Cultural Items

Gris Gris

The Gris Gris is used by some members for protection, good luck or good fortune. The term 'Gris-Gris' usually describes a small cloth bag worn by the individual (either as a bracelet, on their clothing, or as a necklace), and placed inside is a mixture of one or more of the following: herbs, oils, stones, bones, hair, nails, grave dirt, or other personal items. It can be decorated with feathers, beads, charms, talons, teeth or different types of fabric. A Gris-Gris may also be used to attract love or money to the wearer. While it is common for Voodoo-practitioners to utilize this object, it can be worn by anyone who believes its magick will work. However, only a skilled Priest or Priestess should make these, as the charm's potency relies on the creator.

Voodoo Doll

If a canine wishes to cause another harm in an indirect way, they might attempt to fashion a voodoo doll. Canines in Anathema can make these dolls out of pieces of cloth, wood, hide, straw, etc. It is believed that they must have either a hair or something held dear by the victim in order for the doll to work. Please keep in mind that this is all from the individual's perspective; these dolls cannot actually cause harm, but the canines can believe that they do.

Pentagram

The five points of the pentagram represent Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit. Individuals may also put the symbol in a circle, which has traditionally represented 'eternity'. Members may wear pentagram talismans to protect them from evil or to help them get occult knowledge and power. They may also draw pentagrams on the ground and stand within them to better call upon occult powers.



Charms

Various charms are given to canines at certain important pack ceremonies. Canines can receive charms at mateship ceremonies, coming of age ceremonies, or at the birth of a litter. They may also be given for any other special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary. Charms can mean different things to different canines, but are generally meant to wish the wearer good luck and a prosperous life, among other things. Charms can range from a jewelry item, to a small 'potion', to a bottle of oil, to a special rock, or anything else small that can be given as a simple, but meaningful gift at a special occasion.

Crystals

In Anathema, crystals are believed to hold many different powers. They can heal a luperci's mental distress, increase concentration, bring harmony and peace to a place or canine, and have great properties for other healing ceremonies. They are also believed to help with the physical healing process for an injured canine. Crystals are usually white or some form of a pale color, but are not limited to only that. They come in a wide variety of colors, and each color may symbolize something different.




Ankh

The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol for 'Eternal Life'. However, this symbol can represent many different things for Anathema and its members like longevity, fertility, protection against bad luck, health etc. It can also be given as a charm at certain ceremonies.