Isaac Bonewits

The Druid Sigil Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on March 7, 2019

Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, talismans. Tagged: Druid Amulets, Druid Sigil, Isaac Bonewits, spirituality. Leave a comment

One of the first designed Isaac Bonewits requested I make for him is the Druid Sigil.

The Druid Sigil Amulet

Well over ten years ago Isaac Bonewitz was attempting to expand his offerings beyond this books and lectures contacted me to develop his designs. At the time he was making stickers of his graphics. At a Festival he and I was talking between his lectures and I offered to translate his drawings into amulets. He pointed out the Sigil was not often used. He explained in depth the concept behind it.

In his own words:

“The Druid Sigil is most often rendered as a circle with two vertical lines passing through it (see left). Frequently this is drawn, painted, embroidered, etc. as a wreath of leaves with two staves (or spears for the warrior types) passing through (see right). Twenty years back, a ceremonial tabbard was made with a tree in full leaf on the front and the Sigil on the back with its wreath and stavewood matching.”

“I think that it is a quintessentially female symbol and is thus psychologically powerful. For political and metaphysical reasons, I think it’s important for members of a religion that many folks erroneously assume is male-dominated to have a constant reminder of the eternal power of the female force(s) of Nature. As a magical sign, I’ve used the Druid Sigil for over thirty years as both a blessing symbol and as a banishing sign. From a magical point of view, it is fully as powerful as a pentagram, Seal of Solomon or cross, and meditation upon it will provide many insights.”

The Druid Sigil is available in my website as an amulet, and ring. I can also create a custom piece for you. Please check out my How to order Custom Page.

You may recall I have been making Isaac Bonewits designs in my jewelry line for some time. I have recently developed his classic Druid Awen as a Brooch.

The Awen Isaac created is more than the simple dot and stave seen in the old writings: this is a wreath of oak leaves with the Mesopagan Druid symbol of the “three rays of light” emanating from three acorns and staves (like wood) completing the design.

Awen Penannular Brooch

I have augmented the piece by making it a functional Penannular Brooch. the Brooch Frame is of knot work of my own making with a pin mounted and able to “travel” around the frame.

To learn how to use a Penannular Brooch and learn more about this new piece, please visit my page The Awen Penannular Brooch.

To see more of my designs of Isaac Bonewits, please view my Bonewits Collection.

Custom Awen Necklace from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 13, 2015

Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Custom Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: Ancient Order of Druids, Awen amulet, Awen necklace, Druid Jewelry, Druid lore, Druid necklace, Isaac Bonewits, the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids, United Ancient Order of Druids. 1 Comment

A fellow who loved the Awens I developed for Isaac Bonewits
wanted a special piece made for him.
The Awen is an ancient symbol attributed the the Druids of old.
As Isaac Bonewits put it in his website:

“The sign of “the Three Rays” is used by members of the United Ancient Order of Druids, the Ancient Order of Druids, the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids, and many other followers of Druidry. It can be seen as symbolizing Sky Father Energy in balance with the Earth Mother energy of the Druid Sigil, as well as any of a thousand other sets of three ideas.”

Custom Awen Necklace

This one of a kind piece is larger,
solid and inlaid with amber.
It was designed to allow the hand carved amber
to be set with open backs providing light to shine through and bounce about,
giving the impression of emanation from the dots and rays in the center.
Three circles surround the amber,
each grooved and filled with translucent enamel
specially mixed to replicate amber.
A wreath of Oak leaves frame the amulet,
hung by sterling chain and wooden beads to accent the piece.

This is a one of a kind Custom Awen Necklace,
specially designed.
Should you wish to have your design made for you,
please visit my How to Order Custom 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. One of them is the Spells for Democracy Amulet. Isaac was very concerned for our nation as he had often spent a great deal of time discussing, lecturing and writing about the subject. After I had created several pieces for him I suggested he continue with his designs; thus he turned to develop a design developed to focus intent to a good aim: righting the wrong of our society.

Spells for Democracy Amulet

Spells for Democracy Amulet

He wrote extensively about this subject, calling for the Pagan community to become more active, participating in the great debate for equality, justice and a better world.

In his words:

“I know very well that not all Neopagans apply their polytheology to their political views in the same ways that I do. To me it seem obvious that politicians dedicated to making the USA a fundamentalist theocracy, to encouraging the fundamentalists in Islam to see this century as one dedicated to an un-Holy War between the two lunacies, and, incidentally, giving a totally free reign to every multinational corporation willing to pay big bribes to politicians, isn’t going to give much attention to the needs or even basic human rights of minority belief systems, at home or abroad, including ours. The Neo-Con Imperialists and the Religious Reich have been telling us for over a decade what their plans are. It is way past time to pay attention and take action with the only form of power they can’t take away from us: magic. “

More about Isaac may be found here.

The amulet itself is a combination of symbols:
The pentacle is a classic symbol of Neo-Paganism. It is crossed with a Besom (broom) which symbolizes a great many things: here it is to represent the modern day Pagans and their efforts to create a better world. The Wampum (the staff with the disk) represents a symbol of the Iroquois: a composite of Native American tribes who formed a Democracy before the United States formed their own nation.

Through his travels Isaac presented these amulets with his books and other items; he even created a special portion of his website to feature the work. You may purchase these amulets through my site. Each piece purchased Isaac’s Household receives a royalty to both help recover from the debt of his passing and to extend his legacy promoting good will, democracy and clarity to the world.
To learn about Isaac Bonewits, his writings and more, you may visit his website.

To purchase the Spells for Democracy, please go Spells for Democracy Page.

