The ancient Slavic culture interests modern people not in vain: to understand what the ancestors lived (even very distant ones) means to fully know oneself. In the case of the customs of the Slavic people, the task becomes as entertaining as possible: the unique standards of life of the ancient pagans are able to turn the idea of the whole of Russian life.
Slavic charms
Like the Latin amulets, Slavic charms were supposed to protect their owner from all sorts of troubles, troubles and even dangers. Nevertheless, it is impossible to equate the value of the amulet with the value of the amulet, because the latter should not only protect the person from the negative influence of the world, but also increase the positive impact, multiplying the good by several times. Amulets, as one can hear from the name, serve the owner as a kind of shield and do not allow evil to penetrate human life.
Types of Slavic charms
Charms were made in different ways: some were of natural origin, others were artificially created. Whereas in the first case, the material was taken from nature itself, without performing any manipulations, the latter were created by a person independently and began to speak during a special ritual.
The variety of Slavic amulets is amazing. All of them differ in the scope of activity: some are aimed at protecting against a certain type of misfortune - illnesses, failures in work, attacks of wild animals or the influence of supernatural forces. Others, of a wider spectrum of action, are able to protect a person from various types of misfortunes. Such amulets were consecrated by the priests of several powerful gods at once. These include the god Veles.
Pagan god Veles
This deity was considered the second most important among the entire variety of Slavic idols, second only to Perun - the thunder god, the personification of the Sun. The mighty Veles was responsible for livestock, animals and wealth. He knew how to control the elements and influence the weather. The Slavs appropriated him the most expensive metal - gold, and considered worshiping him their holy duty. That is why the Veles charm was one of the most important and powerful among the whole variety of Slavic talismans.
Charm of Veles: meaning
The action of the amulet is determined by the nature of the powerful god: he defended the owner with the same strength with which Veles himself would have done. The amulet protected a person from physical and magical influences, revealing at the right time his secret reserves and talents. The help of such a mascot was especially important for merchants, travelers and warriors, because they were always in motion, which increased risks and dangers.
Veles symbol
Like any other pagan god, Veles has its own symbol. As if proving the power of an idol, this sign shows an eternal movement from darkness to light, or rather, from the Goddess of Night to the Goddess of the Day. The symbol represents the merger of two incompatible at first glance principles, however, showing that one cannot exist without the other. The sign of Veles is called the sign of the solstice, the star of Veles, or, in Sanskrit, the swastika. This is the most powerful Slavic amulet: Veles always helps those who need it.
Types of Veles Star
The sign of the solstice is of two types:
1) Salting. This is the name of the symbol whose top ray has a clockwise direction. This is a course towards the Light, the Sun, pure Gods and a clear view of life.
2) Antisolon. The top beam of this sign is directed counterclockwise. He personifies the gaze into the darkness and power of the Goddess of Night, and also indicates evil intentions.
The sign of the solstice on the chest is a sign that Veles is guarding the person. The amulet in the form of such a symbol has a great influence if made by professional magicians. In addition to the star, Veles is also given a sign in the shape of an arrowhead - after all, a powerful deity was responsible not only for material wealth, but also for a good hunt for wild and dangerous animals. Often there is a charm in the form of an inverted letter "A" - it helps not to lose heart and always achieve its goal.
The material of the production of this amulet of Veles
Since ancient times, it has been customary that amulets are made from natural materials. These include wood, stone or ordinary fabric - cotton, wool, linen. Embroidery is considered to be the simplest type of amulet - that is why threads are a common manufacturing material. In this case, the color and accuracy of the drawing play an important role. The "Seal of Veles" amulet was often made from the bones of a dead bear.
During the rapid development of the metal industry, amulets began to be cast from silver. Thus, the mascots of Veles acquired another important condition: the presence of a silver tint. Currently, the best purchased amulet is one that is made of metal of exactly this shade.
Despite the variety of characters inherent in one of the most significant pagan gods, the main amulet of Veles is still a seal in the form of a bear's paw.
Charm "seal of Veles" - a bear paw
Before embarking on a detailed description of the most powerful bear amulets, you should thoroughly understand the role of a formidable predator in the world of the ancient Slavs. The bear has always been considered a sacred animal, and its image was assigned to the most powerful gods: the already familiar reader Veles, Svarog - the god of fire, and Perun - the analogue of the Greek Zeus. The ancient Slavs believed that each of the idols was able to inhabit animals and appear to humans in this form, and a bear was a "vessel" for them.
Interestingly, it is this formidable animal that is a symbol of Russia. Indeed, a bear is power, strength, wisdom and rebellion. The whole Russian character is embodied in this magnificent creation, and modern people, along with the pagans, believe in its strength.
The character of the Veles seal
The amulet, personifying not only a powerful animal, but also a majestic god, a priori has a strong influence on the proud owner of a talisman. However, the meaning of printing can be interpreted in different ways. The first view relates directly to the bear. It is believed that the carrier of the amulet becomes the owner of truly bearish strength, endurance, perseverance, courage. In addition, the talisman protects a person from any illnesses and adversities, as well as from the attack of predators.
Another version is due to the character that Veles himself possesses. The amulet in this case attracts wealth into the life of the wearer, reveals new wisdom to him, strengthens his creative abilities. In addition, the Slavs believed that this god is so strong that he is served by all the spirits of the lower rank: brownies, goblin, courtyard and others. Thus, the amulet will receive both their help and strength.
The true meaning of the “bear paw” amulet is explained by both ideas - and it becomes clear why the Slavs considered it a necessity in everyday life.
How to activate the seal of Veles
Despite the great strength and enormous influence that a bear paw carries, the charm of Veles should be noted - for this it needs to be activated. It’s better to do it on Wednesday. Since Veles is a pagan deity, he has a good disposition towards those who bring him gifts or treats. It should be noted that greed is an automatic hostility on the part of higher forces; gifts should be abundant.
Proper activation is best done closer to the night in a quiet place. An ideal option for this would be coniferous forest. A person who is counting on the help of a great god needs to find a modest stump or tree on which to put a talisman. After establishing an ideal place, a person should feel as calm as possible. Putting the amulet in the chosen place and placing the container next to it with good beer or kvass, one should begin immersion in a state resembling a trance.
Deep breathing, attention to every sound of the world, a handful of the earth, taken in the palm of your hand, and sincere faith in the power of the great Veles will help to relax and tune in the right mood. During the ritual you need to mentally contact the patron and ask for his help. A drop of unbelief will nullify all efforts - God will be offended and will not listen to anything. After all of the above, you should mentally thank Veles and pour beer or kvass into the ground.
What the Russian soul consists of
The Russian character is a combination of many historical factors. One of the main roles is played by Slavic culture - hundreds of pagan customs are preserved in the life of a Russian person to this day. Faith plays an important role in everyday life. God Veles, whose guardianship is capable of exerting a tremendous influence on the owner, confirms this: after all, people are now asking for his help and protection.