Celtic Lore

The Amulet of Morgan le Fay

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 19, 2019
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Lore, Custom Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Jewelry design, Moon Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

A classic figure from Celtic Lore. Her Origins are vague and encompass many different figures which include the Arthurian legends of a sorceress, protector, healer and spiritual sister of King Arthur. In some versions of Her story She has been elevated to Queen of the Fairies and even Goddess.

For this version Morgan is placed in the Pentacle representing the elements where she offers her Blessings. Below are the feathers of the Raven: the bird who watches and often bring omens.  She is Crowned with a crescent Moon.

This amulet is heavy for it’s size: 1.25” tall with a bail behind the crescent moon so the amulet on a chain or cord appears to be “floating”.

Originally this amulet was commissioned by a client who wanted her vision of Morgan le Fay depicted as an amulet. This has been reproduced with her permission.

To get your Amulet of Morgan le Fay, please visit Her page in my website
If you are wanting something of your own design, please visit my “How to order custom” page.

The Druid Sigil Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on March 7, 2019
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, talismans. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

One of the first designed Isaac Bonewits requested I make for him is the Druid Sigil.

The Druid Sigil Amulet

Well over ten years ago Isaac Bonewitz was attempting to expand his offerings beyond this books and lectures contacted me to develop his designs. At the time he was making stickers of his graphics. At a Festival he and I was talking between his lectures and I offered to translate his drawings into amulets. He pointed out the Sigil was not often used. He explained in depth the concept behind it.

In his own words:

“The Druid Sigil is most often rendered as a circle with two vertical lines passing through it (see left). Frequently this is drawn, painted, embroidered, etc. as a wreath of leaves with two staves (or spears for the warrior types) passing through (see right). Twenty years back, a ceremonial tabbard was made with a tree in full leaf on the front and the Sigil on the back with its wreath and stavewood matching.”

“I think that it is a quintessentially female symbol and is thus psychologically powerful. For political and metaphysical reasons, I think it’s important for members of a religion that many folks erroneously assume is male-dominated to have a constant reminder of the eternal power of the female force(s) of Nature. As a magical sign, I’ve used the Druid Sigil for over thirty years as both a blessing symbol and as a banishing sign. From a magical point of view, it is fully as powerful as a pentagram, Seal of Solomon or cross, and meditation upon it will provide many insights.”

The Druid Sigil is available in my website as an amulet, and ring. I can also create a custom piece for you. Please check out my How to order Custom Page.

New!!! The Large Dagda’s Shield

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 28, 2016
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

A few years ago I created Jewelry for Isaac Bonewits. He created renderings of several designs and sent them to me to create for his special line of Jewelry. One of them is Dagda’s Shield. Over the years I have received several requests for a larger more “masculine” version.

http://www.amuletsbymerlin.com/Dagda-s-Shield-Amulet-p/ib-8.htm

Large Dagda’s Shield Amulet

 

The Original version is 7/8 of an inch, this amulet is much larger: 1 1/2” and much heavier. The detail in the snake skin is more pronounced, yet in keeping with Isaac’s original Design – and like the original, it has my signature, his name and the Rune of Dagda on the back. A bail is placed behind the piece for your chain or cord.

Isacc Bonewits’ description of his design in his own words:

“This talisman is meant to be used with a daily self-protection spell from Isaac’s book The Pagan Man.
“Dagda behind me, Dagda before me
Dagda to my left, Dagda to my right
Dagda beneath me, Dagda above me
Dagda in quiet, Dagda in danger
Dagda in the hearts of all that love me
Dagda in the mouth of friend and stranger.
“I bind unto myself the name, the strong name of the Dagda,
By invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three,
The mightiest of all the Gods, Father of the Queen of Arts,
The Supreme Knower, Lord of Fire, and King of Druids.

