A client looking for a Dragon Money Clip which could hold 250 bills at a time. requested I create a piece in Bronze with bloody teeth. After approving a design, I created a Dragon with a deep jaw capable of holding the required amount. Spring loaded with articulated jaw.
Synthetic rubies for the eyes and the teeth touched with red enamel. Designed and hand carved by Kirk McLaren of Amulets by Merlin
Capricorn -Earth- December 22 – January 19/20 “I Use” Cardinal Earth brings Capricorn forward as extremely practical in every day life. They have the ability to withdraw and bide their time. They are reliable with help as well as in pointing out the faults of others. The eternal pessimist they still find a way to succeed in the goals. With this amulet I have developed lines of force textured into the overall sign as well as the “environment” of the circle that surrounds it. The Capricorn Amulet reflects the Capricorn’s essence of fierce determination and drive to complete their goals; solid Earth texture framed in a solid circle of delineation.
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Aquarius ~Air~ January 20 – February 18/19 “I Know” In Aquarius the outgoing self expressive positive polarity combining with the communicative nature of Air. Aquarians are generous with knowledge preferring to express themselves through large groups of people. Aquarius is a “fixed” sign resulting in a stubborn nature and given to preconceived yet progressive ideas. They are original, inventive, intellectual, friendly independent, idealistic, revolutionary and at times unconventional.
This Semi-sextile aspect suggests their connection has potential, it also calls for significant effort to achieve harmony. Despite the challenges, such as differing approaches to intimacy and the need for mutual respect for discipline, they can achieve significant objectives when they place emphasis on their complementary skills. It also provides an opportunity for growth if both partners are willing to work on their differences.
The Dagda (Old Irish: In Dagda ˈd̪aɣða, Irish: An Daghdha) is one of the central figures of the Irish mythology cycle: chief god of the Tuatha Dé Danann. His other names include Eochu or Eochaid Ollathair (“horseman, great father”), and Ruad Rofhessa (“mighty one/lord of great knowledge”). Much of what is known about him survives in medieval manuscripts that preserve earlier Irish mythological traditions.
In these stories, the Dagda possesses several remarkable objects. One is a great club called: lorg aduathmar iarnaidi (“terrible iron staff”) said to have the power to kill with one end and restore life with the other.
Dagda has a large cauldron : “an assembly used not to go unsatisfied from it”; “signified plenty and generousity“.His magic cauldron was otherwise known as the coire ansic (“the un-dry cauldron“). Similar to the Cornucopia, or “Horn of Plenty” (of Greek and Italian Mythology).
He is also associated with a magical harp, which when called by it’s two names (Daur Dá Bláo and Cóir Cetharchair) would come when called and cast a mood on those who heard it.
The Dagda is portrayed as a powerful leader associated with authority, abundance (the Caldron), and the ordering of the world; a father-figure, king, and druid. He can control life and death (with his staff), the weather and crops, as well as time and the seasons. Because he can do all these things, he is often referred to as “The Good God”. He is associated with fertility, agriculture, masculinity and strength, as well as magic, Druidry and wisdom.
Combining these ideas into a single amulet, I placed Dagda in the center, shouldering his Great Club and with the other hand is held palm up as an offering of assisted and good Will. His Caldron is hung beneath, suspended from a spiral of “becoming”. Tendrils emanate into a cornucopia, engulfing the figure and creating a Hood around him. The spiral continues into the distance suggesting eternity.
ThisAmulet of Dagdais for those who honor the Good God and participate in manifesting Fatherhood, a Mentor and being a Provider; offering assistance and blessings.
This amulet was designed and hand carved and produced by Kirk McLaren of Amulets by Merlin.
One of my earliest creations. I was a big fan of Terrance McKenna and listened to lectures of his on KPFK in Los Angeles in the 1980s. He had suggested the Mushroom was a key component to Humanity’s evolution. While non of his theories were proven, I did find his ideas interesting and his eloquence nearly poetic. I was inspired to combine the mushroom Amanita Muscaria, characterized by its bright red cap with white spots, (known for its psychoactive properties) and the classic Peace Symbol of the 1960s. Years after my development of this pendant, I attended a Festival known as Starwood in upper state New York. There I met Terrance (for a second time) and presented him with the Peaceful Mushroom, explaining how he had inspired the piece. He laughed and thanked me for it. It was a highlight of the event.
The Peaceful Mushroom amulet features three Amanita Muscaria mushrooms among leafy foliage in the shape of the classic Peace Symbol. A bail is in the back of the piece so you may hand it on a chain or cord. If you wish I can also treat the piece with enamel.
Some years ago I had attended a number of festivals, Gatherings and Science fiction conventions. I good number of people had a somewhat humorous take on Chaos. A young lady requested that I create a charm dedicated to “her state of mind”, the next convention I presented this small charm and with peals of laughter she donned the piece with grace.
Signified by the classic lighting bolts expanding from the center, the symbol is stretched over a near hemisphere shaped amulet: the edge of manifestation
Some 32 years ago I met a fellow who taught American Sign, a way to communicate using hand gestures and forms to speak. This has been used for those people who have trouble hearing or are completely deaf. Each year he wanted to offer gifts to his graduating students and approached me to create a hand signifying “I Love You” framed by a heart. Each spring folloing the first batch, he gave me a call for more as each round of students graduated. He encouraged me to add this to my line of jewelry to promote the knowledge of this treasured sign.
