Amulet

All posts tagged Amulet

Peaceful Mushroom Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 16, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Peace Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Years ago (back in the 1980s)
I lived in Southern California.
Being an avid listener to KPFK’s “Something’s Happening”
one of the regulars was Terrance McKenna:
and Ethno-Botanist who spoke long and glowingly
about his trips into the Amazon and his research of various ideas that involved 2012,
the I Ch’ing, Mushrooms, DNA,
the Mayans and a host of other ideas.
In the course of listening to these late night broadcasts
I created and amulet the closely resembles amanita muscaria mushrooms
growing into a peace sign.

Peaceful Mushroom Amulet
Peaceful Mushroom Amulet

In the early Nineties
Terrace visited the Bodi Tree bookstore in Los Angeles:
a very large alternative shop.
My Buddy Russ and our Ladies visited the store to pay our respects,
however due to other issues the connection wasn’t made.

Late in the Nineties I attended Starwood
where Terrance offered lectures.
I was honored with a visit to my booth that the Man Himself.
After examining my work I presented him
with a copy of the Peaceful Mushroom Amulet
as a “thank you” for the hundreds of hours of lectures
I was able to listen to the KPFK.

“My God!” he exclaimed.
“The usual response I get from folks is:
‘I taped them from the radio and gave them to all my friends!’”
then he laughed.

Although I never saw him again
(he passed away some years after that)
What struck me about him was his laugh:
infectious, kind and full hearted.
When I make the amulet,
I can almost hear his guffaw.

Other Amulets may be seen at the
Amulets Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Dark Angel Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 12, 2015
Posted in: Amulets. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

In the spine the second vertebrae is the axis vertebra (C2),
nick named “The Dark Angel”
commonly because of its position:
It forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra
(the atlas),
which carries the head, rotates.
Also because of when viewed in an isometric position,
it looks like a head and wings and is never seen
unless in autopsy or considerably after the demise of the subject.
For such a small bone,
we rely on its position for movement nearly every minute of our waking
(and at times sleeping)
lives.

The Dark Angel

The Dark Angel Amulet

Dark Angel Amulet

As a subject for an amulet,
this represents many things:
health and healing, vitality, protection
and the ability to “pivot” both literally and figuratively.
Being as that it is so rarely seen while “in use”
it may also represent assistance
we both rely on
and never see.
It connects the Mind to the Body in a very physical way.

The Dark Angel Amulet is intended
to be of assistance to those in Health care:
Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Nurses
and all care givers and body workers.
Here is an amulet that is rooted in reality
and extended into the realm of the arcane
for those who wish to bring healing to a troubled world.

more of Merlin’s Amulets may be seen at the
Merlin’s Amulets
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 7, 2015
Posted in: Custom Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

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 of
The Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies
and became Vice President of the Academy.
The goal was to develop line of communication
between the religious leaders in Orange County, California.

Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies Amulet

Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies Amulet

The Academy sponsored meetings
giving a forum to clear misconceptions,
air out differences
and reach mutual understandings between the Faiths.
Feeling the importance
Ideals were to be grounded in some material form,
my Father asked me to create
some kind of Amulet
which 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 between them in our community.

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 continued 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

more of Merlin’s Promotional Jewelry may be seen at the
Merlin’s Promotional Jewelry Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

The Amulet of Pan from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 5, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Greek Mythology Jewelry, Multi Faith, music amulet, Music Jewelry, music pendant, 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
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.

Amulet of Pan

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.

The Amulet of Pan,
Features 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.

more Amulets may be seen at the
Amulets Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

The Pentacle of Brotherhood from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 30, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 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
organized around common values and social cohesion
within a shared physical locality;
however in modern time it may refer to groups of people
spread out over a large area
who exchange ideas through the internet,
phone lines and other forms of communication.

Pentacle of Brotherhood

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 matter in balance.

The Pentacle of Brotherhood
is a symbol representing 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
to embrace each other for what they are
without objectifying each other;
Perfect Trust is earned over time,
not simply given.
A community using these ideals as their cornerstones
would stand the test of time,
transcending hardship,
pain and suffering of life’s turmoil
demanding on one’s mortality,
able to put aside petty squabbles and differences.

This amulet is 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.

Other Pentacles may be seen at the
Pentacle Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

The Venus Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 29, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Greek Mythology Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment
The Venus Amulet

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 connect 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.

To get your Venus Amulet,
please visit my Venus Amulet Page.

Other amulets may be seen at the
Amulets Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Merlin’s collection of Pentacles

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 25, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Multi Faith, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Pentacles often had no connotation of “five” in the old magical documents,
but were magical talismans inscribed with any symbol or character.
The most common “pentacle” is the five point star.
In one of it’s earliest forms the Pentacle symbolized the first “ADAM”,
signified in early art as “Human Perfection”,
the “First Man” in the Garden of Eden.

Grape Vine Pentacle

Grape Vine Pentacle

Pentacles are used in the Tarot
to signify Matter or the Material World.
Each of the Pentacle cards represents a scenario and lesson about money,
influence, decisions and more.
The five pointed star is found everywhere
from a Sheriff’s badge to a countries’ flag;
it is found in nature within apples,
in flowers and trees.
The Pentacle as a five pointed star
represents the balance between the Elements
(Fire, Water, Air, Earth)
under the Spirit
(the top point).
When presented with the top point up,
this is a symbol of health, wisdom,
balance and good fortune.
When inverted,
like any symbol reversed
it is no longer in balance but rather oppressed:
the elements are over powering the spirit.
When both are shown together
it represents the cycle of life:
the “ups and downs” of one’s existence.

Each of my pentacle amulets are focused on a different aspect of health:
brotherhood, environment, healing, friendship and love.
With over 20 designs to choose from
I have versions that include rough textures,
women’s forms,
the caduceus,
moonstone, caldrons, a pin design for wiccan clergy in the military and much more.
If you cannot find the Pentacle you are looking for,
have no fear.
I can create your design by way of your drawing or description.

Pentacles may be seen at the
Pentacle Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Merlin’s Dragon Ankh Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 16, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Ankh, Dragon Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

A combination of Serpent Power and the Egyptian sign of Life.

I have created several versions of the ankh:
the classic version with stream lines and easily recognizable shape;
the more literal version
emphasizes the male and female aspects coming together;
however I wanted to create a piece that was more versatile.

Dragon Ankh Amulet

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.

The Dragon Ankh Amulet and Other amulets my be seen at the
Amulets Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Merlin’s “I Love You” Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 9, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry for the Deaf. 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 Love You” Amulet

I met him at a local coffee shop
where 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.

For many years at Yule he droped 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.

I Love You Amulet may be used as a Talisman,

More amulets my be seen at the
Amulets Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Prose Cards for the Tarot from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 7, 2015
Posted in: Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

It was in 1986 when I requested Russ McClay to create the cards
to accompany the Tarot Amulets.
I wrote a series of verse to describe the individual Tarot Amulets.
After already investing nearly ten years of study in the Tarot
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 lunch breaks and spoke of our interests in philosophy,
religion and the state of current affairs.

Tarot Prose Card ~ The Empress

Tarot Prose Card
The Empress

At that time Russ McClay 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
distributed in the better known shops of the Southland.
In a time before desktop publishing,
his handwork 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 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 Amulets may be used as a Talisman
or it may be used as a part of a Three dimensional Tarot Deck
The Tarot Casters
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin