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Elvin Moon Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 17, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: Amulet, Amulets by Merlin, Celtic Lore, Celtic Symbol, Elvin Jewelry, Fairy Jewelry, Jewelry, Magic Jewelry, Moon Jewelry. 3 Comments

In unfeasible image: a tree rooted in a crescent moon, the branches hold tiny stars – a cosmos within itself.

Modern fantasy stories rely on the old tales of a race that existed long before Mankind walked the earth. European Lore refers to the race as one that lived with one foot in the realm of Fairy and one foot in the “mundane” world. The old religion based on the forces of nature describes these stories with images of sacred trees so large that the very branches themselves reached into the stars.

Elvin Moon amulet

The Old stories remind us of the truth hidden in fiction; children’s stories that hold the lessons of life that are only truly realized when we reach adulthood. The impressions of virtue to the pure of heart and to those new to life captured in tales of elves and fairies struggling to bring peace to a troubled world. The Fairy Tale may at times be more true to the heart than the most mundane experience because it harkens to a time when we could see with our hearts without the jaded perspective of a crushed hope.

To capture the feel of the Old Stories, I developed the image of the Elvin Moon: A tree with seven stars in the branches and the roots resting in the cradle of a crescent moon. This subtle image of the old perspective is highlighted with a detailed root system and matching branches.

The Elvin Moon Amulet is intended to recall the days when Truth was apparent, when Virtue was something to strive for and when integrity was accepted as the foundation of one’s life.

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The Tarot Casters: Reading techniques

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 15, 2009
Posted in: Multi Faith, Tarot. Tagged: Amulets by Merlin, Kabalah, Oracle, Qabalah, Tarot, Tarot Casters, Three Dimensional Tarot, Tree of Life. 1 Comment

We often see someone request a Tarot reading with a question about money or love, and usually they want to know what will happen in the future.

The Tarot Casters

If you want to get a snapshot of your psychic health or an over view of what kind of options you have in a difficult situation: the Tarot is a powerful tool and you may get more than you bargained for.

The process for reading a standard 2D Tarot deck is deceptively simple: first one shuffles a deck of the 78 Tarot cards and selects a few and place them in a pattern on a flat surface. The pattern has several pre-assigned positions, each a designated concept: “this is your present” – “this is your past” – “these are the powers that you have control over”, and so on. The reader examines the combination of position and meaning of each card and akin to an algebraic equation estimates an interpretation. This formula is a launching pad for one’s intuition, a starting point: one meditates on a combination of concepts and “reads the Querent” for resonance.

This works for a combination of reasons. First, the Tarot is a pictorial representation of 78 aspects of one’s being. Each of the Major Arcana (the first 22) represents of life’s architectural bardos: lore developed from centuries of experience from a variety of cultures. The remaining cards (the Minor Arcana) represent situations that every one experiences and the lessons associated with them.

Because we are addressing imagery rather than text, the interpretation of these images may be broad. The reader uses knowledge and experience to open channels of intuition. The Tarot offers door ways to one’s self with a planet full of lore to back it up.

One of the reasons I created the Tarot Amulets was to apply the concepts of the Tarot as talismanic in use, the other reason was to develop the Tarot Casters.

Typically a two dimensional deck (cards) is limited to how a card would be placed in a reading: up or down, perhaps across. Tossing a deck to get a random throw can be messy and consumes a lot of space and is only used as a parlor trick – for the most part.

The term “Tarot Casters ” was inspired by the Star Card: the Hebrew letter associated with it is Tzaddi: the “Fish Hook”. Meditation (according to the Tarot perspective) is like a fish hook dropped into the waters of the unconscious to see what may be found. In the creation of these pieces I discovered the process was more like casting a net to discover what lies under the surface of mundane thought.

I did not translate then entire deck: only the 22 pieces of the Major Arcana: the core concepts of the Tarot or The Fool’s Journey.

The Casters produce a random pattern when dropped. The pattern is first considered by the querent as a rorschach blot, open for interpretation. Should the querent describe the scattered pieces as a bird, then the components of the reading (the casters themselves) are perceived like the anatomy of a body. For example: the head of the bird is the High Priestess which in turn points towards the body; therefore the mind of the querent is at its best position to receive information from dreams and other subconscious input; memories and other feminine powers. This flow will color every piece down the “neck” and into the body. As before this provides the reader a springboard for meditation; as you can see once the pieces are no longer in predetermined positions, it forces the reader to step directly into an intuitive state of mind.

