Posted on by

Ītzpāpālōtl The Obsidian Butterfly Goddess Coin Necklace

Ītzpāpālōtl, The Obsidian Butterfly is a Goddess that I have been working with for a few years with my friend Wiki. She is writing a book with an extensive collection about Central and South American Goddesses and their lore. Hopefully, her book will release later next year under her full name; Ahuic “Wiki” Mora. Please keep an eye out for it and I will also post when her book releases as well for anyone interested. 

I love talking about Goddesses that have not seemed to make it into the popular mainstream. It seems that there is an outpour of what is popular, but a trickle-down effect of what is not. 

The Obsidian Butterfly has been watered down and pretty much lost to the workings of the internet. It shouldn’t surprise any of us how generic the info is with the very “copy and paste” feeling you encounter when researching on the web. My friend Wiki has spent many years in her native land of Central Mexico, not to mention travels into South America, to collect stories of Central and South American Goddesses. I am so excited for the upcoming book release of this beautiful Goddess with a fresh perspective on her and her energy. 

The Obsidian Butterly is about transformation and rebirth. She is a soul eater, and this is not a bad or scary thing. She eats the old and done to recreate and give birth to their new form. There will be a series on this Goddess on Evil Pawn Jewelry’s Patreon page by Wiki this summer. The series will post to the Quartz Tier. 

Once these coins hit net proceeds EPJ is giving donations to Raices and to Wiki so she can continue her work in collecting and preserving these stories before they are gone forever. This is such important work. Funds will also help her with her future website. Thank you for all who have contributed. 

The crystals of Ītzpāpālōtl are Obsidian, Amethyst and Bumblebee Jasper.

Contributors of design, story, and inspiration: 

Zyanya Eztli-Zapata

Carmen Tenoch-Gomez

Ahuic “Wiki” Silva-Tellez Mora

Posted on by

Elen of the Ways Goddess Coin Necklace

Elen is not only the pathfinder in the physical world, she is the Goddess of the Aisling. She can wave her staff and clear the way for a new road. Like our beloved deer friends, she too possesses the gift to see the ways through the trees. The paths the human eye is unable to see. She finds a way. 

Elen of the Ways can guide you through your dreams and help you pave those same roads in the waking hours. The deer is the great navigator through terrain that is mapped in paths we do not see, but the deer can see them all. Whether you are going into the dream world or navigating this waken state space… You can find it all, just follow the deer. 

Orla O’Connor – Curator of Celtic Art, Contributor

Shannon Kelly – Writer, Celtic Scholar, Contributor

Nessa Walsh – Cultural Anthropologist, Contributor

Samantha Weisberg – Muse, friend, contributor of inspiration, Wise sage, Girl Gandolph for life! 

Posted on by

Nisaba Goddess Coin Necklace

Nothing could mean more than a female scribe, especially to a female writer. She oversees all humans no matter their identity, but the representation can bring you to your places of becoming quicker than ink to pen. This beauty was the very first goddess I selected for this project and she means the world to me. She was inspired by my Grandma Veda. She is the Sumerian Goddess of writing, accounts, and grain. Scribes and accountants most often ended their text with the words “Nisaba be Praised.” These magical words are inscribed on the back of the Goddess Coin in Sumerian as, “𒀭𒉀𒍠𒊩” and they are magick indeed. 

Her crystals are Quartz, Sodalite, and Peridot. These crystals are perfect for writing, accounting, filing, organizing, and formatting. These crystals are Level One, Two, and Four. Making a perfect cross combination for writing, creative thinking, remembering, and keeping track. 

“Write it down.” 

I want to thank everyone that contributed to this project.

