In an earlier article, I described the Heptagram Amulet with it’s history and current perspective. One of the more recent adopters of this symbol is the Faery Tradition of Wicca. In honor of this recent branch of the Neo Earth Religions, I have created a smaller, more “stylized piece” called The Faery Star Amulet.
The Faery Star Amulet is based on Faeids called Faeidism (or Faeidry) which consists of the rites, rituals, practices, and wisdom of those who live a path in life seek to be in touch with the Faery realm. Faeids commonly wear the Faery Star or Elven Star (seven points) as their symbol. This is a seven-pointed Heptagram Amulet believed to be given to humanity by the Fae representing the connection to the world of Faerie so that they may recognize each other.
This piece is 11/16” (or 18mm +/-) with a tighter weave in the center than the Heptagram Amulet, giving it a more organic feel, perhaps the kind of star a Faery would make, light weight and partially domed, a deep carving, framed in a circle and including a bail with jump ring.
To get your copy of the The Faery Star Amulet, please visit my Faery Star Amulet Page
We see “sevens” everywhere in nature and thus we reflect the way we describe our world.
There are the seven colors of the rainbow,
and the seven notes of the musical scale.
Western science recognizes seven chief glands in the human body,
called the endocrine glands;
while Eastern yoga systems speak of the seven Chakras
(as I described in the Strength Card of the Tarot).
In western Music
the most common scale is of seven tones
made up of two tetra chords.
This seven tone has a subtle influence on everyone in their daily lives.
For those of us who are always running music their their minds,
we have begun to think in music,
whether a favorite tune or improvising on a theme,
we weave through these seven notes expressing our heart ache,
joy or love of another.
In alchemy,
a seven-sided star can refer to the seven planets
known to ancient alchemists.
Modern discussions of alchemy are generally split
into an examination of its esoteric practical applications,
and its esoteric aspects.
Historians of the physical sciences
have examined the subject in terms of proto-chemistry,
medicine, and charlatanism.
Unfortunately this perspective does not take into account it’s origins of purpose.
The best known goal of the Alchemist
was the transmutation of common metals into gold
and the creation of the philosopher’s Stone
(the inner base components of a person’s being is transmuted through stress and time
~ into a perfected Being).
Modern chemistry was developed
because of the pursuit of knowledge in the material world
where as Alchemy is
(in short)
the pursuit of being a better person.
As with most studies like Astrology,
Tarot and others,
we have developed modern sciences of Astronomy,
physiology, chemistry (and so on)
because experiments opened previous
undiscovered aspects of the physical world.
In doing so
we now have a better understanding of our selves
and the universe we live in.
The result of the studies in metaphysics:
we now have a better language to describe aspects
which required colorful metaphor in ancient times.
Still,
we rely heavily on the old words
to describe which is still hard to fathom.
For example:
we describe the term Consciousness as Mercurial,
because of the way the metal mercury appears:
reflective of everything around it
and pours into any vessel
taking the shape of the vessel
without changing its basic attributes.
Mercury has such a power relation to the way we think
we even have a special day attributed to it:
Wednesday.
We have the seven-day week:
each day is ruled by one of the planets:
The Sun rules Sunday,
the Moon Monday,
Mars Tuesday,
Mercury Wednesday,
Jupiter Thursday,
Venus Friday,
and Saturn Saturday.
Their influences may be recalled
from the days of ancient Chaldea and Babylon.
According to Medieval astrology
there are seven Ancient and Sacred planets:
Saturn,
Jupiter,
Mars,
Sun,
Venus,
Mercury,
and the Moon or Luna.
(Uranus, Neptune and Pluto not being visible were omitted,
the Sun and Moon are not planets yet were considered as such for many years,
thus the influence on our culture
concerning their representation of primary forces.
Uranus, Neptune and Pluto were added in modern astrology
as higher frequencies of already acknowledged influences).
One of the more recent groups
which has adapted the The Heptagram
is Faery or Fairy Wicca:
an umbrella term that refers to any tradition of modern Wicca
that places an emphasis on the Fey,
their lore,
and their relation to the natural world.
When speaking of “Faery Wicca”
some refer to a tradition of Wicca recently founded
by author Kisma Stepanich.
