Wiccan Jewelry

The Astro Blends

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 3, 2021

Posted in: Amulets, Astro-Blend, Pagan Jewelry, talismans, Wiccan Jewelry, Zodiac Amulets. Tagged: AstroBlend, Astrology Amulets, Astrology Pendants, Astrology Talismans, Zodiac Amulets. Tagged: astrological symbols, Zodiac Jewelry, Zodiac pendant, zodiac talisman. Leave a comment

Amulets are pieces of jewelry which are used for a purpose, each one holds a significant idea treasured by an individual and may be used as a reminder or tool. Sometimes it can represent a relationship such as a wedding ring represents the Union between people who are devoted to each other. Friendships, brotherhoods, circles, groves, churches, temples, families, societies; all these and more can harness a symbol crystalized as a ring or pendant and used as an amulet.

The Astro Blends take two symbols from the Zodiac and combine them to create something new. In the majority of most people’s chart, we are born under a Sun sign (the house of Sun) and a Moon Sign (the house the moon occupies) at the time of one’s birth. By calculating these two aspects One can get a more accurate idea of the chart rather than using the basic House of One’s Sun.

The Astro Blend many also be viewed as combining the two sun sign of a pair of friends or lovers, the Astro Blend may represent the friendship itself: the strength of two people’s attributes, strengths and how they support each other.

When I design and make these Astro Blend Amulets, I weave them together creating a new glyph to reflect the concepts of blended ideas. Because they are Amulets, I attempt to project the core meaning with the shape of the piece.

Blending the all Astrological symbols will take some time and I have only begun this project. When you go to my website you will only find a few that I have created so far. Should you want me to make a blend I haven’t created yet, I would only be too happy to do so for you.

If you wish to have something made that isn’t an Astro Blend, no problem. Simply go to my How to order Custom Page for details on how to make something special for you, your friends or loved ones, even your group or organization.

I look forward to hearing from you.

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: Amulets by Merlin, Moon. Leave a comment

The Amulet of Morgan le Fay

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.

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: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Knot Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Rings, Wedding Rings. Tagged: Custom Jewelry, Handfasting, Handfasting Bracelet, Handfasting Rings, Lover's Knot, Wedding, Wedding Bracelet, Wedding R. 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

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

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

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

The Oak Tree in Celtic lore
represents the door way between to another place,
a grove is a potential sanctuary between the worlds.
Pentacles represent powers brought into balance
and guided by the spirit.

In the design of the Oak Pentacle
I used a simple,
direct representation of oak leaf and branch
without a lot of other symbols.
In this way I have kept the piece open and free of restraint.
The personalization of the amulet
comes with the selection of stone:
set into a cluster of leaves.
Selecting the kind of stone
(color and type)
lends one the ability to “claim” the design
while maintaining the intent of the piece.

Oak Pentacle with Stone Amulet

Like some of my other other pieces,
I made the setting as a part of the design,
not a typical die struck setting of prongs and bezel:
leaves fold around the stone both securing it to the amulet
and protecting the stone from possible damage of a direct hit.
I developed these while designing on opal settings,
then expanded these protective enclosures to other designs.

Combining the focus
protection of the stone
and the Strength of the Gateway,
the Oak Pentacle provides you with a tool
of exploration of one’s self and the world.
This amulet is for these unafraid of the journey
of one’s life and the Truth that awaits.

To view the Oak Pentacle Amulet with Stone, please visit my website.

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 Spells for Democracy Amulet. Isaac was very concerned for our nation as he had often spent a great deal of time discussing, lecturing and writing about the subject. After I had created several pieces for him I suggested he continue with his designs; thus he turned to develop a design developed to focus intent to a good aim: righting the wrong of our society.

Spells for Democracy Amulet

Spells for Democracy Amulet

He wrote extensively about this subject, calling for the Pagan community to become more active, participating in the great debate for equality, justice and a better world.

In his words:

“I know very well that not all Neopagans apply their polytheology to their political views in the same ways that I do. To me it seem obvious that politicians dedicated to making the USA a fundamentalist theocracy, to encouraging the fundamentalists in Islam to see this century as one dedicated to an un-Holy War between the two lunacies, and, incidentally, giving a totally free reign to every multinational corporation willing to pay big bribes to politicians, isn’t going to give much attention to the needs or even basic human rights of minority belief systems, at home or abroad, including ours. The Neo-Con Imperialists and the Religious Reich have been telling us for over a decade what their plans are. It is way past time to pay attention and take action with the only form of power they can’t take away from us: magic. “

More about Isaac may be found here.

The amulet itself is a combination of symbols:
The pentacle is a classic symbol of Neo-Paganism. It is crossed with a Besom (broom) which symbolizes a great many things: here it is to represent the modern day Pagans and their efforts to create a better world. The Wampum (the staff with the disk) represents a symbol of the Iroquois: a composite of Native American tribes who formed a Democracy before the United States formed their own nation.

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. You may purchase these amulets through my site. Each piece purchased Isaac’s Household receives a royalty to both help recover from the debt of his passing and to extend his legacy promoting good will, democracy and clarity to the world.
To learn about Isaac Bonewits, his writings and more, you may visit his website.

To purchase the Spells for Democracy, please go Spells for Democracy Page.

Rite Way Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 13, 2015

Posted in: Amulets, Humor, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: besom amulet bewitched Witch on a broom jewelry, besom jewelry, broom jewelry, witch jewelry. 1 Comment

The classic image of a “witch on a broom”
is much like the picture at the beginning of the TV series “Bewitched”:
a lovely woman in a witch costume riding sidesaddle
(see “Witch on a broom”).
However some years ago it was pointed out to me
in the old Rites the use of the Besom was with the bristles up.