It has been described as “Reading without a net” by some readers; others found it “liberating”, no longer constricted by simple pre-described patterns; they have discovered the system actually strengthens their precognizance, heightening their ability to flex intuitive muscles and able to see more of their “inner workings” through random patterns. A client who purchased the set found after some months of reading that he was able to see the random patterns in clouds and the movement of trees, triggering leaps of intuition. He credited the experiences to his use of the Tarot Casters.

The Tarot Caster System is a step forward in bringing the human touch back into the Mysteries. I invite you to discover a step forward into the use of Oracles by experiencing the Tarot Casters through a reading or by acquiring your own set. I still make each set one at a time as they are ordered; accompanied by a hand made bag used as a reading cloth. Since I developed them in 1992 after 13 years of study and meditation.

If you wish to have your own Tarot Caster set, you may place your order by going here.

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The Pentacle of Brotherhood

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 10, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: Amulet, Amulets by Merlin, Brotherhood, Community, Pentacle. 1 Comment

Community is derived from the Old French communité resulting from the Latin communitas, a term for fellowship or structured society. The word is often used in reference to a group that is organized around common values and social cohesion within a shared physical locality; however in modern time it may refer to groups of people that are spread out over large area that exchange ideas through the internet, phone lines and other forms of communication.

The Pentacle of Brotherhood

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

The Pentacle of Brotherhood is a symbol that represents Community in its ideal form: open communication between its members, addressing the toughest issues with a clear mind and an open heart. Each of the portions of the Pentacle is comprised of clasping hands in friendship, reserving nothing that would inhibit health and well being. Maintaining such a balance between Perfect Love and Perfect Trust is the most difficult of efforts. It requires the members of the community to be honest with each other, true their own nature and respecting another position without compromising one’s own ethic. Perfect Love means being able to embrace each other for what they are without objectifying each other; Perfect Trust is earned over time, not simply given. A community that uses these ideals as their cornerstones would stand the test of time, transcending hardship, pain and suffering of life’s turmoil and demands on one’s mortality, to be able to put aside petty squabbles and differences.

I designed this amulet as a dedication to these ideals in hope that we can rise above the flesh that separates us and embrace each other for the Radiant Beings that we are.

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The Venus Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 8, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Greek Mythology Jewelry, Jewelry design, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: Amulet, Amulet of Love, Amulets by Merlin, Aphrodite, Aphrodite Amulet, Goddess of Love, Greek love amulet, Love Amulet, Love draw amulet, Roman love amulet, Venus. Leave a comment

I present to you the Amulet of Love: the Venus Amulet. This piece is dedicated to aspects of love and affection, drawing and offering love in its many forms.
The Venus Amulet
Venus was commonly associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Etruscan deity Turan, making use of aspects from each. As with most other gods and goddesses in Roman mythology, the literary concept of Venus was borrowed from literary Greek mythology of her counterpart: Aphrodite. The early Latin goddess of gardens became associated with the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. In some Latin mythology Eros was the son of Venus and Mars, the god of war.

Venus was revered in her many aspects: Venus Acidalia was derived from the well Acidalius near Orchomenus, in which Venus used to bathe with the Graces; others con¬nect the name with the Greek acides or cares or troubles. Venus Cloacina: “Venus the Purifier”; Venus Erycina: embodied “impure” love, and was the patron goddess of ill repute. Venus Felix: “Lucky Venus”, Venus Libertina: “Venus the Freedwoman”, Venus Murcia: “Venus of the Myrtle”, Venus Obsequens: “Graceful Venus”, Venus Urania: “Heavenly Venus”; Venus Victrix: “Venus the Victorious”, Soubriquet for Venus included Venus Amica: “Venus the Friend”, Venus Armata: “Armed Venus”, Venus Caelestis: “Celestial Venus”, Venus Aurea: “Golden Venus”, Venus Genetrix: “Mother Venus” was Venus in her role as the ancestress of the Roman people, a goddess of motherhood and domesticity. A festival is held in her honor on September 26.

The classic symbol if Venus: the circle of spirit over the cross of matter illustrating the direct connection between these aspects. It the image of the Goddess of Love standing sky-clad before you, arms outstretched invitation to share and enjoy all that love has to offer.