Some claim it recovers the traditions of the Tuatha De Danaan,
(disputed by those familiar with ancient Celtic polytheism and mythology.
Stepanich’s Faery Wicca
draws liberally on some degree of Irish mythology,
from the author’s interpretation of Celtic history,
legend, imagination, and a variety of non-Celtic sources)
Though Faery Wicca may draw inspiration from some of the customs practiced
among the ancient and modern Celts,
it shares more with other modern Wiccan and Neo-Wiccan traditions
than with the “Fairy Faith” as it is known in traditional Gaelic cultures.
In 2000,
A Pagan organizer started a magical path or religion
based on Faeids called Faeidism (or Faeidry)
which consists of the rites, rituals, practices, and wisdom
of those who live a path in life seek to be in touch with the Faery realm. Faeids commonly wear the Faery Star or Elven Star
(The Heptagram) as their symbol.
This is a seven-pointed star is believed to be given to humanity
by the Fae representing the connection to the world of Faerie
so they may recognize each other.
Over the years other Traditions have adopted the concept and symbol.
Despite the inevitable disagreements and friction that will develop
in a large, diverse, and widely-spread group,
a remarkable sense of community and closeness continues between members of the Tradition,
to the point where annual convocations are often referred to as “Family Gatherings”.
Diversity is embraced,
differences are cherished
and expression of many kinds are encouraged.
The Heptagram is found in paintings,
drawings, sculpture, Vae Vaes, pentacles
(in the classic sense of a mandala)
and (yes) mandalas;
crossing cultures, generations, arts and sciences.
The Heptagram means many things to many people.
In celebration of the the seven point star,
I have created a new amulet in my collection:
The Heptagram Amulet.
This is a simple, deep carving of a 7/8 inch (23mm) disk
with a woven seven point star in filigree.
A top bail with a jump ring offers a sleek comfortable wearing of the amulet.
To order your copy,
please visit the The Heptagram Amulet page.
A gift I made for my Granddaughter:
The Clasp of Wisdom.
This year My grandchildren were to receive hand made cloaks
created by their Mother for Christmas.
I was honored by the task
of augmenting their gifts by creating clasps,
I found myself in a scene from a faerie tale…
In Tolken’s book of the Lord of the rings,
there is a scene where Fordo and his crew were given gifts
as they continued from Lothlorien.
The Hobbits received clasps for their cloaks
each made of a particular symbol sacred to the Elves.
I thought for a long time
as to what would be appropriate for the little ones.
With the two boys
(who are currently being trained as “super Heroes”)
the Thunder Clasps seemed appropriate.
However with my Grand daughter it took a bit of considering.
With two brothers and a Father,
she would be continually surround with with very strong male influences.
With her mother as a counter weight to both opinion and demand,
the Wisdom of Women will be dearly borne,
like a path of fire to find her own voice.
Clasp of Wisdom
It is within the tradition of my bloodline,
Scots use knot work as a way to develop pasterns of meditation and expression,
so I began with that:
each knot pattern holding the significance of thought,
woven about to provide the intricacies of knowledge.
At the point where the clasps meet,
are two profiles of “Wise Men” facing each other;
both in the process of speech;
thus the Knot work pattern is
of a classic Zoomorphic Style of Celtic Knot work.
Each of the panels are complete knots to themselves,
yet by hooking her cloak together
she will be unifying the wisdom of others:
developing a new perspective.
It is “she herself”
that may bring opposing views,
bringing a better understanding and Peace.
The knots behind the heads of the Wise Men
reveal their thoughts:
reflections of their own perspectives.
Truth is a quarky thing:
most of the time we tend to rely on our own perspective
to to handle the world’s challenges.
When one is able to understand the perspectives of others
we may begin to understand the Truth of a thing:
a single eye shows only a single view,
however two eyes provide the ability to see in three dimensions.
The symbolism of this clasp
is to provide a helpful hint
in discovering Reality Itself:
by listening to others,
conflicting views and seek a balance.
More often than not,
the two perspectives will reveal an object
in the way of our view.
In selecting two bearded Men for a little girl
I was attempting to represent what she is dealing with now:
two brothers and how to learn with them.
She will also grow up in a world
where Men will be a major influence on her,
by learning how to cope early in life
she will also develop skills which may
bring a better understanding between the Sexes
in her generation
and in the centuries that follow:
it is she “herself”
that provides the balance between all people
true Wisdom.
