Druid Jewelry

Winter Awen Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on February 8, 2014
Posted in: Druid Jewelry, nature Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, Rings. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The Awen
is an ancient design used by the Druids of Olde.
This symbol has been recognized and harnessed by the Neo-Pagan movement
to symbolize the emanation of the Light,
brought into manifestation in the material world.

In his research Isaac Bonewits wrote about it’s use and lore:

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.”

Since the creation of the Winter Awen Amulet,
I have received numerous requests to create a Winter Awen Ring.
The original amulet was similar to Isaac’s piece
in that is is in the shape of the Awen:
a wreath of leaves with three staves descending from the top
however like the Winter version,
the leaves are of Holly, the “dots” are pine cones.
I have also trailed down the sides of the ring with holly,
and a cluster of berries crown the top of the piece.

Winter Awen Ring

Winter Awen Ring

In the original design,
the central “ray” of the Awen is exposed,
here in the new Winter version,
the Holly covers the stave and it appears below.
This additional feature reflects
the idea of how the light is obscured
in the Winter
only to re-emerge “un-looked for”; the triumph of the Light.

The Winter Awen Ring is now available through Amulets by Merlin,
to order your Awen Ring,
please visit my Awen Ring page.

Green Man Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on February 6, 2014
Posted in: Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, Rings. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

This was originally an amulet,
a rather large one.
I have made several versions of the Green Man over the years,
however this is my favorite.
Some time ago
I tried as an experiment
to see how this would look
as a ring with a leaf pattern for the shank.

Sometimes when you look up into the forest’s branches,
one can see images like faces in the leaves.
In the elder days,
that “face” was said to be a vision of the Green Man.
This “Spirit of the Wood”
was revered through out the Celtic lands
as a manifestation of the Woods themselves,
an aspect of the God. Later,
lore has it spoken of the Green Man through out the legends of Arthur.
This is my own interpretation of the Lord of the Trees,
bedecked with acorns and leaves.

Green Man Ring

Green Man Ring

In this version,
I used malachite as the forehead’s stone.
I also brightened the leaves I used for the setting.
Shown here with Malachite,
also available with lapis lazuli or Carnelian.
Each is made as ordered: so when you get one,
it will be made specially for you.
It is not a small ring:
the face is 1 3/8” from leafy beard to the top.

To get your Green Man Ring,
please go to my Green Man Ring Page

The Amulet of Epona

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 7, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Multi Faith, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

Epona or the Gualish “the Great Mare”
is the protector of horses, donkeys, and mules.
A Roman goddess of fertility,
Eponia and her horses
were leaders of the soul
in the after-life ride much like Rhiannon of the Mabanogian.
Unusually considered a Celtic deity,
most of whom were associated with specific localities,
the worship of Epona
was widespread in the Roman Empire of the early centuries.

The Epona Amulet

The Epona Amulet

Among many songs and stories
both classics and modern fiction,
Epona was celebrated in Llewellyn’s novel:
The Horse Goddess.
A Celtic woman who possesses a curious talent.
When her community attempts to force her to be a druid,
she runs away.
Her adventures become folklore
in time she is herald as a Goddess.

Through out my life
I was drawn to the image of a Goddess of Horses
and decided to create an amulet
expressing my love for all Horse-Women
and the Goddesses they are.
The Epona Amulet is a portrait of a Mare and the towering Goddess,
each looking in different directions
denoting their ability to see farther than most,
understand better than many.
A bas relief sculpture
of the Goddess of Horses
is presented with mane and hair of each
braided together
illustrating the blending
of Her manifestation.
Blessings to all who see and know the grace of Epona.

The Custom God and Goddess Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 6, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Custom Jewelry, Druid Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Custom is my specialty.
In most cases I am approached by a client who has a specific vision in mind:
a design that they have worked up or seen in a dream.
A sketch is created and either emailed to me
or perhaps sent in the regular mail.
Not so with this particular piece.
A fellow approached me at a festival
and handed me a very rough stone
and told me he wanted the design to have four basic elements:
a tree, a star and the image of a God and Goddess.
The stone had special meaning to him
He carried it for years
and wanted to be able to wear it on special occasions.

“Just make the piece and I am sure that I will like it” he told me. The amulet you see here is the creation he requested. The God and Goddess Amulet is a one of a kind piece in sterling silver with rough quartz at its heart.