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Kallisti Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 7, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Greek Mythology Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: Achilles, Aphrodite, Discordian, Eris, gold apple, Helen of Troy, Illuminati, Kallisti, Robert Anton Wilson. Leave a comment

The Kallisti Amulet has been a source of humor for centuries. To understand this “Ancient Prank”, here is a brief lesson in Greek Mythology…

Kallisti Amulet

Known for being a trouble maker, Eris was not in the list of guests invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, the parents of Achilles. In spite of the lack of invitation she came to the reception party and threw a solid gold apple through the door with the inscription:

Kallisti: “For the fairest”

Hera, Athena and Aphrodite saw this piece of art and started disputing who it was for. Disgusted by the constant bickering, Zeus sent them to Mount Ida near Troy to be judged by the shepherd Paris, who chose Aphrodite as the most beautiful, accepting Helen’s hand for a bribe.
Paris, having come to fetch his bribe at Sparta, where Helen was queen, left the city as her lover and sailed with her to Troy. But her husband Menelaus and his brother Agamemnon took great exception for this theft, sent a powerful army against Troy; and the rest is history.

This symbol is a favorite of those fans of the Science Fiction Trilogy by Robert Anton Wilson: the Illuminati; and is hailed by the Discordians: a movement that pops up now and then who attend such conventions and festivals and enjoy a practical joke now and then. An amulet of mischief and humor.

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Maiden Mother Crone Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 6, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Multi Faith, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: Amulet, Amulets by Merlin, Crone, Goddess Jewelry, Maiden, Maiden Mother Crone, Mother, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. 1 Comment

Several years ago m’Lady Tony designed a piece that combines the three stages of Womanhood: the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone. The idea was to develop the three aspects into a single shape: the Astrological symbol of Venus.

Maiden Mother Crone Amulet
Maiden Mother Crone Amulet

At the foundation is the Maiden. She sits cross legged at the base of the piece, creating the anchor of Womanhood: she holds a chalice that contains a flame: an element that symbolizes transformation, a promise of the future’s ever changing opportunities.

In the center is the Mother: pregnant she fulfills the promise and instructs the maiden with her accumulated wisdom of her own maidenhood. In one hand the bud of a rose; the other the blossom: symbolizing beauty and passion, the possibilities that fertility offers. She is flanked with the stems of the rose illustrating life itself.
Above the Mother and below the sickle moon is the Crone. Her hair flows into the spider web that encloses their backs: the network of accumulated lessons of the lives that came before brought to generations of Women for eons. With arms outstretched she holds the wisdom and reveals the destiny of those who seek her.

The symbol of Venus is the cross of matter below with the circle of spirit above, reviling the core concept of Venus: Spirit over Matter: the symbol of love itself. In its purest form, Love is that direct link between spirit and matter without then need for demonstration, condition or interpretation. Women hold the very essence of humanity: the ability to carry within them both the seed of life that brings the next generation and the wisdom to bring to their children the knowledge of a better life.

The Maiden Mother Crone Amulet is a potent piece created as both an amulet that may be worn but also a focus of life itself. Although intended to be worn by women, it also is designed for small alters dedicated to life. A good gift for girls who have achieved womanhood; a talisman for the new mother or for one who has achieved the status of Wise Woman.

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The Dragon Ankh Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 3, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Dragon Jewelry, Jewelry design. Tagged: Amulet, Amulets by Merlin, Ankh, dragon, Dragon Ankh, Egyptian, Kundalini, Serpent Power. 1 Comment

The Dragon Ankh Amulet is a combination of Serpent Power and the Egyptian sign of Life. This piece was created years ago when I was developing the Egyptian part of my line. I had created several versions of the ankh: the classic version with stream lines and easily recognizable shape; the more literal version which emphasizes the male and female aspects coming together; however I wanted to create a piece that was more versatile.

The Dragon Ankh Amulet

The Dragon Ankh represents the tenacity of life, the spark where in the union of opposites: something new is created. The Ankh is formed by the symbol of Kundalini: the Dragon. Positioning the Dragon’s head so it curves around to create the Yoni, the chin rests at the point where the wings spread. The tail drops below completing the design.

This Amulet is tiny: only ¾” but it is potent with meaning and potential. This would be a good amulet for those that are studying Yoga, Kundalini, Martial Arts or an Egyptian enthusiast. This amulet is to help focus and balance body, mind and spirit.

