Charm
Charm; as I understand the verb, is to empower an object or person with what we could call supernatural power.
Power beyond our own: to charm an object would be to make an amulet, and to charm a person would be synonymous with casting a spell on them.
An object could simply be called a charm or an amulet. A person who has been charmed could be called bewitched or spellbound to possess any kind of charm; i.e. any attractive or enticing quality. There are charms of course that are intended to remove other charms.
Perhaps I’ll get into all that a little more in depth someday.
But today I just want to share a popular charm taught to young children that I remember from my youth. I have over the years I suppose varied the words to suit myself but this is nothing new: there are endless variations.
My version of the charm goes like this:
Whilst I lay me down to rest
I trace the cross upon my chest
So that now around my bed
Angels will guard my weary head.
Then in my slumber shall I fall
Not now to rise again at all
Some may watch and some may pray
While the lord bears my soul away.