Gye Nyame Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 19, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Multi Faith. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 7 Comments

Some years ago a fellow requested that I create an amulet of his ancestral home land in Ghana. He then presented me with a rather large wood carving of the symbol. Although he had a hard time with the pronunciation, the basic concept was even more obscured. The translation he gave me was a mix of Christian doctrine and the quote from the fellow from which he purchased the Teak carving.

Because of the kind of work I do, I wanted to be sure that I understood the piece before I stared. Unfortunately the resource material I relied on was spotty, however after some digging, the symbol‘s information flowered.

Gye Nyame is a symbol meaning “I am afraid of none but God,” or: “Nyame biribi wo sor” suggests that good things come from above.

Gye Nyame Amulet

This unique and beautiful symbol is omnipresent in Ghana. It is the most popular in decoration: a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people. Symbol of the Omnipotence and the Omnipresence Of God. From the Akan aphorism: Abode santann yi firi tete; obi nte ase a onim ne ahyease, na obi ntena ase nkosi ne awie, Gye Nyame. Literal translation: This great panorama of creation dates back to time immemorial; no one lives who saw its beginning and no one will live to see its end, Except God.

The symbol reflects the Akan belief of a Supreme Being, the Creator. This symbol is considered the oldest “Monotheistic” symbol in existence demonstrating the Africans to have a firm belief in a Supreme and Almighty God. Those who follow the Akan Akom Tradition are indigenous to Ghana of West Africa, the Ivory Coast, Togo, the Congo, the Caribbean and the United States. Akans believe that God is the Supreme Being in whom all things begin, end, and upon whom all things are dependent. God is everywhere but beyond the reach of humans. We know Him by many appellations such as Otweidiampon, Okokroko, Onyame, Awurade, Odomankoma-the One who can give us grace, Nyankopon, Asasse Yaa-Mother earth, pure, unpolluted, motherly, protective, fruitful—He is the Great one, the faithful One, Eternal, Infinite, transcending everything.

Traditional Ghanaians do not worship God directly. They believe that there exists a world a world of spirits. It is believed that Spirits are everywhere. Nyame is the Father and Creator of those spirits. They are ministers of the Supreme Being: the lesser gods; they have no power unto themselves but work independently, doing the good work of healing and protecting the people who worship them. They are called Abosom(plural) or Obosom (singular), sometimes referred to as the Deities. These spirits are embodied in the elements and manifestations of Nature. Through the Abosom, one receives blessings, prosperity, protection, guidance and direction and more.

I set about to create this piece for my friend, included a pair of earrings developing an entire set. While the earrings are carved “flat”, the main pendant holds the curves to accentuate the flow of the design, thus I developed the Gye Nyame Amulet.

In my site I now offer the set or the individual pieces: a large and smaller version and a pair of earrings. Wearing these amulets connects one to a tradition that is well over 5000 years old from the continent of humanities’ cradle.

DNA Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 18, 2009
Posted in: Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , . 2 Comments

A good friend wanted a ring for her boyfriend.
She wanted something meaningful,
a design that would have her “all over it”.
After talking to her about the various things that she likes and is attracted to,
she mentioned that through the years she found
the shape of the double helix comforting
and it has a surprising association with her name.

DNA Ring

Custom
DNA Ring

She decided on the creation of a Men’s Ring that had the shape of DNA.

I looked over the internet to see what other designers had tried to accomplish
with the shape so as not to duplicate other works then created a series of sketches for her approval.
We discussed the possibility of creating the strand to encircle the finger;
however because of the detail requested,
one would find the varying textures uncomfortable over time.
We thought about opening the “ladder” to give it a more airy look to it,
however because of his love of gardening and the likely hood
of his keeping it on once he receives it,
she decided for something more durable

The result is the one-of-a-kind DNA Ring you see here.
This carving was done completely by hand
to produce a full three-dimensional shape
on the top with a smooth “comfort fit” on the inside of the ring.
The back of the ring or “shank” was designed as a “basic”
to provide comfort and wear-ability for someone who uses his hands a great deal.

They both love the design
and there is nothing quite like it anywhere else: truly a one of a kind piece.

