The Magic Seal of the Losander Floating Tables

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on May 16, 2010
Posted in: Stage Magic. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Years ago I visited my dear friend Luna Shimada;
a world class stage magician
residing in Los Vegas
with her (now ex) husband Dirk Losander and their children.
After a few days of catching up
I was able to speak with Dirk about a growing concern:
his Floating Tables have been copied by an inferior carpenter.

Dirk is also a world class Magician
specializing in his most famous “Bubble Magic”.
Aside from his prodigious efforts on stage
and well noted for his superior creation of the gadgets,
props and instruments of his trade.
Of his many pieces he is well noted for Losander’s Floating Table (TM):
his own invention.
Losander himself creates copies of these and other instruments of Magic
and sells them to others in his profession.

Losander Shield

The Magic Seal
of the
Losander Floating Tables

We developed a solution to his problem:
the creation of special shields to be inlaid into the tables
to ensure that each of the tables are genuine Losander Floating Tables.
After a few design considerations he decided on his logo sculpted in silver and bronze,
some with and others without moonstone.
Each shield is specially made and embedded insuring the one who purchases the table
is a Losander Table
with the privileges and guarantees
accompanying the genuine article.

Should you have a product or project in need of a special piece of art,
be sure to visit my How to order Custom Page.

Tree Crystal Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on May 10, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , . 2 Comments

Some years ago
I created the Tree Crystal Amulet as a-one-of-a-kind piece.
This was one of a series of tree amulets I made years ago
of a dozen produced and displayed in my cases when I was on the circuit.
The crystal was most certainly a-one-of-a-kind as well:
the stone with a color grading from clear quartz to an amethyst tip.
When I saw this particular crystal
and it was suggested I cut it to make a piece,
I decided to create a copse of trees on the top,
the stone looking like a floating island from a Roger Dean painting.

Tree Crystal Amulet

Tree Crystal Amulet

If you have a favorite stone that you wish to have topped with trees,
animals or another design you have in mind,
please feel free to contact me for your one-of-a-kind commission.

The Tree Spirit Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on May 3, 2010
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Multi Faith, nature Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . 12 Comments

Ever look up into the trees and think you see a face or critter in the leaves and branches; only to discover it was a trick of the eye? Folks have “seen strange things” in the trees for all of human history. In ancient days, the Druids attributed powerful influences emanating from the trees, sometimes one would spend a great deal of time in the woods to gain insight,attributing their inspiration to the trees. Buddha sat beneath a Bodi Tree when he gained enlightenment, Oden hung himself from a tree when he developed the Runes. Aside from burning wood for warmth, wood has been an intrinsic part of our society for as long as we have been aware: we descended from trees, we build our homes, our furniture toys and great works of art. Some of the oldest beings on earth are trees.

The Tree Sprite Amulet

In my own experience, I found great comfort amongst the trees: the might Sequoias of the west coast are impressive both in height, age and majesty. In one of my excursions into the forests of the great North West, I thought I saw “someone” high in the branches. I couldn’t identify who or what it was and so pursued what I mistook as a being. I even climbed up into the branches only to find “nothing there”. Later that day I saw it again, only in another tree. Squirrel? Not that big! It was when I was relaxed and “not paying attention” that I began to understand what I was “seeing” was the essence of the tree: something vaguely aware, coming from the forest itself. Comforting yet removed, alert yet extremely slow and paced, the Forest itself has a presence.

My attempt to “capture” this in art I developed: The Tree Spirit Amulet. A noble tree with spreading branches, exposed roots alluding to how such a being is rooted both into the earth and the spirit world. In the branching of the tree is a small deer head, alluding to Herne, a being in the forest that is both a part and transcendent. The amulet may be worn as a pendant, but I have also created the Tree Spirit Necklace by adding hand made leaf chain and earrings.

The Tree Sprite Amulet is for those who love the Trees for what ever reason, but most especially for those whose imagination have lead them to the truth about our Living World.

The Small Pentacle of Fire Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 28, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

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

The Pentacle of Fire Amulet
The Small Pentacle of Fire Amulet

When using the term “element” we are describing the nature of being. Fire is a state of transmutation in every sense of the word: changing from one thing into another. In the Tarot we see pure elemental fire in Judgment, a card representing Baptismal Fire: all states of one’s being: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual being stressed to nearly the breaking point. Heated, if you will; then fused into a new being. Stronger, more tolerant, deeper perception and (hopefully) wiser.