This clasp was developed as a one-of-a-kind piece
for a unique little girl.
This was conceived,
designed and created for my Granddaughter
as a Christmas Present
If you are interested in custom work,
please visit my How to order Custom Page.
One of my favorite subjects is root and branch designs. When I received a call from a fellow who wanted a custom ring, his description was: “Please make me a Pentacle ring with roots stretching down the sides of the ring”, I was enthusiastic! After a quick sketch he “OK’d” through the mail (he doesn’t have internet); I created his Ring.
A Union Root and a Pentacle is a very natural combination. The Pentacle (as describe in an earlier blog) symbolizes the balance and harmony of the elements, this combined with the natural formation of roots may represent the grounding effect of balance, the natural state of peace one receives in a forest and a sense of eternity one experiences in Nature.
Solid, Heavy Sterling Silver with a strong patina to highlight the contrasting shapes and accent the depth of the carving. This Unique, One-of-a-kind Root and Star Ring is now on the hand of a very happy young man.
If you are interested in having a ring made just for you, please visit my How to order Custom page.
Brand New from Amulets by Merlin! An entire set for the Music Lover: the universal symbol of Music for singers, musicians and lovers of the musical arts: The Treble Clef Collection from Amulets by Merlin.
A pendant and earrings of the Treble Clef to adorn the musician in your life. More about the Treble Clef is written in my earlier blog (the pendant and earrings are available separately). This set is perfect for your favorite performer of the musical arts, or perhaps your music teacher as a “thank you” for patiently teaching you what the treble clef is!
One inch tall, these three dimensional Treble Clef Earrings have a bail behind the top loop. These small pieces are a great way to celebrate your love for music! Available in a variety of chain length to customize your music collection. Whether you play an instrument, sing, or simply love music; the Treble Clef Earrings are perfect for the music lover in your life.
I made two Thunder Clasps for my Grandsons this year,
each cloak clasp made with small loops behind the plates
to stitch onto their cloaks
and two solid hooks for clasping their cloaks together.
Like the Super Heroes they are
(at least to us!)
these clasps represent the “Super Powers” Grandsons
have to “Right the Wrongs” and “Save Damsels in Distress”
(most likely their sister who is out fighting “evil doers” on her own!)
Thunder Clasp
Made in Bronze
and currently keeping the boys safe from cold breezes.
These pair were not made from molds,
each clasp a “one-of-a-kind”.
If you are interested in having a special clasp made
of your own design,
please visit my How to order Custom page.
If you would like to see clasps in my Jewelry Line,
please visit my Cloak Clasps Page.
Brand New from Amulets by Merlin!
A pair of earrings celebrating the universal symbol of Music for singers,
musicians and lovers of the musical arts!
A clef ( a french word meaning key) is a musical symbol used to indicate the pitch of written notes.
Placed on one of the lines at the beginning of the staff
(five lines stacked upon each other),
indicates the name and pitch of the notes on that line.
This line serves as a reference point by which
the names of the notes on any other line or space of the staff may be determined.
The Treble Clef’s curl wraps around the second line up
on the staff indicating G above middle C,
most commonly used in the staff for piano.
It is one of three kinds of clef used in modern music notation: F, C, and G.
One inch tall, these three dimensional Treble Clef Earrings have a bail behind the top loop.
These small pieces are a great way to celebrate your love for music!
Whether you play an instrument, sing or simply love music,
the Treble Clef Earrings are perfect for the music lover in your life.
This tiny drum is perfect for the drum enthusiast who wants a very subtle charm. Only a quarter inch tall, this tiny Djembe holds the texture of the big ones: wood, tiny ropes and a drum head being played by very small hands.
One of the playing hands resolves into a loop for hanging on a chain, cord, may be tied to your drum as a reminder of the Rhythms of the Drum circle, a favorite event or perhaps woven into your dreads, braids or other hair ornaments. This tiny Djembe Dangle is available in Silver and Bronze. Gold prices upon request.
The Awen was one of his favorites: his description says it all.
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 my “signature”: “Merlin” (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 offer this (an the other pieces) in both Silver and Bronze.
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 you may visit his website.
