The Faery Star Amulet with earrings!
A great combination for those who love the Faery Star:
this includes a chain for the pendant.
Faery Star Collection
The Faery Star is based on Faeids called Faeidism
(or Faeidry)
which consists of the rites, rituals, practices, and wisdom
of those who live a path in life seek to be in touch with the Faery realm. Faeids commonly wear the Faery Star or Elven Star
(seven points)
as their symbol.
This is a seven-pointed Star was thought to be given to humanity
by the Fae representing the connection to the World of Faerie so they may recognize each other.
The piece is 11/16” (or 18mm +/-) with a tighter weave in the center
than the Heptagram Amulet, giving it a more organic feel,
perhaps the kind of star a Faery would make,
light weight and partially domed,
a deep carving,
framed in a circle and including a chain with matching earrings.
We see “sevens” everywhere in nature and thus we reflect the way we describe our world.
There are the seven colors of the rainbow,
and the seven notes of the musical scale.
Western science recognizes seven chief glands in the human body,
called the endocrine glands;
while Eastern yoga systems speak of the seven Chakras
(as I described in the Strength Card of the Tarot).
In western Music
the most common scale is of seven tones
made up of two tetra chords.
This seven tone has a subtle influence on everyone in their daily lives.
For those of us who are always running music their their minds,
we have begun to think in music,
whether a favorite tune or improvising on a theme,
we weave through these seven notes expressing our heart ache,
joy or love of another.
In alchemy,
a seven-sided star can refer to the seven planets
known to ancient alchemists.
Modern discussions of alchemy are generally split
into an examination of its esoteric practical applications,
and its esoteric aspects.
Historians of the physical sciences
have examined the subject in terms of proto-chemistry,
medicine, and charlatanism.
Unfortunately this perspective does not take into account it’s origins of purpose.
The best known goal of the Alchemist
was the transmutation of common metals into gold
and the creation of the philosopher’s Stone
(the inner base components of a person’s being is transmuted through stress and time
~ into a perfected Being).
Modern chemistry was developed
because of the pursuit of knowledge in the material world
where as Alchemy is
(in short)
the pursuit of being a better person.
As with most studies like Astrology,
Tarot and others,
we have developed modern sciences of Astronomy,
physiology, chemistry (and so on)
because experiments opened previous
undiscovered aspects of the physical world.
In doing so
we now have a better understanding of our selves
and the universe we live in.
The result of the studies in metaphysics:
we now have a better language to describe aspects
which required colorful metaphor in ancient times.
Still,
we rely heavily on the old words
to describe which is still hard to fathom.
For example:
we describe the term Consciousness as Mercurial,
because of the way the metal mercury appears:
reflective of everything around it
and pours into any vessel
taking the shape of the vessel
without changing its basic attributes.
Mercury has such a power relation to the way we think
we even have a special day attributed to it:
Wednesday.
We have the seven-day week:
each day is ruled by one of the planets:
The Sun rules Sunday,
the Moon Monday,
Mars Tuesday,
Mercury Wednesday,
Jupiter Thursday,
Venus Friday,
and Saturn Saturday.
Their influences may be recalled
from the days of ancient Chaldea and Babylon.
According to Medieval astrology
there are seven Ancient and Sacred planets:
Saturn,
Jupiter,
Mars,
Sun,
Venus,
Mercury,
and the Moon or Luna.
(Uranus, Neptune and Pluto not being visible were omitted,
the Sun and Moon are not planets yet were considered as such for many years,
thus the influence on our culture
concerning their representation of primary forces.
Uranus, Neptune and Pluto were added in modern astrology
as higher frequencies of already acknowledged influences).
One of the more recent groups
which has adapted the The Heptagram
is Faery or Fairy Wicca:
an umbrella term that refers to any tradition of modern Wicca
that places an emphasis on the Fey,
their lore,
and their relation to the natural world.
When speaking of “Faery Wicca”
some refer to a tradition of Wicca recently founded
by author Kisma Stepanich.
Some claim it recovers the traditions of the Tuatha De Danaan,
(disputed by those familiar with ancient Celtic polytheism and mythology.
Stepanich’s Faery Wicca
draws liberally on some degree of Irish mythology,
from the author’s interpretation of Celtic history,
legend, imagination, and a variety of non-Celtic sources)
Though Faery Wicca may draw inspiration from some of the customs practiced
among the ancient and modern Celts,
it shares more with other modern Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan traditions
than with the “Fairy Faith” as it is known in traditional Gaelic cultures.