Should you wish for a custom piece for someone you love,
Please visit my How to order custom Page

Drum Circle Jewelry

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 14, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Drum Circles. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

It all started with the Drum Circle. Years ago I had attend a few Renaissance Fairs and I saw the employees break into a Drum Circle as the guests were leaving. I wanted to join in! Once I got into the business of traveling about to the Fairs, I was able to attend a few and was enchanted. Then, in the 1990s, I began to sell my work at a variety of Events and attended drum circles after dark. After watching for several months, a drum was thrust into my hands and I was hooked! All my music background gave me a launch pad into the fray of rhythm and dance. The opportunity to drum with others was liberating, I found myself being a part of music like I have never experienced before.

Drum Circle Amulets

I met Freedom: a Drummer that taught me this kind of music, then Bezel, Night Hawk and Tawny, Kelly and Miguel. I found it hard to concentrate on my jewelry creations between drum circles; always leaning towards the down beat of every manifestation of sound.

    Flowing Lady Amulet

Some years later, in the mid 90s Freedom inspired me to create the “Drummer” a small amulet that is actually a tiny sculpture of a little fellow drumming on a Djembe. From there I created a host of dancers; I created an entire set of these little people, designed to hang on a chain or cord around your neck or bracelet or attach to a drum. And then finely a couple of years ago a young lady requested that I make a “Drummer girl” and so I did. The dancers were inspired by people I have seen around the fire over the years: The flowing Lady, Man Astride, Amy, and so on.

These Amulets of the Drum Circle may be used as charms for your drum; components to your charm bracelet hang on a jacket or as a pendant around your neck. They are meant for those that love the drum, rhythm and music in general. They are meant to evoke exuberant cooperation, spontaneous creativity and Joy.

The Tarot as Amulets

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 11, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

The High Priestess Amulet

It is hard to decide which of the Tarot Amulets would be right for you. Much depends on where you are in life or the kind of work you are doing. The previous posts give detailed explanations of each piece; however I have been requested to post a list of all the Tarot Amulets in the Tarot Cycle for a “quick review”. And so, here is the list of the Tarot amulets, and their possible applications:

00 The Fool Amulet – A fresh start, new beginnings, gift for baby or Youth who has come into his/her own. Newlyweds or some one who has decided to re-start their lives. Children and young people who have graduated, adolescents who have reached the threshold of adulthood..

The First Set

01 The Magi Amulet – For focus and concentration. Good for student or scalar. Strengthens resolve in marinating concentration on projects and seeing them to their conclusion.

02 High Priestess Amulet – Memory both one’s own and of the Greater Unconsciousness. Aide in strengthening memory. Also good fore devotees of the Feminine both socially and spiritually.

03 The Empress Amulet – Fertility excellent in the beginning processes of projects, starting a business, starting a family, nurturing investments. The Empress Amulet is perfect for the Artist, Team leader, Executive, anyone whose task it is to Manifest the Vision. It is also for the Environmentalist: the symbol of Gaia, all things natural to the formation of Life on the Earth is symbolized by the Empress Amulet.

04 The Emperor Amulet – Vision –The Emperor represents both the perception of the world and the manipulation of it through precise control. More than an amulet of influence, it is one of perception so that one would know the right response to in a give situation. Process, Procedure and Ritual. This is an amulet for Clergy, C.E O., President, or chairman, Fathers or anyone with Duties and Responsibilities of others under their care.

05 Hierophant Amulet – Authority – Aide in keeping your feet on the ground with poise when trouble brews. The Hierophant Amulet is one for teachers, nurses, healers of all kinds, clergy and any one who has chosen the path to serve the community through Teaching, Healing and Service.

06 The Lovers Amulet – Dynamic balance of opposites – Communication – The Lovers Amulet is for Fathers and Mothers, Siblings, Special Friends, Husbands and Wives, Sweethearts and Grandparents for people that are working toward inner balance, anyone who wants to offer Love to others.

07 The Chariot Amulet – Protection, shields, sacred ground – is for those who create and maintain Sacred Space, whether it is a lawyer working with contracts, Clergy that would be performing Marriages, someone who creates and maintains sanctuaries, alters, courtrooms, homes and gardens. It is for Healers and other body workers, marinating the Temple of the Body, Guardians and Keepers of the Peace, the Home Guard. The Chariot Amulet represents Health, Honor, Protection and Virtue.
Second Set

08 Strength Amulet – Inner strength – Self control and discipline, focused Will -Individuals who are studding Kundalini, Yoga, martial arts, warriors, firefighters and other people whose life is demanding Inner Strength would find appreciate the Strength Amulet.

