SYMBOLISM OF SKULLS

SYMBOLISM OF SKULLS

Impermanence and Life Cycles

When envisioning a skull, our immediate association typically veers towards mortality and the transient nature of existence. However, skulls, when transformed into artistic creations, take on a profound symbolism. In this blog post, we’ll explore the rich tapestry of meaning associated with skulls, especially when meticulously hand painted with vitreous enamel and adorned with 24k gold during the final kiln firing – a process that elevates them to symbols of permanence and enduring elegance.

The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.”

~Michelangelo

Handpainted Enamel Skulls with 24k Gold Earrings

The Skull as a Symbol

1. Mortality and Transience: Historically, the skull has been a poignant symbol of mortality, an emblem of life’s fleeting essence that compels us to seize the present moment with both hands.

2. Transformation: Across various cultures, skulls symbolize transformation and renewal. They stand as a testament to the cycle of life, death, and the promise of rebirth, suggesting that from death, a fresh chapter emerges.

3. Cycles: Every autumn I’m reminded about the cycles of life. Things that were growing are now laying down to rest. Soon, there will be decay to provide fertilizer for the next cycle

The Role of Gold

Now, let’s delve into how the inclusion of 24k gold in these hand painted enameled skulls to a layer of profound symbolism.

1. Permanence: Gold, renowned for its indestructible beauty, stands as a symbol of permanence. Unyielding to tarnish or corrosion, it embodies that which transcends the flow of time.

2. Alchemical Transformation: In alchemy, gold symbolizes spiritual metamorphosis and enlightenment. When harmonized with the skull, it signifies transcendence from mortality to a quest for elevated wisdom.

3. Unique Beauty: Gold’s rarity and resplendence enhance the beauty of each skull. They cease to be mere symbols and evolve into unique, opulent works of art, individually crafted and rich with meaning.

Buy Jewelry Because You Love It bust the myth of fine jewelry
Golden flowers in the shape of a crescent moon with a garnet dangle

Embrace Life’s Transcient Nature

In conclusion, the symbolism of skulls transcends the conventional association with mortality. When handpainted with vitreous enamel and graced with 24k gold, they evolve into potent symbols of permanence, transformation, and the ceaseless quest for beauty and wisdom. These handcrafted marvels inspire us to embrace life fully, recognizing its transience while aspiring to the enduring grace symbolized by gold, making them not just adornments, but profound and contemplative works of art.

GET CENTERED USING SYMBOLS

GET CENTERED USING SYMBOLS

How Do Symbols Help with Centering?

What does centering have to do with metaphysical symbols and jewelry you ask? Well, let me explain. Even in my darker periods where it took every ounce of energy to get out of bed to go to work, there was something that would nudge me in this direction. 

A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.

~Jim Watkins

Enamel pendant of lotus, moons, and a sun set in sterling silver with hoops and a 14k gold moon bail

Years of Depression had Me Searching

For many years of my younger life, I suffered from depression. Fortunately, there were years of respite between the darker years so it wasn’t a constant experience. 

I might barely be able to focus on the task at hand, yet I would feel compelled to wear a meaningful piece of jewelry. Wearing the piece somehow grounded me. It also provided some kind of hope even though I was feeling despair. It was a mini-lifeline. 

How Symbolic Elements Helped

Why did it work? I’m not really sure. In an odd way, it felt magical to me. At the time I didn’t know anything about metaphysics, guides, astrology or the tarot. There was just a pull in that direction. 

A symbolic piece of jewelry or a gemstone or a piece of ancient art could capture my attention and transport me to another place. The weight of the depression could momentarily lift. A ray of hope could enter my heart. 

Broken heart making space for something new
Golden flowers in the shape of a crescent moon with a garnet dangle

Combining Symbols with Professional Help

I’ll be honest, though, I was also going to therapy, which also played a role in my finally conquering depression. Yet, at the same time, away from therapy, these things would provide me solace and a connection to something that I couldn’t name. 

Blue Enamel eye surrounded by vibrant purple and silver radiating in a sterling silver reversible setting
Mandala Lotus All-Seeing Eye Enamel Trinket Dish Closeup
Black on white face partially covered in 24k gold reversible enamel pendant profile view
CRESCENT MOON AND FOUR ELEMENTS

CRESCENT MOON AND FOUR ELEMENTS

The Crescent Moon and the Four Elements

As the night sky deepens and darkness blankets the world, an ethereal presence emerges, capturing our attention with its delicate glow. The crescent moon, a celestial phenomenon revered by cultures throughout history, has long been associated with various symbolic meanings. In this blog post, we will explore the captivating symbolism of the crescent moon through the lens of the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water.

