The popularity of Pagan jewelry in recent years has extended beyond the community of Wiccans and modern Druids. There are many people, both young and old, who purchase these lovely pieces off the internet. While most people who practice these ancient religions are not offended by this, it is probably a good idea to know something about the piece that is being purchased.
Say a person classifies themselves as a recovering Catholic. They might not want to wear a pendant of the Celtic Goddess Brighid, since the Catholic church canonized her as St. Brigid, guardian of a sacred flame. In addition, because of the the association with fire not only as a Saint, but in her ancient Celtic guise, a person with an already fiery personality might want to avoid wearing such a charm.
The fact is, if the wearer is not informed about what it is that he or she is wearing, then it can be quite embarrassing. The jewels which one adorns their body with say something about the wearer, so it must be considered what message is sent when one adorns themselves with something they do not understand. It makes the wearer appear to be quite foolish.
Not all pendants relate to a Goddess, however. There are many ancient Gods with their own specific energies and associations. Pan is probably the best known, although his relationship to male virility and fertility is not always known. Those interested in the stronger aspects of the God energies might go for Norse deities.
There are very many pieces that do not carry specific symbols, however. Many Pagans specialize in creating adornments which contain various semi-precious stones, and they often infuse these pieces of art with their own energies for healing or positive energy. When choosing a stone, it is recommended that you talk to the artisan about what went into it.
It is not uncommon for young people to wear symbols such as the Pentacle or the triple Goddess Celtic knot. The Pentacle in particular is a symbol which, when worn by mundane people, can potentially offend a Wiccan. The fact is, this particular symbol has been associated with devil worship to such an extent that most Wiccans will not openly display it in public.
Ask any good Wiccan about the symbolism of the Pentacle, and they will tell you right away that it has nothing to do with any devil. Evil, from their perspective, exists to maintain balance in the universe. They do not believe in any ultimate boogeyman who causes people to do bad things. In fact, personal responsibility for their actions is a focal aspect of their beliefs, and they are offended at even the idea that some devil makes them do anything.
It is clear why followers of the old ways would urge people to be well informed when purchasing Pagan jewelry. Modern Pagans are accustomed to showing deference and respect to the belief systems of others, and they ask for the same in return. Before one adorns their body with a symbol of the old Gods, it is a good idea to be informed about what they are wearing and what it all means.
Say a person classifies themselves as a recovering Catholic. They might not want to wear a pendant of the Celtic Goddess Brighid, since the Catholic church canonized her as St. Brigid, guardian of a sacred flame. In addition, because of the the association with fire not only as a Saint, but in her ancient Celtic guise, a person with an already fiery personality might want to avoid wearing such a charm.
The fact is, if the wearer is not informed about what it is that he or she is wearing, then it can be quite embarrassing. The jewels which one adorns their body with say something about the wearer, so it must be considered what message is sent when one adorns themselves with something they do not understand. It makes the wearer appear to be quite foolish.
Not all pendants relate to a Goddess, however. There are many ancient Gods with their own specific energies and associations. Pan is probably the best known, although his relationship to male virility and fertility is not always known. Those interested in the stronger aspects of the God energies might go for Norse deities.
There are very many pieces that do not carry specific symbols, however. Many Pagans specialize in creating adornments which contain various semi-precious stones, and they often infuse these pieces of art with their own energies for healing or positive energy. When choosing a stone, it is recommended that you talk to the artisan about what went into it.
It is not uncommon for young people to wear symbols such as the Pentacle or the triple Goddess Celtic knot. The Pentacle in particular is a symbol which, when worn by mundane people, can potentially offend a Wiccan. The fact is, this particular symbol has been associated with devil worship to such an extent that most Wiccans will not openly display it in public.
Ask any good Wiccan about the symbolism of the Pentacle, and they will tell you right away that it has nothing to do with any devil. Evil, from their perspective, exists to maintain balance in the universe. They do not believe in any ultimate boogeyman who causes people to do bad things. In fact, personal responsibility for their actions is a focal aspect of their beliefs, and they are offended at even the idea that some devil makes them do anything.
It is clear why followers of the old ways would urge people to be well informed when purchasing Pagan jewelry. Modern Pagans are accustomed to showing deference and respect to the belief systems of others, and they ask for the same in return. Before one adorns their body with a symbol of the old Gods, it is a good idea to be informed about what they are wearing and what it all means.
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