Moon Phase Chain from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on December 9, 2015
Posted in: Bracelets, Moon Jewelry, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The moon has been a powerful influence physically and mythic for centuries. The Lore of humanity across many cultures have attributed the Moon to many things. Watching the moon in it’s phases is something we have been doing for a very long time.

Moon Phase Chain

In Astrology, those born under different Lunar phases (Lunation) are said to have specific qualities:

Within the first quarter: (similar to Aries) they will probably prefer to take the initiative and will be ready to look for new interests in life, new people and new ideas.

In the second quarter: (similar to Leo) The person will be locked into their goals and have a strong need to create a legacy. They have a charisma drawing others to them, but instinctively use others rather than help them.

In the Third quarter or Full Moon: (like Libra) The person will need friendships, colleagues and relationships, and will relate well to others; easily able to achieve a balance between want and need. They will either be drawn to highly successful people or achieve success; both with the help of others.

In the third quarter (like Capricorn) they will often have clairvoyant insight and follow hunches rather than be logical; and will finish projects others start; reorganizing and sorting out problems left by others.

Many civilizations have relied on a lunar calendar. In China, the ideas are broken down to seven and a half day patterns

First quarter (new): The first quarter symbolizes birth, renewal, sowing and awakening, and is associated with spring.

Second quarter (waxing): The second quarter symbolizes potency, maturity, full growth and development, and is associated with summer.

Third quarter (full): The third quarter symbolizes organization, harvest, collection and storage, and is associated with autumn.

Fourth quarter (waning): The fourth quarter symbolizes completion, conclusion, hibernation and rest, and is associated with winter.

Much is written on the subject and include nodes, mansions or nakshatras, lunation and so on. For those who love Luna in her many aspects, I have created the Moon Phase Chain. Each link is carved front and back with craters representing the lunar surface, each in a phase: full, waxing and waning, gibbous and crescent. I make a variety of sizes from earrings and bracelets to full necklaces and belly chains.

If you would like a Moon Phase chain made for you, please visit my website featuring the Moon Phase Chain as a bracelet or longer as necklaces.

More hand made chain by Merlin may be found here
Other jewelry from Amulets by Merlin may be found here

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

Gryphon Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 28, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Greek Mythology Jewelry, Multi Faith. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

Combining the two “Royal Beasts” of the animal Kingdom,
the Lion and the Eagle are merged into a fearsome creature: the Gryphon (griffon or griffin) .

Gryphon Amulet

Gryphon Amulet

The earliest images of griffins are the thirty five hundred year old frescoes
in the Throne Room of the Palace of Knossos.
It continued being a favored beast in Archaic and Classical Greek art.
The Gryphon appears about a thousand years after Bronze Age in Crete
around the fifth to fourth century BCE originating from the Persian Empire.
The Greeks adopted the Gryphon as sacred animals loyal to Apollo.
Some have suggested that the word “Gryphon” is cognate with Cherub.

As a creature identified in so many cultures,
Adrienne Mayor proposed the Gryphon was an ancient misconception
derived from the fossilized remains of the Protoceratops
found in gold mines in southeastern Kazakhstan.

With centuries of lore surrounding the Gryphon,
many attributes have been associated with the Mythic Beast.
A symbol of divine power and a guardian of the all things sacred,
they guard treasure and priceless possessions;
a protector from evil, secret slander and “witchcraft”
(a term used by many cultures referring to the kind of person who is able to “powerfully influence another’s will”;
a charismatic for example – not the modern day usage of Wicca nor the craft they harness).
A Gryphon’s claw was believed to have medicinal properties
and a feather could restore sight to the blind.
Goblets fashioned from Gryphon claws
(actually antelope horns)
and griffin eggs (usually ostrich eggs)
were highly prized in medieval European courts and possessed the qualities of the noble beast.
Many artisans are still replicating the look and feel of these Goblets to this day.

The Gryphon’s amalgamation of lion and eagle gains in courage and boldness.
In Heraldry it denotes strength,
military courage and leadership
and suggests one must combine intelligence and strength
– always a good decision.

In the creation of the Gryphon Amulet
I have softened the over all feel of the piece
to indicate it’s position between the “real world” and “that which is beyond the veil”.
The over all shape is bold,
yet the texture is softened,
nearly “out-of-focus” yet retaining the beak
(with a slight snarl) and wings of the eagle.
The claws are undistinguished between the talons of the bird and the paws of the lion,
thus illustrating the potential of both.
I have also included a portion of a Halo to represent it’s sacred position
of protector and defender of for whom is to wear it.
This is an Amulet of Protection,
Enhancement of Strength and Clarity.
This is for those who are in the field of battle whether the front line,
the front office or the fast lane.
It is to enhance nobility, perseverance and courage.
If you would like a Gryphon Amulet,
please visit my web page for more details.

