Leaf And Vine

 

This is a necklace made specifically for Athena, and is named the same. It is one I made for myself, when I needed physical objects to help me understand the deities I was researching-because I have a very strong respect for the Hellenic goddess of wisdom, and all she represents (even if the Hellenics are a bit finicky and temperamental). I chose the stones used for this necklace instinctively, but regardless of their metaphysical attributes, the story the stones tells is very much like the woman who they were made to represent.

While she is often associated with battle and war (which, one can argue, means battling one's inner demons or battling to survive simple everyday life unscathed, not necessarily someone coming at you in an alley), wisdom remains my favorite trait of hers. I therefore chose the metal owl as the focal point of the necklace, as it is a symbol of wisdom, and one she is seen with often.

Garnet, found in the form of hand-carved leaves and small 3mm rounds between, is a stone I have often associated with a very rich feel, as well as being a stone very strong in energy that complements nearly every other very well. Mother of pearl, also reminiscent of the waters to which Greece is so familiar, and Swarovsky fire-polished glass (which looks very much like a multi-colored crystal as the ancient Greeks would see it), also have that same rich feel to me-and would be seen as much more so, in her day, than in the current day. What better for a daughter of Zeus, and a goddess?

Clear Quarts aids in clarity-and Smoky Quartz, while it may not be traditionally associated with as much, has always seemed to me to simply be a mist or cloud begging to be seen through, a shroud begging to be unveiled: simply the path to clear perception with more obstacles. Both Amethyst and Labradorite are stones often associated with clarity in dreams and awareness as well. All of these stones hold these traits in slightly different ways-very compatible to a woman of wisdom who would look for all possible facets and perspectives from which to form her perceptions.

Meanwhile, Jet is a stone of protection and Hematite one of grounding, both of which are always wise to have on hand. Especially for a woman, in Athena's day or otherwise-intelligent women have never quite had the upper hand, and one can't ALWAYS be on her defense when in her books!

The copper clasp, very close to the shape of infinity, is a symbol in and of itself: learning never stops, wisdom is never stagnant; it evolves and grows over time and generations. Copper, so firey in nature and yet so visibly changed by time as it tarnishes eventually green, echoes both the passion for learning and wisdom, and also the acceptance of change and evolution of culture and self, needed to attain it and retain it.

This necklace was made for Athena, and with her and her specific traits as a goddess and woman in mind. But, it could very well be adaptable to anyone else who exemplies wisdom-such as Merlin, with his pet owl Archimedes; Raziel, Raphael, or whatever precise name of any angel of wisdom and records you most prefer; or with the simple change of the owl to a raven and perhaps the mother of pearl to onyx or wood rounds, Odhinn-as well as simply an expression or desire for traits like wisdom. It could perhaps serve as an Owl totem necklace, if you feel such stones harmonize with your totem in such a way. Take away any such strong meaning, and it can simply function as a necklace for bird lovers, intending to dress up for a night out with something a little less traditional.

(Also, I must add that the statue is not for sale. It's simply very photogenic. ^_^)

-Leaf and Vine-