The Aries Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on February 3, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Multi Faith, Pagan Jewelry, Zodiac Amulets. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

The Element of Aries is Primal Fire:
transformation and transmutation.
Aries is considered both the first House
and the first Fire of Spring.
Aries shatters the cold bonds of Winter,
cracks the ice
and allows the first seeds that
to crack open and begin it’s shoots.
Aries is the Ram:
single minded and capable of knocking down barriers
standing in the way
(even if there is a door right next to the passage).

The Aries Amulet

The Aries Amulet

This Sign of the Zodiac establishes the first realization:
“I AM”;
a perception every human has
once aware of their surroundings
and there are other people in the world.
It is with this perspective
the Aries Nature may incite actions,
blaze trails
and conceive notations
others will in turn build on,
extrapolate and complete.
Unfortunately this can also be a bane
Aries struggles with completion of projects.
They make poor followers by nature;
rather
they are trail blazers and path creators.
If they should find themselves as leaders,
it is often confusing to them,
not quite understanding
why someone would not find their own way through life.

The Aries Amulet is composed of the tongues of flame, both the symbol and frame. The amulet looks heavier than it is because of the deeply cut three dimensional frame.

This amulet is for both the Aries
sun and moon signs:
The Sun signs are those of the Zodiac houses
under which you are born:
March 20/21 – April 20,
or if you are more concerned with your moon sign,
the house the moon occupied while you were born.
It may also be used as an amulet
should you wish to emphasize the qualities of Aries in your life,
actions, position in your community or home;
perfect for those who are solitaries,
leaders, creators of all kinds,
Hermits and brain stormers.

To get yours:
Please visit my Aries Amulet Page

The Pisces Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on February 2, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Multi Faith, Zodiac Amulets. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The Pisces Amulet
is from my Astrology collection.
Pisces is Mutable Water associated with consciousness,
in it’s mutable from always in flux – even when standing still.
By its nature (like the fish)
it rides the current of thought and emotion
finding currents and eddies to explore.
Pisces is very intuitive
they understand emotion and can grasp another person’s struggle
without losing themselves (Hopefully!).

The Pisces Amulet

The Pisces Amulet

“I Believe”.
Knowledge of the current of consciousness
provides a conviction based on gut instinct
rather than calculation.
With this kind of foundation
they can stand in the perpetual Mutation of Being
without loosing their nature.

The amulet’s design produces the effect of “Water within Water”
both holding true to the design
yet creating more flow than is already there.
Like the others in the series,
the frame is deep cut to produce a three dimensional effect to the amulet,
presenting the eye with the idea:
there is more to it than first apparent.

This amulet is for both the Pisces Sun and Moon signs:
The Sun signs are those of the Zodiac houses under which you are born:
February 18/19 – 20/21,
or if you are more concerned with your moon sign,
the house the moon occupied while you were born.
It may also be used as an amulet
should you wish to emphasize the qualities
of Pisces in your life, actions, position in your community or home;
perfect for those who are true believers, religious leaders,
artists, creators of all kinds, Lovers, Lawyers and performers.

The Aquarius Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 31, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Multi Faith, Zodiac Amulets. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The Aquarius Amulet is from my Zodiac Collection,
considered a sign of “Air”,
thus I have carved the piece with a brushed texture
to offer the feel of an element that can lightly brush the cheek
like a passing breeze,
or tear the roof off a house,
all with near invisible force.

The Aquarius Amulet

The Aquarius Amulet

The sense of consciousness
expressed in the Aquarius amulet is:
“I Know“.
This is the impression they hold of themselves,
not necessarily pertinent or correct,
yet they conceive that they know
or at least seek to find out.
They derive satisfaction when proven right;
yet find it difficult to comprehend when they are not.

The Aquarians are outgoing,
self expressive with positive polarity combining
with the communicative nature of Air.
Aquarians are generous with knowledge preferring
to express themselves through large groups of people
and enjoy being the center of attention.

Aquarius is a “fixed” sign
resulting in a stubborn nature
and given to preconceived yet progressive ideas.
They are original, inventive, intellectual, friendly independent,
idealistic, revolutionary and at times unconventional.

This piece reflects the flow if ideas
replicated in the texture of the over all sculpture.
The surrounding disk holds depth
allowing the Aquarian design to stand out.

This amulet is for both the Aquarian sun and moon signs:
The Sun signs are those of the Zodiac houses
under which you are born:
January 20 – February 18/19,
or if you are more concerned with your moon sign,
the house the moon occupied while you were born.
It may also be used as an amulet
should you wish to emphasize the qualities of Aquarius in your life,
actions, position in your community or home;
perfect for those who are seekers of knowledge,
performers, teachers and scientists.