In 2000,
A Pagan organizer started a magical path or religion
based on Faeids called Faeidism (or Faeidry)
which consists of the rites, rituals, practices, and wisdom
of those who live a path in life seek to be in touch with the Faery realm. Faeids commonly wear the Faery Star or Elven Star
(The Heptagram) as their symbol.
This is a seven-pointed star is believed to be given to humanity
by the Fae representing the connection to the world of Faerie
so they may recognize each other.
Over the years other Traditions have adopted the concept and symbol.
Despite the inevitable disagreements and friction that will develop
in a large, diverse, and widely-spread group,
a remarkable sense of community and closeness continues between members of the Tradition,
to the point where annual convocations are often referred to as “Family Gatherings”.
Diversity is embraced,
differences are cherished
and expression of many kinds are encouraged.
The Heptagram is found in paintings,
drawings, sculpture, Vae Vaes, pentacles
(in the classic sense of a mandala)
and (yes) mandalas;
crossing cultures, generations, arts and sciences.
The Heptagram means many things to many people.
In celebration of the the seven point star,
I have created a new amulet in my collection:
The Heptagram Amulet.
This is a simple, deep carving of a 7/8 inch (23mm) disk
with a woven seven point star in filigree.
A top bail with a jump ring offers a sleek comfortable wearing of the amulet.
To order your copy,
please visit the The Heptagram Amulet page.
Brand New from Amulets by Merlin! An entire set for the Music Lover: the universal symbol of Music for singers, musicians and lovers of the musical arts: The Treble Clef Collection from Amulets by Merlin.
A pendant and earrings of the Treble Clef to adorn the musician in your life. More about the Treble Clef is written in my earlier blog (the pendant and earrings are available separately). This set is perfect for your favorite performer of the musical arts, or perhaps your music teacher as a “thank you” for patiently teaching you what the treble clef is!
One inch tall, these three dimensional Treble Clef Earrings have a bail behind the top loop. These small pieces are a great way to celebrate your love for music! Available in a variety of chain length to customize your music collection. Whether you play an instrument, sing, or simply love music; the Treble Clef Earrings are perfect for the music lover in your life.
This tiny drum is perfect for the drum enthusiast who wants a very subtle charm. Only a quarter inch tall, this tiny Djembe holds the texture of the big ones: wood, tiny ropes and a drum head being played by very small hands.
One of the playing hands resolves into a loop for hanging on a chain, cord, may be tied to your drum as a reminder of the Rhythms of the Drum circle, a favorite event or perhaps woven into your dreads, braids or other hair ornaments. This tiny Djembe Dangle is available in Silver and Bronze. Gold prices upon request.
The Awen was one of his favorites: his description says it all.
In his words:
“The sign of “the Three Rays” is used by members of the United Ancient Order of Druids, the Ancient Order of Druids, the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids, and many other followers of Druidry. It can be seen as symbolizing Sky Father Energy in balance with the Earth Mother energy of the Druid Sigil, as well as any of a thousand other sets of three ideas.”
The design itself is a wreath of oak leaves, three staves emanating from three Acorns. The bail from which to hang the amulet is also an oak leaf curled to hold the chain or cord. On the reverse side my “signature”: “Merlin” (Kirk McLaren of Amulets by Merlin).
After creating the original Awen I have received several requests for a larger version of the piece: same wreath of leaves, acorns and staves: but larger. I offer this (an the other pieces) in both Silver and Bronze.
When Isaac was still with us he traveled with the amulets and his books and other items; he even created a special portion of his website to feature the work. Since his passing into the Summerland I have continued to produce his line for him. For each piece purchased Isaac’s Widow receives a royalty to help through difficult times and encourage in efforts to promote good will and clarity to the world. To learn more about Isaac Bonewits you may visit his website.
To learn more about Isacc’s Awen, please visit my web-page featuring Isaac’s Amulets.
For many years I was on the road, attending conventions and festivals and two of the most common questions was “How do you make this?” and “How did you start out?”
I started off as a child…
My first reach into jewelry was wanting something that I could not find. When I was seven years old I had asked Santa clause to gift me two badges: I pains taking developed sketches of that I wanted and offered it to him days before Christmas. The odd thing to me at the time was the careful “handing off” of the sketches to my parents while I was “being distracted” by a very tall elf.
