Tides of Tethys is the jewelry studio and astrological talisman practice of Genie Raftopoulos, founded in 2014. The atelier creates astrological talismans and bespoke fine jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands. Each piece is handcrafted using traditional gold and silversmithing techniques, with a focus on astrological timing, spirit relationship, and sustainable practices.
Tides of Tethys is named after Tethys, one of the old gods—a Titan, a primordial ocean goddess and mother of the oceanic gods & merfolk. She is also the namesake of a moon of Saturn, which contains a chasm named after Genie’s ancestral home of Ithaca, Greece.
The pieces created under Tides of Tethys are predominantly astrological talismans. The ethos is one of small, periodic releases of high-quality handcrafted talismanic jewelry, made in alignment with specific celestial configurations.
Smithcraft & Lineage
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 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 he is nurtured and learns his art. Tides of Tethys belongs to this current of smithcraft.
About Genie
I am an artist, gold and silversmith, talisman maker, and astrologer.
I have been an interdisciplinary artist for over 26 years and hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Queensland College of Arts, and a Master of Fine Arts with Distinction from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
My practice is rooted in smithcraft, where the making of objects has long been understood as a magical art. I work in continuity with the traditions of metalsmiths and astrologers, bringing together technical skill, material knowledge, and astrological practice.
Materials and Techniques
Each piece is hand-crafted using ancient techniques such as wax carving, lost-wax casting, and sand casting. The work follows traditional slow-making methods rather than contemporary computer-aided production. Each stage is done by hand, from wax to metal to final form. This includes filing, polishing, stone setting, and the application of surface treatments such as patina.
Only high-quality precious gemstones and metals are used, including sterling or argentum silver and solid gold. Stones are selected by hand for their quality, cut, and optical properties.
Astrological Study & Philosophical Orientation
My astrological education is broad and ongoing. I studied Hellenistic astrology through Chris Brennan and first learned medieval astrological magic and electional techniques with Ryhan Butler. I continue to study primarily with Tides of Tethys resident astrologer Gray Crawford.
My approach to astrological magic is informed by works such as the Picatrix, Three Books of Occult Philosophy, and Three Books on Life.
Philosophically, my practice is grounded in Platonic and theurgic traditions, including Iamblichus and Proclus, alongside natural philosophy from Paracelsus, Pliny the Elder, and Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. I work with a mythic and animistic orientation. Gods, daimons, and spirits are engaged with the understanding that the stars and planets cast their rays upon and inspirit the natural (sublunar) world.