The Small Winter Awen Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on March 28, 2014
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry. 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.”

Here a new version of the Awen.

The Small Winter Awen Amulet

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 pine cones and the staves match the cones with pine wood.

The Small Winter Awen is three quarters of an inch;
the bail and jump ring is above the cluster of berries
for it to be hung by a chain or cord.
If you wish, I can enamel the berries for a more festive look.
To get your copy of this piece, please visit the Small Winter Awen Amulet page.

A Special Coin for the Clueless

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on March 24, 2014
Posted in: Clueless, Humor. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

A small bronze coin appears only to be the size of a dime,
but contained here in holds magical powers.
It is said
(by those who speak of such things)
the bearer of such a coin
has half a clue
as to what is going on in the world around them.
To verify this
One only needs to turn over the coin to discover
the face of the Dude
the incantation of the Clueless
inscribed on the piece is:
“Good for half a KLU”.

The Clue Coin

The Clue Coin

Originally suggested by the Klu Fairy,
this coin holds the potent Powers of Clueness,
something highly coveted by those in the know,
or the “Clued”.

Many of us that have reached an age
where the younger folks look to us
as if we are completely out of touch with reality,
unable to check email,
perhaps understand the “lingo” the Kids are speaking these days.
Personally
when I tell a person
“Thou art Groovy”,
I get the look as if they are telling me
“You haven’t a clue…”

Yes, I have been blessed
(a number of times)
by the Klu by Four of the sacred Klu Fairy,
(and I still have bruises)
but to keep her long lasting wisdom,
this small talisman carried with the rest of my coins
has given me the “pass”
I need so dearly with these younger whipper-snappers.

I would recommend the Dude Coin to any parent who has teenagers
or works with folks who are “missing something”
but don’t know what it is
to carry such a coin to protect One
from the accusation of cluelessness.

Note the coin itself:
see the face,
the slack jaw,
the look of be-befuddlement in the eyes?
(some have suggested it a self portrait;
but just to be clear I do have a mustache…)
the Dude is indeed:
Clueless.
Well,
never fear,
the keeping of this coin
(see back)
is worth half a clue;
you never need feel out of touch
nor not in the know.
Demonstrate to your friends that you have half a clue:
whip it out and show ‘em!

It also comes in a three pack
(even five-pack):
in this manor you can consult the I-Ch’ing with the clue coins,
thus beginning with a clue and a half even before you start.
You can offer the “extras” to your friends
share the wealth of wisdom.
Yea, verily,
the Klue Coin has so many uses and applications
One can never assess them all
– with out a coin that is…

May the Klu Fairy be merciful
and leave relatively painless knots of wisdom on your brain pan!
May the Dude Himself smile down upon you
and give you peace.

To get your coins for the Clueless
please visit my Clue Coin Page

The Orignal Awen of Isaac Bonewits

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on March 22, 2014
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

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

The Awen

The Original Bonewits 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.”

This version of the Awen is a wreath of oak leaves,
three staves emanating down from three acorns.
The bail from which to hang the amulet:
an oak leaf curled to hold the chain or cord.
On the reverse side of the “signature”:
“Bonewits” and that of the artist:
“Merlin” or Kirk McLaren of Amulets by Merlin.

Through his travels Isaac offered these amulets
with his books and other items;
he even created a special portion of his website
to feature the jewelry.
You may purchase the Awen Amulet and his other designs through my site.
For each piece purchased
Isaac’s surviving Widow
receives a royalty to both help through some difficult times
and encourage 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.

A Larger version of this amulet is now available.

Matching Masonic Cuffs and Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on March 21, 2014
Posted in: Cuff Links, Masonic Jewelry, Rings. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

A Gentleman’s request for some formal wear;
something he could use at his Masonic Lodge.
Typically the combination of a pentacle with the classic square and compass is hard to find
– if not impossible.
However after some design decisions,
he decided we go ahead with the project.

Each of the pieces were created by hand:
carved in wax and using the lost wax process cast in sterling silver.
The woven pentacle with it’s circle used as the foundation of the design,
the the compass and square laid over the top and crowned with the classic “G” in the center.
The ring was built on a classic shank which smoothly fits the hand.
For the cuff links,
the design was mounted on a “solid state” style of cuff links,
omitting a chance of breakage for years of wear.
The style of the links are of a “pillar” design:
each of the caps conforming to either the base of the link
or the top design of the Masonic Symbol.