Combining the balance of the symbol of the Pentacle and the element of Fire itself, I have created: The Small Pentacle of Fire Amulet. The entire pentacle is on fire with shapes that look as if they are moving, indefinable yet changing into something else…This amulet is for those who are working with the onslaught of severe change in their lives. It represents your tenacity and strength, not only to survive but transcend turmoil and create new and better ways of living.

The Triquetra Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 26, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Christian Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Multi Faith, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

Triquetra simply means “triangle” and has been used to refer to a variety of three-cornered shapes but has been evolved into a symbol of depth. Often seen in the Book of Kells, some have surmised that because of its frequent use as ornamentation has been a part of folk lore pre-dating the creation of the ancient texts. It appears in stone and metal on crosses, markers, jewelry and other artifacts through-out Celtic history.

The Triquetra Amulet
The Triquetra Amulet

Because of the Christian Influence and their lore concerning the Trinity, many have attributed the shape to represent: “The Father, Son and Holy Ghost”, but it could easily represent any lore that embraces the Three: Parents and child; the three phases of human existence: Youth, Middle Age and the Elderly; Maiden, Mother, Crone; Green Man, Hunter, Sage. All Threes: a number of Manifestation in Creation.

In recent years it has been popularized within the Pagan and Wiccan communities, for they too love the manifestation of Three. It has even been embraced in the Television series “Charmed”; the Triquetra is embossed on the Grimoire of the Three Sisters.

The Triquetra Amulet represents the Trinity, the manifestation of Three and the integrity of one purpose through love. The Triquetra Amulet is for those who cherish the idea of the Trinity in its many forms.

Keepers of the Flame Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 22, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . 4 Comments

Periodically, I find a stone that seems to call for a sculpture.
I found a piece of jasper some time ago and could see the shape of flames within.
As if the piece was complete,
I kept seeing a pair of flame spirits embracing the stone.
It was then I decided to create the Flame Spirit Amulet.

Keepers of the Flame

Keepers of the Flame

The original carving itself was that of wax:
I built up the shapes as if unbidden, as if they formed themselves around the stone.
Once completed, I cast the carving and set the jasper as a one of a kind piece.

Being as I was on the circuit at the time,
I placed it in my cases.
It only resided amongst the other amulets for a day before a lovely lady purchased it.

If you wish for something like it and found a stone that seems to speak to you,
I can create an amulet,
ring or brooch as a one-of-a-kind-creation.
We can start with a rendering:
images of the design for your approval,
or if you simply wish me to create “something like it”
and you have the stone you wish to guild
(or you want me to find one for you),
simply go to my custom page
where you can learn more about how we can get started
with your one-of-a-kind creation.

Dagda’s Shield Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 13, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Jewelry design, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

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.

Dagda’s Shield Amulet

One of them is Dagda’s Shield.

In his Words:
“This talisman is meant to be used with a daily self-protection spell from Isaac’s book The Pagan Man.

“Dagda behind me, Dagda before me
Dagda to my left, Dagda to my right
Dagda beneath me, Dagda above me
Dagda in quiet, Dagda in danger
Dagda in the hearts of all that love me
Dagda in the mouth of friend and stranger.

“I bind unto myself the name, the strong name of the Dagda,
By invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three,
The mightiest of all the Gods, Father of the Queen of Arts,
The Supreme Knower, Lord of Fire, and King of Druids.

“This silver or bronze talisman has been made by Merlin of Amulets by Merlin, based on the above design by Isaac Bonewits (includes the ogham letters for “Dagda” on the back).The design (inspired by Ian Corrigan) has a Celtic triple spiral as found in the Boyne River in Ireland, plus three awens (see below), with a snake wrapped around the edge of the shield. The shield as a whole is curved to cover one-sixth of a sphere to aid in visualizing it at all six directions.”

Isaac’s Amulets are a beautiful combination of design, comfort and concept. Through his travels he 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. 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, please visit his website.

The Chakra Tree

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 10, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Multi Faith. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 7 Comments

A few years ago
a friend of mine decided to have an amulet created
reflecting her perceptions of the chakras.

The chakras in classic yoga
are a series of seven places in the body
considered as energy centers.
Each place is a kind of akashic organ
imbued with certain qualities.
When trained properly,
one may tune and strengthen them to achieve health,
balance and spiritual clarity.

The Chakra Tree

The Chakra Tree

For example
the heart chakra,
located approximately where the physical heart is in the body,
only more in aligned with the spine.
The heart chakra’s quality is compassion,
healing and love of all things.
Illustrated in Hindu art as well as renaissance paintings of Christ
(the sacred heart) the heart chakra is recognized in many cultures.
Those who naturally have powerful heart chakras
are healers and peacemakers.

