The Moon Phase Chain

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 9, 2010
Posted in: Moon Jewelry, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , . 3 Comments

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 calender. 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

Skull Money Clip

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 7, 2010
Posted in: Money Clips, Skull Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

None like it.

This Classic Skull Money Clip is a deep carving which will easily fit into your pocket and a fully articulated jaw to bite those bills!

Skull Money Clip
Skull Money Clip

This is a perfect gift for those who are collectors of the skull in jewelry and decor. Your bank roll is protected by the ancestors! Perfect for Bikers, Goth enthusiasts and Medical Students.

Open Jaw

As with all of Merlin’s creations, these are not mass produced: each one is made as they are ordered and can be modified with your symbol or logo on the forehead (custom fees may apply). To see and learn more or order yours, please visit the web page in my site for more details about the Skull Money Clip “here”.

Divine Duality Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 6, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

The most popular form of Theism in our world today
seems to be Monotheism.
Judaism, Christianity and Islam seem to agree (at least on this)
there is “One God”,
but this does not encompass the entirety of religions in our world today.
For those with a broader view of Divinity
I have created the Divine Duality Amulet.

Divine Duality Amulet

Divine Duality Amulet

The perception of the divine is an extremely personal thing.
Religion refers to the relationship
with what one perceives as a “higher consciousness”
whether it be a supreme being or a member of a pantheon.
In many Monotheistic religions,
one develops a personal relationship with as “personal God”
or a representative (Angel).
Although this can most certainly be true with Polytheism,
there are many forms that do not respond to a “personal” relationship:
tribute is offered or other forms of acknowledgment.

Among the Polytheists,
one could be Henotheist:
specializing in the worship of one particular deity
where as the Kathenotheists worship different deities
at different occasions:
seasonal or for specific kinds of blessings.
Among the Polytheists we find hard polytheism
views the gods as being distinct and separate beings
such as the Egyptian and Greek Religions
and parts of Hinduism.
Soft polytheism view the gods as being
a part of the greater whole such as forms of Hinduism:
Smartism and Advaita Vedanta.

For the Divine Duality Amulet,
I created a two sided piece,
one side of the God and the other of the Goddess.
For the Feminine Deity her face is prominent
surrounded by her hair emanating out and curling beneath,
hiding her neck in curls.
For the God side his face a partially disguised for his hair and beard.
I have included Stag Horns as one would find with the Older Gods
(horns are usually attributed to the variety of animal their society is dependent on:
the stag for northern European,
the Buffalo for the Native American Planes Tribes).

Having an amulet that includes both the God and the Goddess combined
is helpful to those why are devotees of both The Goddess and the God,
able to offer tribute to both simultaneously.
One may wear the Goddess visible between Beltane and Samhain,
while turning it over between Samhain and Beltane,
thus representing the duel aspects of the seasons.
It may be used as a tool to bring balance within oneself,
pulling together the needed aspects of the Masculine and the Feminine, Light and Shadow, Nurturer and Defender.

To learn more or get a your own Amulet,
please visit my web page
featuring the Divine Duality Amulet.

The Large High Priestess

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 3, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Pagan Jewelry, Tarot, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . 1 Comment

One of my earliest paintings was the image of the High Priestess. A cascading waterfall with it’s source from the heavens, spilling past a crescent moon, captured and channeled by a beautiful woman whose skirts return to water. Later, I translated the image into an Amulet: the transmutation from collective unconsciousness, captured, personified and then returned into the Akashic Pool.

The Large High Priestess
The Large High Priestess Amulet

In an earlier blog, I have gone into more detail on the Lore of the High Priestess, featuring a smaller version developed more as one of the pieces of the Three Dimensional Tarot Deck I completed in 1992. This Large High Priestess Amulet the original version: bold, strong droplets in the skirts, the moon is at a slight angle as if seen hung in the sky, and with more facial detail.

The Large High Priestess Amulet has always been a favorite of mine, made as a dedication to Girls and Women of all ages, all that is feminine.

with card

Kitchen Witch Pentacle

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 31, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . 6 Comments

When one cooks a meal for one’s family simply to meet the deadline of the hour and gives no notice as to how it is prepared or who it is for, one misses an opportunity to bless their home and loved ones. When one takes that opportunity to hum a happy tune, prepare favorite foods, make the meal a special time one instills Magick into every nourishing bite. Imbuing sustenance with good flavor, solid nutrition and joy, one may be a Kitchen Witch! The complex art of cuisine or exotic dishes isn’t necessary, one can accomplish great things with a simple soup, a sandwich, a salad – anything… so long as it is done with good intention and the will to provide nourishment for the body and soul. Keeping a Kitchen with happiness and focused intent can also spill over into how the cupboards are kept, how the dishes are cleaned and arranged, how the herbs from the garden are hung and dried, decorations and color all add the the way the Kitchen Witch blesses the home and family.

Kitchen Witch Pentacle
Kitchen Witch Pentacle

In celebration of the Kitchen Witch, I have created the Kitchen Witch Pentacle. It creates the star symbolizing the balance of the elements formed by the tools of the Kitchen: The blade, the spoon, the broom, the herb and the candle. En-circled by grape vines, this heavy 2 inch Pentacle may be worn as an amulet or hung in the kitchen as a ward and blessing.

Too big? I have a smaller version of the Kitchen Witch Pentacle.

Custom Awen Necklace

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 27, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

One of my recent efforts.
A fellow who loved the Awens I have developed of 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.

The Medicine Woman Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 26, 2010
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 the lore, the vision and the tribe; focusing her Will for the betterment of all who rely on Her.

The Oak Tree Cloak Clasp

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 21, 2010
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Cloak Clasps, Druid Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a 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 Clasp

In addition to the belt buckle, I have created the The Oak Tree Cloak Clasp featuring the image of an Oak Tree suspended in space, rooted in a rock surrounded by a field of stars. The “shield” shape is that of a Door into the world of Fae representing the idea of 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 back ground of the clasp is textured to resemble wood: swirling grain amidst the stars.

The clasp version has three loops in the back for stitching into one side of your cloak and a small hook to fasten into a button hole made on the opposite side of the cloak for that purpose.

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

The Oak Tree Belt Buckle

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 20, 2010
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a 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
front view

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

The Lunar Cross Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 19, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Jewelry design, Multi Faith. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

This is a big one:
an equal armed cross
with a continuous knot representing eternity,
each arm of the cross
holds a moon phase and the center:
a disk representing the full moon.

Lunar Cross Amulet

Lunar Cross Amulet

The equal armed cross itself
is an ancient symbol
representing the Universe separated into active and passive principles
set into motion.
Combined with the phases of the moon
one can see the waxing and waning reaching
from new to full moon and back again.
The knot work stretches around the central full moon,
twisting and turning through tidal changes,
ever moving forward in time.

This Lunar Cross Amulet
is for the lovers of the Moon
and it’s many guises and phases,
seeking a dynamic balance,
embracing the ebb and flow if it’s influence.