Tides of Tethys predominantly creates astrological talismans. The ethos is one of small, periodic releases of high-quality, entirely handcrafted talismanic jewelry, made in alignment with specific celestial configurations, using sustainable practices.
Tides of Tethys operates within the tradition of smithcraft as a magical practice. Across many pre-modern cultures, the smith was understood as a maker of enchanted objects. In myth and folklore, the smith forges rings of power, invincible weapons, protective charms, and talismans. To practice smithcraft is to stand within this lineage, in relation to the smiths of history and myth, who are the ancestors of the craft and its tutelary spirits.
In Greek myth, Hephaestus the smith-god learns his magical craft within the domain of the primordial ocean mother Tethys. Cast from Olympus, he falls into the sea and is taken in by Thetis and Eurynome. In that underwater realm, among merfolk, Nereids, Tritons, and Sirens, he is nurtured and learns his art. Tides of Tethys belongs to this current of smith magic.
Talismans have long been made within the practices of smithcraft and fine jewelry.In the medieval and Renaissance periods from which many instructional texts of astrological magic and grimoires emerge the making of talismans lay with engravers, goldsmiths, and lapidaries. Many surviving pieces take the form of finely made jewels. In these, beauty and workmanship shape a vessel fit to receive the stellar rays.
Within the astrological tradition, this making is bound to time. An astrological talisman is created at a specific and often rare moment, chosen through election for its alignment with particular celestial configurations. In the grimoires, these talismans are described as images, to be engraved into a sympathetic stone or formed in metal during the elected time.
Each talisman is made using traditional techniques such as wax sculpting, lost-wax casting, and sand casting. The materia, herbs, gemstones, and sigils incorporated into each talisman, as well as the form it takes, are deliberately chosen to be sympathetic with the star or planet. Each working unfolds over months of crafting and preparation.
To paraphrase Picatrix, Al-Kindi, and Marsilio Ficino:
The power of the heavens is drawn down into the image when it is made at the proper time. Every star emits rays which imprint their effects upon inferior things, and things are affected according to the disposition of the heavens at the time of their generation. In this way, something of the life of the heavens is received into the object. The celestial gift is drawn into things below when they are suitably prepared.
When made at the correct astrological timing, a ray of the star (meaning both the planets as moving stars, and the fixed stars) imprints upon the talismanic object, and it is inspirited with a life-force of that star. The vessel must be suitably prepared; for this reason, materials, imagery, and processes are selected in accordance with the nature of the planet or star being worked with.
The astrological election acts as an invitation to the stellar rays, while the slow processes of smithcraft prepares the vessel to receive them.