Celtic Lore

I wrote earlier about the Triquetra Amulet and Earrings: simply meaning “triangle”; Triquetra refers to a variety of three-cornered shapes and evolved into a symbol of depth. This Celtic three cornered knot represents three-in-one: the Trinity.

To augment the Triquetra Knot I have added a woven circle: The Unity of the Trinity, the Circle of Love unifies all.

To combine the Amulet with matching earrings, I have created: the Merlin’s Triquetra Collection. Now you may order the entire set and added the option of your desired length of chain. The Triquetra Collection are for those who cherish what the idea of the Trinity in any of its forms: The love of family, their religion, the earth itself, or simply find the shape of the triangle pleasing to their eye.

More collections may be found on my Collections Page

I wrote earlier about the Triquetra Amulet: simply meaning “triangle” and has been used to referred to a variety of three-cornered shapes but has been evolved into a symbol of depth. To accompany the Amulet, I have created a set of earrings of the same design: the Triquetra Earrings.

Triquetra Earrings

Added to the Triquetra is a woven circle: The Unity of the Trinity, the Circle of Love unifies all. The Triquetra Earrings are for those who cherish the Trinity in any of its forms: The love of family, their religion, the earth itself, or simply find the shape of the triangle pleasing to their eye.

More Ear Jewelry from Amulets by Merlin

The Oak Tree in Celtic lore
represents the door way between to another place,
a grove is a potential sanctuary between the worlds.
Pentacles represent powers brought into balance
and guided by the spirit.

In the design of the Oak Pentacle
I used a simple,
direct representation of oak leaf and branch
without a lot of other symbols.
In this way I have kept the piece open and free of restraint.
The personalization of the amulet
comes with the selection of stone:
set into a cluster of leaves.
Selecting the kind of stone
(color and type)
lends one the ability to “claim” the design
while maintaining the intent of the piece.

Oak Pentacle with Stone Amulet

Like some of my other other pieces,
I made the setting as a part of the design,
not a typical die struck setting of prongs and bezel:
leaves fold around the stone both securing it to the amulet
and protecting the stone from possible damage of a direct hit.
I developed these while designing on opal settings,
then expanded these protective enclosures to other designs.

Combining the focus
protection of the stone
and the Strength of the Gateway,
the Oak Pentacle provides you with a tool
of exploration of one’s self and the world.
This amulet is for these unafraid of the journey
of one’s life and the Truth that awaits.

To view the Oak Pentacle Amulet with Stone, please visit my website.

Rune Casters from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 25, 2015

Posted in: Celtic Lore, Runes. Tagged: Amulets by Merlin, Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, Celtic Lore, Celtic Symbol, Elder Furhark, Frisian Runes, Northumbrian runes, Rune, Rune Reading, Rune set, Younger Futhark. 2 Comments

After completing the Tarot Casters
I began to consider the Runes.
In most cases one finds Rune sets with the various glyphs
painted on stones or carved into wood.
I began to visualize the various possibilities
and Tony suggested what was needed:
simply the Runes themselves,
letters with no borders cast in bronze of silver.
In this way one could use them much like the Tarot Casters:
simply drop them and see how they fall.

Merlin’s Rune Casters

The first set I created was the basic twenty four letters
from the Elder Futhark.
When the Set was first released,
Laura Jackson found me on the internet and was quite take by the work.
Following a review on her website she later asked me
about expanding the set for those people who wished to develop
new reading techniques.
By her prompting, I then “finished the set” to include the Younger Futhark,
the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc
and the Northumbrian/Frisian Runes,
the Expanded Rune Caster Set; 42 in all.

Because the set is “simply the runes” cast in metal,
the reading techniques have expanded to many forms:
from throwing the entire set,
taking a “pinch” of runes and dropping them
to simply pulling one at a time and placing them in patterns to create “words”.

The set includes a hand made casting cloth
with a pouch in one end to keep the Runes safe;
this may be rolled up for traveling or spread out for a reading,
just like the Tarot Casters.
A book with a very brief summery of the names of the runes is included.

I would recommend looking to the Rune Masters
to study the Lore of the Runes for a more complete understanding of the subject.
As always,
I invite those that use the tools I make to write of their experiences and insights.
Like the Tarot:
the Runes are a “living system”
improved upon with every generation.
May it be so with yours.

Both Rune and Tarot Caster sets may be seen at the
Rune and Tarot Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Mixing metaphors
(and cultures)
combining ideas that seem to go well together:
Music, Grapes and a Celtic Cloaking Device.
It is said that the grape was on of the gifts of the gods
(Southern Europe is notorious for embracing the Grape and the Olive)
Grapes produce a fine fruit that may be pressed into juice
in turn fermented into wine producing spirits.
The Grape also creates a leaf that may be used for a variety of uses,
even served in dishes….
The cane it creates tells stories all of their own.

Pan Pipe Penannular

The Penannular is a brooch used by the Celts in traditional garb.
It was incorporated as a fastener for fabric: from light scarf to heavy cloak.
For Men it is a solid ring where a tuft of cloth
drawn up and a pin was thrust through the tuft:
the ring securing the pin.
For Women: a horse shoe shaped frame is created and a pin
is fastened to the frame.
The pin travels on the frame to capture,
hold and release the fabric.
Still used today in both re-enactors and SCA,
the Penannular is a brooch that stands out from the more common pin.