Matching Masonic Cuffs and Ring

Matching Masonic Cuffs and Ring

When I asked him for a quick review, in his worlds:

“I really like the ring and cuff links I had specially designed.
They have met my expectations
thanks for making them.”

The Gentleman wore his Masonic Ring and Cuff set to his Ceremony
the evening he received them.

If you are interested in having something made which is hard to find,

please go to my How to order custom jewelry page.

The Love Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on March 4, 2014
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Jewelry for the Deaf. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

A while back
I was introduced to a local diver
who works in the ship yards.
One of his many “side jobs”
Is diving into the port waters to scrub barnacles,
remove wire from propellers,
underwater welding and the like.
It is grueling work!

Because of his own hearing issues,
he has dedicated his spare time
to teach the American Sign Language for the Deaf.

I Love You Amulet

I Love You Amulet

I met him at a local coffee shop
where we got to talking about diving,
welding and such
when I spoke about my work as a jewelry designer
he became very enthusiastic.
He then commissioned
the I Love You Amulet:
a heart shaped piece
with a hand in the I Love You sign.
He then asked me to make copies
for his Christmas gifts that year.

Each Yule he drops by my home
to pick up another batch for his students.
He has encouraged me to include these amulets
as a part of my line
in hope that if no other word in this language is learned,
the gesture of Love
is noticed around the necks
of people everywhere.

If you wish to have one made for you
Please visit my
I Love You Page

What is an Amulet?

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on March 3, 2014
Posted in: Amulets, Commentary, Custom Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

For as long as people have ascribed objects with special affinity
they have harnessed the use of Talismans:
objects associated with “magic” or “special powers”.
Amulets have come in a variety of shapes and sizes:
tools, weapons even vehicles.
Among these objects,
jewelry has been the most popular of Talismans:
the Amulets.

An Amulet can be a ring or pendant made of metal,
stone, bone or other substance;
however the intrinsic value is the focus here.
In its basic Latin translation: amuletum,
the “Amulet” was to “repel trouble”;
however as society has progressed
and our needs and desires have become more sophisticated,
the use of amulets has expanded.
A common amulet used today is a wedding ring:
it represents special meanings:
love, trust and a reminder of a promise made.

Mermaid

Custom Mermaid Necklace of Diamonds, Opal and Gold
click here to learn more
about getting your custom amulet

From the 12th century the creation of amulets became more sophisticated:
the greater Key of Solomon
and its various seals
have expanded the purpose of the Amulet to a wide variety of uses:
bringer of rain, lucid dreaming, clarity of thought and so on.
Our history is filled with Amulets from many cultures
including Native American, Gypsy, Romanian, and Celtic;
nearly every culture has its amulets and their use.

In my own work I began with the Tarot.
Each card has a specific meaning and purpose,
reflections of how we think and respond to each other,
the fine tuning of a person’s virtue and their lessons.
I then developed the metaphors that step beyond the two dimensional image,
allowing the bearer of the amulet to focus on the idea and intent
of each of the Major Arcana.
From there I have studied and implemented a host of symbols
to provide a wide variety of Amulets for many purposes.

How do I get a piece of jewelry to work as an Amulet?

It is preferable to harness a piece of jewelry
has already been targeted to work as an amulet.
The important step is to find a connection with the piece,
something that first “reminds” you of the intent.
For example,
if you wished to become pregnant
(provided you have a partner that will assist you in the physical step),
you would find an amulet that would represent fertility to you.
To activate the amulet is simply developing an affinity with the piece.
“This pendant makes me feel fertile”.
Touching that “place” may require some work on your part:
you need to discover that fertile part within
and connect with the amulet you are using.
A great example is found in the first book of the legendary series:
The Sword of Shannara.
Towards the end of the story,
our hero finds it difficult to activate his Talisman
until he discovers the spark of truth within himself
necessary to ignite the “Magic” of the blade.
Although a book of fiction,
the principle is the plain:
to harness such things one must first find that part within one’s self
before the enhancement can take place.

