has removed himself from the troubles of the world. Teachers of qi gong breathing techniques always advise their students to become like turtles. An ancient Chinese birthday wish is: “May the turtle and crane extend your life.”

[swflafun]

You write very well. Familiar with your talisman story too. Mine? Strange. Was at the bank getting $$ for what else? Pills. They had stacks of a trade style card for the treatment of sea turtles in Florida. On impulse, fate(?), I grabbed a stack a couple weeks ago. Big pic of a peaceful turtle. Grab a new one every morning and put it in my pocket. Turtles are very good karhma, specially for sailors.
Guess ill have to get some printed. Only a couple dozen left. Gonna need more than that. BIG GRIN. At least I know somebody else is a little goofy ;-).  Something tangible is a big plus for me. I also have my last roxy varnished in a small paperweight. Ying and Yang. Good and Evil. Balance. What we all need.