10 Protective and Calming Amulets
In these difficult to navigate times, we are all looking for something that will bring us comfort and calm.
Sometimes this means turning to what we find beautiful. Sometimes what we saw as beautiful in the past looks even more so, when we see it in the context of an otherwise dark and challenging present.
A number of our low stock items are based on symbols that have historically been used for protection. Viewing the current crisis we face, it can be helpful to realise that civilisations long before and long after us share the challenges that we go through, and have created symbols and rituals that we can turn to today to help us through.
10. Cleopatra's Amulet Ring
Cleopatra was notoriously cunning at protecting herself. Whenever she was threatened, she looked for the crack in her opponent's plan, and exploited it. When her sister Arsinoe tried to bar Cleopatra from returning to Egypt and taking her place on the throne, Cleopatra went to Caesar and, as a teenager, compelled him so much with her wit and charm, that she convinced him to lay siege to the palace. As a lover of jewels, the Cleopatra's Amulet Ring is a tribute to the strength of that great queen.
9. Faith Protection Medallion
The Faith Protection Medallion reminds us of the importance of spirituality, continued community, and belief when faced with crisis. It can be difficult to trust in our belief systems when times are tough, but the open and innocent belief of children is a reminder to be open to the faith we can find in the things that truly matter to us. The pendant likely depicts St Nicholas, who preached to children... and brings them presents at Christmas! But that's another story!
8. Labradorite Studs
Labradorite, the stone as varied as the sky, is known for its startling play of colours. It is said to awaken the magic within. It is a transit point between the heavens and the Earth. While stuck in quarantine, you might want to try your hand at some witchy spells of binding, love, protection and faith. It can't hurt to have a little labradorite to hand!
7. Alparslan Charm Earrings
The lion represents assertiveness and power across cultures. As a fiercely protective animal, the wearing of a lion guides us to be aware of negative situations in our lives and helps move us towards positivity and happiness. With an emerald nestling on its chest, the lion combines these traits with those of the emerald - emotional, mental and spiritual balance. Two chains carrying lapis lazuli frame the animal’s face, whose deep celestial blue reinforces the royal power of the lion.
6. Gorgoneion Ring with Garnet
The Olympic deities Athena and Zeus are both said to have used the image of the Gorgoneion as an amulet of protection. As such, the wearing of the Gorgon’s image emphasises the divine aspects within all of us.
The use of magic against evil is a practice carrying across the centuries - with the Gorgoneion in particular thought to be one of the most efficacious in world history. It was used not only on door-posts, in bed designs, and on shields, but was worn by soldiers and mythic figures alike, spanning countries from Greece to Japan. It’s fearsome yet beautiful face represents what has been called a dynamic life energy, the tug of wild spirits that calls to all of us. Here it is set between two sparkling garnets.
5. Gul Pendant
Often referred to as the Love Stone, rose quartz is known for its passionate, romantic qualities. It is a high energy stone, especially when surrounded by the rays of sun that adorn the lower half of the Gul Pendant. Perfect for those of you quarantined with your romantic partners *wink*!
Although rose quartz is capable of bringing love into your life through others, its way of opening the Heart Chakra will also remind you to love yourself openly and fully. Never has it been more important to take care of ourselves, and show love to our most delicate and vulnerable physical and mental parts.
4. Hatshepsut Pendant
Hatshepsut was a pharaoh who magnified the legacy of the powerful women rulers who preceded her, including the first reigning queen in recorded history, Merneith. She embodied both femininity and strength to such a degree that she is depicted as wearing variously a false beard and male kilt, and soft, silken robes. She is an amulet for a time when we all need a reminder of the control that we have to be master of our destiny when we feel a loss of our sense of security. We have the power to keep our communities safe through our actions.
Here the pharaoh’s Nemes headdress is inlaid with enamel - a protective material, which permits self-expression of inner truths. The gold which encases it brings spiritual light into one’s life.
3. Moon Face Hoops
The moon has always been a symbol of the woman. We find this mysterious relationship between the three phases of the Moon, the seasonal rhythms of the Earth, and the three stages in a woman's life. All of this we can find symbolically depicted in the lunar image of the Goddess. As we move through this tumultuous period in our lives we are reminded that "this too shall pass", and that we will face these transitions with grace and dignity.
2. Mother and Child Amulet Ring
The mother and child is an ancient symbol of unconditional love and devotion. This translates to the kind of care and affection we all must show each other while living through the current global health crisis. Not only loving other human beings, but animals, and our Mother Earth.
1. Khepri Pendant
The word khepri comes from the Ancient Egyptian “to come into being” or “create”. This was the name of the God with the head of a scarab. He, with the motion of that beetle, rolled the sun into the sky in the morning, and back to rest in the evening. Khepri is especially associated with the morning sun, and all the potential that this represents. In order to bring activity, order, and intention into one’s life, the scarab in flight is the ultimate amulet. This is the perfect item for those of us trying to find routine, safety and security which up-ending not only our daily routines, but our relationships to the planet, to our loved ones, and our selves.