The Pan Pipe is unusual for a Penannular because of the design.
Unlike the traditional Penannular which has bold lines,
knot work and stones:
this brooch harnesses the ancient technology of the fastener
enhanced with detailed grape vines on an arbor;
loaded down with fruit.
The pin head itself is the pan pipe with still more leaves and grapes.
Highly detailed,
this is both a work of art and a fully functional Penannular brooch.
The page I created for the Pan Pipe Penannular
contains a description and
a short video demonstration of how to use a Penannular for your cloak, jacket or cape.

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

One-of-a-kind Ouroboros Penannular Brooch from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 14, 2015

Posted in: Brooches, Celtic Jewelry, Custom Jewelry, Dragon Jewelry, Multi Faith, Ouroboros, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: Celtic Lore, Celtic Symbol, Custom Jewelry, Never Ending Story, Ouroboros brooch, Ouroboros jewelry, Ouroboros pin. Leave a comment

One of my favorite activities
is to create things never made before;
this was one of them!
I have already been producing the Ouroboros Ring for some time,
however a fellow wanted to have something specially made
that touches both his Celtic Heritage and his love for the Ouroboros:
the Ouroboros Penannular Brooch!

Ouroboros Penannular Brooch

The Worm Himself
is a solid carving with the ability to be viewed from both sides,
a fully detailed face and the traditional diamond scalded spine.
Unlike the Ladies’ Penannular,
this is a solid ring with a “free” pin.
By his request I created the pin without a head and to replicate a sewing needle.
The way it is worn is that the ring of the Ouroboros is placed on the cloak
(or Great Kilt)
and the needle pierces the material underneath after bunching it up
though the ring thus securing the Brooch and cloak together.

This is a one-of-a-kind piece
with no mold taken for reproduction,
however
if you wish to have something similar made
(or anything of the kind) simply ask!

In the mid Seventies I was given a book:
Real Magic by Isaac Bonewits.
After reading so many other books 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 really is
and how it works.
Over the years I had purchased more than 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
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!

Small Awen Amulet

Some time later
I 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.

For more Amulets by Isaac, please visit my Designs by Isaac Bonewits Page

Merlin’s Green Man Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 7, 2015

Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: celtic amulets, celtic gods, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Green Man Amulet, green man jewelry, green mane necklace, The Green Man. Leave a comment

The Green Man in western culture it is found primarily in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Found from the ruins of ancient times carved in stone, there are many variations: a man’s face with branches and leaves.

In modern times one can find renderings of the Green Man as an architectural form: paintings, sculpture and amulets; considered as a manifestation of youth, re-birth and rejuvenation. In the modern lore of western traditions it has been adopted as the first stage in a man’s life. The succession follows: the Green Man: the Youth; the Hunter: the Father and the Sage: the Wise Old Man. By wearing the Green Man Amulet, one is acknowledging this early stage and supporting the youth in ones own life, the vitality of those around them.

Using oak leaves and acorns to adorn the face, I have placed an opal in the forehead: signifying vision and possibilities. For those who want more than the amulet I have a necklace version: the Green Man hung on a chain of leaves linked together.

More God and Goddess designs may be found on my Mythicals Page

A few years ago I created Jewelry for Isaac Bonewits.
He created renderings of several designs
and sent them to me to create
for his special line of Jewelry.

Dagda’s Club Amulet

One of them is Dagda’s Club.

In his Words:

“Show your devotion to the manliest god of them all: the All Father, the Good (at everything) God, the fabulous Dagda!

“Fiery father of the Gods of Erin, the Dagda is the Supreme Druid, the Mightiest Warrior, and Danu’s Most Fertile Stud. His famous club could kill or resurrect, depending on which end He tapped you with.

“Honor the Dagda by wearing this silver or bronze amulet, designed by Isaac (includes the ogham letters for “Dagda” on the back).”

This represents the Irish All-Father’s magical club,
which was a Druid’s wand,
a warrior’s weapon,
and a Healer’s Blessing of fertility.
Entwining snakes embossed on a club,
topped by three tri-spirals.
A back Bail allows a hidden yet sturdy way
of wearing it on a chain or cord.
Script of the artist “Bonewits”
and producer “Merlin” of
Amulets by Merlin found on the back.

Isaac’s Amulets are a beautiful combination of design,
comfort and concept.
You may purchase these amulets through my site.
Each piece purchased Isaac’s Household receives a royalty
to both help extend his legacy promoting good will
and clarity to the world.
To learn about Isaac Bonewits,
his writings and more,
you may visit his website.

If you would like something special made
please visit my How to Order Custom Page

Merlin’s Elvin Moon Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 16, 2015

Posted in: Amulets, Moon Jewelry, nature Jewelry. Tagged: Amulet, Amulets by Merlin, Celtic Lore, Celtic Symbol, Elvin Jewelry, Elvin Moon, Elvin Moon Amulet, Fairy Jewelry, forces of nature, Jewelry, Magic Jewelry, Moon Jewelry. Leave a comment

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 hold the lessons of life
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.

For more jewelry of Moons, stars and suns, please visit my Celestials Page

Amulets by Merlin's Blog

Reflections of the Art of Merlin

All posts tagged Celtic Lore

Triquetra Collection from Amulets by Merlin

Triquetra Earrings from amulets by Merlin

Oak Pentacle Amulet with Stone from Amulets by Merlin

Rune Casters from Amulets by Merlin

Pan Pipe Penannular from Amulets by Merlin

One-of-a-kind Ouroboros Penannular Brooch from Amulets by Merlin

Merlin’s creations of Amulets by Isaac Bonewits

Merlin’s Green Man Amulet

Merlin’s Club of Dagda Amulet

Merlin’s Elvin Moon Amulet

Amulets by Merlin

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