The anchor - usually fouled in a length of line - is a symbol with disparate meanings, not all of them magical.
For obvious reasons, it is widely used as an emblem for various naval organizations, such as the United States Marine Corps.
In the symbolism of Freemasonry, it is typically displayed along with a book and clasped hands or a heart, to represent a triumvirate of Biblical virtues, Faith, Hope, and Charity. The book is Faith, the anchor Hope, and the hands or heart are Charity.
As an amulet, the fouled anchor is carried to ensure safe travel. The late 20th century American pewter key ring charm shown here is a typical sample of that aspect of anchor imagery. It makes an especially nice safe travel charm because car keys are kept on such rings and thus the lucky anchor would be carried with the owner on the road. Anchor milagros and ex-votos are also placed in Catholic shrines, to ensure the safe return of a loved ones, especially fishermen and sailors.
Another amuletic use for the fouled anchor is found in the African-American hoodoo tradition. Here, as an extension of the symbol's use as a safe travel charm, it implies safe return to the home, and thus faithfulness and marital fidelity. For this reason, mojo bags created for the purpose of ensuring sexual fidelity - as well as those for safe travel - are often embellished with or contain a fouled anchor charm. Likewise, hoodoo seven day candles embellished with or cast in the form of a anchor are sometimes used to "anchor" a lover to one's side so that he or she will not stray.