The moon affects people in other ways, for a beautiful crescent suspended in a twilit sky can stir our hearts.

~Ken Croswell

Black on white face partially covered in 24k gold reversible enamel pendant

Earth: Stability and Grounding

The earth element represents stability, grounding, and the material world. When contemplating the symbolism of the crescent moon in relation to this element, we are reminded of the moon’s steadfast presence in the night sky. Just as the moon influences the tides, it symbolizes our connection to the physical realm. The crescent moon evokes a sense of balance, urging us to find stability amidst life’s ever-changing nature.

Air: Intuition and Creativity

Air is known as the element of intellect, intuition, and communication and is associated with the breath of life. The crescent moon, with its mystical allure, inspires creativity and encourages us to tap into our intuition. Just as the moon’s light pierces through the darkness, the crescent shape symbolizes the unveiling of hidden truths and the power of perception. Embracing the air element, the crescent moon invites us to explore new perspectives and unleash our imaginative potential.

Broken heart making space for something new
Golden flowers in the shape of a crescent moon with a garnet dangle

Fire: Passion and Transformation

Representing passion, energy, and transformation, fire ignites our spirits and drives our desires. The crescent moon, with its radiant glow, evokes the flame within us. It symbolizes the pursuit of our passions and the transformative journey of self-discovery. Like the moon’s waxing and waning phases, the crescent shape mirrors the cycles of our own lives. It reminds us to embrace change and kindle the fire of transformation that lies within.

Water: Emotion and Intuition

The element of water is associated with emotion, intuition, and the ebb and flow of life. The crescent moon’s connection to water is apparent in its influence on the tides, but its symbolism runs deeper. Just as the moon’s reflection shimmers upon the surface of a tranquil lake, the crescent shape represents our emotions and the hidden depths of our subconscious. The moon’s gentle glow reminds us to honor our intuition and navigate the currents of life with emotional intelligence.

Lotus emerging out of a crescent moon

The crescent moon, a mesmerizing symbol suspended in the night sky, carries profound meanings intertwined with the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. It serves as a constant reminder of our connection to the physical realm, the power of perception, the transformative journey of self-discovery, and the importance of emotional intelligence.

Air Crescent Moon Enamel Pendant with Garnet
Golden flowers in the shape of a crescent moon with a garnet dangle

RESILIENCE: EMBRACING BROKENNESS

RESILIENCE: EMBRACING BROKENNESS

The Mended Heart: Embracing Brokenness with Kintsugi

In the journey of life, heartbreak is an inevitable companion. We all experience the shattering of our hearts in different ways and for various reasons. The pain can be excruciating, leaving us feeling broken and lost. However, just as the ancient Japanese art of kintsugi teaches us, there is beauty in the broken. Today, I want to talk about broken hearts, the resilience of the human spirit and the unique paths we take to heal.

Take a shattered heart and rebuild it stronger and more beautiful than it was before.

~Unknown

Broken heart heals differently for everyone

Heartbreak – It’s Individual Yet Universal

Heartbreak knows no boundaries; it affects people from all walks of life. We have all tasted the bitterness of a shattered heart. However, what sets us apart is the way we choose to mend ourselves. Just as no two hearts are the same, our paths to healing diverge. Some find solace in solitude, while others seek comfort in the company of loved ones. Some immerse themselves in creative endeavors, while others embark on spiritual journeys. We may heal differently, but we all share the same desire to move forward and find joy again.

The Journey to Mending Kintsugi Inspired

In the realm of kintsugi, broken ceramics are repaired with gold or silver lacquer, transforming them into objects of remarkable beauty. Similarly, our broken hearts weave their way to healing with the help of friends, family, therapy and time. It is a testament to the strength we gain through our experiences. Our determination to mend the broken pieces of our hearts guides us through the process even if they will never be exactly the same as before. Interestingly, each time my heart breaks, a new pendant signifying the heartbreak is born.

Broken heart making space for something new

Healing Has It’s Own Journey

Mending a broken heart is not a linear process, nor is it a destination with a clear endpoint. It is a continuous journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth. Each day brings new challenges and triumphs, but with every step forward, we become more resilient and open to love once again. Our hearts, though mended, bear the marks of our past, serving as a testament to our ability to mend and move on.

Mandala Enamel Pendant using Silkscreens for design

As the wire intertwines and secures the fragmented pieces of the pendant, it creates something new, unique, and visually striking. The repaired pendant becomes a tangible reflection of our growth and resilience. The cracks are not concealed; instead, they are illuminated and celebrated. They remind us that the wounds we carry are not signs of weakness but of strength and the capacity to heal.