The God and Goddess Amulet

The Custom
God and Goddess Amulet

The design holds the intent of a balance of God and Goddess
influences born from nature
and blessed with the symbol of the star:
all elements in health and harmony.
He was very pleased.

If you are interested in learning more about having something made especially for you.
Please visit my How to order Custom Page.

The Club of Dagda Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 4, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Knot Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid 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.

Dagda's Club Amulet

Dagda’s Club Amulet

One of them is Dagda’s Club.

In his Words:

“Show your devotion to the manliest god of them all: the All Father, the Good (at everything) God, the fabulous Dagda!

“Fiery father of the Gods of Erin, the Dagda is the Supreme Druid, the Mightiest Warrior, and Danu’s Most Fertile Stud. His famous club could kill or resurrect, depending on which end He tapped you with.

“Honor the Dagda by wearing this silver or bronze amulet, designed by Isaac (includes the ogham letters for “Dagda” on the back).”

This represents the Irish All-Father’s magical club,
which was a Druid’s wand,
a warrior’s weapon,
and a Healer’s Blessing of fertility.
Entwining snakes embossed on a club,
topped by three tri-spirals.
A back Bail allows a hidden yet sturdy way
of wearing it on a chain or cord.
Script of the artist “Bonewits”
and producer “Merlin” of
Amulets by Merlin found on the back.

Isaac’s Amulets are a beautiful combination of design,
comfort and concept.
You may purchase these amulets through my site.
Each piece purchased Isaac’s Household receives a royalty
to both help extend his legacy promoting good will
and clarity to the world.
To learn about Isaac Bonewits,
his writings and more,
you may visit his website.

If you would like something special made
please visit my How to Order Custom Page

The Druid Amulets of Isaac Bonewits

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 22, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Custom Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Jewelry design, Memorial, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

I first “met” Isaac Bonewits in the mid Seventies through the reading of his masterwork: Real Magic.
After reading so many other tomes on the subject
I found the book a breath of fresh air.
Instead of creating a mist of possible misconceptions about the subject,
Isaac developed a clear,
concise and easy to read volume which introduced the concepts
gave excellent definitions and ground rules as to what Magic is
and how it works.
Over the years I had purchased a dozen of these books
and gave them as gifts,
loaned them to friends and relatives
each time in hope that a little light on the subject
may bring a better understanding
and thus appreciation of those that are studding the subject.

Years later I had approached Isaac
for the opportunity to create something for him.
He found my work pleasurable and even purchased the Green Man Amulet from me.
I marked that day with pride.
For my favorite author to have blessed me in that way was inspirational!

The Large Awen Amulet

The Large Awen Amulet

Some time later
I had approached him with the idea to create his designs.
Isaac is well noted for his skill in graphic art
and has developed several designs featured in his site.
After a bit of time he finally agreed
and we began to work on what was to be
the first of several Amulets by Isaac:
the Druid Sigil;
representing Druidism in general and the Earth mother (Gaia) in particular.
Following that he requested we make an Awen,
and the Dagda amulets: Dagda’s Shield
and Dagda’s Club.
During one of the elections he developed a Spells for Democracy amulet.
With each of these designs he worked feverishly
to produce the renderings
and sent them to me for carving.
Isaac’s Amulets are a beautiful combination of design,
comfort and concept.

Through his travels Isaac presented these amulets with his books and other items;
he even created a special portion of his website
to feature the work.
Though Issac is no longer with us,
you may purchase these amulets through my site.
To learn more about Isaac Bonewits,
please visit his website.

Merlin’s Pentacles

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 18, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Druid Jewelry, Jewelry design, Multi Faith, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

In the old magical documents,

Pentacles did not necessarily mean “Five pointed star” as it does now.
They simply meant: Magical talisman inscribed with any symbol or character.
In one of it’s earliest forms the Pentacle symbolized the first “ADAM”,
signified in early art as “Human Perfection”,
the “First Man” in the Garden of Eden.

Grape Vine Pentacle

Grape Vine Pentacle

In the Tarot
pentacles signify Matter or the Material World.
Each of the Pentacle cards represents a scenario and lesson about money,
influence and decisions.

