Joseph Smith’s Jupiter Talisman

Joseph Smith owned this Jupiter talisman which was among his most intimate possessions according to Emma Smith. This talisman demonstrates Joseph’s fascination with magic. The purpose of such a talisman was to help the owner have influence over others, become rich and powerful, and find peace.  The inscription on the talisman comes directly from “The Magus” which was a magical book by Francis Barrett published in 1801. According to subsequent owners of the talisman, Joseph had this talisman in his possession when he was killed at Carthage. The Jupiter talisman is now in the possession of a private collector and no other photographs are available.