Blossom Star Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 28, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Multi Faith, nature Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Uncategorized, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . 11 Comments

I make a wide variety of Pentacles: a symbol that is found in every culture. The five pointed star has been seen in nature forming the core of the apple, blossoms, and minerals and in the random patterns of branches and trees. It has been adopted as a symbol of strength and purity: featured in the drawings by Leonardo da Vinci of the “first man” representing “life in balance” and even associated in renaissance paintings with Christ.

The Blossom Star

Blossom Star Amulet

The individual points represent the four elements: fire, water, air, and earth with the point of spirit pointing up, again illustrating the balance of nature with the perception of spirit.

In celebration of the five pointed star, I have developed the symbol made of the branches of the apple tree. The branches are woven as a sign of eternity. The weaving of the branches is in the sequence of “creation, starting with the top point of “spirit” and proceeding to the point of “transformation (fire) then Wisdom (air), Consciousness (water) then grounding in the material world (earth) and resolving in Spirit. An apple blossom on the side: the promise of fulfillment. The apple is often a symbol of living knowledge, wisdom and abundance: though knowledge tend to foster options that tend to lead to trouble, it is up to the individual to choose to be “right minded” when choosing a path.

I offer the Blossom Star as “the Teacher’s Star”, perfect for those on the path of all faiths dedicated to truth, wisdom and virtue.

One in Spirit

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 10, 2009
Posted in: Drum Circles, Sculpture, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

There are few things in life that can inspire such joy. It is one thing to perform while an audience watches: expectations, stage fright, critics… it is quite another when a group of people create music for the sole purpose of making each other happy. Many music groups describe sessions where it was “just the band” that were jaw dropping, pure beauty and healing in just the experience. In a healthy Drum Circle, one can see an entire community gather together and create something that is fresh, unique and joyful. Each drummer “holds” the down beat which provides a “floor” where the community dances both figuratively and physically.

One in Spirit
One in Spirit

I have taught “Drum Circle Dynamics” to children for years, helping them to realize how to interact through rhythm. On more than a few occasions a little one would approach and want to play my drum with me. In those moments I felt a bonding with the younger generation that transcends nearly every other experience.

In an attempt to capture these moments, I sculpted the piece: “One in Spirit” which features a drummer and a small boy learning the down beat, a moment that erases gender, age, generational perspective and sync the two into a single moment: Playing as One in Spirit.

The Drum Mom

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 9, 2009
Posted in: Drum Circles, Sculpture, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . 3 Comments

For many years I spent a great deal of time at various Drum Circles. If you have never attended an Open Public Drum Circle, you have missed a great deal of fun! One of the many things to watch is how children respond to the experience. They naturally move with the beat and want to participate in every way they can. As the older ones can dance and drum just as well as many of the adults, some are still a bit too little and could be easily stepped upon by spinning bodies and the like.

The Drum Mom

Typically, the Drum Mom is a position often held by one of the mothers attending. She supervises the water and snacks and watches over the health and welfare of the Drum Circle: as drummers tire and take a break through out the night (if we are doing an “all nighter”) the Drum Mom make sure that they are cared for and makes a safe place for the dancers to gather to share snacks and words.

I have attempted to capture the many aspects within the Drum Circle through my work: mostly jewelry, however I still love to revel in my first love: sculpture. I indulged myself in this one: The Drum Mom.

This piece holds an aspect of the tiny struggle between the Drum Mom and a pair of little ones who are more exuberant then for their own good. One struggles to climb into her lap while the older of the two wants to break away into the circle, armed with a shaker. The Sculpture is a tiny moment, a single beat in the Drum Circle, in fact in one’s life; yet it is an iconic position, one of honor. Every healthy Drum Circle has such people looking after each other; in this way the drummers and dancers may focus on their purpose: to generate Joy and Bright Blessings.

Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 5, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Christian Jewelry, Jewelry design, Multi Faith. Tagged: , , , , , , . 3 Comments

Some years ago (back in the Eighties) my Father:
Dr. Robert B. McLaren
was a Professor in the Humanities Department
of California State University Fullerton.
At the time,
tensions between the east and west were extreme.
In order to bring a better understanding
between the three “faiths of Abraham”
as my father put it,
he assisted in the creation
and assumed the role as
Vice President of the Academy of
Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies.
The goal was to develop line of communication
between the religious leaders in Orange County, California.

