MetaPlace

2011 Wall Calender of Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on February 21, 2011
Posted in: Amulets, Calendar, MetaPlace, Tarot, Zodiac Amulets. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

I have been asked to do this each year for well over a decade: to make a calendar featuring the imagery developed from the Tarot Amulets and Casters. In the original creation of these pieces, I had envisioned this as a break from the traditional “card” presenting a scene. The Amulets are focused into an almost Iconic form so it may be used in a very tangible “casting forth” if the pieces. “Roll the bones” as it were.

After some consideration, I decided to develop images from our work in MetaPlace. I have enhanced the images and added writings from my Tarot Archives and added images from my Zodiac pieces. Each month presents the corresponding Tarot Amulet, the Astrological association, and a meditation on the Tarot’s meaning in relation to the Hebrew letter. Additional assistance in the imagery was developed in MetaPlace by Allyn McElrath and Michael Woody.

Announcing the Second Wall Calender of Amulets by Merlin:

Start the Decade out right with Tarot Images for a new Aeon.

2011 Wall Calender of Amulets by Merlin

The Tarot Garden is closing

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on December 22, 2009
Posted in: MetaPlace, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , . 6 comments

I am sad to announce the closing of the Tarot Garden. MetaPlace will be shutting down their servers on January first, thus deleting the world containing the virtual world.

High Priestess in MetaPlace

For those that are not aware of it, I created a virtual Tarot Garden in Metaplace last spring, a world where I devised garden spaces dedicated to the Major Arcana. Each of these tiny environments contain interactive images, animations, sounds and videos concerning placement on the tree of life and more. With plans of expansion adding more tools to teach Tarot Lore, I am personally disappointed with this news.

The reason that MetaPlace will be shutting down is very simple: the public did not understand the potential of MetaPlace and ignored it, mistaking it for “yet another game”. For the few of us that were able to harness the tools at hand, were are both disappointed and grateful for the opportunity while it lasted.

There is still time: about a week. Should you want to see the Tarot Garden, you can go to MetaPlace, open the free account, and take the minute to learn to use the avatar then go to the Tarot Garden or the portal in my Website. I made a short video of the Tarot Gardens should you want a quick peek.

I wish to express my personal thanks to all of the staff at MetaPlace for providing the space, tools and support for this incredible opportunity.

The 2010 Amulets by Merlin Wall Calendar

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on December 12, 2009
Posted in: Calendar, MetaPlace, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 1 comment

I have been asked to do this each year for well over a decade: to make a calendar featuring the imagery developed from the Tarot Amulets and Casters. In the original creation of these pieces, I had envisioned this as a break from the traditional “card” presenting a scene. The Amulets are focused into an almost Iconic form so it may be used in a very tangible “casting forth” if the pieces. “Roll the bones” as it were.

After some consideration, I decided to develop images from our work in MetaPlace. I have enhanced the images and added writings from my Tarot Archives and added images from my Zodiac pieces. Each month presents the corresponding Tarot Amulet, the Astrological association, and a meditation on the Tarot’s meaning in relation to the Hebrew letter. Additional assistance in the imagery was developed in MetaPlace by Allyn McElrath and Michael Woody.

Announcing the Second Wall Calender of Amulets by Merlin:

Start the Decade out right with Tarot Images for a new Aeon.

2010 Wall Calender of Amulets by Merlin

The Tarot Garden in Metaplace

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 22, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, MetaPlace, Multi Faith, Pagan Jewelry, Tarot, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

I have created a video illustrating the Tarot Garden: a virtual world in Metaplace: a social hub of various VR worlds where people create games, demonstrations, exhibits and other Virtual experiences. The Tarot Garden is a series of environments featuring the Tarot Casters. Each of the Tarot pieces has its own point of interest, description, associated tone and short video demonstrating it’s location on the Tree of Life.

The High Priestess

The video is embedded in my website for your review. It demonstrates the functions of the Garden including animation, environmental sounds and videos teaching aspects of the Tarot.

Metaplace is free to join and browse the various worlds created by its users. After a brief introduction to the VR platform, you may see the Tarot Garden and experience its sights and sounds. Experience the first Tarot Virtual Reality at Metaplace!

The Tarot Garden

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 28, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, MetaPlace, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 3 comments

Some months ago Allyn burst into my home with the news of MetaPlace. For some years he and I worked on the creation of video games; for years my hope was to create an environment where one could experience the Tarot in a virtual reality. Allyn announced that MetaPlace could provide us with that very thing.

Between Allyn, my good friend Michael Woody and our ever faithful Tech support provided by Robert, we focused our efforts to create two worlds: one a Virtual Gallery where you can see my sculpture as if you were in a museum and shrink you down to the size of the jewelry in virtual cases, and more.

    The High Priestess in the Tarot Garden

The Second world is the Tarot Garden. We focused most of our time in there. After honing our efforts in creating animations that simulate fire, water, wind energy flows and other interesting figments, we were able to cobble together a series of “places” within the world.