BahArak Shah – Historic Archeologist, Contributor

Zara Hadid – cultural anthropologist, Contributor

Aleah Yousefi Andrews – Masters in Middle Eastern Studies with an emphasis on societies and cultures, Contributor

My Grandmother Veda – Muse, Contributor of inspiration, guide, and watcher

Posted on by

Rhiannon Goddess Coin Necklace

Some consider her an actual Queen and historical figure, others feel like she is an actual deity, and the majority feel like she is both. Her lore shares many attributes with the Horse Goddess Epona, but the love of Rhiannon reaches further into our hearts than Goddess status. Rhiannon was strong willed and made her own decisions, even when the world told her no, she said yes. She was untouchable and did whatever it was that her heart desired. She wielded her enchantments and magical powers with the flick of her wrist. When she was wrongly accused, she prevailed, because nothing in the world could hold her down. She displayed the speed and strength of a horse but also the unexpected majestic grace and enchanted movements reached upon in Horse Symbolism. Her coin is adorned with a White Moonstone and a snowy Quartz. Displayed with the magical three birds of Rhiannon that follow her shadow; she rides into our hearts forever as our true hero of the tale. One of the first female heroes, before the world we live in allowed them. She is Rhiannon. 

Rhiannon shows you what you are waiting to be and reminds you that you are your own hero. “I am here to remind you that you can have anything you want, by your own doing.” 

I thank everyone who lent their hand to this project. 

Orla O’Connor – Curator of Celtic Art, Contributor

Shannon Kelly – Writer, Celtic Scholar, Contributor

Nessa Walsh – Cultural anthropologist, Contributor

Raven Quinn – Muse, friend, contributor of inspiration, strong for battle and delicate like a songbird. Love you lady! 

Posted on by

Isis the Goddess Coin Necklace

“I am that which was and is and will ever be, and no mortal has yet lifted the veil which covers me.”

Today’s spotlight is on a goddess with many names and a face that has been seen many places. Most know her as Isis, goddess of Egypt. Her presence is seen in every culture and in each culture she is a goddess of magic. Isis is more than a mother Goddess of magick, she is a representation of the great mystery of the feminine. She represents the darkest and lightest parts of ourselves that we haven’t unleashed yet. We are the Phoenix that has not risen, but lays quietly in the ash awaiting her time. Isis represents our risen potential. She is all of the magick you possess and all of the glory that it brings. 

Her crystals are Rose Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, and Quartz. All three sustainably sourced from Egypt with hands of Integrity. By celebrating her, we are remembering that we have not even scratched the surfaces of the unknown. We has a people have much to learn, because we have so much to learn about the ourselves.

I thank everyone who lent their hand to this project. 

BahArak Shah – Historic Archeologist, Contributor

Zara Hadid – Cultural Anthropologist, Contributor

Aleah Yousefi Andrews – Masters in Middle Eastern Studies with an emphasis on societies and cultures, Contributor

Trista Hassan Cartwright – Third year Egyptologist and speaker

Tamra Zemaitis Goodwin – A Muse, A reminder to me everyday to look deeper into the layers of the self, Contributor of inspiration, and the one and only RaRa

Posted on by

Boudica Coin Necklace

Today’s spotlight is not on a Goddess, but an ancient and shining one all the same. Boudica was the most famous Celtic Tribal Queen of Britannia. She fought to save her people from the invasions of the Roman Empire. Her bravery and warrior spirit are legendary to this day. She fought for her truth until the bitter end and is an everyday reminder that your fighting spirit can never be defeated. No matter what the scorecard says, you prevail by perseverance. Your fight alone makes you unable to lose. 

By celebrating her warrior spirit, we are remembering empowerment in ourselves. I thank everyone that lend their hand to this project. 

Jamie Sawyer – Muse, Warrior, Friend, and contributor of inspiration
Orla O’Connor – Curator of Celtic Art, Contributor
Shannon Kelly – Writer, Celtic Scholar, Contributor
Nessa Walsh – Cultural anthropologist, Contributor

Posted on by

The Hand of Hekate Necklace

I appreciate all of the kind encouragement through the manifestation of this piece. Posting the rough molds was a little scary because there was so much that was unseen going into this necklace. Sometimes the story is never seen, so your interpretation of the story you are retelling through art, is also cloaked in your mind. 