Academy Amulet

The Academy sponsored meetings
giving a forum to clear misconceptions,
air out differences
and reach mutual understandings between the Faiths.
Feeling the importance that the Ideals
were to be grounded in some material form,
my Father asked me to create
some kind of Amulet
that would symbolize their efforts.
“It needs to be comprehensive: start with the letter A”, he told me.

The result was the simple block letter,
the two sides solid and in a form of the triangle,
one of the most stable structures in architecture.
The ribbon holds the letters “JCI”
representing tenuous lines of communication
and a reminder of the effort required
to keep those lines open to each other.

As the first Iraq War heated up,
the Academy became a hot bed of controversy;
however it kept the religious community in close touch
and provided them with the necessary links
to defuse many misunderstandings.

With the passing of its founders
and a host of other problems,
the Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies
eventually dissolved as an organization,
however the friendships continued.

It is my hope that the amulets
are a reminder of how open communication
and honesty
is a step towards peace and prosperity.

If you are interested
in learning more about custom work for your organization,
please visit my How to order custom page

The Leaf Chain

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

Some years ago I wanted to enhance some of the amulets and pendants I created with a chain that would carry the motif. When I designed the Green Man it came upon me: what was needed was a chain of leaves.

leaf chain

Popping open a botanical book I then stared carving small leaves that could be then be attached together to make a chain: maple, oak, apple, larch and several others: eleven in all (so far!). I now offer the leaf chain as both an enhancement to other pieces and also bracelets, necklaces, hand flowers and waist chains (like belts for dancers). Each chain is unique in that the order of the leaves vary according to the time of their creation. Most do not “repeat” a pattern; they are composed in a completely random fashion. Some of the leaf chains are “custom”:they are created in the order of the client’s desire. Every link is held together by a silver jump ring that is in turn soldered to make the chain solid. I have in the past created “eternal” chains with no clasp but designed to simply put over the head; but typically they are accompanied with a lobster clasp for spring loaded security.

The Leaf Chain is an original design by Amulets by Merlin; each chain is made one at a time by the artist.

The Amulet of Pan

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 1, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Greek Mythology Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Pan is the son of Zeus, (or Hermes or Dionysus); his mother a nymph (or sometimes Dryope?). In fact, his parentage is so unclear that some historians consider him Pre-Olympian. Because of his effect on people his qualities appear to be more a nature spirit (or elemental). As an entity, he inspires panic, sexual arousal or in the higher form: musical ecstasy.

The Amulet of Pan

Syrinx was a exquisite water-nymph of Arcadia, daughter of Landon, the river-god. As she was returning from the hunt one day, Pan met her. In fear of his amorous interest the fair nymph ran away. He pursued her until she caught up with her sisters who immediately changed her into a reed. In his search for her he noticed the air blowing through the reeds produced a melancholic melody. The god, still infatuated, took a handful because he did not know which reed she became, and cut seven pieces and formed a musical instrument. He has carried her with him ever since.

Contrary to Plutarch, Pan is not dead. In Jitterbug Perfume: Tom Robbins describes the continued life of Pan and his exploits as he sailed to the New World and lived in America…. but that is another story.

In creating an Amulet of Pan, I chose his musical aspect. The Pan amulet is not a simply relief; it is a 3D sculpture from his waist up, framed in grape leaves playing his pan pipe.

An amulet to inspire a Panorama: good music, good wine and a celebration of life itself.

The Epona Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 28, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Jewelry design, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

Epona or the Gualish “the Great Mare” is the protector of horses, donkeys, and mules. A Roman goddess of fertility, Eponia and her horses were leaders of the soul in the after-life ride much like Rhiannon of the Mabanogian. Unusually considered a Celtic deity, most of whom were associated with specific localities, the worship of Epona was widespread in the Roman Empire of the early centuries.

