Amulets by Isaac

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 8, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

In the mid Seventies I was given a book: Real Magic by Isaac Bonewits. After reading so many other tomes on the subject I found the book a breath of fresh air. Instead of creating a mist of possible misconceptions about the subject, Isaac developed a clear, concise and easy to read volume that both introduced the concepts and gave excellent definitions and ground rules as to what Magic is and how it works. Over the years I had purchased a dozen of these books and gave them as gifts, loaned them to friends and relatives each time in hope that a little light on the subject may bring a better understanding and thus appreciation of those that are studding the subject.

Years later I had approached Isaac Bonewits for the opportunity to create something for him. He found my work pleasurable and even purchased the Green Man Necklace from me. I marked that day with pride. For a favorite author to have blessed me in that way was inspirational!

Awen Amulet

Some time later I had approached him with the idea to create his designs. Isaac is well noted for his skill in graphic art and has developed several designs featured in his site. After a bit of time he finally agreed and we began to work on what was to be the first of several Amulets by Isaac: the Druid Sigil; representing Druidism in general and the Earth mother (Gaia) in particular. Following that he requested we make an Awen, and the Dagda amulets: Dagda’s Shield and Dagda’s Club. During one of the elections he developed a Spells for Democracy amulet. With each of these designs he worked feverishly to produce the renderings and sent them to me for carving. 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. Though Issac is no longer with us, you may purchase these amulets through my site. To learn more about Isaac Bonewits, please visit his website.

Pipes of Pan Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 6, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

One of my most cherished memories from childhood is seeing Fantasia for the first time. I recall seeing the movie when I was about 9 years old and of all the segments: Beethoven’s Sixth was my favorite: seeing all those Greek mythological creatures: centaurs, cherubs and unicorns flying about were all too wonderful to forget. For years when I see a cypress tree light by sunset, I can hear the melodies of the Sixth in my head.

August has played a part in these memories. As I have grown older to appreciate summer and early harvest time, there is nothing like a fine wine to bring in the flavors of the season: the scene from Fantasia where the Centaurs bring the grapes from the fields to be crushed and Bacchus is rolled in by his trusted friends, surrounded by grapes… and the music…

Pipes of Pan Amulet

To rejoice in the time of year when music is on the air and people are gathering to share their good cheer, I have created The Pipes of Pan Amulet. The central feature is a pipe of Pan, surrounded by grape leaves and a cluster of bounty. This is for lovers of good times, good company and good music; an Amulet to celebrate life itself.

Penannular Brooch

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 5, 2009
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

You must have seen these huge brooches on the kilts and sashes in Braveheart. These Celtic cloaking devices are the precursor to the safety pin; quite ingenious technology for medieval period garb. I was introduced to these pins when I became associated with the Society for Creative Anachronisms.

The SCA holds gatherings both small and large, each attempting to recreate an event (whether a baronial birthday or an all out war) with the most authentic gear possible. This Society has developed a world wide movement of medievalist and renaissance period re-creators that will (at the drop of a hat) construct a Faire at the corner of a parking lot, a duel in the commons or a Grand Ball in a local Grange.

Upon my first SCA Event, I was requested to produce a Penannular not of the normal shape but a piece that would fit into Medieval Scotland, and functional: like the real ones! Hence, my first creation was the Knot Work Penannular. A free-form knot shaping the C part of the brooch and the classic knotted spear for the pin head.

Penannular Brooch

Following the first Penannular Brooch, I then developed other themes that were not period: grapes, sea horses, stars and more.

I wanted to introduce the Penannular to folks who only attend a renaissance fare one a year (if ever), thus I created a video that demonstrates the use of these Brooches now posted in my website. There you will see the Brooch in action as it is placed on a Plaid!

Penannulars may be used to clasp capes, cloaks and scarves. The pins I place on the larger versions are stout: designed for the heavy, loose woven fabric like wool. I also make lighter versions for finer cloth: like jackets. I have specially made Brooches for leather as well. The smallest Penannulars are for very light pieces and shirts, skirts and the like.

Whether they are simple or ornate, Penannulars make a great way to tack a loose scarf or cover an emergency missing button, making it look like you did it on purpose!

As always, if you want something specially made for you, just ask, I create everything in my site and only too happy to create it for you.

The “I Love You” Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 3, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Jewelry for the Deaf, Multi Faith. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Some years ago I was introduced to a local diver who works in the ship yards. It is grueling work, diving into the port waters to scrub barnacles, remove wire from propellers, underwater welding and the like. 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 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 jeweler he became very enthusiastic. On the spot he 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.