In chakra lore,
it is best to train each of them equally
so they may balance naturally.
Doing this often requires practice in concentration,
visualization and breathing techniques
accompanied with a physical training which stimulate the chakra centers.

Beyond traditional Yoga,
many people have harnessed the studies of the chakras
by adapting the knowledge to their own traditions.
My friend’s vision encompassed her love of nature
and infused the imagery into a series of sketches and renderings.
The ultimate design transcended
beyond a conglomerate of simple geometric shapes
into an almost story book mural of metal and stone.

A raven flies overhead symbolizing transcendence,
wisdom and knowledge just beyond reach.
Stones aligned by the chakra formation down the trunk of the tree,
each stone of the kind associated with each chakra as per her choosing.
The amulet is four and a half inches made of silver
(the leaves, secondary branches and roots)
and bronze (main trunk and primary branches).
The rough bark extended into the settings
give a feeling of the stones being in the tree itself,
the top two chakras (third eye and the crown)
in contrast made smooth to accentuate
the higher level of consciousness.
Leaves extend the growth of the tree into the chain.
Below is an opal symbolizing the pool of consciousness,
much akin to the Star Card of the Tarot.

The Chakra Tree Amulet
was made as a one of a kind,
special commission and now resides in a private collection.

If you wish to have something special made for you,
Please visit my How to order Custom page

The Charm Holder

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 7, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Multi Faith, Skull Jewelry, Totem Jewelry, Zodiac Amulets. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

A custom “Charm Holder” and necklace.

The Charm Holder

The Charm Holder
A custom necklace
to hold various amulets

After searching “high and low” (as she put it) for several years,
such a thing was not to be found.
Apparently my client had a charm holder made in the ‘70s,
but due to her allergy to gold and the problem of breakage,
she sought a jeweler to re-create the piece.
After sending me a rather blurry image with a written description
I created a rendering fro her approval.
Because of her purposes for the piece
I added the triple moon at the top harnessing a hinge and clasp for the armature to swing out,
change the amulets out as needed and clasp again behind the triple moon shield.
I did not add stones because it would “color” what it is
holding to a narrow spectrum of purpose.

Shown here are three amulets in combination:
the High priestess, Leo and an ancestor skull bead.
This combination holds the vitality and perseverance of Leo,
the qualities of the Akashic amulet of the High Priestess
and the wisdom of the ancestors.
As the bearer of this Charm Holder,
she is able to construct a pattern of influences
needed for a specific purpose
or to develop a matrix of intent
for a period of time
and then reconstruct the holder for other purposes in the future.

Although this piece is a one of a kind,
I can create a charm holder of similar make and construction for you
with your choice of symbol at the top and size of armature.
Custom work is one of my favorite things to create,
so all you need to do is ask.

The Fellowship of the Celtic Cross

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on March 31, 2010
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Christian Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

One of the last efforts my Father worked on was to return to his favorite project:
the education of young men and women.
A devout Presbyterian Minister,
professor of Philosophy
and a member of the Humanities Department in Cal State Fullerton,
Dr. Robert B McLaren began his quest of promoting virtue
by working with the youth in Boys town of Chicago.

The Fellowship of the Celtic Cross

The Fellowship of the Celtic Cross

In each of the churches he served with in Illinois, Montana, Texas and California,
he worked closely with the youth with scholarly lessons of the New Testament,
often focusing on the book of Luke.
His method was to first go over the text,
then re-discover the context by studying the politics, technology
and social conditions of the period to help them understand the milieu of the work.

For a period during the 70 and 80s, Dr. R. B. McLaren took a break from youth fellowship
and focused primarily on his University Efforts,
finishing his Doctorate
and moving ahead in his service with the Academy of Judao, Christian and Islamic Studies,
the World Council of Churches and the Parliament of World Religions.
After his “retirement” he was asked by the local Church
to return to his teaching the Youth of his community.

We had several conversations over the matter
and he decided that it would be helpful to have crosses made for them.
Noting if the cross was to have a special meaning for them
I recommended that the group design the piece.
This experience of creativity would mark the moment in their lives,
help them recall the ideas that they were working with at the time,
empower them and give them the experience of collaboration
both with each other and with their instructor.
The members busily drew a host of images,
then created a composite of the designs.
From the images of the Youth Group,
I created their Cross Amulet. On the completion of their studies,
they were then blessed with a copy of their own design.

In each of his talks,
classes lectures and sermons the main focus of his message was to celebrate life,
each other and joy.
In every conversation his salutation was:
“Be of Good Cheer!”
I find great comfort in knowing I was able to contribute to his legacy.

If you are interested in a specially designed piece for your church, circle, grove or organization,
Please view my How to order custom page