After not getting the badges I asked for, my suspicions grew and I though about making the pieces myself. Fortunately my parents later gifted me with a copper enameling kit. I developed a technique of enameling by mixing color and design in the powder, however in the tiny kit the control over design was a bit hap hazard.
As with all things in our childhood, the kit was “over used” and eventually when the hot plate was borrowed and burnt up, I returned to other forms of art. My Mother was a professional artist and trained me in painting, sculpture and many other forms of artistic media and technique. Coupled with music (Piano and Guitar) I began to develop a way to reproduce and interpret what I saw, felt and thought.
I cannot remember a time when I was not sculpting, yet when the opportunity to take a jewelry class, I went into fabrication: working directly in the metal rather than casting. I will always be grateful for this because the broader the education in the field.
It was not until I was going through a rough patch in my life and found myself back in my parent’s home and access to a jewelry bench again that I went to an exhibit of Lalique at the LA county art museum that I found I was on the right track. In combination with my studies in metaphysics, (focusing on the art) I decided to bend the boundaries of my work to include esoteric imagery and use of my art.
For years I had attempted to develop a Tarot Deck, however these adventures into the project kept solidifying into “logo” like pictures rather than paintings. Seeking the work of a master who bent the rules as to what was to be jewelry and what was art, I was inspired.
In order to work on the project, I started to create custom jewelry for folks, building my bench of tools and honing my skills, I began to work out of a shop: the Crystal Cave, at the time in Santa Anna, California. Karen, the owner of the shop was extremely supportive and began to display my work in her cases; all the while I was driving a truck.
In 1992 I went full time into jewelry, moved to Newport News, Virginia and completed the Tarot Caster Set: the first (and only) three dimensional Tarot Deck of it’s kind. Yes, each of the Major Arcana may be used almost pharmaceutical, however when used together the set is a deck which may be dropped and read as they fall. I developed the name “Tarot Casters” because the process is much like casting a net. In some of the more esoteric writing, Tzaddii (the Hebrew letter attributed to the Star Card) is the fish hook: one drops one’s mind into the great waters of the unconscious to see what would bite. By using the entire major arcana, one is using a much broader casting for ideas, inspiration and (perhaps) answers on one’s troubles.
Within a few months of being on the East Coast, I was introduced to a more esoteric community which appreciated what I had accomplished and rewarded me with praise and commissions for more work. I began with creating jewelry for circles, covens and groves as well as Churches and other religious organizations, focusing on Serving Spirit rather a specific religious trend. The only criteria I’ve maintained is that all is focused on Good Intent.
Thanks to a commission by my land lord, I developed a Tap Handle for his private reserve, thus I returned to sculpting, one of the first steps in training in my youth. I sculpted in in pieces, then assembled them after casting – a technique used in much larger pieces, however when casting with a jewelry centrifuge you are limited in how large one can go. For several decades, I focused on tiny pieces rather than the large ones, however after working so small, the larger pieces came easy, but they required me to look to a foundry rather than relying on my tiny set up for rings and pendants.
It was when I sculpted a pair of motor cycle mirrors that I turned to a local artist for help. He (who as asked me to omit his name0 taught me the gaps I had in casting larger pieces, then introduced me to his buddy who had a foundry at his disposal.
At this point, I have the ability to cast at any size: even life size (and bigger). I continue to serve those who want jewelry through my website. I do not have a “store” but rather I do show my work at the Mystic Moon in Norfolk , Virginia, should anyone wish to drop in and see it . As always, I have a full catalog for your review and a gallery of some of my work. Most of the images of the pieces made in the past are “lost” in that I have not had a digital camera the entire time, so only in the pat ten years do I have pictures worthy of display.
If you wish to have something made for you, please view my website and don’t hesitate to email me with any questions.
Years ago I created the Original Kitchen Witch Pentacle as a commission for a dear friend of mine.
The basic layout was her idea:
the various implements of the Kitchen Witch.
After doing a sketch, the two inch pentacle was made.
She wanted it massive both is size and weight
so it could be used as both an Amulet to be worn and as a Ward,
a piece hung on the wall as a blessing to her Kitchen.
With her blessings,
I pulled a mold of the piece
and have been providing copies for well over ten years.
I recently posted the blog of the Kitchen Witch focusing on the Symbology:
the star balancing the elements formed by the tools of the Kitchen:
The blade,
the spoon,
the broom,
the herb branch and the candle.
En-circled by grape vines,
the piece suggests skilled hands,
a clear mind and the promise of tasty things to come.