The Sun and Moon Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 2, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

This amulet was by request some years ago. My client wanted a combination of the solar and lunar influences with a whimsical feel.

Sun and Moon Amulet

Mingling the ideas presented in the Tarot Series, I developed an amulet with highlights of the Sun and Moon Amulets: The Sun refers to the “countenance”, the persona one creates and projects in daily life; the way we use masks to protect our selves and others. Giving the Sun a face is a classic pictogram of its brilliant personality.

The Moon presents qualities of a more private reflection. Dreams, visions and the vary path of life we travel. The Moon is often referred to as the Feminine qualities; however there is a conflict of opinion between the French and the German symbolism but the Tarot references remain the same.

The two images combine in a fusion between the Lunar and Solar qualities we all hold. As the sun shines forth, the face looks directly at us while the moon looks to the sun in mild amusement.

The Sun and Moon Amulet is chosen by those who endeavor to balance their masculine and feminine natures, to strengthen their abilities to visualize, protect and follow through with their dreams and aspirations with humor and grace.

The Sun and Moon Amulet is a deeply sculpted piece with a bail placed on the back for you to string a chain or cord.

Tarot Prose Cards

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 29, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

It was in 1986 when I requested Russ McClay to create the cards
to accompany the Tarot Amulets.
I had written a series of verse to describe the individual Tarot Amulets:
still in the works.
I had already invested nearly ten years of study in the Tarot
and felt it was time to move forward with the project.

Prose Card of the High Priestess Amulet

Prose Card
of
the High Priestess Amulet

I had Met Russ four years earlier at Corona Trucking.
After two years of grueling work
we found jobs where we worked for subcontractors at the post office;
our duties did not take every waking minute as it did with Corona.
Each day we met for our lunch break and spoke about our interests in philosophy,
religion and the state of current affairs.

Tarot Prose Card ~ The Empress

Tarot Prose Card
The Empress

Russ McClay at that time was well known for his Calligraphy:
his work was prominently displayed in signage in the Newport and Huntington Beach area
of Orange County as well as framed works of art
and on various fliers distributed in the better known shops of the Southland.
In a time before desktop publishing,
his hand work out shown the shaky fingers of his contemporaries
and was the envy of those of us who wanted good calligraphic art.

With my offer of the sound montage: “Something Happening”,
he agreed to create the cards.
It was a monumental task that took months of pen to paper,
running down to the photocopier to reduce them down to the right size;
creating layouts and a host of other steps.
I frustrated him with my revisions and “improvements” as he,
with great patience and endurance of my own foibles
produced what I consider to be
some of the finest Calligraphy I have ever seen.

I still have the original printing of these cards
and include them with the purchase of The Tarot Amulets.

Merlin’s prose and McClay’s flowing penmanship.

The Tarot Garden

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 28, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, MetaPlace, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

Some months ago Allyn burst into my home with the news of MetaPlace. For some years he and I worked on the creation of video games; for years my hope was to create an environment where one could experience the Tarot in a virtual reality. Allyn announced that MetaPlace could provide us with that very thing.

Between Allyn, my good friend Michael Woody and our ever faithful Tech support provided by Robert, we focused our efforts to create two worlds: one a Virtual Gallery where you can see my sculpture as if you were in a museum and shrink you down to the size of the jewelry in virtual cases, and more.

The High Priestess in the Tarot Garden

The Second world is the Tarot Garden. We focused most of our time in there. After honing our efforts in creating animations that simulate fire, water, wind energy flows and other interesting figments, we were able to cobble together a series of “places” within the world.

You first arrive in the Court Yard: the landing pad if you will, designed to familiarize you with the presentation. There is a short video that you can click on in the center of a grotto: a three dimensional “Tree of Life”. From there you can see the “Three Gardens” of the Major Arcana.

The First Garden lands you before the Fool Amulet suspended in space. There is a harp that you may click that plays the tone attributed to that piece. There is a short video that presents the location of the amulet on the Tree of Life. Each amulet is “clickable” opening a window that presents a short description and a link directly to the corresponding page in my website, should you want to learn more about the piece or purchase a copy.

Following that you walk on a path leading to The Magician, also suspended in space, only there is an animation that illustrates the energy flow. Each amulet is similarly presented with the corresponding elements, videos and tones. Benches are provided for your avatar to perch presenting the screen framed perfectly for viewing. Sound effects add immersion of the experience. The Second Garden holds the Strength amulet through Temperance while the Third Garden holds the Devil through the Universe: all framed in appropriate environmental sights and sounds.