Order your own Resilience Necklace today. What is your broken heart story? Click on the images below to order (silver or gold)

The All-Seeing Lotus Hamsa Enamel Trinket Dish on an altar
Resilience pendant in white gold with 18k gold wires
YIN YANG OF EMOTIONS

YIN YANG OF EMOTIONS

The Emotional Spectrum

In our complex and ever-changing world, it is all too easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that life throws our way. From joy to sadness, light to dark, and every shade in between, our emotional spectrum defines our human experience. It is so important that we embrace all sides of our emotions and nurture our well-being.

The ingredients of both darkness and light are equally present in all of us,…The madness of this planet is largely a result of the human being’s difficulty in coming to viruous balance with himself.

~Elizabeth Gilbert

Yin yang symbol finding emotional balance

The Symbolism of Duality

The Yin Yang symbol, with its interlocking black and white halves, represents the interconnectedness of opposing forces. It embodies the idea that within every aspect of life, there exists two sides, each complementing and completing the other. This concept of duality is not limited to external forces; it is deeply ingrained in our emotional landscape as well.

The Dance of Emotions

Emotions are the fabric of our existence, weaving together to create the tapestry of our lives. Our emotions have their light and dark aspects. It took many years for me to realize that I needed to embrace both the highs and lows. It allowed me to open up to a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.

Woman walking balancing across a log finding balance

Wellness and Wholeness

In the pursuit of wellness, it is crucial to acknowledge that emotional well-being is not synonymous with being constantly happy. It is a holistic journey that encompasses the full spectrum of emotions. It is this duality that inspired The Yin Yang Reversible Pendant because it acts as a tangible reminder to prioritize our emotional well-being by embracing both sides of our emotional coin.

Black on white face partially covered in 24k gold reversible enamel pendant profile view

Day and Night, Happy and Sad

Just as day turns into night and happiness transitions into sadness, life is a continuous cycle of change. It’s so important to acknowledge that every emotion has its place and purpose. It encourages us to lean into our joy and relish the moments of happiness while also granting ourselves permission to experience and process moments of sadness. By accepting the ebb and flow of our emotions, we move closer to a state of balance and wholeness.

Finding Harmony Within

The Yin Yang Reversible Pendant serves as a personal talisman, gently guiding us towards self-reflection and introspection. By embracing our emotional duality, we gain a deeper understanding of our inner selves, fostering personal growth and nurturing our well-being.

It’s imperative to embrace both the light and dark within ourselves, knowing that it is through this harmony that we find true balance and live our lives to the fullest.

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered

CELEBRATE SMALL WINS WITH THESE IDEAS

CELEBRATE SMALL WINS WITH THESE IDEAS

Do You Celebrate Your Small Wins?

Do you acknowledge your own accomplishments? Have you noticed that you persevered through something that was difficult and came out okay? Remember that you’re worth celebrating?

Celebrate your life, you are your own light.

~ Lailah Gifty Akita

Woman thrilled and celebrating her win of the moment

Celebrating the Early Milestones

Every little milestone that a baby reaches, there is often a little celebration. Parents cheer at first step, a first word, a first smile, a first year….

However, once those firsts are achieved, we begin to take things for granted and quit noticing the small accomplishments. We start depending on holidays to tell us when to celebrate.

Losing the Celebratory Feeling

I’m not really sure how it happened, but as our kids were growing up, we started celebrating anything and everything. We celebrated the end of a school year, finishing a hard test (the grade not being a factor), a store saying yes to carry my jewelry, and finishing hard training runs. These are just a few celebrations that I remember off the top of my head. Are you getting the picture?

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered

Decide to Honor the Small Wins

At first, it was my idea to celebrate the accomplishment, but eventually the idea was integrated into everyone’s thinking. So, when something noteworthy would happen, the person would say, “I just did such and such” let’s celebrate! Then they would tell us all how they wanted to celebrate and we would!

create a sacred space to welcome creativity.

Sharing the Tradition with Others

The other day my son’s girlfriend just finished her final and my son told her they needed to celebrate. She loved the concept but didn’t buy into it right away, but my son insisted that they do something special to acknowledge her hard work. They did and her achievement became even more special.

Toot that Horn Loudly

Evidently, it really is up to us to toot our own horns. If we don’t notice that we do well at something, who will? This mindset starts a search for the little things that can become big things. It brings gratitude into your heart.

What do you do to celebrate? Well that’s up to you? What do you love? What do you enjoy? What do you consider a treat? Nature? Coffee (in the sunshine at a boho shop – can you tell that’s one of mine?) A cool piece of jewelry? A trinket for your home? A plant for your garden commemorating the achievement? Can you see, it doesn’t have to be grandiose – just a yay! you did it!