The Cat Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 30, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Multi Faith, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . 1 Comment

In our more ancient cultures, the Cat has been considered one of the sacred animals. The earliest evidence of cats as deities may be found in Egypt as early as 3100 BC one may fine a crystal cup decorated with an image of the lion-headed goddess Mafdet. The goddess Bast was originally depicted as a lion, but as her image “softened” over time she became more strongly associated with the smaller cat.

The Cat Amulet
The Cat Amulet

In the middle ages in Europe, because of the history of the “Pagan” lore and in fear of the Old Religions, cats were considered evil and were destroyed by the thousands, only to encourage a rat population which spread the plague and in turn killed much of the population.

Now recognized as both a great pet and a wonderful deterrent to infestation of less desirable vermin, the Cat has returned to proper favor among us.

In celebration to the Cat’s place in our lives, I have created the beloved animal as The Cat Amulet. This piece is two sided, adorned with jewelry of her own: earring, necklace and bracelets for her tail. Her eye is rendered as them all seeing eye of Ra. She is only an inch tall and very light weight, yet stout for all her detail.

This amulet is designed for cat lovers everywhere who wish to carry with them a touch of their sleek beauty.

The Sleeping Drummer Statue

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 26, 2010
Posted in: Drum Circles, Sculpture. Tagged: , , , . 1 Comment

When first attending Drum Circles, a dear friend who simply couldn’t tear herself away from the down beat refused to withdraw to her tent after drumming ‘till four in the morning. On a blanket and just outside the circle, she curled up with her drum and fell asleep. It was an image that etched into my mind for years to come.

The Sleeping Drummer Statue
The Sleeping Drummer

Just a couple of years ago a young lady often commented the effect that drumming has on her: “I fall to sleep every time. All you guys have to do and start drumming and I am out in minutes”. Her husband chuckled over this and thought that it would be a great subject of a sculpture. He contracted a sculpture for her birthday. “Just add a cat to it” he told me. “She loves her cats!”

The result is The Sleeping Drummer. This bronze statue is over six inches long and placed on a slice of oak for a pedestal. She sleeps while hugging her drum and her trusty cat plays a rhythm that keeps her dozing.

If you would like to have a sculpture created for you simply review my how to order custom page and email me a description.

The Rune Ear Cuff

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 24, 2010
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, Runes, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 6 Comments

I make a variety of Ear cuffs.
Much like the shape of cuff bracelets,
they are designed to clasp the side of the ear
decorating the aural shell;
an alternative to the earring.
They do not need a piercing to wear
and thus a great option for someone
who has not chosen to add a hole to the lobe.

Rune Ear Cuff

Rune Ear Cuff

One of the ear cuffs I make
is the Rune Ear Cuff;
inscribed on the band the Elder Futhark (24 runes),
the classic collection of runes
which are also featured in the Rune Caster Set.
In this way you may have the “Wisdom of the Runes” as a constant companion,
augmenting all that you hear.

The Ear Cuff is 1/4″ by 1 1/2″,
however when formed to fit you ear it adjusts between 3/4″ to 7/8″.
It is ideal for those who read and study the runes
or simply enjoy the ancient lore of Odin.

Traditional Lover’s Knot Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 23, 2010
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Multi Faith. Tagged: , , , , , , . 3 Comments

Many of you may recall my Handfasting Bracelet: the design based on the shape of the Mariner’s Knot combining two separate strands of rope of cord to create a knot stronger than the sum of its parts. This design was based on a ring I developed many years ago that I have called the Traditional Lover’s Knot Ring.

Traditional Lover’s Knot Ring

Many have purchased this lover’s knot for Handfastings, Weddings or a simple “promise” ring of love and devotion.

In the creating of this design you will note that the knot appears as two separate strands on the tome yet behind the ring (the shank) one may note that it is indeed a single strand. Because of the desire of theme and variation, I have also created a “Celtic” version, by creating a twist of the knot, perhaps representing the twists and turns of the lives shared through one’s life.

If you wish I can also add an inscription to the inside of the ring to make it more personal, just as I also create the rings at any size needed, even for those who find rings difficult to find because of ones unusual size: each ring is treated with care and consideration: each ring made specially one at a time.

Merlin’s Zodiac Amulets

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 21, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry, Zodiac Amulets. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

This collection of amulets
is designed for those who want
an unusual astrological amulet:
each of the Zodiac Sun Signs
is textured with the corresponding elements.

Merlin's Zodiac Amulets

Merlin’s Zodiac Amulets

The Aries amulets are carved in flame,
so are the Leo and Sagittarius amulets.
Water signs such as Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
are rippled in water textures,
The Air symbols of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
are “brushed” with air
and the Earth signs of Taurus,
Virgo and Capricorn hold the strata of the Earth.