MetaPlace is often referred to as a “Social Network” but is also a “Sandbox” style of game engine. This provides folks who want to develop their ideas into interactive environments the opportunity to display their passions and ideas. Game, demonstrations, concerts and exhibits are throughout the MetaPlace Universe. In order to participate, there is a brief avatar selection and tutorial before you can go out and explore, however this hurdle is a very low impact, well worth the five minutes to get familiar with the system.

If you are a student learning the Tarot or a seasoned professional, you will find the Tarot Garden an experience that will lift your spirits and provide you with a moment of good cheer. Please come see the Tarot Garden and enjoy a virtual world of Tarot come to life.

———

Update:

Metaplace is closed and the Tarot Garden is no more.  To learn more about the Tarot Casters, on which the art of the Tarot Garden is based, please visit: my Tarot Casters page

21 The Universe Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 22, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . 4 Comments

A Skyclad Woman suspended in a field of stars, dances with a veil facing away from us.

Like all the cards, this refers to our perception of the universe rather than the Universe itself. Once we perceive beyond the veil of reality we can begin to understand the mechanics of what it is we see.

The letter associated with this card is Tau: the World: terra firma, the Material World. On first examination we think that we are seeing limitless space, however that is but an illusion. Ruled by Saturn, a symbol of limitation, this card represents all that we know: information, knowledge, and hearsay; limited by the constraints of time and space and our ability to understand what we perceive. So often when we look out at the universe we find our own image looking back, reflections of ourselves in nature, random patterns in the clouds and stars. Each time we learn something our universe expands into a larger manifestation.

Central to the expression of The Universe is the Dance. In the classic expression of the Tarot we find the image of the Goddess dancing amidst the stars. Gaia represents the embodiment of all life on Earth as a single form of consciousness dancing the ever-evolving modes of being. Her art is Life itself, her pallet are the millions of forms of life across the land and sea. Within the Tarot this image is expressed with a human form because of our tendency to perceive our world around us by what it is we already know.

Rhythm is of Gaia; each beat is a heartbeat, a turn of the tide or the change of the seasons. Music of all kinds is associated with The Universe Card: Rhythm, tone, song, symphony. Rhythm’s manifestation permeates all things, including ourselves. Seeing the dance of creation is one thing, to participate is quite another. To make music is to participate in Gaia’s expression; Dancing is embodying her movements, her gestures. To make the structured movements and sounds of our own written and choreographed art is to participate in the rhythms of the seasons and tides. To improvise is to participate with her Dance of Creation.

The Universe Amulet
The Universe Amulet

The Universe Amulet presents a moderately veiled Gaia, immersed in stars and planets. The letter Tau is set in the middle of the amulet, representing “the World”: the material world covering her like a veil. There is always a part of Her that is obscured: the Unknown. As our experience of the world around us expands, so too does our awareness of it. The more we perceive the more we understand our limitation of perception. The pendant is in the shape of the Fool Amulet: an Egg; distorted by our ever expanding awareness of what is beyond, budging where we find physical limitations.

The Universe Amulet is for those that are explorers, scholars, students, those who have taken on the quest of Life: ever searching for meaning, the source, and themselves. The Universe Amulet is for musicians, dancers, lovers of music and the arts; those that push the envelope and are unafraid of new experiences, new ideas and a larger Universe.

20 The Judgment Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 21, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 11 Comments

Two coffins are floating in a sea of Fire, two corpses are reanimated: a man and a woman sit up and offer a baby to an Angel floating over them.

As the Fool is Elemental Air, the Hanged Man is Elemental Water; the Judgment Card is Elemental Fire. The Element purifies, burns off the unnecessary parts of the Self. Emotional turmoil, unneeded angst, prejudice, hate, fear, grudges and so on. What is left is the Self in its pure state.

The Ego represented by the man, sub consciousness by the woman; offers up their child: the culmination of life’s experience, knowledge, wisdom and compassion. The angelic figure above it is the Higher Self or the part of us that is eternal, the vehicle of the Spirit. Each part is an aspect of one’s being. The Man (ego) is quiet while the Woman (subconscious) is much more active: offering of the purified Self.