You first arrive in the Court Yard: the landing pad if you will, designed to familiarize you with the presentation. There is a short video that you can click on in the center of a grotto: a three dimensional “Tree of Life”. From there you can see the “Three Gardens” of the Major Arcana.

The First Garden lands you before the Fool Amulet suspended in space. There is a harp that you may click that plays the tone attributed to that piece. There is a short video that presents the location of the amulet on the Tree of Life. Each amulet is “clickable” opening a window that presents a short description and a link directly to the corresponding page in my website, should you want to learn more about the piece or purchase a copy.

Following that you walk on a path leading to The Magician, also suspended in space, only there is an animation that illustrates the energy flow. Each amulet is similarly presented with the corresponding elements, videos and tones. Benches are provided for your avatar to perch presenting the screen framed perfectly for viewing. Sound effects add immersion of the experience. The Second Garden holds the Strength amulet through Temperance while the Third Garden holds the Devil through the Universe: all framed in appropriate environmental sights and sounds.

MetaPlace is often referred to as a “Social Network” but is also a “Sandbox” style of game engine. This provides folks who want to develop their ideas into interactive environments the opportunity to display their passions and ideas. Game, demonstrations, concerts and exhibits are throughout the MetaPlace Universe. In order to participate, there is a brief avatar selection and tutorial before you can go out and explore, however this hurdle is a very low impact, well worth the five minutes to get familiar with the system.

If you are a student learning the Tarot or a seasoned professional, you will find the Tarot Garden an experience that will lift your spirits and provide you with a moment of good cheer. Please come see the Tarot Garden and enjoy a virtual world of Tarot come to life.

05 The Hierophant Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 29, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, MetaPlace, Multi Faith, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . 5 comments

Anyone who has set up a tent and suffered the weather has seen the importance of a good tent stake.
If the stake is not solid,
deep and well anchored,
the entire tent will collapse.
The Hebrew letter associated with the Hierophant is Vav: the tent stake,
a well-grounded (when set) object that will hold up an entire community.

The Hierophant Amulet
The Hierophant Amulet

In Classic image of the Tarot we see the “Hierophant”
(comes from the Greek: “hiera, “the holy,” and phainein, “to show”);
offering a blessing to be in turn directed to others.
Its effect continues through the members of a given community
thus weaving the fabric of love and strength through out society.

In my own representation of the Hierophant
I focused on the hand of blessing,
the fingers in the circle of spirit,
the arm trailing in roots below into matter.
The embodiment of these symbols are religion itself:
reaching into the realm of the spirit
while grounded into the rituals of daily life.
The actions of everyday existence empowered
with the intent of reaching the divine,
establishes a relationship with the godhead.
The central element is the blessing itself;
the art of bestowing the divine to each other
is what gives religion its lifeblood.

In MetaPlace,
I have created a setting illustrates the energy flow
of The Hierophant:
blessings to Earth,
Service to the Divine.

The Hierophant Amulet
is excellent for teachers, nurses, healers of all kinds,
clergy and any one who has chosen the path
to serve the community through Teaching, Healing and Service.

04 The Emperor Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 27, 2009
Posted in: Jewelry design, MetaPlace, Multi Faith, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . 10 comments

The Emperor is a culmination of all of the previous Tarot Keys.
Combining Inspiration (the Fool),
Focus of Will (the Magi),
Knowing the Past (The High Priestess)
and Imagining Possibilities (The Empress),
the Emperor moves forward to make things happen.
Attributed to Aries,
the first of the Sun Signs and the “Maker of the Way”,
the Emperor harnesses his primary Tool:
Vision to survey the world around him and act accordingly.

The Emperor Amulet
Emperor Amulet

In the classic image of the Tarot Card,
we see him seated on a cube
(a symbol of the material world)
with his crossed legs forming another symbol of matter,
his face in profile
(you cannot know everything about him)
holding the sphere and cross in one hand
(the symbol of spiritual dominion).

In making the Emperor Amulet,
I have created a composite of symbols that represent these aspects:
The Octopus, both an alien intelligence and of this world.
Highly intelligent and perceptive yet we cannot fully understand the Octopus’ perspective,
though it can perceive us as much as it needs to.
Its Eye pierces the environment and its tentacles are fully able to manipulate its domain.
It is before a pyramid:
architecture that is both solid,
can withstand the test of time and is precise in its creation.
Above it is the letter Heh: the Window of perception;
tongues of flame (first fire).

In MetaPalce
I have set this piece upon a cube
(emphasizing the material world)
and paced it in a lava bed (primal fire).

The Emperor represents both the perception of the world
and the manipulation of it through precise control.
Those that choose the Emperor
would harness its emphasis on being in a position of Power
and saddled with its responsibilities.
More than an amulet of influence,
it is one of perception so that one would know the right response to in a give situation.
Hence the Emperor is attributed to Process,
Procedure and Ritual.
This is an amulet for Clergy, C.E O., President, or chairman,
Fathers or anyone with Duties and Responsibilities
of others under their care.

