Talismanic Intentions

A talisman hangs on a wall, partially obscured by bunches of dried herbs which hang either side of the wooden frame. The talisman is made up of words, each written in a different colour.

Testimonials. Click the quote below to read the full testimonial.

  • I feel amazing - I actually do feel amazing. I feel sure of myself. Something that is not a usual feeling for me - very very rarely.

    I am stepping into my true self now. It really is time. And I can allow myself to trust myself. I feel full of confidence and love for myself today now - magical!

    My talisman marks the day I started to fully trust myself.

  • I am NOT a spiritual person. I would go as far as to say I'm just about as un-woo as you can get.

    So when Alex Cunningham introduced me to "talismanic intentions", it took me a while to get my head around what he was talking about. 

    Through his talismanic intentions process he creates beautiful artworks that symbolise a transformation you have either undergone, or are working through. 

    Now, I'm not sure about talismans and spirits, but I am a strong believer in psychology. And, having watched his process, when he offered to create one for/with me I swallowed down my nerves and jumped at the chance!

    And I'm so glad I did. Alex helped me work through a block I've been struggling with for a while now. He started with the dark ink, representing the block I was experiencing, then through asking poignant questions he uncovered the mindset and representations of the opposite - of what it felt like to overcome the block and what it took to do so.

    There was also a bear involved.

    (I know I said I'm not spiritual but...my son's name means "bear", so that was a bit weird)

    This is the beautiful result. 

    Like a Rorschach test, it looks different to everyone. What do you see in this picture?

    I see confidence, strength and trust.

    I see a bird. I see a beast. I see little dragons, antlers, and every time I look there is something new.

    This will hang on my wall to remind me "I got this".

    Because sometimes, that's all I need to hear.

  • Such a powerful and healing experience

    This Ink Blot Divination session came into my life at such a needed time. Though I've been on my personal healing journey for a while, practicing different therapies, I went into this experience completely blind, guided by Alex's support, patience and kindness and the result is a beautiful piece of art that fuels me with strength.

    I opened up about one of my darkest moments in life and together we combined it with Hope, Shamanic Spirituality and Healing.

    It was an emotional and purely non-judgemental space and a very unique practice to experience.

    I would absolutely love to do this again and would thoroughly recommend to anyone whose into Spirituality, Healing and/or Art!

What’s a Talisman?

A talisman is an object believed to hold magical powers that bring good luck, protection, healing or wholeness to its owner. A talisman is usually portable and inscribed with religious, magical, or symbolic figures.

What are Alex’s Talisman’s like?

Alex uses coloured inks to write words of meaning onto a piece of plain calico. The words are then blotted to create shapes, symbols and patterns which meld and weave together as more words are added. The last additions are random drops of white ink to full surrender the final talisman to something bigger than ourselves.

Introducing Talismanic Intentions

When you feel stuck, weighed down by doubts, or held back by old beliefs, it can be hard to see a way forward. In a Talismanic Intentions session, we transform that stuckness into clarity, confidence, and renewal.

Alex creates a safe and supportive space where you can share what matters most. From a single word your journey begins. Alex then uses poignant questions to guide the conversation, encouraging you to choose the words, pick their appropriate colours and enjoy the shapes and symbols as they develop.

The result is a one-of-a-kind talisman: a visual record of your transformation, infused with the energy of your breakthrough.

The process that underpins your journey

  1. Arrive & Share – Find a word that represents the challenge or struggle for the centre of the talisman

  2. Connect & Co-create – Question and shift that energy through words, colours, and guided reflection.

  3. Transform & Alchemise – Watch your talisman emerge as patterns and shapes carry your shift into form.

  4. Receive & Anchor – Take home your talisman as a constant reminder of your growth and freedom.

Ways to Experience This Work

  • Totem Session (15 min): Small, efficient, and accessible: £20 (with £30 supporter and £10 supported prices available)

  • Talisman Session (45-60 min): The full process with 4–7 words woven in: £100, (£150 and £50)

  • Large and XL Talisman (75-90 min): Deeper and more expansive: £250 (£300 and £200) and £450 (£500 and £400)

  • Corporate & Group Sessions: Half-day (3hrs), full-day (6hrs plus lunch), and collaborative talismans available

    *Bonus: each piece includes a digital copy. Large talismans include a 10 minute guided meditation to help you revisit and deepen your connection to your Talisman.

✨ Every talisman is unique. Once the session ends, that exact moment in time has been captured, and cannot be repeated.

Slots are limited each month. Book today to claim your space and your talisman, fill in the form below

FAQ section

  • My clients are varied, with a lot of entrepreneurs, self-employed and employed professionals.

    Other groups include retirees and people who identify as part of a minority group like LGBTQIA+, Disabled, Neurodivergent and people of colour.

  • I share examples of how others have engaged in the session; supporting a younger self, dealing with a major life event, overcoming a limiting belief, working with a mental health issue, celebrating a journey already taken, calling in wisdom from a higher or future self etc.

    Hearing these examples, my clients usually come up with something to work with, or we can take a bit longer chatting until we agree between us what topic to use as our central theme.

  • The first and most essential part of this process is creating safe space.

    Without that, the work cannot take place.

    This has meant that out of 50 clients, no one has not liked his or her talisman, or needed to leave early.

    A Talisman that you don’t like will be pressing a button or encouraging you to look at a part of yourself that may be pretty uncomfortable.

    If something we touch on during the process triggers you and you need to step away, we will reschedule the session and discuss beforehand how best to support you when we meet again.

  • No.

    I have worked with people who do not feel spiritual connection, including some who have a Humanist belief that this life is the only life.

    If you don’t feel spiritually connected in some way, we will find a way to weave your chosen philosophy or belief system into your Talisman.