Looking again to the Tarot Amulets,
each piece is designed to help one find that spark within through lore,
imagery and intent.
If one is studying the Chakras, Kundalini and Yoga,
then the Strength Amulet would be a good tool
to help one focus on one’s studies,
exercises and meditations.
It is an enhancement;
it does not take the place of real practice and study.
A lens in of itself does not create light:
it magnifies and focuses the light
giving one more control over what is already there.
With Amulets and Talismans it is not so much the object
rather it is the relationship between the person and their amulet
that makes the difference.
It is not the Wedding Ring that makes you married
it is the relationship between all parties concerned
that creates the marriage:
the rings enhance the marriage and give it a physical point of reference to focus on;
the symbol of the eternal circle and the experience of its presentation at the ceremony.

I have created hundreds of designs;
and always creating more.
On occasion a person will need a piece that will help them accomplish a task,
focus purpose or celebrate life.
Many times he or she will produce a design providing
the necessary connection to their desired goal.
From their art
(or from a description of the design)
I then create what they would like.
To see my line of Jewelry,
sculpture and other works of art and to learn more about how your amulet can be made,
please visit my how to order custom page.

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

Drum of Fire Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 10, 2014
Posted in: Amulets, Drum Circles, Drum Jewelry, Music Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

I was once on the “circuit”
– touring from one festival to another
offering my services and art to fair goers up and down the east coast.
When it got dark and folks could no longer see my jewelry and sculpture,
I would close up shop and head down to the fire and listen to the drums.
Problem was I wanted to play with them
– but I really didn’t know how.
I had spent much of my childhood at a keyboard
playing the piano
– learning classical music and such
but this drumming thing was beyond me

When I met some drummers who offered me a chance to drum
I gladly gave it a try.
At first just keeping the down beat was my job.
Because of my background I caught on quickly and became the metronome of the circle
Keeping the beat going as the advanced musicians danced on the edge
And the dancers pulled me forward
I started experimenting with rhythm

One night – I was cut off.
“Get your own drum” I was told.
I was advised to get the “biggest drum I could find”
And so the one I found was being used as a coffee table by a drum maker
Huge, standing tall and holding up a dinner tray.
the sound was amazing
And so I started with this oversize, much too heavy Djembe
When I started drumming at the fire of Starwood
it felt like I was in the surf and a wave caught me
carried me for a very long time
Later I looked up to discover the full moon was nearly setting
I and been drumming all night!

Djembe of Fire Amulet

Djembe of Fire Amulet

Years later, a good friend asked me to make an amulet
which represented the drum and it’s power
A Djembe: fire licking the sides of the bell
two hands poised over the rim
playing

The Djembe of Fire Amulet
is for those people who love the drum
The Drum Circle
and music made around the fire!

Bunny Skull Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 7, 2014
Posted in: Amulets, Humor, Skull Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Seldom one finds a fierce image of the Rabbit.
In Alice in Wonderland,
the White Rabbit in a constant rush
due to his tardiness of “an important date”
seems a benign bunny.
Harvey (a rather large rabbit) was noted as an imaginary friend
who accompanied Elwood,
sometimes advising him on a number of matters.
Yet for those who have spent time with rabbits,
know they can have a somewhat darker streak.

Bunny Skull Amulet

Bunny Skull Amulet

In the images presented in Monty Python’s Holy Grail,
is described by Tim the Enchanter
as a rabbit hidden in a cave: a grim slayer
– noted by his more ferocious antics
is so profoundly formidable Sir Robin soils his armor.
This terrible beast then slays Bors
by decapitating hims with his terrible teeth!

In other film Lore,
a sector of a Great Rabbit looms heavily in Donnie Darko,
appearing as a huge beast in times of darkness and fear.

But there is indeed hope for the Rabbit:
noted in A Passion Play by Jethro Tull,
the Hare looses his spectacles and is advised by a number of forest creatures
as to why it has happened
and where hi might find them.
Indeed,
it is also referenced in another musical creation by the same artists:
Thick as a Brick (a parody on the classic style of the concept album)
the Non-Rabbit is noted as a transcendent being
who rises above the illusions of Being.

Also noteworthy
is the use of the Hare an a number for Celtic and Norse mythos
representing “more than fertility”
a transcendent being representing a host of virtues and innocence.

To encompass these
(and so many other ideas)
I have created the Bunny Skull:
Both luckier than a rabbit’s foot
and offering fierce protection,
this Bunny Skull is fashioned in miniature
after the likeness of Frank the Ferocious,
direct descendant of the Rabbit of Caerbannog.

Three quarters of an inch tall,
with a jump ring fitted between the ears,
the Bunny Skull Amulet is perfect
for those lovers of skull jewelry.