Since I just planted this seed, how are you going to celebrate your next small win? You may even want to treat yourself with one of these pieces. Click on the image to claim one as yours

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered

CELEBRATE YOURSELF TODAY WITH A TREAT

Here are a few suggestions. Which piece speaks to you?

HOW I GOT TO ENJOY MEDITATION

HOW I GOT TO ENJOY MEDITATION

Let’s Talk About that Dirty Word Meditation

Join me for a journey to learn how I got to enjoy mediation. I will start this conversation off by saying that meditation felt like a dirty word to me. I absolutely hated when any person said that meditating was good for me. I couldn’t do it for the life of me.

Allow everything to be as it is.

~Adyshanti

Channeling the energy through walking or movement

Channeling the Energy

To start with, let me tell you, I have the energy of a hummingbird. I flit around from here to there continually. I feel so bad for my husband when we are on any kind of road trip because I’m continually wiggling in my seat. Even my medium of choice, enameling, lets me continually move because I’m getting out of my seat every two minutes to put things in and out of the kiln.

So, when I tried seated meditations, I failed miserably. The only way I could force myself to sit was when a friend and I challenged one another to meditate for 21 days. Because it became a contest and I was bound and determined to win. I laugh because it was a contest of wills rather than a settling into oneself.

Fast forward to self-acceptance

Years ago this same friend and I attended a workshop by Adyshanti. He often said, “Allow everything to be as it is.” At the time, I didn’t quite understand what he meant. Now, I finally do. Part of allowing things to be as they are is allowing my hummingbird energy to be. I quit trying to fight it. I embraced that is how I am. Instead of trying to be a silent, watchful owl I owned my quick buzzing demeanor.

I began to notice that I DO meditate, but not in the way that I thought it was supposed to look. Quite often my meditations happen while walking. Sometimes I find it happening while mindlessly drawing patterns. I often find myself running my fingers over a talisman I’m wearing not realizing that thoughts are just flowing through me.

Finding Self-acceptance by acknowledging who you are

Allowing Everything (Including Me) to be as it is

What I learned is that there is some part of my body that needs to move. The thoughts can flow through while the energy of the body gets an outlet. It happened by accident, but all of those preconceived notions fell away through acceptance.

Now I understand what Adyshanti means when he says “allow everything to be as it is” because part of my is-ness is movement.

Spinning Mandala Talisman Pendants

Mandala Talismans

And, all of this has lead to a new series of mandala inspired, fidget-worthy pendants. They’re reversible because they spin. They’re tactile because they have both texture and smoothness (from the enamel). And, if I don’t say so myself, they’re pretty (lol). Follow the links to purchase. Namaste

SACRED GEOMETRY FOR CONNECTION

SACRED GEOMETRY FOR CONNECTION

“Everything in the universe is connected, including our thoughts, feelings, and actions. This is the foundation of psychic phenomena.”

~Lynn A. Robinson

Why are connections important?

Connections are an integral part of all of our lives. We are social beings who thrive on building connections with people, places, and things around us. It is no wonder that our art and creations reflect this need for connection.

It starts with finding balance

Finding balance is a reminder to slow down and take stock of one’s life. We often get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget to take care of ourselves. It is important to find balance in life and take time for oneself. I often look at the balance and symmetry found in nature as a starting point.

Communing with our ancestors

We can find connections in the spiritual world through those who have passed on. There are links we have with our ancestors and other beings from beyond this realm. They are a reminder that we are all connected and that we can tap into the wisdom of those who have gone before us.

Finding clarity by “seeing” what you want

It is essential to have a clear understanding of our connections to the world around us, both tangible and intangible. Having a clear vision allows us to see beyond the surface and delve deeper into the connections that shape our lives. By having a clear vision, we can create deeper, more meaningful connections that bring beauty and purpose to our lives. We can see with clarity and to appreciate the connections that make our lives whole.

Using talismans to make these connections

I personally love to wear jewelry that acts as a reminder of the connections we have with ourselves, the natural world, and the spiritual realm. They are a celebration of the beauty that comes from these connections and a reminder that we are never truly alone. I use the pieces as touchstones to ground myself if I  find myself getting out of balance.

As we navigate through life, it is essential to remember that we are not isolated beings. We are connected to the world around us, and these connections shape who we are and what we create. May you be inspired to find new connections and celebrate the ones you already have.

Do you want to form stronger connections?

Every piece of jewelry I create was created with an intention. Sacred geometry, circles, triangles, symbols, all combined to make those connections stronger. You can find your special piece here.

 

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