The Epona Amulet

Among many songs and stories both classics and modern fiction, Epona was celebrated in Llewellyn’s novel: The Horse Goddess. A Celtic woman who possesses a curious talent. When her community attempts to force her to be a druid, she runs away. Her adventures become folklore and in time she is herald as a Goddess.

Through out my life I was drawn to the image of a Goddess of Horses and decided to create an amulet expressing my love for all Horse-Women and the Goddesses they are. The Epona Amulet holds a portrait of a Mare and the towering Goddess, each looking in different directions denoting their ability to see farther than most, understand better than many. A bas relief sculpture of the Goddess of Horses is presented with mane and hair of each braided together illustrating the blending of Her manifestation. Blessings to all who see and know the grace of Epona.

Cernunnos Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 25, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Pagan Jewelry, Sculpture, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

This is a god of the Old Cletic lines through out Europe. Cern means “horn” in Old Irish and related to similar words carn in Welsh and Breton, and is the origin of “Kernow”, meaning horn of land. The depictions of Cernunnos are strikingly consistent: stag’s horns, and portrayed as a mature man with long hair and a beard wearing a torc to denote nobility. He often carries other torcs in his hands to signify wealth and prosperity. He sits and cross-legged in meditation.

    Cernunnos

The Horned God reflects the seasons of the year in an annual cycle of life, death and rebirth. Cernunnos is the guardian of the forests, the defender of the animals and the source of the deep forest wisdom, and the male aspect of creative energy. He is called upon for vital, non-violent masculine divinity. In the Wheel of the Year, His time is between Samhain and Beltane as the Goddess’ time is between Beltaine and Samhain. During these High Holies, the come together in a balance of energies, union and blessings.

I created an interpretation of Cernunnos Amulet as depicted on Gundestrup Cauldron. The Celtic design dates from the La Tene period. Here he is shown holding a serpent in one hand signifying knowledge and connection to the Ancients; and a tork in the other, the symbol of holding power in the world of mortals. This piece is 5/8″ and can be worn as a pendant and may also sit like a statue on your shelf… or where ever you wish!
on a coin

The God and Goddess Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 23, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

Custom is my specialty.
In most cases I am approached by a client who has a specific vision in mind:
a design that they have worked up or seen in a dream.
A sketch is created and either emailed to me
or perhaps sent in the regular mail.
Not so with this particular piece.
A fellow approached me at a festival
and handed me a very rough stone
and told me he wanted the design to have four basic elements:
a tree, a star and the image of a God and Goddess.
The stone had special meaning to him
He carried it for years
and wanted to be able to wear it on special occasions.

“Just make the piece and I am sure that I will like it” he told me. The amulet you see here is the creation he requested. The God and Goddess Amulet is a one of a kind piece in sterling silver with rough quartz at its heart.

The God and Goddess Amulet

The Custom
God and Goddess Amulet

The design holds the intent of a balance of God and Goddess
influences born from nature
and blessed with the symbol of the star:
all elements in health and harmony.
He was very pleased.

If you are interested in learning more about having something made especially for you.
Please visit my How to order Custom Page.

The Cross of Joy

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 22, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Christian Jewelry, Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

I met my friend Kevin in the late 80s. Among his many talents, he creates Knotwork designs. Kevin typically creates very complex, free form knots and then tools them into leather for his garb for the Society of Creative Anarchisms (SCA) of which he is a part.

The Cross of Joy

Unlike the typical border work of a more standard, symmetrical knot, Kevin’s style is to create broad sweeps and then tiny inter-weavings to populate a design or free form shape. Creating knots of one, two and three strands, depending on the use of the knot and can become very complex because you are not using any formulas or pre-made patterns.

I had asked him to design a cross for me and he smiled. “I will design this knot and teach you how it is done so long as we call the amulet: “Joy”, for my friend” he told me. He had not seen her in years yet wanted to dedicate the design to her.

He drew it in one sitting: smiling the entire time. It is an eternal knot: one strand from beginning to end forming the cross with the circle of spirit in the center: the “Empty Cross” (He is Risen) design. Though Catholic: “she won’t mind” he told me; “Think of it as a compromise.” Kevin isn’t Christian!

And so I present to you a cross dedicated to friendship and Joy.