To learn more about Isacc’s Awen, please visit my web-page featuring Isaac’s Amulets.
For many years I was on the road, attending conventions and festivals and two of the most common questions was “How do you make this?” and “How did you start out?”
I started off as a child…
My first reach into jewelry was wanting something that I could not find. When I was seven years old I had asked Santa clause to gift me two badges: I pains taking developed sketches of that I wanted and offered it to him days before Christmas. The odd thing to me at the time was the careful “handing off” of the sketches to my parents while I was “being distracted” by a very tall elf.
After not getting the badges I asked for, my suspicions grew and I though about making the pieces myself. Fortunately my parents later gifted me with a copper enameling kit. I developed a technique of enameling by mixing color and design in the powder, however in the tiny kit the control over design was a bit hap hazard.
As with all things in our childhood, the kit was “over used” and eventually when the hot plate was borrowed and burnt up, I returned to other forms of art. My Mother was a professional artist and trained me in painting, sculpture and many other forms of artistic media and technique. Coupled with music (Piano and Guitar) I began to develop a way to reproduce and interpret what I saw, felt and thought.
I cannot remember a time when I was not sculpting, yet when the opportunity to take a jewelry class, I went into fabrication: working directly in the metal rather than casting. I will always be grateful for this because the broader the education in the field.
It was not until I was going through a rough patch in my life and found myself back in my parent’s home and access to a jewelry bench again that I went to an exhibit of Lalique at the LA county art museum that I found I was on the right track. In combination with my studies in metaphysics, (focusing on the art) I decided to bend the boundaries of my work to include esoteric imagery and use of my art.
For years I had attempted to develop a Tarot Deck, however these adventures into the project kept solidifying into “logo” like pictures rather than paintings. Seeking the work of a master who bent the rules as to what was to be jewelry and what was art, I was inspired.
In order to work on the project, I started to create custom jewelry for folks, building my bench of tools and honing my skills, I began to work out of a shop: the Crystal Cave, at the time in Santa Anna, California. Karen, the owner of the shop was extremely supportive and began to display my work in her cases; all the while I was driving a truck.
In 1992 I went full time into jewelry, moved to Newport News, Virginia and completed the Tarot Caster Set: the first (and only) three dimensional Tarot Deck of it’s kind. Yes, each of the Major Arcana may be used almost pharmaceutical, however when used together the set is a deck which may be dropped and read as they fall. I developed the name “Tarot Casters” because the process is much like casting a net. In some of the more esoteric writing, Tzaddii (the Hebrew letter attributed to the Star Card) is the fish hook: one drops one’s mind into the great waters of the unconscious to see what would bite. By using the entire major arcana, one is using a much broader casting for ideas, inspiration and (perhaps) answers on one’s troubles.
Within a few months of being on the East Coast, I was introduced to a more esoteric community which appreciated what I had accomplished and rewarded me with praise and commissions for more work. I began with creating jewelry for circles, covens and groves as well as Churches and other religious organizations, focusing on Serving Spirit rather a specific religious trend. The only criteria I’ve maintained is that all is focused on Good Intent.
Thanks to a commission by my land lord, I developed a Tap Handle for his private reserve, thus I returned to sculpting, one of the first steps in training in my youth. I sculpted in in pieces, then assembled them after casting – a technique used in much larger pieces, however when casting with a jewelry centrifuge you are limited in how large one can go. For several decades, I focused on tiny pieces rather than the large ones, however after working so small, the larger pieces came easy, but they required me to look to a foundry rather than relying on my tiny set up for rings and pendants.
It was when I sculpted a pair of motor cycle mirrors that I turned to a local artist for help. He (who as asked me to omit his name0 taught me the gaps I had in casting larger pieces, then introduced me to his buddy who had a foundry at his disposal.
At this point, I have the ability to cast at any size: even life size (and bigger). I continue to serve those who want jewelry through my website. I do not have a “store” but rather I do show my work at the Mystic Moon in Norfolk , Virginia, should anyone wish to drop in and see it . As always, I have a full catalog for your review and a gallery of some of my work. Most of the images of the pieces made in the past are “lost” in that I have not had a digital camera the entire time, so only in the pat ten years do I have pictures worthy of display.
If you wish to have something made for you, please view my website and don’t hesitate to email me with any questions.
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