A very long time ago, I saw a photo of a Great-Great Grandmother in my family tree. There was not a lot of information about her but she was interesting. I was determined to learn more but no one could really tell me anything. Genealogy research also went nowhere. She was quite the mystery. When that happens in ancestry, you start researching their names, clothing, and jewelry in photos. Her name was Amandus (Amanda) Rossetti. Her mother’s name was Mahala. That and a photo of her as a very old woman were all we had. Secondly, I studied the dress she was wearing. It was not of any major significance. Her white hair was piled on top of her head and you can see a necklace around her neck. It was somewhat clear, but I had a friend of mine zoom it in and clean it up a bit. She was wearing a necklace known as a Mano Cornuto or the Sign of Horns. An Italian Amulet that looks like the “Rock and Rock” hand gesture but facing down. Mano means “hand” and Cornuto means “horn” and like the Italian horn, it protects against Malocchio, which means the Evil Eye. These symbols have been around before Italy and before Rome. They have been found prior in Greece and even Ancient Sumerian cultures used them. Not to mention the Karana Mudra, among many others.  

This propelled me to take several classes on hand gestures and their symbolic meanings from antiquity to now. I was taken aback by the meanings and beliefs behind them. This was when the internet didn’t offer classes, so I had to take in-person workshops, so it was over a several-year basis. From there I branched out into learning about hand gestures deities used and were known for. I was so geeked out on these hand gestures that I found myself one day, years into research, that all started from a very old photo of my Great-Great Grandma. This is an exact example of how my brain works, I just keep gobbling up info until I’ve paved a highway. I then look up and see that I am miles from where I started.

This pendant is a huge symbol of that essence of me, combined with something from my family’s distant past, and more than anything a huge dose of the old ways. This pendant is Hekate’s hand projecting protection from all who target you. Her snake is symbolic of you being able to shed anything that tries to attach itself to you, like old skin.

Hekate’s Cuff and Ring have a stone choice of obsidian or amethyst. A few people that viewed the work in progress told me I would be “on trend” if the nails were long and pointy. The thing is, I wanted an edited design that would last the test of time. One day, that may not be on-trend. When that happens things seem dated. I like the idea of timelessness. Just as this hand gesture is timeless. Just as Hekate herself is timeless. 

Thank you for reading this blog! This necklace is very limited and will not be around again. When these are gone, they are gone. All of my love and many many bright blessings!

Posted on by

EPJ Adjustable Rings

Over the years, EPJ has been asked many questions about adjustable rings and I am posting a super long blog on Patreon about the years of adjusted rings. This one is short and sweet. 

First of all, the perks of adjustable rings are vast but there was more method behind the madness than just perks. A long time ago, three friends and I were at a mall store (yes those things were real) and we were looking at beautiful rings inside a case. My friend asked to see one of the rings, and the lady behind the counter got super rude. “All of the rings are only a size 7. If you want it you have to pay to have it sized.” My friend that asked was a US size 13 ring finger. My other two friends were sizes 6 and 9. I was a size 4.5. I thought about how weird it is that everything is “average size” and it took me into a world of overthinking. In my years of being a jeweler, not just for large jewelry stores but for small Mom/Pop shops and then my own, I had witnessed the more “average size” if there was one… being a size 9 or 9.5. Not a size 7. How do they determine “average” anyway? To me, there is no standard or average. Human beings are just human. That is it. The shapes and sizes we take on are more “meant to be” and aren’t wrong and most definitely shouldn’t be rated on scales like “average to not-so-average.” What a strange world we live in. What a strange thought that anyone should be the same as someone else or be compared to them in some way. I am forever in awe of this strange place. 

The adjustable rings took many shapes over the years before they stayed in the tree of life shank style. I like the idea of being able to be human. Ya know, gain some weight, shed some weight, experience swelling from some outdoor work, a late night hanging out with friends, a cold day in December when your rings just want to fall off. Ya know, breath… and being able to wear my rings. Sizing isn’t cheap. Sterling silver adjustable bands wear down and break easily after adjusting only a few times. SO I shied away from sterling early in the EPJ days. Stainless steel is made to last. Being hypoallergenic stainless steel makes the shank another way anyone can wear it at any time in their lives. 

For some time a viral video was on YouTube on how to adjust your EPJ rings. It wasn’t some amazing revelation that made it a popular video. The thing that made it somewhat viral was because myself and my best friend were being hilarious while doing the video. Not professional at all. We were just being so silly. Eventually I took the video down because I really needed to make one that was shorter and more to the point. I tend to get really silly sometimes, but hey, there is that human thing again. 

So here is a step-by-step on how to adjust your ring at home. You can always email CustomerService@EvilPawnJewelry.com to have us do this for you. I am always willing to adjust your rings. It is always free, you just pay to ship. Much cheaper than having them sized. 