“This silver or bronze talisman has been made by Merlin of Amulets by Merlin, based on the above design by Isaac Bonewits (includes the ogham letters for “Dagda” on the back). The design (inspired by Ian Corrigan) has a Celtic triple spiral as found in the Boyne River in Ireland, plus three awens, with a snake wrapped around the edge of the shield. The shield as a whole is curved to cover one-sixth of a sphere to aid in visualizing it at all six directions.”

While is is indeed featured in his book “The Pagan Man”, it is not exclusively for men.  This amulet is focused on protection and may be harnessed by men and women alike, and yes: children.

Isaac wrote the book “Real Magic” in the ’70. In my opinion it is one of the most important book on the subject, offering a point of view which sheds a lot of the typical stereotypes one finds in the old tomes and even the more recent “recipe books” about magic still written in this era. He later wrote several more volumes about ritual, Druidism and with his Widow: Phaedra Bonewits a book called “Real Enegry”.

In his honor, a part of the sales of his designs goes to her, including this new Large Dagda’s Shield. To get your copy of this piece please visit my Large Dagda’s Sheild Amulet Page. To review more of Isacc Bonewits Designs, please go to my page: Designs by Isaac Bonewits.

Handfasting Jewelry from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 29, 2016
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Knot Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Handfasting jewelry, Wedding Rings, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: . Leave a comment

For centuries,
Handfasting was practiced in Northern Europe
as a primary stage to marriage
still practiced into modern times.

“Handfasting” is derived from the verb
“to handfast”,
used for making a contract of marriage.
The couple is promised for “a year and a day”
as they hand-festa
(Norse:” to strike a bargain by joining hands”).
The rite varies between practitioners
but usually incorporates the participants
to bind their hands together with ribbon or chord;
a physical extension of promises made and kept.

Handfasting Bracelet

Handfasting Bracelet

Using a design of two strands creating a combined knot
stronger than the sum of it’s parts.
The bracelets are to be put on during the ceremony
and worn for the “year and a day”;
then cherished as a keepsake when the marriage is preformed.

Many have chosen the bracelets for handfasting
and the rings for the marriage.
The Handfasting Rings
hold the same knot work design
for those people that find the bracelet too cumbersome.

Lovers Knot Ring

Lovers Knot Ring

I have made another version of the Lovers Knot,
giving it a more “Celtic” feel:
weaving the knot work in to a more intricate design.

Celtic Lovers Knot Ring

Celtic Lovers Knot Ring

If you are looking for a custom piece to be created for you,
I can design a knot work for your Wedding
or Handfasting that would be a “two of a kind” set.

Other Rings may be seen at the
Rings Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Awen Penannular Brooch from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 31, 2016
Posted in: Awen, Brooches, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Knot Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Cloak Clasps, collections, Druid Jewelry, Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

You may recall I have been making Isaac Bonewits designs in my jewelry line for some time.  I have recently developed his classic Druid Awen as a Brooch.

The Awen Isaac created is more than the simple dot and stave seen in the old writings: this is a wreath of oak leaves with the Mesopagan Druid symbol of the “three rays of light” emanating from three acorns and staves (like wood) completing the design.

Awen Penannular Brooch

I have augmented the piece by making it a functional Penannular Brooch.  the Brooch Frame is of knot work of my own making with a pin mounted and able to “travel” around the frame.

 

To learn how to use a Penannular Brooch and learn more about this new piece, please visit my page The Awen Penannular Brooch.

 

To see more of my designs of Isaac Bonewits, please view my Bonewits Collection.

Awen Stud Earring from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 26, 2016
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Earrings, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

As many of you already know, I have been producing the designs of Issac Bonewits featuring the Awen.  In his design, the symbol is of three acorns (the source of light) with three staves (the emanation of the Light) framed in a wreath of leaves.  The original amulet is about an inch tall.  Since then I have developed the design into a larger version of the Awen of an inch an a half and a smaller version I am using to hang from Shepard hook earrings.  This year I have gone even smaller, about 3/8 of an inch and attached a stud for pierced ears.

When you go to my website, you may find the entire collection of Isaac’s designs which include the Sigil, a Pentacle which he named “Spells for Democracy“, an amulet of Dagda’s Shield, Dagda’s Club, as well as the Awen pendant designs.  I have also expanded his collection to include an Awen Ring.

