The essentials of creating talismans include a pen, ink, paper, and incense. Additionally, knowledge of making talisman and etiquette is necessary.
Pen
In ancient times, pens were made of wood or bamboo, but today, modern pens have replaced them. However, there is a slight difference in approach between traditional spiritual practitioners and contemporary ones. Earlier practitioners believed that a new bamboo pen should be used for each ritual and sharpened before use. In contrast, modern practitioners prefer using ink pens, provided the ink color aligns with the purpose of the talisman.
For those who follow spiritual traditions, there are no strict rules regarding the type of pen and ink.
Ink
Spiritual practitioners classify ink into two types: red and black or blue.
- Red ink is derived from saffron, which is plant-based and is used for all positive and benevolent purposes.
- Black or blue ink is recommended for wrathful or aggressive purposes.
Appropriate substances are often mixed into these inks. For example:
- Saffron ink is dissolved in rose water or kewra water to enhance its fragrance.
- Black or blue ink is mixed with vinegar to intensify its sharpness and odor.
Paper and Fabric
The selection of paper and fabric is based on color, which corresponds to celestial influences:
- White paper is used for benevolent purposes.
- Golden or silk fabric is used for malevolent purposes.
- Red, blue, or multicolored paper or fabric is used for wrathful or aggressive purposes.
If the paper has a pattern on only one side, it is still effective. Handmade paper (Abri paper) is particularly useful.
The cloth in which the talisman is wrapped should match the celestial color associated with the purpose. For animosity-related talismans, wrapping them in clothing worn by either party enhances effectiveness, regardless of color.
Metal Plates (Loh)
Metal plates are engraved during auspicious celestial moments. While silver, gold, and coins can be easily inscribed with a pointed tool, harder metals require specialized engraving tools. It is advisable to have an engraver who is spiritually pure and knowledgeable about auspicious timing and incense use.
The metals corresponding to celestial bodies are:
- Moon (Qamar): Silver
- Mercury (Utarid): Platinum, Aluminum, or Mercury
- Venus (Zuhra): Copper
- Sun (Shams): Gold
- Mars (Mirrikh): Iron
- Jupiter (Mushtari): Tin
- Saturn (Zuhal): Coin metal
Incense (Bakhoor)
For each celestial influence, specific incense must be burned. The method involves placing burning charcoal nearby and gradually sprinkling powdered incense onto it during the ritual.
The term Bakhoor refers to aromatic or pungent smoke that attracts spiritual entities. Some incense mixtures are so potent that their mere burning makes spiritual beings (jinn and spirits) visible.
To prepare incense:
- Crush and sieve all ingredients related to a specific celestial body and store them separately in seven bottles, one for each planet.
- Some practitioners make thick incense sticks (Dhoop Agarbatti) for convenience, lighting them as needed.
If a ritual involves two individuals associated with different planets, both types of incense should be mixed and burned together. Some practitioners simplify this by making only two types of incense:
- One for benevolent purposes (combining ingredients of auspicious planets).
- One for malevolent purposes (combining ingredients of Mars and Saturn).
A complete list of incense recipes is included in specialized courses, and there are also specific incenses for each day of the week.