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

Custom Seals of Solomon Bracelet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 23, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Custom Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . 1 Comment

The Seals of Solomon are both famous in legend and myth,
yet extremely obscured concerning their meaning.
Typically we hear about them in the Arabian nights legend:
a seal of Solomon kept the Jinn inside.

The Seals of Solomon Bracelet

The Seals of Solomon Bracelet

Historically we discover the source of the Seals:
Solomon, the son of King David who established the city of Jerusalem
and Father of a great deal of esoteric writings and traditions.
Solomon is said to have been given both wisdom and knowledge
and ability to distinguish morally
between good and evil thorough a deeper understanding of the universe.
One of his legacies is what is known as The Greater Key of Solomon:
a series of images containing geometric patters
combined with Hebrew and other images.
Each seal is dedicated to a specific quality and described by the Planets
(Mars, Venus and so on) focusing those virtues.

Classically
each seal is to be made at a specific day and time through out the week
and made to enhance or “seed” those qualities desired.
Virtue, Honor protection, Seeking Hidden Talent and other qualities
are imbued by the various seals.
Every planet holds various qualities
and several seals are attributed to each planet.
The person who works with a seal has the opportunity
to focus the virtue they are concerned with by creating
(or commissioning) the seal they are interested in.

A bracelet of the Seven of the Solomon Seals
mounted on leather.
Each seal was made separately with a concho screw in the back.
The leather bracelet was punched to allow each seal to be mounted.
Because of the need to have the bracelet to “lay flat” against the wrist,
I carved the seals (in order) to curved and fit snugly around the wrist.

This was created to the specific qualifications of the person who ordered it,
all one of a kind work with no mold taken.
It currently is being worn by the Gentleman who commissioned it.

If you would like to have a custom piece made for you,
please visit my How to order custom page.

Custom Awen Necklace from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 13, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Custom Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

A fellow who loved the Awens I developed for Isaac Bonewits
wanted a special piece made for him.
The Awen is an ancient symbol attributed the the Druids of old.
As Isaac Bonewits put it in his website:

“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.”

Custom Awen Necklace

Custom Awen Necklace

This one of a kind piece is larger,
solid and inlaid with amber.
It was designed to allow the hand carved amber
to be set with open backs providing light to shine through and bounce about,
giving the impression of emanation from the dots and rays in the center.
Three circles surround the amber,
each grooved and filled with translucent enamel
specially mixed to replicate amber.
A wreath of Oak leaves frame the amulet,
hung by sterling chain and wooden beads to accent the piece.

This is a one of a kind Custom Awen Necklace,
specially designed.
Should you wish to have your design made for you,
please visit my How to Order Custom page.

Oak Tree Belt Buckle from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 11, 2015
Posted in: Belt Buckles, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . 1 Comment

The oak tree has been important to the ancients through out human history.
Much lore may be found associated with the tree
in both North America and Western Europe.
Many Native American Nations viewed the oak tree
as a symbol of strength and supernatural power.
In Europe it was revered by the Celts:
the oak groves are considered sacred
and spell weaving in a grove assured success.
It is also possible to commune
with the fairy realm through the trees.
Native Americans associated it with the sky god,
Nordics considered it a tree of Thor,
and the Greeks attributed the tree to Zeus.
Magick properties of the oak include
longevity, stamina, prosperity, liberation,
and the Will.
Among other cultures,
the Nordic legends attribute the Oak Tree
to protection, strength,
and as the gateway to other Worlds.

The Oak Tree Belt Buckle

The Oak Tree Belt Buckle

In celebration of the tree,
I have created the Oak Tree Belt Buckle
featuring the image of an Oak Tree
suspended in space,
rooted in rock
surrounded by a field of stars.
The “shield” shape
is that of a Door into the world of Fae
representing the idea
how one may enter the world of the Mysteries
through the qualities of the Oak.
Rooted in the stone,
the tree is both contained and suspended in space.
Flanked on either side of the tree
are stars
and the old Druid’s Ogham Rune attributed to the Oak.
The suspension of the tree
represents the suspension of thought
required to enter the door.

The Oak Tree Belt Buckle
is for those who love the Oak
and wish to strengthen the qualities
of the tree within themselves.

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

Medicine Woman Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 9, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, nature Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

From the deepest memories of Human History the role of Women have been the healers of the Tribe. Passed down through the generations, Herb Lore of what can cure and relieve suffering has been handed down from Mother to Daughter through thousands of years.

The Medicine Woman Amulet

Through that understanding, the Medicine Woman was also a Seer, one who understands the mysteries of the mind, perceiving the difference between physical and spiritual suffering and growth.

It has only been in recent human history that the chain has been broken: accusing these holders of such knowledge as “quacks” or worse burned as “witches”, the keepers of the ancient medicine have been insulted and persecuted.

