The Mythic Current of Smith Magic

Across many pre-modern cultures the smith was known to be a magical artisan, the maker of enchanted objects. In myth and folklore it is the smith who crafts rings of power, invincible weapons, protective charms and inspirited talismans. To practice smithcraft is to work within a long lineage of magical smiths, the smiths of myth and folklore are the ancestors of practice and tutelary spirits to those who work in the craft.

Greek myth places the divine smith Hephaestus within the domain of the great primordial ocean mother Tethys, the world of sea spirits known as Merfolk, Nereids, Tritons, and Sirens. When Hephaestus is cast from Olympus, he falls into the sea and is taken in by the daughters of the primordial waters, Thetis and Eurynome. In Tethys underwater kingdom, Hephaestus is nurtured and this is where he learns and hones his magical art.

Tides of Tethys belongs to this mythic current of smith magic. The talismans and jewels I create are inspired by both the celestial and the mythic traditions that surround the art of the smith. These jewels, each lovingly handcrafted are created to feel like unearthed ancient treasures long buried beneath the seabed.

Son of Jupiter, Joy of Jupiter: Jupiter in Cancer Talismans

Son of Jupiter, Joy of Jupiter: Jupiter in Cancer Talismans

When I first began considering these talismans, I assumed they were about building wealth. Jupiter is traditionally associated with prosperity, and in these times I feel that for many people, being more financially resourced is something wished for. I’d been looking at the citrine gemstones featured in this collection, thinking about how they are symbolic of wealth.

But very quickly I was redirected. The spirits made it clear that this was not about  “wealth-building.” The instruction was move toward Joy.  Joy is the resonant current here.

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Regulus: The Heart of the Lion Talismans

Regulus: The Heart of the Lion Talismans

Regulus, the alpha star at the heart of the Leo constellation, is also known as Cor Leonis, Latin for “Heart of the Lion.” It is said that those born under this star possesses the qualities of a leader, blending the might of Jupiter with the courage of Mars. As one of the four Royal Stars, Regulus is said to bestow courage, resilience, and a natural authority capable of overcoming adversity with a noble, independent spirit. As Hermes describes in Liber Hermetis Quadripartitis, a lion carved on garnet brings abundance, honor, joy to the heart, and triumph over sadness. According to the Bodleian Manuscript, Regulus talismans dispel anger, relieve melancholy, temper the spirit, and attract favor. 

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Venus of the Fruitful Earth: Venus in Taurus Talisman Collection

Venus of the Fruitful Earth: Venus in Taurus Talisman Collection

For those of you who have been following along and participating in this ongoing talismanic journey, you know we’ve been courting stellar spirits through space, through time, and through the mythic for quite a while now. We’ve been traversing ancient lands, deep space, and the depths of the imaginal. And now, with Venus in Taurus, we return to the body.

I would say the Venus in Taurus talisman might be my most practical to date. Sometimes, when you wander the imaginal, you lose touch with your body, but your body never loses touch with you. Venus in Her most earthly expression, pulls you back into yourself and says, The mystery is right here.

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Stellar Talismans

In Nature and all things; which these soft fires
Not only enlighten, but with kindly heat
Of various influence foment and warm,
Temper or nourish, or in part shed down⁠
Their stellar virtue on all kinds that grow

- John Milton, Paradise Lost