Leo ~Fire~ July 23 – August 23 “I Will” The element of Fire is expressed with enthusiasm is focused an almost single minded devotion. Happiest while in the center of attention they are creative, graceful and dignified, proud determined and dramatic.
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Virgo -Earth- August 23 – September 23 “I Analyze” Virgo is a practical Earth sign that is adaptable in its mutable nature. Like Taurus loves the practical material objects but is not as passive. Virgo communicates on a practical level. They are meticulous critical discriminating, modest, analytic and orderly. This piece reflects the feel of this by giving the surface a very precise, ordered texture like the strata of sedimentary stone. The Virgo Amulet’s frame is a deep cut circle featuring the classic symbol in the center, framed in the texture of soil; like the earth holding the potential of bounty.
This Semi Sextile aspect of Leo and Virgo can balance each other by contributing different but complementary skills. Virgo can be more open, direct, and confident, while Leo can teach Virgo to be more sensitive and tolerant. This balance can lead to explosive chemistry and a pleasant tension that lingers for a lifetime.
Cancer ~Water~ June 21 – July 23 “I Feel” The emotional nature in the cardinal mode becomes relentless. The self contained element tends to keep this quality below “the shell”. This results is a kind of pressure is very definitive goals in secretive or unconscious manifestation. Like the crab, they appear insensitive due to their “shell” yet very sensitive, even vulnerable. This also results in a non direct, side stepping approach to difficult issues.
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Sagittarius ~Fire~ November 22 – December 21 “I Perceive” This is the Centaur shooting the arrow: aiming for the stars. Sagittarius aspires to great success and results for all their efforts. They are adaptive: mutable of nature. Self expressive of positive polarity with the energy and enthusiasm of Fire: trans-formative energy. Friendly, outgoing, sincere, dependable, excitable, jovial and versatile. This piece depicts the arrow in the bow made of and surrounded by the fire of passion and transformation.
Cancer and Sagittarius is an Opposition. Cancer craves emotional security and stability, while Sagittarius seeks freedom and adventure. This can lead to misunderstandings and power struggles, as each sign’s need for independence and spontaneity can clash with the other’s desire for closeness and reassurance. With effort, communication, and self-awareness, this can be a source of growth and balance. The key to a success is mutual respect, understanding, and a willingness to learn from each other’s differences
Virgo -Earth- August 23 – September 23 “I Analyze” Virgo is a practical Earth sign that is adaptable in its mutable nature. Like Taurus loves the practical material objects but is not as passive. Virgo communicates on a practical level. They are meticulous critical discriminating, modest, analytic and orderly. This piece reflects the feel of this by giving the surface a very precise, ordered texture like the strata of sedimentary stone. The Virgo Amulet’s frame is a deep cut circle featuring the classic symbol in the center, framed in the texture of soil; like the earth holding the potential of bounty.
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Libra ~Air~ September 23 – October 23/24 “We Balance” Libra is considered “Positive ” and cardinal resulting in being active and aggressive. However it has been called “the iron hand in the velvet glove”. Ever seeking harmony, Libras seek balance and often make it their life’s work. The classic image of the sign is offered within an unbalanced environment, strengthening it’s nature of idealism and charm. The Libra Amulet holds the classic symbol of the scales with a deep cut frame “brushed” with air moving in a multitude of directions. The Scales of its central focus provides the balance between directions, actions and intent.
Virgo and Libra form a SemiSextile aspect. This combination produces an intellectual and aesthetic harmony, both signs appreciate beauty, culture, and thoughtful conversation. Virgo admires Libra’s charm and diplomacy, while Libra respects Virgo’s orderliness and pragmatism. Together, they can create a calm, structured, and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Scorpio ~Water~ October 23 – November 22 “I Create” Ruled by Mars and strong emotional tendencies, Scorpio tends to be true to its convictions and very passionate for good or ill. On the surface, Scorpio looks “changeable” yet in fact they are always on a solid path of self-evolution and improvement. In this amulet I have given the symbol a sense of strength and mobility with its watery environment. The Scorpio amulet holds the classic Glyph of Scorpio: double crescents with the arrow (cross of movement) at its tail; the symbol is encircled by a deeply cut frame and textured with turbulent water.
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Taurus -Earth- April 20 – May 21 “I Have” Fixed Earth. Charming lovers of beauty. Affectionate, reliable and practical. Taurus provides a deep comfort: the warmth of home. The Taurus Amulet is simple and bold: the texture of that of the Strata of sedimentary rock: a favorite state of being for Taurus. The frame is cut deeply around the symbol to indicate the depth of their being extend far beyond the surface.
Taurus and Scorpio are Opposite signs in the zodiac: “opposites attract”. Taurus, is grounded, practical, and values stability, while Scorpio is intense, emotional, and transformative. Taurus provides security and calm, soothing Scorpio’s emotional intensity, while Scorpio motivates Taurus and encourages personal growth and emotional depth. Both are loyal, determined, and value privacy, often keeping their relationship intimate.
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