Telling the Runes

Runes are the letters in a related set of alphabets known as runic alphabets, used to write various Germanic languages before the adoption of Latin, and used for specialised purposes afterwards. The earliest date from 150 AD onwards, found in Denmark and Germany. They were still used in rural Sweden for decorative purposes well into the 20th c.

I came across these gorgeous, pitted ancient looking beads while browsing Etsy. This one is Kenaz - the rune for creativity or knowledge. Josephine Wadman makes a selection of them them to order (and yes, I do have more!)

I wanted to express the nature of creativity with them so the earrings contain one of my favourite things to work with - Lucy Haslams 'punkies'. She know I love all things gothic and made some of these specially  for me to use as connectors - I've had large and small, long and short and love them all.  I'm not giving away her special recipe but there's a lot of  soldering going on...….and each one is unique, the very essence of creativity.

Natural stones seemed 'right' with these so I used slabs of silverleaf jasper, and beads of warm jasper and dark haematite.  The 'create' tag is pewter. And of course, vintaj chain. Great earthy colours.

                    I'll be popping these in my Etsy shop forthwith. See you again in two weeks!

                                                                           Lindsay x

                                                                        My Etsy shop
                                             
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Hope and Love, Looking Forward

Joshua Tree 12/2015

As we approach the end of this year, many of us look back in contemplation and reflect. At the same time, we look forward at what's to come. 

It was a big year, with lots of shifts and changes. Our country was divided and still is on many fronts. With many people and many issues. 

None of us knows what's ahead but we can face it with hope and with love. We can be kind. We can treat one another with consideration and respect each others beliefs. 

Mannaz Rune of Higher Self

So many different human beings on this planet. The only way to survive is to embrace or at the very least, accept our differences and work as one. 

Maybe I am living in a dream.

Whatever may come, I must stay TRUE to myself. I will live in hope and with love and I will be kind. I will soften my face when looking at passers by. I will smile and say thank you to service people. I will look people in the eye and know that I have done my best. I will try to make this world a better place and keep hope that I can somehow inspire others to do the same. 

In troubled times people often (as they should) seek out messages of hope. I received a request for hope and love earrings. My thoughts immediately went to Runes. Beautiful imagery reflecting symbols of greater inspiration and meaning, this ancient alphabet still touches our subconscious on a deeper level, in modern times.

If you are interested in learning more you can check out the PBS Nova website and read more here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/viking-runes-through-time.html

These earrings are a riff on a design I first made in 2009 and again in 2011 with mixed metals.

Ball Babies Sold / Etsy 2011

 This design features two sets of rune charms. One spelling hope and one, love. Adorned with "ball babies" created of pure, fine silver. Wrapped onto solid copper, hand forged hoops. These will be available today at Art & Soul jewelry.

 This is my last post of 2016. Wishing everyone much hope and LOVE now and for the coming year. Look for my next post the 2nd Tuesday in January. 

 

Kenaz The Torch of Knowledge by Art and Soul Jewelry

Kenaz ~ The Torch of Knowledge

 by Art and Soul Jewelry

Earrings, kenaz runic design by Art and Soul Jewelry

"Ancestrally, we each must carry our own torch, creating a path of light that flows through the darkness. These torches are never extinguished, and can be used as signposts in the navigation of the ancestral stream, and to acquire the knowledge and tools from our ancestry" - runesecrets.com 

Earrings, kenaz runic design by Art and Soul Jewelry

A simple, yet bold design. Kenaz, ancient Viking runes, hand stamped on copper disks. Forged into domes. Accented with brass for a beautiful contrast of rich metal hues. Ear wires are hand forged sterling silver wrapped in bronze wire. http://www.artandsouljewelry.com/