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On Body and Soul: Contemporary Armor to Amulets

Ramljak, Suzanne
Reader rating
4.5
(1 reviews) 115 sold
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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover how ancient protective arts thrive in our complex, modern world.

This compelling volume delves into contemporary protective objects, from physical armor to spiritual amulets. Showcasing 200 vivid images of 21st-century creations, it highlights the enduring human need for safeguarding. The book explores both 'hardware' like wearable weaponry and 'software' such as talismans, examining their artistic merit and profound cultural significance. Through discussions of history, anthropology, and psychology, it demonstrates how modern artisans continue a timeless tradition of crafting defenses for body and spirit in a turbulent era. Featuring works by top artists, it presents everything from intricate helmets and chain mail to exquisite jewelry designed for safety.

Key themes
Enduring Human Protection Artistry in Defense Modern Spiritual & Physical Safeguards
Historical context

This work sits at the intersection of contemporary esoteric practice and material culture studies, bridging ancient protective traditions with modern artistic expression. It reflects a current resurgence in tangible spiritual defense mechanisms within Western occultism.

Difficulty
●● Moderate
Fans will love it
Llewellyn Publications' craft-focused grimoires · Works by Edain McCoy on practical magic · Anthropological studies of material religion
🕯️ Occult Philosophy
🏛 Schiffer Craft 📅 2014 📖 152 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9780764346477
Fun fact
“On Body and Soul” is a visually stunning exploration of protective art, offering a fresh perspective on ancient traditions. It excels in showcasing the innovative spirit of contemporary metalsmiths and designers. While enthusiasts of historical armor might find the focus too modern, those interested in the nexus of art, craft, and human psychology will discover a rich, thought-provoking collection. It’s a vital contribution to understanding how art responds to our deepest needs for security.

📝 Description: On Body and Soul: Contemporary Armor to Amulets

From the beginning of time, armor and amulets have been used for protection and are found in cultures across the globe, and those who crafted them have been esteemed as artists by their communities. The contemporary examples showcased here, in 200 eye-catching images, demonstrate the enduring artistry of the forms and the crucial role such objects can play in safeguarding body and soul, especially in our current Age of Terror. An exciting array of protective hardware (armor, barriers, wearable weaponry) and protective "software" (charms, amulets, talismans), reveal a broad range of strategies for human defense. Focusing on work from the twenty-first century, this captivating book features some of today's finest artists and metalsmiths and testifies to the continued relevance of this creative pursuit. An introductory essay charts the wider cultural terrain of protective ornament--touching on issues of history, anthropology, and psychology, while portfolio sections spotlight subsets of defensive and offensive wear. Among the works of art are helmets, elaborate knuckledusters, pendants, collars, rings, bracelets, metal jackets, and chain mail, all designed for safety.

💎 Expert review

💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
This book offers a visually rich exploration of protective objects, blending history with modern craftsmanship. However, it may not suit readers seeking purely theoretical occult philosophy or those uninterested in the material aspects of magic. The focus on 'hardware' and physical artifacts might disappoint scholars expecting dense textual analysis over visual documentation. Additionally, individuals looking for step-by-step instructional guides on creating amulets will find the content more observational than practical. It is best appreciated as a survey of artistic merit and cultural significance rather than a technical manual or deep metaphysical treatise.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the tangible intersection of spirituality and art will find this volume deeply rewarding. It appeals to practitioners seeking inspiration for modern talismans, as well as collectors of protective gear who appreciate historical continuity. By showcasing twenty-first-century creations alongside anthropological insights, it validates the modern artisan’s role in a timeless tradition. Those interested in the psychological need for safety will discover how contemporary armor and jewelry serve as vital anchors in turbulent times. It is ideal for anyone wishing to understand how ancient defensive arts evolve to meet current spiritual needs, offering both aesthetic appreciation and practical philosophical grounding.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★
If you're fascinated by the intersection of art, anthropology, and personal protection, or if you appreciate exquisite craftsmanship with a deeper purpose, this book offers a compelling journey. It's ideal for those curious about how ancient traditions of safeguarding are reimagined in modern art…

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

This book offers a visually rich exploration of protective objects, blending history with modern craftsmanship. However, it may not suit readers seeking purely theoretical occult philosophy or those uninterested in the material aspects of magic. The focus on 'hardware' and physical artifacts might disappoint scholars expecting dense textual analysis over visual documentation. Additionally, individuals looking for step-by-step instructional guides on creating amulets will find the content more observational than practical. It is best appreciated as a survey of artistic merit and cultural significance rather than a technical manual or deep metaphysical treatise.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While acknowledging historical roots, the book’s primary focus is on contemporary, 21st-century works. It showcases how modern artists interpret and continue ancient traditions of protection through new designs and materials.
No, it explores a wide spectrum of protective items, encompassing both "hardware" like wearable armor and "software" such as amulets, talismans, and charms. It addresses both physical and spiritual defense in its scope.

📖 Who should read this

If you're fascinated by the intersection of art, anthropology, and personal protection, or if you appreciate exquisite craftsmanship with a deeper purpose, this book offers a compelling journey. It's ideal for those curious about how ancient traditions of safeguarding are reimagined in modern art and design.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Enduring Human Protection

From ancient cultures to the present day, humanity has consistently sought to create objects that shield against harm. This book reveals how this fundamental impulse manifests in contemporary art, demonstrating that the need for both physical and spiritual defense remains a powerful creative force across generations and civilizations.

Artistry in Defense

Far from mere functional items, the protective pieces featured are celebrated as sophisticated works of art. The book emphasizes the skilled craftsmanship and innovative design employed by modern artists and metalsmiths, elevating armor, amulets, and talismans to the realm of fine decorative arts and design, showcasing their aesthetic value.

Modern Spiritual & Physical Safeguards

In an age often perceived as turbulent, this volume explores how contemporary creators craft both tangible barriers (like wearable armor) and intangible shields (such as charms). It illuminates the diverse strategies artists employ to address modern anxieties, offering solace and security for the body and soul through their imaginative and purposeful creations.

💬 Quotes from the book

“The impulse to shield oneself, whether from physical threat or unseen psychic currents, remains as potent in the twenty-first century as it was in ancient civilizations.”

“From an intricate metal collar designed to deflect perceived modern anxieties to a finely wrought helmet that redefines personal fortification, these pieces transcend mere utility.”

📜 Historical context

This work situates contemporary protective art within a rich, global lineage stretching back millennia. It connects modern creations to ancient practices where artisans crafted items for defense, whether against physical threats or unseen spiritual dangers. By showcasing 21st-century pieces, the book affirms the unbroken thread of human ingenuity in seeking security through crafted objects, echoing historical uses of armor and amulets across diverse cultures.

📚 Glossary

Amulet
Talisman
Chain Mail

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. What contemporary "threats" (physical, emotional, or spiritual) do you feel the need to protect yourself from, and what form might a modern amulet or piece of armor take for you?
  2. Reflect on an object you own that you imbue with protective qualities. How does its design, material, or history contribute to its perceived power and significance in your life?
  3. How does the concept of "protection" evolve across different cultures and eras, and how might our current understanding shape the protective art or spiritual practices of the future?

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