The Antares: Heart of the Scorpion Talisman is 50mm x 25mm, is crafted from solid sterling silver and is set with a faceted Amethyst. It hangs on a sterling silver curb chain and you can choose between 40cm, 45cm, 50cm and 55cm length chain. Please add a note with your order specifying your preferred length otherwise I will select for you.
International post: I recommend choosing DHL, you will receive your talisman within a week. Otherwise it will take 4-8 weeks.
The fixed star Antares is the brightest star in the constellation of Scorpius; it is located in the centre of the body and is therefore known as the Heart of the Scorpion. As one of the Royal Stars of Persia that preside over the four cardinal points, Antares is the watcher of the West. Antares has a long history of magical and mundane astrological significance within the mythologies of ancient cultures the world over.
In the creation of these Antares Talismans, I looked specifically to Babylonia, as that is where we can find accounts of some of the earliest practises of astrological magic, as well as the Medieval magical tradition in which Antares is recognised as one of the 15 Behenian stars. The astrological election I chose - the Heliacal rise of Antares - originates from the astro-magical practices of Babylonia, and the talismans I designed in accordance with instruction found in Agrippa’s 3 Books of Occult Philosophy:
Under the Heart of Scorpio they made the Figure of a Scorpion; it giveth understanding and memory, it maketh a good colour, and aideth against evil spirits, and driveth them away, and bindeth them.
Agrippa goes on to explain that Antares gemstone is Amethyst and it’s plant long Aristolochy.
The process of making the figure of the Scorpion began with the setting of a taxidermy scorpion, which I then used to create a mould. Taking wax casts of the mould, I sculpted and built upon the wax scorpions to create settings for the amethysts. I cast these talismans in sterling silver, and during the astrologically elected window, I ritually set the Amethysts into each scorpion, placing motherwort under each stone while petitioning Antares. A suffumigation of frankincense resin was used.
You can read more about the election and properties of the talismans here
For more information about Psychic Desert jewellery please see our FAQ.