DEUT926 Amongst you there shall not be found... a charmer. No Jew is allowed to say charms. That is, do not utter certain sounds or words and tell people that the utterances have the power to help or damage something or someone. For example, a charmer will utter something over a snake or scorpion and claim that now the creature will not bite. Or someone will be suffering from a painful wound and a charmer will utter something over it in order to remove the pain. Some explain that a charmer is someone who uses utterances to gather snakes or other creatures to one place. We find that the Sages permit us to recite verses in order to protect ourselves from damaging forces (mazikim), for such does not fall under the prohibition of uttering charms. Reciting verses inspires us to seek shelter with Hashem and place all of our trust in Him. It helps us to fill our hearts with fear and awe of Him, and place our reliance on His goodness. When these feelings fill our hearts, He surely will protect us from harm. Saying words of Torah to awaken our souls to the truth is not forbidden. Although we hope that in the merit of this act we will gain Heaven's protection, the Torah allows such utterances, for the act, in fact, gives us such merit, so it is not regarded as uttering charms.