This Tarot Card is the Baptism of Fire. Attributed to Shin, the Hebrew letter interpenetrated as: Spirit, Judgment represents the incinerating of unusable values, habits, modes of expression and more. Judgment represents the complete destruction of a way of life, world views, opinions. Many have thought of the Last Judgment from the book of Revelations from Christian Mythology and rightly so. The experience is terrible if you have a tendency to cling to these things being taken from you. This is sometimes referred to as The Dark Night of the Soul where we face our self made demons and banish them. The experience is one of burning, loss and at times regret as we try to hold on to the past. Spirit is not all that concerned with the foibles of the flesh. Desires of the body tend to start and stop with the glands, Spirit is more concerned with the over all health of the entire being.

Unlike the book of Revelations, this does not happen at the end of time rather this is a constant process: perpetual intelligence. Through out our lives we discover tools and other helpful aspects of the flesh, however if we become too attached to these things, eventually the Spirit grows weary of the weight of the fetish and begins push it away. If we cling to the desire for dominance, accumulation of wealth and other things that tend to drag us down, the Spirit develops ways of ridding itself of these attachments. If we allow the Spirit to continually evolve, enjoy what is there and not be mesmerized by it, then we will be surrounded by Glory and yet it will have no claim on us. As Shin is at the core of this card, so too is one’s Spirit: the driving force of this continual cleansing of one’ life. Conflict is caused when the Ego clings to the parts being burned away.

In Judgment we learn the Tao.

The Judgment Amulet
The Judgment Amulet

The Judgment Amulet is the shape of the element of Fire, the triangle with the point up. Like the Lovers Amulet, it is framed in wings with male and female shapes representing the Ego and the Unconscious Self. The third shape is a Faceless Angel of the Higher Self: the continence is blurred to represent its transcendence. The Letter Shin is at the base of the amulet illustrating the source of cleansing.

The Judgment Amulet is a potent symbol of Spiritual Cleansing. People that would find this amulet useful in daily life would be Judges, arbitrators, housekeepers, and maintenance crews, gardeners, any whose task it is to clear, cleanse and renew environments, relationships and patterns of behavior. The Judgment Amulet is a potent symbol of Spiritual Purification. It may be worn by those that are going through upheaval in their lives, watching their positions being discarded, acquaintances being revealed as unhealthy and discarded; all this and keeping balance, knowing that this period on one’s life is to be harnessed as a positive and necessary thing.

With chain and card

Remember the giant Sequoia: The only way these great trees may survive as a species is for periodic fires to cleanse the land and stimulate their seeding.

Baptismal Fire

19 The Sun Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 20, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . 4 Comments

A small boy sits astride a horse. Behind him is a row of Sunflowers before a wall; beyond the wall is the Sun. The Sun Card of the Tarot is ascribed to Resh: Countenance, the Face; and the entire zodiac, all of the sun signs, all of the planets: Everything. It is the center of the solar system from which we receive the need light, heat, energy – everything comes from the Sun. The Sun Card uses this metaphor to represent a direction of inquiry: the source. The process of learning itself: knowing the Face of God. The child astride a horse represents Innocence mounted an overwhelming power with ease. To understand this card we must become as a child: with the ability to perceive things without the inhibitions we acquire through our lives.

The Sun Amulet

The Sun Amulet

Sunflowers are an excellent example of the nature of The Sun Card. The Sunflower tracks the Sun through out the day, it even resembles the sun in its shape. We have given it the name Sunflower because of its behavior and its appearance. The wall separating the Sunflowers and the Sun infers the needed buffer between what is and our ability to perceive it. This tool is the persona: the Mask. When approaching a concept that is so vast as to overwhelm the observer, then it is necessary to filter the flow of information. We do this naturally by associating these concepts with ideas already grasped. It is akin to holding up a filter to see the Sun, screening out the majority of radiation in order to observe sunspots. When our minds turn to the Divine, we use persona to interpret these beings: Father, Mother, Brother and so on. These masks are also used in identifying other people: using these assumed labels to interpret another’s actions, confused if we use the wrong one.

The Key is to be vigilant in our assigning of persona to each other and the Powers That Be. By keeping constant knowledge of the fact we associate everything around us with known qualities, we can be prepared for new information and associations without allowing ourselves to be fooled by our own projections. This Card reminds us that assumptions can be dangerous, often costly; that the use of our own persona can mislead others into assuming things about us that can be damaging.

The Sun Amulet is a sunburst, on the surface it is the letter Resh, the Face of the Godhead.

The Sun Amulet may be used as a constant reminder and dedication to the Divine. It can also be a reminder not to take things at face value, that there are always layers of assumption between us, no matter how close we are to others. This amulet would be good for Actors, representatives, politicians, teachers and others that interface with the public.