Before we get into the grunt of the post, I feel it is best
that I first cover some magical theory. Not all will agree with me, I
understand that and seek not to change solid opinion, but inform those who do
not know or those who are curious in regard to other systems of belief held
around familiar totems. With that being said:

Where does the power come from?

I know that seems quite general a question, but it’s
important to understand the source of power that one must imbue magical items
with. I, personally, have a mixed background on the matter and thereby have a
mixed methodology in creating magical jewelry. The animist in me imbues these
items with spirit – I use this method when creating an amulet or talisman ruled
by a specific spirit. For me, these become as much devotional as magical. They
become not only an item used to bring about protection or drawing, but an item
to solidify a connection to a specific spirit. As an example, I have two
bracelets and a necklace that are connected to my yayá, Rosa Caveira, so as to
keep her close at hand. I wear them both as a sign of my devotion as well as a
link to her power and energy. In essence, this loosely parallels the use of
collares/elekes. The source of power is the blending energy of Rosa’s force and
my own, it is a symbiotic relationship.

The other type of magical “accessories” I employ are those
not bound to spirit. These are the ones I use more readily and are the
collection of items, symbols, herbs, etc. – each with its own signature – that,
when brought together and aimed with intent, transform something from mundane
to magical.  In the case, the source of
the power is the signature: the
blending of items (that possess their own signature), the ambient
energy/current of the Universe/etc., and your own – which come together in a
way to serve what purpose you desire of it.

As an aside, this ambient energy/current of the Universe is
what I really wanted to talk about with this question. All that is
is comprised of energy: there is “raw” energy (electricity, plasma, etc.), the
energy of motion, gravity, and all matter which is comprised of slow moving
energy. Think atomically – these vibrating particles that sustain us and all
things. Everything is energy and energy is everywhere. All things possess the
current of the Universe, and it can be drawn from anywhere, and it is the key to witchcraft. When a witch draws
from him/herself, they are drawing from the Current. When the witch draws from herb
and curio, they are drawing from the Current (through the particular lens or
signature of that item). When they draw from the Earth, the moon, the cosmos,
they draw from the Current. And when the draw from the Gods or the Universe,
they are drawing from the Current. So, in essence, both methods stem from the
same source and thereby work equally as well, it simply depends on which course
you favor.

Construction

I cannot say much on the specific construction of these
items because there is no specific way to
construct them, as there are ways innumerable. They can be comprised of simple
things: a stone, a slip of paper, a coin, etc. Or they can be made of a
collection of things, expertly combined for a very pointed purpose. They can be
forged in gold, set with diamonds, emeralds and rubies, or sticks, stones, herbs
and bones carried in a mojo bag. There are no instructions save the ones of
your tradition or the ones of your imagination. Do not be afraid to get
creative and trust, above all, your intuition.

Charging/Feeding/Animating

This is without a doubt the most important part of creating
an amulet/charm/talisman. This, too, can be simple or complex. For instance,
drawing a sigil or prayer on a sheet of paper, in clay, or on a stone to carry
is – in itself – a means of charging. Not only does this writing lend itself to
the construction, but to the charging as well. The same can almost be said of combining using the
law of signatures, except there remains that small missing piece of intent.
While you create, you may speak over the ingredients their purpose, add to them
a symbol charged with intent or fumigate the charm with smoke from your lips. These
methods may be unnecessary for some seasoned professionals, who subconsciously
imbue each ingredient with specific purpose that combine to form a collective
purpose during creation, but for those new to the art, I recommend making sure
to pointedly note your intent. Clarity is always a great quality to any spell.

Another important facet to charm/amulet/talisman
construction is to feed the curio. Many traditions have varying ways of
accomplishing this, from oil or alcohol dressing, smoke and prayer charging, or
even simply the act of holding the fetish and reminding it of its role.
Personally, I’m rather fond of oil dressing, but do what feels right to you or
what is dictated by your own tradition.

Disposal

You guessed it: the means for disposal are as varied as the
means for creation. Nonetheless, this step is very important, for after the
item serves its purpose, it needs to be properly retired. Some have a much
longer “life expectancy” than others, for instance: a protective amulet will be
tasked with serving you much longer than a love-drawing talisman. In the case
of amulets, it may be carried until it begins to show wear or improper
maintenance (falling apart, symbols smearing or chipping, etc.) at which point
is should be retired and deconstructed (if comprised of multiple components).
Once it has been retired, and it’s parts cleansed, it can then be reconstructed
or constructed anew until it once again shows sign of disrepair. Wash, rinse, repeat. The length of time
a talisman is carried depends heavily on how long it takes to accomplish its
task, and once that task is completed, it’s important to dispose of it
properly. Some methods include: burial (often at a specific location:
graveyard, crossroads, yard, etc.), fire, deconstruction, and feeding into
running water. I recommend the same here as I have above: trust your intuition or
your tradition about how best to get rid of a specific charm.

Any questions I’d be happy to answer to the best of my
ability!