03 The Empress Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 26, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, MetaPlace, Multi Faith, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 7 comments

The Empress combines the Focus of the Magician and the Memory of the High Priestess.
Placing the Ideal Goal into an environment where it may grow and develop into an actuality.
The Hebrew letter attributed Her is Daleth: “the Door”.
Venus is Her symbol: the direct merging of Spirit (the circle)
and Matter (the Cross):
Love.

The Empress Amulet
The Empress Amulet

Classically we see the Empress seated in a field of wheat,
she herself is pregnant.
The Empress is often referred to as “Mother Earth”
or “Gaia”;
the concepts that form around Her do not manifest
without touching the physical plane:
grounding (planting) them and nurturing them into fruition.
These images all focus on the necessary steps to making things happen:
focusing on one’s goals,
recalling the information needed to make things happen
and the necessary vision and commitment to move forward.
The Empress’ Door can swing both ways,
we are reminded that what we say and what we do matters;
it influences our lives and creations.

The Empress Amulet presents these things:
two hands lovingly hold a crystal ball;
within the ball is the image of Dalth:
the doorway of manifestation.
One must imagine and care for a thing before making it happen.
Below is a bundle of ripened wheat, symbolizing the fruition of the imagined goal.
In MetaPlace
I have created an animated scene of a the Empress Amulet
set in a garden with wheat and other fruit of the land,
symbolizing the effort and care needed to produce anything worth doing.

When choosing to manifest an idea,
the Empress Amulet reminds us:
it takes visualization,
perseverance
and dedication to step over the threshold
from wanting something
and the love and commitment of making it happen.
The Empress Amulet is perfect for the Artist, Team leader,
Executive, anyone whose task it is to Manifest the Vision.
It is also for the Environmentalist:
the symbol of Gaia,
all things natural to the formation of Life on the Earth
is symbolized by the Empress Amulet.

02 The High Priestess Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 25, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, MetaPlace, Multi Faith, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . 9 comments

The third “Key” of the Tarot is called the High Priestess:
the third emanation from the “source of all things”.
Within the Tarot the High Priestess
(like the Fool and the Magi)
is a state of being rather than an actual person,
it represents the source of consciousness
and its connection to our own awareness.

The High Priestess Amulet
High Priestess Amulet

In the classic image of the Rider card,
we find her seated in a garden flanked by the pillars
of form and force, mercy and severity.
The High Priestess is attributed to the letter Gimel,
known as “Camel” or “the ship of the dessert”;
inferring her constant motion,
bringer of new awareness and perspectives.

I have created the High Priestess Amulet to hold these concepts:
like pillars:
her arms stretch above,
using her own form to translate the Moon’s “unattainable image” into water
(consciousness)
flowing from her skirts.
Unattainable herself,
the High Priestess “Draws down the Moon”,
veiled by her hair: only her eyes are perceivable.

High Priestess with meditation card

In MetaPlace
I created an animated scene where she is the source of water through out the Tarot Garden.
From her skirts flows “consciousness”,
becoming a stream surfacing where other water images emerge.
I also included a video showing where she is placed on the Tree of Life.

In choosing the High Priestess Amulet,
one is seeks a connection within themselves to the source of all,
seeking the memories of the collective unconsciousness
one may better understand the world and live accordingly.
As the Fool is Youthful Enthusiasm and Instigator,
the Magi of Focused Manifestation;
the High Priestess brings Self Awareness,
the Knowledge of Memory and the source of Wisdom.

01 The Magi Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 24, 2009
Posted in: Jewelry design, MetaPlace, Multi Faith, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 5 comments

The second of the Major Arcana is the Magician or Magi.
It is attributed to the letter Beth and referred to as “House” inferring a kind of containment.
Although it is indeed the second of the cards
it is given the number “one” and the rest of the Keys follow in succession.

The Magician Amulet

The Magi Amulet
Mercury
Focus and Concentration
“ Beth”

Magi Amulet

Classically it is an image of a youth before a table.
Upon it: the Disk, Cup and Sword with his right hand above holding the wand
and his left hand point to the earth.
Attributed to Mercury,
the Magi is Spirit acting as communication between Matter and Persona:
lighting fast and with absolute celerity.

Unlike the Fool before him,
the Magi knows his purpose and harnesses himself to be the focus of his will:
“making it so”.
The Magi reviews the tools at hand
and makes his life manifest in the way he envisions it.

In MetaPlace
I have created a Virtual Garden that frames each of the Major Arcana.
For the Magi I have created an animation that illustrates
the gathering of energy and the focusing of intent.
The piece is suspended in air,
giving the impression that the process has not yet grounded
– in an every flowing process of manifestation.

In designing the Magi Amulet
I have stripped away everything that would distract one from the core meaning.
The image of the pointing hand:
focusing intent and making manifest one’s own potential.
Magi Amulet is to help one focus on one’s work,
study or bringing a project to fruition: manifesting one’s goals.