The Rite Way

The Rite Way Amulet

Keeping in mind the more traditional
use of a broom is cleansing a home
(or other space) while you are actual sweeping
you are blessing your home and driving out negativity.
Hence the actual “business end” of the broom is the bristles.

To celebrate the “use” of the broom
I have created an amulet of Blessing:
“The Rite Way”.
The Lady holds her besom with the bristles up
blessing and protecting Sacred Space.

The Rite Way Amulet
is intended for those that are both serious about their efforts
to make the world a better place
and a sense of humor that one would wear
a “witch on a broom” that would be more “authentic”.

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

I make a wide variety of Pentacles:
a symbol that is found in every culture.
The five pointed star has been seen in nature
forming the core of the apple, blossoms, and minerals
and in the random patterns of branches and trees.
It has been adopted as a symbol of strength and purity:
featured in the drawings by Leonardo da Vinci
of the “first man” representing “life in balance”
even associated in renaissance paintings with Christ.

Blossom Star Amulet

The individual points represent the four elements:
fire, water, air, and earth
with the point of spirit pointing up,
again illustrating the balance of nature
with the perception of spirit.

In celebration of the five pointed star,
I have developed the symbol made of the branches of the apple tree.
The branches are woven as a sign of eternity.
The weaving of the branches is in the sequence of
creation, starting with the top point of “spirit”
and proceeding to the point of “transformation (fire)
then Wisdom (air),
Consciousness (water)
then grounding in the material world (earth)
and resolving in Spirit.
An apple blossom on the side: the promise of fulfillment.
The apple is often a symbol of living knowledge,
wisdom and abundance:
though knowledge tend to foster options that tend to lead to trouble,
it is up to the individual to choose to be “right minded” when choosing a path.

I offer the Blossom Star as “the Teacher’s Star”,
perfect for those on the path of all faiths dedicated to truth,
wisdom and virtue.

more of Merlin’s pentacle amulets may be seen at the
Merlin’s Pentacles
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Pan is the son of Zeus,
(or Hermes or Dionysus);
his mother a nymph (or sometimes Dryope?).
In fact, his parentage is so unclear
some historians consider him Pre-Olympian.
Because of his effect on people
his qualities appear to be more a nature spirit (or elemental).
As an entity,
he inspires panic,
sexual arousal
or in the higher form: musical ecstasy.

Amulet of Pan

Syrinx was a exquisite water-nymph of Arcadia,
daughter of Landon,
the river-god.
As she was returning from the hunt one day,
Pan met her.
In fear of his amorous interest the fair nymph ran away.
He pursued her until she caught up with her sisters
who immediately changed her into a reed.
In his search for her he noticed the air
blowing through the reeds produced a melancholic melody.
The god, still infatuated,
took a handful because he did not know which reed she became,
and cut seven pieces and formed a musical instrument.
He has carried her with him ever since.

Contrary to Plutarch,
Pan is not dead.
In Jitterbug Perfume:
Tom Robbins describes the continued life of Pan
and his exploits as he sailed to the New World
and lived in America….
but that is another story.

The Amulet of Pan,
Features his musical aspect.
The Pan amulet is not a simply relief;
it is a 3D sculpture from his waist up,
framed in grape leaves playing his pan pipe.

An amulet to inspire a Panorama: good music,
good wine and a celebration of life itself.

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

Community
is derived from the Old French communité
resulting from the Latin communitas,
a term for fellowship or structured society.
The word is often used in reference to a group
organized around common values and social cohesion
within a shared physical locality;
however in modern time it may refer to groups of people
spread out over a large area
who exchange ideas through the internet,
phone lines and other forms of communication.

Pentacle of Brotherhood

The Pentacle is a symbol representing
(among other things)
the ideal human being in perfect balance with him/herself:
the elements represented by the lower four points
with the top point symbolizing Spirit
keeping matter in balance.

The Pentacle of Brotherhood
is a symbol representing Community in its ideal form:
open communication between its members,
addressing the toughest issues
with a clear mind and an open heart.
Each of the portions of the Pentacle
is comprised of clasping hands in friendship,
reserving nothing that would inhibit health and well being.
Maintaining such a balance between Perfect Love and Perfect Trust
is the most difficult of efforts.
It requires the members of the community to be honest with each other,
true their own nature
and respecting another position without compromising one’s own ethic.
Perfect Love means
to embrace each other for what they are
without objectifying each other;
Perfect Trust is earned over time,
not simply given.
A community using these ideals as their cornerstones
would stand the test of time,
transcending hardship,
pain and suffering of life’s turmoil
demanding on one’s mortality,
able to put aside petty squabbles and differences.

This amulet is a dedication to these ideals
in hope that we can rise above the flesh that separates us
and embrace each other
for the Radiant Beings that we are.

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

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

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

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

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

Amulets by Merlin's Blog

Reflections of the Art of Merlin

The Astro Blends

The Amulet of Morgan le Fay

Handfasting Jewelry from Amulets by Merlin

Oak Pentacle Amulet with Stone from Amulets by Merlin

Isaac’s Spells for Democracy Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Rite Way Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

The Blossom Star Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

The Amulet of Pan from Amulets by Merlin

The Pentacle of Brotherhood from Amulets by Merlin

Merlin’s Handfasting Jewelry

Amulets by Merlin

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Amulets by Merlin

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