 Amulets and Symbols in Jewelry Design
Whether you call them amulets, charms, fetishes, or talismans, virtually every culture had them. I like to think of them as little works of art, but they are so much more than that. They were worn on the body to bring luck, heal, enhance fertility, protect against injury (during travel, hunting, or from bites and stings) or ward off evil, depending on the wearers beliefs and intentions. They came in many forms, made with different materials, and adorned with different symbols. The meaning and significance in the symbolism of a particular image changed from east to west, culture to culture, and even day to day. Even if you do not believe in their magical powers, it is fun to know the intention of the artists who created them, and the power felt by the person who wore them before you, as many of the pieces are antiques. Below is a list of amulets and symbols found in many of the pendants and beads in KatieO jewelry.
Om:
The Om symbol is a representation of the sound, pronounced A-U-M. Its thought to be the one eternal syllable where the past, present, and future exist. In Sanskrit it is known as pranava, and means to sound out loudly. In Hinduism and Buddhism it is a mystical and sacred syllable, and is uttered at the beginning of mantras.
Om stands for the three states of man, waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. The steady repetition of the sound leads to deeper meditation and enlightenment. Worn as a talisman it is believed to help one find peace and quiet, to experience oneself as a part of creation and unite with the absolute, and to experience wordless silence. Photos: Top Left: Rocking Horse, from the Fringe Collection Bottom Right: Om Vine, from the Treasure Chest Collection Rocking Horse, from the Fringe Collection Pendants from the KatieO Collection
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