Monday, January 14, 2013

Considerations When Choosing Pagan Jewelry

By Charlotte McBride


The popularity of Pagan jewelry in recent years has extended beyond the community of Wiccans and modern Druids. There are many people, both young and old, who purchase these lovely pieces off the internet. While most people who practice these ancient religions are not offended by this, it is probably a good idea to know something about the piece that is being purchased.

A pendant which is commonly seen is of the Goddess Brighid. Not only is She an ancient Celtic deity originating out of Ireland, but she was later canonized as a saint by the Catholic church. In both her ancient and saintly guises, She is the guardian of the sacred flame, and is often associated with high places physically, but also high ideals.

Imagine the embarrassment if one is staunchly anti-Catholic, and yet there they are wearing a pendant with relative ties to Catholicism. Not only that, but what does one tell others who ask about the pendant that hangs about their neck. If a piece is purchased and the wearer does not understand the significance of it, they are likely to be regarded as a fool.

While most people associate these belief systems with a Goddess, there are Gods associated with it as well. Pan is a favored among young men because he represents virility and fertility. There are also a number of pendants depicting Norse Gods which are popular with those who practice Asatru.

Stone pendants are frequently created by Wiccan artisans, and sometimes the stones are infused with special energies for healing, in addition to the energies inherent in the particular stone itself. When choosing a particular stone to wear, the wearer might want to consider what energies they most need. The artisan the stone is purchased from should be well-versed in these details.

There are many well-known symbols which are associated with Pagans, and some of them have received a bad rap over the years. None more so than the pentacle, which is simply a star contained within a circle. The references of this symbol to the Christian devil have been so problematic over the years that many Pagans themselves will not wear this symbol publicly for fear of misunderstandings.

Ask any good Wiccan about the symbolism of the Pentacle, and they will tell you right away that it has nothing to do with any devil. Evil, from their perspective, exists to maintain balance in the universe. They do not believe in any ultimate boogeyman who causes people to do bad things. In fact, personal responsibility for their actions is a focal aspect of their beliefs, and they are offended at even the idea that some devil makes them do anything.

In summary, modern practitioners of these ancient paths are not offended when laymen wear Pagan jewelry, but they do wish the wearer educate themselves on the significance of their adornments. This provides an opportunity for growth and learning. Not only is the wearer further educated, but so is anyone who happens to ask them about their very interesting necklace.




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