You will need: 

  • A wash cloth
  • 2 pairs of needle nose pliers
  • A ring mandrel if you have one but it is not necessary if you don’t.

To make your ring larger: 

If you have a ring mandrel, this is the easiest thing in the world. If not it can take a little more time and skill. First, if you have a ring mandrel, slide the ring down the sizer and push it down. When doing this the ring will open up. You can use the needle nose pliers to shape the ring if needed, just remember to use the washcloth between the ring and the pliers to prevent scratching. If you are more crafty, you can also shape your ring with a Nylon Rubber Jeweler’s Hammer.

If you do not have a mandrel, you will have to open the ring with your needle nose pliers. Start from the side that connects to the top of the ring. Pull out in small paces all the way down the ring to the middle. If your adjustable ring has an arm, you can also pull the arm out and tuck the end as you see fit. 

To make your ring smaller: 

To make your ring smaller, it is just a matter os squeezing the band inwards. You may wish to use the washcloth and the needle nose pliers. Remember to use the washcloth between the ring and the pliers to prevent scratching. 

If you are not wishing to size your ring yourself, just write type your size in the note section of your order. You can also email us at CustomerService@EvilPawnJewelry.com if you place an order and forget your size. Once your ring is sized to your preferred size, you can easily open it or close it down through weight gain, weightloss, swelling, or weather changes. Remember, anytime you need us to help, we are just an email away! 

Posted on by

Limited Memoria Pieces

The Memoria Pieces are listed on the website and I am taken aback by this project in so many more ways than I could ever describe. The Memoria Pendant is a nod to the memento keepsakes of the past. The necklace and ring settings are ready and only requires your memory contribution. After purchase, ship the hair, ashes, furbaby nails, etc. to us for setting. Our address can be found on the Q&A page on the website. Also stated below: 

Girl World Design LLC/EPJ
P.O. Box 11163
Kansas City, MO 64119

For questions about the necklace, email CustomerService@EvilPawnJewelry.com 

I have been working for some time on these pieces to remember family, friends, and furbabies. Much like hair mourning pieces of the past. These are a very limited-time offering. There are only 13 to 18 of each setting. When they are gone I will not make them again. These EPJ Memoria pieces will only be available for a small amount of time and when their time has ended, they will not be available for remake or custom. Energetically, these are the only ones I can do. I did one last year for a dear soul, and it was so special! It really helped me through a lot. I am so grateful for that piece. The project definitely helped me get back to making hair jewelry. I hadn’t for so many years. 

I am so excited to release these because they have been a lot of time and hard work. A labor of love. In the sample photos, I used my own hair, hair from my Grandma Veda, my Aunt, and an amazing friend. I am currently making a ring with my Grandmother’s ashes and it has been therapeutic. The thought that she will be with me in this ring is such a beautiful feeling to have in my heart. I also have some hair from one of my Grandma Beverly’s beloved horses. This is so exciting! I am hoping to make something amazing from those precious hairs to pass down to family along with these other pieces. While I am working in this type of space, I want to open it to others for the same memory pieces. When these are gone I am closing custom orders for memory pieces for years to come. I may not be able to come to the point to make more again, but I will leave this open just in case. 

Thank you for this space to cement memories of loved ones, in a visual view, for all to see. Many Bright Blessings. 

Posted on by

The Hex Breaker Amulet: Talisman Science and Amulet Mapping

Many times I see the word, “Amulet” next to a beautiful object. Usually a necklace. Usually something grand. Question. Is it truly an amulet? The same can be said for the word “Talisman” and the same question stands. What is a Talisman? Can It be both? The answer is Yes and No.

Amulets offer protection. Most of the time I have seen the word used it is misused, and in reality, it seems like this is a “fashionable way” to simply describe a necklace. In my humble opinion, it is misleading. So what is an Amulet and what is a Talisman? And what is the difference?

An amulet uses power symbols of protection involved in the design and the symbol or symbols incorporated are used with intention, furthermore correctly. Amulets use symbolic language to shield and are not made during a specific planet or moon phase. They can protect the wearer from danger, and through symbolism, ward off unwanted energies.