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Brother Coyote Statue

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 31, 2009
Posted in: Sculpture. Tagged: Amulets by Merlin, Chinookan, Coyote, Coyote Statue, Flathead, Karuk, metaphysical sculpture, Native American Lore, Nez Perce. 1 Comment

In the lore of the Native American, the Coyote represents the Trickster There are many stories that range through out the West Coast and Great Plains Indians that look to Coyote as a practical joker and promotes mischief and at times done harm.

Brother Coyote Statue
Brother Coyote Statue

Tales of Brother Coyote may be found in the Karuk, Chinookan, Flathead and Nez Perce Stories where Coyote is famed and blamed for a whole hose of tricks, discoveries; even the gift of fire. However the over all result to most of the Coyote lore is that he is here to test our conscience and tease us into a better understanding of ourselves and the decisions we make.

A good friend did a sketch of a Coyote holding his staff with his feet and placing his “hands” in flip flops; a joke about the reversal of ideas to emphasize their silliness (why would a Coyote wear flip flops?).

He commissioned a statue of bronze to be made based on his sketch. The finished piece is a seven inch bronze statue. The staff is a separate piece that fits between the paws. To give it balance (and to emphasis the design) I placed him balancing on the world. The original Brother Coyote Statue now resides in his home; however he has given me leave to reproduce it for the pleasure of others.

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Warrior Healer Crone Statue

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 23, 2009
Posted in: Celtic Lore, Sculpture. Tagged: Amulets by Merlin, Crone, Healer, Neo-Pagan Sculpture, Pagan Sculpture, Sculpture, Tripple Goddess, Warrior, Wiccan Sculpture. 4 Comments

The Warrior embodies the youthful spirit of the Maiden taken to twenty first century. Women are now entering the world with an aspect of personal power, of the assurance of success in the development of their dreams into reality. She holds the staff the may be used to combat that which opposes her, but also it may guide others, pointing the way to their own destiny. She is clothed in fire and her hair is braided to remove distraction from her goals.
Warrior Healer Crone statue
The Healer holds the medicine bowl, making the remedy that will cure illness and strengthen those in her care. She may be embraced as the Mother aspect, yet many choose to nurse more that their children, indeed cure the world of its pain both physical and otherwise. Her hair is down to enfold and protect her work and she is clothed in the herbs and vines from which she draws the source of her medicine.

The Crone is the wise one, the keeper of knowledge and wisdom. Within her she holds the understanding and experience of previous two incarnations and offers the lore of the previous eons. She speaks her words to those wise enough to hear. Clothed in spider webs, the ancient creatures that weave and spin their webs just as the Crone weaves her stories and parables. Her scroll in her hands holds the knowledge of those that have come before her.

These three aspects of Woman are merged as one being, just as every woman holds the potential of all of these manifestations. Their hair is braided together illustrating their interwoven and inseparable manifestation: the Goddess in every Woman.

close up

The original sculpture of Warrior Healer Crone was cast in bronze and is seven inches tall; currently in private collection. Copies now available

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The Shrivatsa Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 21, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design. Tagged: Amulet, Amulets by Merlin, Custom Jewelry, Shrivatsa, Shrivatsa Amulet, Srivatsa. Leave a comment

My fascination with Knot work in spiritual context has brought me to reflect on other cultures. A close friend of mine had studied Reiki which brought me to the Shrivatsa. Although a Japanese study of healing, they have adopted the use of the Shrivatsa as a symbol of their practice.

Srivatsa or Shrivatsa is Sanskrit for Endless Knot. It is a mark on the breast of Vishnu where His consort Sri Lakshmi resides. It is conjectured that it may have evolved from an ancient naga symbol with two stylized snakes signifying the dramatic interplay and interaction of conflicting forces in the dualistic world primary to their union and harmony of the universe. This is reflected in the symmetrical form of the endless knot.

The intertwining of lines illustrates how manifestation is bound together as a closed cycle of cause and effect. Thus the knot is a pattern of simplicity and harmony.

The Shrivatsa Amulet

Since all phenomena are interrelated, the Shrivatsa Amulet is to establish a connection between the giver and the receiver. At the same time, the recipient is blessed with Virtue and encouraged to practice Virtue themselves; the knot represents a bond with our karmic destiny.

Although a favorite symbol of Buddhists, Hindus and those that practice Reiki, this amulet would be an appropriate for any one who welcomes balance, harmony and eternal wisdom into their lives.

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