Awen Stud Earrings

Originally designed by Isaac Bonewits, interpreted, developed and produced by Amulets by Merlin. Available in single and pairs.

 

On this page is the new link for the Awen Stud Earrings which may be purchased one at a time or in pairs.  To get your Awen Stud Earrings, you may go to the special ordering page – available in Sterling silver.

For more Druid Jewelry please visit my Druid Jewelry Page.

Triquetra Collection from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 24, 2016
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Knot Jewelry, Celtic Lore, collections, Earrings. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

I wrote earlier about the Triquetra Amulet and Earrings: simply meaning “triangle”; Triquetra refers to a variety of three-cornered shapes and evolved into a symbol of depth. This Celtic three cornered knot represents three-in-one: the Trinity.

Merlin's Triqetra Collection

To augment the Triquetra Knot I have added a woven circle: The Unity of the Trinity, the Circle of Love unifies all.

To combine the Amulet with matching earrings, I have created: the Merlin’s Triquetra Collection. Now you may order the entire set and added the option of your desired length of chain. The Triquetra Collection are for those who cherish what the idea of the Trinity in any of its forms: The love of family, their religion, the earth itself, or simply find the shape of the triangle pleasing to their eye.

 

More collections may be found on my Collections Page

Triquetra Earrings from amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 23, 2016
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Knot Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Earrings. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

I wrote earlier about the Triquetra Amulet: simply meaning “triangle” and has been used to referred to a variety of three-cornered shapes but has been evolved into a symbol of depth. To accompany the Amulet, I have created a set of earrings of the same design: the Triquetra Earrings.

The Triquetra Amulet
Triquetra Earrings

Added to the Triquetra is a woven circle: The Unity of the Trinity, the Circle of Love unifies all. The Triquetra Earrings are for those who cherish the Trinity in any of its forms: The love of family, their religion, the earth itself, or simply find the shape of the triangle pleasing to their eye.

More Ear Jewelry from Amulets by Merlin

Celtic Lovers Knot Ring from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 30, 2015
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Knot Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Rings, Wedding Rings. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

A variation on a theme: the Lover’s Knot. For centuries, this has been used in rigging by sailors, the merging of two ropes extending the use of one by merging it with the other: a knot that makes the bond stronger. In the Traditional Lover’s Knot Ring, I developed the design as a promise ring, hand fasting or wedding ring. I have used the same knotwork pattern in the creation of the Handfasting Bracelet.

Some have decided they like the idea yet wanted something a little different, so I designed the knot to be more “Celtic”, using the traditional knot work approach illustrated in the book of Kells. The weaving “in and out” says the same thing: two become one, their strength is greater than the sum of it’s parts; a metaphor describing how a couple’s commitment may strengthen each others’ lives. This Celtic version of the Lover’s Knot is woven “in and out” providing a more dense look to the design. By following the strands that wrap around the band you can see that the “two (chords) are one”. This design has been used to symbolize the “wedding knot” for centuries and used in “handfasting”: a promise to be true “for a year and a day”.

Celtic Lover's Knot Ring

If you would like to have this ring made for you, don’t worry about sizes, each is made as they are ordered to allow for the right size and the possibility of inscriptions to be made on the inside of the band. Simply go to my web page featuring the Celtic Lover’s Knot Ring.

More Rings may be seen at the
Rings Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Large Awen Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 29, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

A few years ago I created Jewelry for Isaac Bonewits. He created renderings of several designs and sent them to me to create for his special line of Jewelry. One of them is the Awen.

The Large Awen
Large Awen Amulet

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 of the “signature” of the artist: “Merlin” or 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 now present to you: the Large Awen.

Two Awens

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, his writings and more, you may visit his website.

To learn more about the new, larger version of Isacc’s Awen, please visit my web-page featuring the Large Awen Amulet.

For more druid jewelry,

please visit my Druid jewelry page