Cooking a meal for one’s family to meet a deadline
with no notice as to how it is prepared or who it is for,
One misses an opportunity to bless their home and loved ones.
In taking the opportunity to hum a happy tune,
prepare favorite foods, make the meal a special time,
One instills Magick into every nourishing bite.
Imbuing sustenance with good flavor,
solid nutrition and joy, You may be a Kitchen Witch!
The complex art of cuisine or exotic dishes isn’t necessary,
you can accomplish great things with a simple soup, a sandwich, a salad
– anything…
so long as it is done with good intention
and the Will to provide nourishment for the body and soul.
Keeping a Kitchen with happiness and Focused Intent
spills over into:
how the cupboards are kept,
how the dishes are cleaned and arranged,
how the herbs from the garden are hung and dried,
decorations and color all add the the way
the Kitchen Witch blesses the home and family.
Each time I have posted the original piece the response was over whelming,
I realized there are a lot of kitchen witches out there!
Because the original is so massive and silver becoming so dear,
I decided to re-create the Kitchen Witch pentacle in a smaller version.
This one is lighter,
comfortable to wear,
yet still holds all of the detail of the original,
larger version.
Do you want your own?
Please visit my website to get your Small Kitchen Witch Pentacle.
I received an email from one of our Soldiers in the middle east. He wanted me to make a special set for him: something for “everyday wear” ( a pendant) and for formal wear (a clip to be used instead of a tie – and cufflinks). This was to be of a particular design he developed over the years. His instructions were very clear: the basic design was to be placed in the middle, wreathed with knot-work and nobs and surrounding the symbol he sent me he wanted some script: “CHOSAINT SAOIRSE” in “nearly legible” writing, something you would need a magnifying glass to read. The areas surrounding the symbol and the script was to be enameled to give a strong contrast between the embossed writing and raised symbol.
The jewelry was to be intended to represent his own personal affinity to his work, his duty and his country, he gave me a few words to focus on while I was working; however in time he blessed me with a more full explanation for the symbol, script and over all feel to the pieces.
In his own worlds:
“The piece is a symbol of a guardian or defender. “One who stands ready.” Usually to defend those who are not necessarily helpless, but who are not warriors. I think it rather fitting for a soldier. The inscription translates along the lines of “Protect Freedom” When I was younger I couldn’t really explain why I felt drawn to the job I have, but I did it for 10 years, then I got out of the military and went into civilian life for about 5 years. I did fine there, but I never had the sense of being in my place in the world.
“I rejoined the military a couple years ago, and I found my place again. It took a lot of introspection and self-discovery, but I do what I do because I *am* my brother’s keeper, and my family is made up of anyone who lives free, at peace with others. I and those like me do what we do so others don’t have to. That is what this design means to me.”
This set of jewelry was intended for him and only one set has been created. If you are interested in custom work for yourself or for others, please visit my How to order Custom Page.
Over the years I have been often asked about making larger pentacles. As you can see from my selection of pentacles, I do have a fair number of them, however they are more detailed, accenting a certain motif, design or purpose. However I have recently stepped forward and made a large pentacle: simple basic and bold. The star itself is not woven, no defining marks denoting a purpose; just a simple star as you would find in the Pentacle Suit of the Tarot.
This two inch piece is flat on the back, the ring around the star is shaped with a good reflective curve.
This piece may be modified should you wish to have sigils, signs or signets, I can modify this basic piece to suit your needs, simply email me (or call) for specifics before ordering.
I have an Ouroboros ring (also spelled Uroboros and Oroboris) in my line for years. After many requests for a different version of the piece, I developed a new and more detailed Ring: Ouroboros Ring with Scales. Like my original version, this is the classic Ouroboros swallowing it’s tail. This time I have omitted the diamond on his head and added scales down his back and along his sides.
The Ouroboros often represents self-reflexivity or cyclical, something constantly re-creating itself, the eternal return, and other things perceived as cycles that begin anew as soon as they end. It can also signify the concept of primordial unity related to persisting from the beginning with such force or qualities it cannot be destroyed. The Ouroboros has been important in religious and mythological imagery, used in alchemical illustrations, where it symbolizes the circular nature of their work.
This piece may also be used as a pendant! Simply place the Ouroboros on your favorite chain or cord. Each ring is made as it is ordered, providing the recipient to request unusual sizes. To purchase yours, please visit my Ouroboros Ring with Scales Page.
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