How to Make & Use Talismans

Discover the history, theory and practice of magical objects in this three-part livestream workshop with leading British occultist Julian Vayne, and learn to design, consecrate and charge your own talismans.

For centuries, talismans and amulets have been used to offer protection, attract good fortune and give tangible form to magical intentions. From ancient charms and protective symbols to the planetary talismans of Hermetic magic and the sigils of contemporary occult practice, these objects are among the oldest and most enduring tools of magic. But how do they work? This workshop explores the many ways talismans have been understood to function, through magical correspondences, symbolism, psychology and ritual.

Julian Vayne is an independent scholar and practitioner with over four decades of experience in esoteric culture, spanning Druidry, Chaos Magic, Witchcraft, Freemasonry and Shamanism. He is widely recognised as one of Britain's leading occultists. He brings both deep historical knowledge and hands-on magical experience, along with a warm, collaborative teaching style that makes complex ideas accessible and practical.

What to expect

Over three sessions, you will trace the story of talismans and amulets from the ancient world to the present day, and explore the theories behind their power. Each session combines illustrated teaching, discussion and hands-on practice, progressing step by step from empowering everyday objects to designing, consecrating and charging more elaborate talismans. You will leave with practical techniques and fresh perspectives to help you develop your own talismanic practice.

This 3-part online workshop includes:

• The history of talismans and amulets, from ancient charms to Hermetic magic and contemporary occult practice
• How talismans are understood to work through magical correspondences, symbolism, psychology and ritual
• Practical techniques for empowering everyday objects
• Designing your own talismans using symbols and correspondences
• Methods for consecrating and charging talismans
• Illustrated teaching, group discussion and hands-on practice in every session

Who is this workshop for?

• Beginners curious about the history and practice of magic
• Experienced practitioners looking to deepen or refresh their talismanic work
• Anyone interested in Hermeticism, ritual magic and the Western esoteric tradition
• Those drawn to symbolism and the power of objects to hold intention
• Anyone wishing to create meaningful tools for protection, good fortune and personal transformation

Book your place now to unlock the secrets of talismanic magic and learn to give your intentions a tangible, enduring form.

Meet your tutor, Julian Vayne

Julian Vayne is a British independent scholar, author and occultist with more than 40 years of experience within esoteric culture. Growing up amid Britain's punk and rave scenes, he immersed himself in the philosophy and techniques of magic, beginning his journey into group ritual within the Western Esoteric Tradition at the age of 16. Since then, he has worked in ceremony with practitioners from many lands and lineages, and is a senior member of the Magical Pact of the Illuminates of Thanateros.

In the 1990s, Julian edited Pagan Voice, Britain's bestselling pagan newspaper, and he has since written books, essays and articles for both academic and esoteric publications. He has been a visiting lecturer at several British universities and teaches widely through workshops, online courses, mentoring and retreats. With an academic background in teaching and learning, his approach emphasises curiosity, collaboration and creativity, informed by chaos magic, deep ecology and lineages within Wicca and Tantra.

Julian's combination of scholarly insight and decades of practical magical experience makes him an exceptional guide to the art of talismanic magic.

Live online with replay

This workshop will be recorded. You will find the recording link in your College Account within two working days from the event - an email will alert you when they are ready. The recording will be available for replay for three months following the event. Please see our terms for more information.

Previous participants say:

"Julian Vayne was amazing!! I didn't feel like I was on a workshop, more like I was sitting and chatting about an interesting subject with a friend. I will be looking out for more from Julian. Thank you."

"I have been attending classes with Julian for many years through other platforms, the CPS classes have been totally compelling. I would love to see Julian do more here. He has a very engaging, warm teaching style, and his unique and varied experience shines through."

"Julian Vayne's awesome! What a great instructor and I love the content."

"If you have any interest in sigils I highly recommend a course or workshop with this tutor, a vast amount of knowledge is packed into their presentations, you also get to practice several different methods and techniques, and have any questions answered."