The five pointed star is found everywhere
from a Sheriff’s badge to a countries’ flag;
it is found in nature within apples,
in flowers and trees.
The Pentacle as a five pointed star
represents the balance between the Elements
(Fire, Water, Air, Earth)
under the Spirit
(the top point).
When presented with the top point up,
this is a symbol of health, wisdom,
balance and good fortune.
When inverted,
like any symbol reversed
it is no longer in balance but rather oppressed:
the elements are over powering the spirit.
When both are shown together
it represents the cycle of life:
the “ups and downs” of one’s existence.

Because I have been creating amulets of many sorts,
I have dedicated my own collection of Pentacles
as five pointed stars
and left the rest to be listed under other categories.
Each of my pentacle amulets are focused on a different aspect of health:
brotherhood, environment, healing, friendship and love.
With over 20 designs to choose from
I have versions that include rough textures,
women’s forms,
the caduceus,
moonstone, caldrons, a pin design for wiccan clergy in the military and much more.
If you cannot find the Pentacle you are looking for,
have no fear.
I can create your design by way of your drawing or description.
More information may be found at Amulets by Merlin custom page.

Custom Tree Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 4, 2013
Posted in: Custom Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Rings. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

A classic Sterling silver “class ring style”
with a custom tree embossed and centered in a convex frame.
The Tree carved in the head of the ring is a classic “Bonsai” style of California Oak;
Gnarly,
twisted and spreading.
With the convex background,
it stands high enough for a full High Relief style carving,
yet flush enough with the surface so the art will withstand the test of time.

Custom Tree Ring

Custom Tree Ring

The One-of-a-kind ring was made specially for a client
who wanted the heavy feel of this classic style.
No mold taken for reproduction
and currently in a private collection.

If you wish to have something made just for you, please visit my How to order Custom page.

The Awens

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 14, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Belt Buckles, Celtic Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Earrings, Pagan Jewelry, Rings. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment
The Awen Page

Amulets by Merlin Awen

In the words of Isaac Bonewits:

“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 classic image of the Awen
is three concentric circles,
at the top are three “dots”
representing the “source”
and from it three “rays” of light.
I have created a couple of one-of-a-kind pieces
with this classic symbol of the Druids.
Years ago Isaac Bonewits commissioned his own version:
a circle of leaves, acorns and staves
illustrating the dots and rays of emanation.
On the reverse side of the “signature”:
“Bonewits” and that of the artist:
“Merlin” or Kirk McLaren of Amulets by Merlin.
For the Bonewits designs,
I continue to send royalties to Isaac’s Widow
for every one of the Bonewits collection.

Since the original design,
I have expanded the Awens to two sizes as amulets,
a smaller version as earrings and a stout ring.
For those who wish to celebrate the Awen all year long,
I have made a “Winter Awen” version featuring pine cones and holly.
For the more adventurous,
I can also add a patina to “green it up a bit” and enamel the berries.
This design is available both as an amulet and a belt buckle.

If you are looking for Awen Jewelry,
this is the page for you!
If you don’t find the design you are looking for,
please visit my How to Order Custom Page.

Winter Awen Belt Buckle

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 25, 2012
Posted in: Belt Buckles, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

The Awen is an ancient design used by the Druids of Olde.
This symbol has been recognized and harnessed by the Neo-Pagan movement
to symbolize the emanation of the Light,
brought into manifestation in the material world.
In his research Isaac Bonewits wrote about it’s use and lore:

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.”
Winter Awen Belt Buckle

Winter Awen Belt Buckle

Over the Summer,
I developed and created a new version of the Awen,
both an Winter Awen Amulet and this Belt Buckle.
A Druid from the East Coast who loved the original look of the Awen
designed by Isaac,
however he wanted to have a different version.
From his description I changed the leaves from Oak to Holly and included the berries.
I exchanged the acorns for pine cones and the staves match the cones with pine wood.

In the original design, the central “ray” of the Awen is exposed,
here in the new Winter version,
the Holly covers the stave and it appears below.
This additional feature reflects the idea
of how the light is obscured in the Winter
only to re-emerge “un-looked for”;
the Triumph of the Light.

The Winter Awen Belt Buckle is three inches tall
and may be modified to fit the belt of your choosing,
simply place the size of the belt on which you wish to mount
in the “special instructions” option of the page when ordering.
If you wish,
I can enamel the berries for a more festive look.
To get your copy of this piece,
please visit the Winter Awen Belt Buckle page.