Over the past few decades, herb lore has had a resurgence: a re-awakening to usefulness as Modern Medicine has been set beyond the grasp of the common person (at least in the United States) due to cost and the various hurdles between those who suffer the the keepers of pharmaceuticals. The Herb Lore encompasses both the various teas and such and an understanding of diet as we move forward, reaching out to other cultures for a better understanding of health and vitality.

In the creation of the Medicine Woman Amulet I recalled a scene in the book “Clan of the Cave Bear” where Alia gazes into a medicine bowl, a precious possession of the Medicine Woman; and gazes into its contents, seeing a vision of “what is”. For the Amulet, I combined the image of the woman and the bowl with a dituria plant, considered sacred in the ancient Clan; entwining her hair and body. As a True Healer, the Medicine Woman is a part of Lore, Vision and Tribe; focusing her Will for the betterment of all.

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

Left Eye of Horus Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 7, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Multi Faith. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

In ancient Egyptian Lore,
there was a great battle between Osiris and Set.
A jealous Set slew Osiris
and dropped his body into the Nile.
The Goddess Isis,
rescued the body of her husband
and prepared the ceremonial burial of Osiris,
but his brother Set,
stole the body away
and hacked it into pieces.
Isis searched all of Egypt
and with the god Anubis
gathered together his pieces
and made him whole.
Mounting the corpse of Osiris,
Isis conceived a son:
Horus.

Left Eye of Horus Amulet

Left Eye of Horus Amulet

Isis escaped with her son to the marshes,
jealously guarding him from the vengeful god:
Set.
Isis succeeded,
raising her son in secret
who was to ascend to his rightful throne.
Horus emerged from the marshes
sought his father’ heritage
and presented his claim to the gods.
After long debate
and secret deals behind closed doors
the final verdict was in his favor.

Unhappy
with the decision between Ra
and the rest of the gods,
Set and Horus
had a great battle
in which Horus lost an eye
and Seth,
his testicles.
The eye of Horus
was found and restored
by the god Thoth.
Horus
presented the healed eye to his father
(residing in the underworld),
Osiris.
This eye,
represented the restoration
of royal power.

When magically
Thoth
restored Horus´ eye,
it was given the name “Wadjet”
(translated by both ideas of:
“whole” or “healthy”
and derived from ‘wadj’
meaning
‘green’
hence ‘the green one’
and was known to the Greeks and Romans
as ‘uraeus’
from the Egyptian
‘iaret’
meaning
‘risen one’
from the image of a cobra
rising up in protection),
personified in the goddess Wadjet
from the age of Lower Egypt.

In the symbolism of ancient times,
there are two eyes of Horis,
the right eye is associated
with concrete factual information:
words, letters, and numbers
and those things which are describable in terms
of sentences
or complete thoughts:
the “male” aspect.

Horus’ left eye
which has been torn out
relates to the waxing and waning of the moon
appearing to have been torn out of the sky
and restored once a month;
representing abstract aesthetic information,
esoteric thoughts,
feelings and intuition:
feminine consciousness.

When I chose to develop my own version of the Wadget Eye,
I selected the Left Eye of Horis; representing the feminine qualities,
intuitive and unconscious levels of perception.
This amulet is for those who are interested
in strengthening those intuitive muscles
for greater perception of the world around them.
While it has been used for centuries
as the “Evil Eye”
meaning it is a for protection,
the intent is to heighten
the bearer’s ability
to identify the problem
on an unconscious level.
It is up to the user
to respond to one’s own
“inner voice” of intuition.

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

Shee: The Light Bearer from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 6, 2015
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Sculpture. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

It is said in the elder days of Celtic Lore there was a fairy who carried the light through the longest night of the year. When the last rays of light dissipates into Yule’s dusk, it is a fairy: a Shee who takes up the light and carries it until Dawn, seen flitting through the woods and meadow from dusk till dawn, just beyond reach. If one is full of despair and sees a flash of light bringing Hope, then it was one of the Shee: The Light Bearer. Never resting, always fleeting just beyond reach.

The Light Bearer

As with many of the old ways, the concept is made manifest through our own efforts. Lighting a candle that will last through out the night, or the lighting of the Yule Log for a fire to last until dawn: preserving the Light through the Dark Time of the year, thus we become Bearers of Light for each other, preserving the Truth, Honor and keeping a Home with Hospitality and Good Cheer.

In honor of this Noble Being, I have created a small statue of the Light Bearer. Wings in mid flight she holds a lantern before her thus projecting the Truth in her Path. This is a full, 3-Dimensional solid bronze sculpture (A heavy one!): 2 1/4″ by 7/8″ by 5/8″. Suspended from a bail between the wings intended to be hung as an ornament, harnessed as a ward against sadness, a bringer of Joy and Prosperity.

To learn more about the Light Bearer, please visit her special page.