Each one of these bespoke Mercury Talismans was hand-carved in chrysoprase or picture jasper during a magical operation on auspicious elections tied to Mercury’s presence in Gemini on the 26th and 27th of June, charts in images below. This particular configuration, with Venus co-present, Jupiter support by sextile, and Saturn support by trine will not occur again until 2051. Equally, the Moon at this time was tightly applying to both the benfics and Mercury.

While in the masculine-diurnal sign of Gemini and Mercury, as morning star with very unique bonification and support, the telos and intention entwined within the talisman: to increase the powers of the intellect attaining wisdom in all knowledge of the heavens and the Earth with ease, to strengthen all skills involving detail and subtlety, to deeper the power of perception, to have great eloquence in writing and speaking, to wear many convincing guises effortlessly, to be received well by all regardless of station or creed, and to be successful in all business undertakings attaining wealth effortlessly through such dealings.

Each talisman holds the image of Mercury described in Book 2, Chapter 10 , “the shape of a man standing with wings extended to his right side, and a small cock on his left. He holds a dart in his right hand and a round shell in his left; in the middle of his head is a cock’s crest.” My only alteration of this image is give Mercury a caduceus, a spiralling shell, and winged sandals. The back contains the glyph, or kamea, of Mercury. Each with come with its own jute bag with some resins and herbs to serve as an appropriate home for the talisman.

After July 26th they will be unearthed from incubation, at which time each image will be filled in with variegated gold leaf and fitted with a sterling-silver claw clip to complete the pendant. All will be ready to ship by the first week of August.

Interpreter of all you are

and a profiteer who frees us of cares,

who holds in his hands

the blameless tool of peace.

Lord of Korykos, blessed,

helpful, and skilled in words,

you assist in work and you are

a friend of mortals in need.

You wield the dreaded, the respected

weapon of speech.

Hear my prayer and grant

a good end to a life of industry,

gracious talk,

and mindfulness.

-Orphic Hymn to Hermes (Athanassakis & Wolkow, trans)