In my Zodiac Page,
I offer descriptions of each of the Sun signs,
dates and the key words to help one become familiar with the meanings.

Wearing “your sign” associated with your birth
has become quite popular,
however a coming trend
is to wear the associated “Moon Sign”;
in other words when you are born,
you are not only anointed with the time within the solar calendar
(primary sign of personality traits)
but also your moon sign
(the position the moon was in at the time of your birth).
This coordination is associated with your emotional being
and is an excellent indication of expressive states of being.

Astrology is a “living” science,
meaning that as we move forward in time scholars of Astrology
are continuing to learn more about traits,
tendencies and the effect of the heavens in daily life.
Knowing your chart is not a “sentence” to a trait,
rather it is a base line we start with,
like a tool kit that is offered:
tools we can learn to use and eventually out grow.
The typical forecast one reads in the paper is so general
in many cases it is comparatively useless.
In better understanding on how we learn to grow with our “tools”
we steadily learn to use the entire zodiac.

In the use of the amulets,
one may find a sign you are not born with
to learn the tools of another sign.
For someone who is having a hard time with keeping their lives balanced,
one may wish to wear the Libra amulet to develop poise to one’s life.

I have created the Zodiac Amulets
in hope to offer solutions to those
who both understand the symbols
and wish to learn more,
grow and develop a better life.

Eagle Mirrors by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 20, 2010
Posted in: Motorcycle mirrors. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Eagles have been viewed as creatures of freedom,
one of the symbols of our nation.
The bird has been used in flags,
paintings sculpture, paintings jewelry and more.
The Eagle was also very important to one of my clients
who wanted a pair of mirrors for their bike.
These sculptures were designed to mount on the bike as “normal” mirrors do,
with the silhouette of the noble birds cut in glass.

Eagle Mirrors by Merlin

Eagle Mirrors by Merlin

All of the mirrors I create are one of a kind sculptures
with no molds taken.
Each pair is designed for the Biker,
personalized and unique.
In the past I have created several skeletal hands holding the glass for rear viewing,
but each one is sculpted independently with protective wards for the bike and its rider.
Because they are works of art they take time to create,
often as much as ten weeks to carve and cast.

To have such a pair created for you,
I need images of the bike and a solid description of what is desired.
Knowing the over all design of the bike allows me to add parts of the bike’s design into the sculpture,
creating a design link between the ride and the mirrors.
This way they are not just custom, but personalized:
as unique as the Biker him/herself.

I create renderings for review.
Once approved I then create the sculptures one at a time.
They are in turn cast in aluminum and polished.
Often times a biker would want the polished aluminum which gives it both a high polish and a sense of antique:
the inset portions of the design hold a darker patina,
highlighting the polished areas.

Chroming tends to take time,
depending on their back log I have seen it take as long as
an additional eight weeks to do the final finish.

Although this kind of work takes time,
it is well worth it.
A bike with one of the Merlin Mirrors is distinct,
unique and stands out from other bikes like no other accessory.
Perfect for the show bike: the first mirror I created
placed the ride in second place of the grand nationals in Richmond and featured in Biker Magazine.

To begin creating your mirrors,
please visit the how to order page
in the Amulets by Merlin website.

The Bardic Harp Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on January 19, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

The harp is a classic symbol of music and song. In the Celtic tradition the Bard (wandering musician) would travel from town to town with a harp slung over his shoulder, singing and telling stories to all that would listen. He would also collect stories and songs to carry to other villages and thus spread the news of other places with his voice.

Bardic Harp
Bardic Harp Amulet

When the land was oppressed by a tyrannical ruler, the Bard would hide from the authorities: his news and music would be considered seditious. Thus the protection of music was ingrained in the Celtic tradition. More than a simple story teller, the Bard was the source of news and culture to a people hungry for news and lore.

Bards were chosen for their powerful memories and their nuance of song. They were trusted to be not only accurate in their news but also for speaking the truth and witness without judgment.

For centuries, because of their lack of allegiance to any authority save for the Truth, they were outlawed for generations though out Ireland and Scotland. In those dark times a simple token of a tiny harp on a lapel was a sign of solidarity.

In honor of this powerful title of the Bard, I have created an amulet of Inspiration: the Bardic Harp Amulet. This amulet holds an octave of strings in a Celtic style harp: I have placed a Lady Muse on the front of the harp, fashioned like a maiden prow of a ship. Her hair on the top forms a bail from which to hang a jump ring for you to wear as a pendant. The Amulet is two sided with a solid base so it may “stand up” if set on a flat surface.

This amulet is created for musicians, story tellers, reporters in all medias and any one who loves music.