Talismans are charged with specific magical properties that can span from protection, luck, or to apply the wearer with a desired outcome. Talismans are made over many moon and/or planet movements. Incorporating energy from these plants in a layered form. The Talisman is “charged” as the Amulet is magically symbolic. A good example is the Evil Eye symbol. This is an amulet, a symbol that protects you from the Evil Eye. If a maker were to charge it as they made the piece, it would be both, an amulet and a talisman.

The Hex Breaker is technically both an Amulet and a Talisman. Providing protection with the use of symbols and specific planet/moon phases. At the same time, made with moon water from specifically dated eclipses or Moons to provide empowerment. A talisman can empower with embedded energy. An Amulet cannot empower, only guard. The Hex Breaker is a cross combination of both.

The symbolic nature of the Hex Breaker has been one of the main questions emailed in. The planetary movements and Moon waters have been specifically stated, but the symbolic stages of the Hex Breaker were not. In the Hex Breaker Booklet, they will be thoroughly explained. Not just by their actual symbolism, but also by their placement and the whirlwind’s dialed positions on the face of the Amulet.

Here I will give identification and a brief description of each symbol for reference. Full understanding of the uses and placements of the symbols are detailed in the booklet.

Symbol One: Ausekis

Ausekis is a Latvian power symbol. It is sometimes referred to as the 8 pointed star. (Octagram) Representing Venus also known as The Morning Star. Appearing right before dawn, a symbolic metaphor for overcoming darkness. It is one of the Crosses of Lietuvēns. The other being the pentagram. These crosses are always drawn without lifting your hand.

This star is also known as the Anu Star, yes, this ties to Mesopotamia starting with the Sumerians and their pantheon. The King of Heaven Anu and his daughter the Queen of Heaven. Also known as The Star of Venus, The Star of Inanna, or The Star of Ishtar. Depending on the counterpart. They are all tied together.

This symbol was placed at the very top to represent the dawn but offset towards the first hour to represent moving forward. Also, offset from the middle symbol for increase or movement against misfortune.

Symbol Two: Hex Star – The Shape of Defense

When starting this project, I knew that shape was everything. The shape of the Amulet or Talisman must be the first symbol or shape that is laid out. You can easily use an oval, a circle, a square, or a rectangle; but it must make sense. I didn’t want to use a standard shape that is an everyday shape to the eye, I wanted to use a red-lettered shape from antiquity. I chose the Hex Star. This symbol has so many names and I have given a small list of those in the booklet.

Do not let this name deceive you. The Hex Star acts as a mirror and has been associated with protection from bad luck, evil spirits, hexes, and negative energy since antiquity. In many cases, it was worn into battle as a protection amulet.

Symbol Three: The Mirror – Divination Through Reflection

This symbol of the Mirror can be found in every single culture. This Mirror is the Pictish Mirror. I chose this Mirror not only for what it represents but also because of how this symbol has an effect on other symbols. A stratification of “spelling” if you will.

The Pictish Mirror is a mystery to many light-level scholars, but if you dig a little bit deeper, you will find that the Mirror’s reflection is quite clear. Divination is not something that can be accomplished without shadow work. This type of work cannot even be applied until we face the ego. The Mirror shows you the self. The self now, the self then, the self in the future.

Symbol Four: Fehu is the Creation

In this day and age, most seekers of knowledge concerning the old world, have known something of Fehu. A rune concerning abundance, wealth, and the “source” of wealth. This rune can also concern property protection; this can cover the property of the self and the movable property of the things you own. 
More on its position and whirlwind ties in the booklet.

Symbol Five: Triple-Disc Crossbar aka The Cauldron

The Triple-disc crossbar symbol also referred to as the cauldron, has a layered meaning. The Triple-disc in symbolism usually refers to the phases of the moon, but sometimes refers to the constellation regarding the gates of heaven. Cancer to Capricorn, summer and winter solstices, with the bar going through as the path. They are tied into the symbols on the same row for safe passage throughout each solstice.

Symbol Six: Whirlwind is Source

They are “source,” the push symbols, first seen in cuneiform and hieroglyphics, pushing in different directions. They give support to symbols that are overused like Fehu. The Whirlwinds like the ones on the Hex Breaker add energy to the symbol, sometimes slightly changing its meaning or giving an extra oomph. You can use the ones I have used when writing intention. Give your words a charge. Push and emphasis your words.