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

Isaac Bonewits developed renderings of his designs
and sent them to me for a special line of Jewelry.
One of them is the Awen.

The Original Bonewits Awen Amulet

In his words:

“The sign of “the Three Rays” is used by members of the United Ancient Order of Druids, the Ancient Order of Druids, the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids, and many other followers of Druidry. It can be seen as symbolizing Sky Father Energy in balance with the Earth Mother energy of the Druid Sigil, as well as any of a thousand other sets of three ideas.”

This version of the Awen is a wreath of oak leaves,
three staves emanating down from three acorns.
The bail from which to hang the amulet:
an oak leaf curled to hold the chain or cord.
On the reverse side of the “signature”:
“Bonewits” and that of the artist:
“Merlin” or Kirk McLaren of Amulets by Merlin.

Through his travels Isaac offered these amulets
with his books and other items;
he even created a special portion of his website
to feature the jewelry.
You may purchase the Awen Amulet and his other designs through my site.
For each piece purchased
Isaac’s surviving Widow
receives a royalty to both help through some difficult times
and encourage efforts to promote good will
and clarity to the world.
To learn more about Isaac Bonewits,
his writings and more, you may visit his website.

A Larger version of this amulet is now available.

The Awen
is an ancient design used by the Druids of Olde.
This symbol has been recognized and harnessed by the Neo-Pagan movement
to symbolize the emanation of the Light,
brought into manifestation in the material world.

In his research Isaac Bonewits wrote about it’s use and lore:

In his words:

“The sign of “the Three Rays”

is used by members of the United Ancient Order of Druids,

the Ancient Order of Druids,

the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids,

and many other followers of Druidry.

It can be seen as symbolizing Sky Father Energy

in balance with the Earth Mother energy of the Druid Sigil,

as well as any of a thousand other sets of three ideas.”

Since the creation of the Winter Awen Amulet,
I have received numerous requests to create a Winter Awen Ring.
The original amulet was similar to Isaac’s piece
in that is is in the shape of the Awen:
a wreath of leaves with three staves descending from the top
however like the Winter version,
the leaves are of Holly, the “dots” are pine cones.
I have also trailed down the sides of the ring with holly,
and a cluster of berries crown the top of the piece.

Winter Awen Ring

In the original design,
the central “ray” of the Awen is exposed,
here in the new Winter version,
the Holly covers the stave and it appears below.
This additional feature reflects
the idea of how the light is obscured
in the Winter
only to re-emerge “un-looked for”; the triumph of the Light.

The Winter Awen Ring is now available through Amulets by Merlin,
to order your Awen Ring,
please visit my Awen Ring page.

To see more rings, please visit my Ring Page
To see more Druid Jewelry, please visit my Druid Amulets 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 Druid Amulets of Isaac Bonewits

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 8, 2015

Posted in: Amulets, Awen, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Custom Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Jewelry design, Memorial, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: amulets, Amulets by Merlin, Awen, Awen amulet, Celtic Lore, Celtic Symbol, Custom Jewelry, Dagda, Druid, Druid Jewelry, Druid Sigil, Isaac Bonewits, Real Magic, sigil. 1 Comment

I first “met” Isaac Bonewits in the mid Seventies through the reading of his masterwork: Real Magic.
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 which introduced the concepts
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
for the opportunity to create something for him.
He found my work pleasurable and even purchased the Green Man Amulet from me.
I marked that day with pride.
For my favorite author to have blessed me in that way was inspirational!

The Large 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 Isaac 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.

The Awen is an ancient design used by the Druids of Olde.
This symbol has been recognized and harnessed by the Neo-Pagan movement
to symbolize the emanation of the Light,
brought into manifestation in the material world.
In his research Isaac Bonewits wrote about it’s use and lore:

In his words:

“The sign of “the Three Rays” is used by members of the United Ancient Order of Druids, the Ancient Order of Druids, the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids, and many other followers of Druidry. It can be seen as symbolizing Sky Father Energy in balance with the Earth Mother energy of the Druid Sigil, as well as any of a thousand other sets of three ideas.”

Winter Awen Belt Buckle

The Awen,
both an Winter Awen Amulet and this Belt Buckle.
A Druid from the East Coast who loved the original look of the Awen
designed by Isaac,
however he wanted to have a different version.
From his description I changed the leaves from Oak to Holly and included the berries.
I exchanged the acorns for pine cones and the staves match the cones with pine wood.

In the original design, the central “ray” of the Awen is exposed,
here in the new Winter version,
the Holly covers the stave and it appears below.
This additional feature reflects the idea
of how the light is obscured in the Winter
only to re-emerge “un-looked for”;
the Triumph of the Light.

The Winter Awen Belt Buckle is three inches tall
and may be modified to fit the belt of your choosing,
simply place the size of the belt on which you wish to mount
in the “special instructions” option of the page when ordering.
If you wish,
I can enamel the berries for a more festive look,
(as seen in the image above)
To get your copy of this piece,
please visit the Winter Awen Belt Buckle page.

More Awen and other Druid designs may be found on my Druid Jewelry page

Amulets by Merlin's Blog

Reflections of the Art of Merlin

All posts tagged Isaac Bonewits

The Druid Sigil Amulet

Awen Penannular Brooch from Amulets by Merlin

Custom Awen Necklace from Amulets by Merlin

Isaac’s Spells for Democracy Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Merlin’s creations of Amulets by Isaac Bonewits

Merlin’s Original Awen of Isaac Bonewits

Merlin’s Winter Awen Ring

Merlin’s Club of Dagda Amulet

Merlin’s Druid Amulets of Isaac Bonewits

Merlin’s Winter Awen Belt Buckle

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