09 the Hermit Amulet – Purity, Truth, Development- The Hermit Amulet would be appropriate for those that are self starters, innovators, those that serve humanity because of their own convictions rather than because they are told to do so. A Hermit need not be one who lives off in the wilderness but one who is at peace in a crowd and in solitude alike. The Hermit Amulet is also one that is intended to stabilize one’s journey in life and remind them to hearken to their own inner voice rather than to follow a leader, group of movement: to walk the path of Virtue.

10 the Wheel of Fortune Amulet – the Law, Rhythm, The patterns of the seasons, Centering- The Wheel of Fortune Amulet would be a good tool for one who has lost direction and feels jumbled in life. The Amulet would assist in centering one’s self and others: a team leader, someone who is in combat or in an ER; Centering and stabilizing one self, one’s family, community and world.

11 Justice Amulet – Natural Balance, Maya and Karma – The Justice Amulet would be good for those who are dedicated to the Law: Judges, Lawyers, social workers. The Amulet would also be good for those people that are in charge of clearing spaces: Housekeepers, Maids, folks that work a Kitchen, police or security officers or in any way in charge of keeping spaces clean and clear of unwanted objects, clutter or energy of any kind.

12 The Hanged Man Amulet – Suspension, sacrifice, Turning the mundane to the arcane – The Hanged Man Amulet is for any one who wishes to harness daily activates would normally be considered physical into acts of Spirit. From Homemakers to Clergy, Nurses, massage therapists, interior designers and gardeners. Those dedicated to social work, volunteers both in the public eye and those who perform acts of charity without the need of payment or fanfare. In other words, just about everybody.

13 Death Amulet – The threshold – death/re-birth, the bardo – The Death Amulet would be for those in a powerful transition: a lad who has “become a Man”, a girl’s transition into Womanhood. One who suffered a major loss and re-forming their lives would find this piece useful: embrace the break in the pattern and start anew. Like a tonic, the Death Amulet is for a short yet important periods in one’s life.

14 Temperance Amulet – Art, purpose, Creation – The Temperance Amulet is for the Artist, Actor, Musician or Dancer. The filmmaker that can inspire and inform their audience. The Temperance Amulet would be for those that are more subtle in their abilities to express themselves for the benefit of those around them: home makers that can turn their dwellings into places of inspiration; a chef that can create food, helping one transcend their daily routine. It is within the context of Temperance that we gain a better understanding of the Art of Living.

The Third Set

15 The Devil Amulet –Humor, satire, the power of fiction – This amulet would be an amulet for writers, comics, filmmakers, anyone who creates fiction, images or media that can inspire, reveal the truth or test one’s metal. This is for the trickster, the joker or the teller of tales. It is an amulet representing Humor, the telling of stories and the practical joker. It is also for the scientist: one who tests theories, weighs ideas for their merit. It is for the Editor, one who looks to stories and weighs the validity of their meaning and truth.


16 The Tower Amulet – the destruction of falsehood, Truth reviled – There are those whose jobs it is to give us the necessary jolt of reality: Judges, Police Officers, Solders and Oracles. However, the Tower Amulet is more of a tonic rather than an every day piece. If you are in confusion, unable to decide what to do, if you feel like you have been lied to and wish to know the truth, then the Tower would be a good tool in meditation. This would be ideal to keep on hand for a spiritual councilor, to use for short periods of time and then to be put aside to build again.

17 The Star Amulet – meditation, experimentation, discovery through self reflection – The Star Amulet would be excellent for those that have decided to use meditation as a practice on their lives. This tranquil amulet may be used to calm and clarify one’s perspective and achieve a better understanding of themselves and their environment. Practitioners of Yoga and martial arts, Religious practitioners who use Meditation and Prayer would find this amulet helpful in their daily lives.

18 The Moon Amulet – Dream experience, the spiritual path, development through maintaining balance – The Moon Amulet is for those that have realized their Life’s Path and have committed themselves to walk their talk. Although not an advertisement for being a Spiritual Leader, one teaches by example, treats others with the respect due them and learns from children as well as their Elders of community. This is a good amulet for councilors, advisers, leaders and solitaries.

19 The Sun Amulet – Masks, filters, seeking the truth through discovery of the universe – 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.

20 The Judgment Amulet – Perpetual fire consuming the unneeded, lessons through hardship, the amalgamation of the personalities – 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.

21 The Universe Amulet – The ever expanding entirety of knowledge and experience, discovering the infinite through limitation – 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.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

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.