Each symbol is given the power of movement. Each has been activated and brought to life. Remember, when writing daily goals or even dreams… use a few whirlwinds. They wake up words and symbols like no other!

Symbol Seven: The Toll Cross — New Magic Inspired by Old

This symbol has a newer history that may be entwined with the old. It has been said that a troll cross wards off malevolent magic. Although this symbol has a newer manifestation, it could be entwined with a symbolic language of old. A cross of protection and ancestry. More details are in the booklet.

Symbol Eight: Triskelion, Triskele, or Triple Spiral

The Triskelion represents the movement of life, that we must endure, it is the only way we can become. If we are not moving, we are not becoming. May we continue and let nothing stop our cycle.

Life, Death, Rebirth — Past, Present, Future — Spirit, Mind, Body — Creation, Preservation, Destruction — Maiden, Mother, Crone

This symbol is to keep you in motion with the universe and in your own divine plan. As well as the universe’s divine plan for you. Just remember, the only things that do not grow are dead things. Even then there is rebirth on the horizon.

Symbol Nine: Four of Hearts

This symbolic language has two important acknowledgments regarding the Hex Breaker. One is what we may not see in plain sight, the Four of Hearts symbols in the center of the Amulet. The second is about the symbology of the Heart as a shape. More about these two ingredients in the booklet.

Symbol Ten: The Eagle

The eagle has the ability to see ahead, far ahead, and knows what is coming. He has eyes that can withstand the glare of the sun. The Eagle has the ability to pierce forward and have an overview of everything. When we are in it, we can’t always see the overview. When it is hard, become the eagle, floating above all of it. See it in an overview form that gives you that Eagle sight. Look at life the Eagle sees the world.

Symbol Eleven: The Helm of Awe — The Helmet

The Helm of Awe, oh the tales, the blending of tales. To see or meet Eye To Eye, in such a profound way; that all conflict can stop and understanding can be had. It is better to meet in peace than destroy. When two opposites meet and peace is had.

Symbol Twelve: The Serpent

This symbol is among some of the oldest symbols we have on record in this world. Rebirth, healing, medicine, renewal. So many different truths to this symbolism. Incorporating the symbolic language to heal thyself, renew thyself, and revive thyself from the depths is the best subconscious cast a person could ask for. The manifestation of the world: the beginning and the end, but there is no end. The snake will eat his tail. The corner world continues. Snake medicine is the first medicine and the last.

Symbol Thirteen: Waxing Moon

In this period of time, much is surrounding the Dark Moon and the shadow self, pop-culturally speaking. We must remember that no matter what phase is on-trend, that all phases are of importance, and emphasis on just one only will cause a great imbalance. The use of one for specific manifestations is important, but no one is more important than another. For this manifestation, we call the waxing moon. I wanted to emphasize this phase of the moon because it has to do with your own increase.

Symbol Fourteen: Circles on Bail

This is one of the many cycles, phases, chapters to a book that has no real ending. The snake will always eat his tale. The circle does not break.

Symbol Fifteen: Pictish Beast

The Pictish Beast is the belly, the belly of the world. The place of intuition and gut feelings. This is the place where all feelings show themselves. From the butterflies in your stomach to their eerie feeling similar to dropping floors in an elevator. This is the place the spirit speaks. The beast is your intuition and protection center. Always listen.

Symbol Sixteen: The Center — The Cross of Chnoubis

“One god will hide another, but eventually they come together. They were the same after all.” — The center stands for the truth, and acceptance of it. The complexity of this place is only the web that humans wove it to be. We are the spider and the fly, but most of all the web.

Thank you for reading this condensed blog about the Hex Breaker Amulet and the science of Talisman and Amulets. The booklet is available now and is the first installment of a few upcoming books on the subject. The release of a book on crystals is up and coming this year, followed by two books about the specifics of Moonwater and a ten-book installment on Animal Medicine.

Keep updated and receive early access on EPJ’s Patreon:
www.Patreon.com/Evil_Pawn_Jewelry
and the website blog:
www.EvilPawnJewelry.com/blog

Many Bright Blessings and all of my love to you.