Shiva's Eye, Goddesses, Wagons, Flower of Life, Caravans & Hagstones... all for sale on my Ebay!

Before I start lets be clear... it is CHEAPER to buy my stuff direct from me via this blog, my Facebook page or website. You can buy through Ebay which of course offers buyer protection but you can see how good my feedback is on Ebay and the feedback on my Facebook page and website.

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Ok now we've got that out of the way here are some new things I have been making recently, all for sale at the various outlets listed above and listed again at the end of this post.

Shiva's Eye is one of the most magical things I have ever found. I first came across them 5 or so years ago when I picked one up on a beach in the south of Spain. Someone there told me they were called Shiva's Eye and it was a lucky find as they are quite rare. Over a few years of walking the same beaches often for months due to staying down there I had found nearly 50 of these gems. I tried using my little hand drill to make a hole in one but it was really hard going taking a long time until the Eye cracked and broke. Not disheartened I tried again and the next time I managed to drill through one. I made myself a necklace with it which I still wear now and never take off. Occasionally I would drill another one, sometimes they broke, it was always hard work and took ages! I have always given them as gifts in the past but have now decided to try and sell a few. I have upgraded to a power drill which is no-where near as hard work although they often crack and break or chip the Eye. I am going to do the next few without drilling using wire work. Anyway for now I have a couple of necklaces and keyrings.

Here is some information about Shiva's Eye taken from a few different websites:

Shiva's Eye is an organic gem. It is the natural protective door of the shell of the turban snail a mollusc that inhabits reef crevices and tidal pools in many parts of the world. When preyed upon by rock crabs, otters and some species of starfish the mollusc will withdraw into its shell and turn its 'eye' toward the attacker in the hope of warding it off. When the turban snail nears the end of its natural life the protective eye drops away to the sea bed.

The eye resembles the powerful third eye of Lord Shiva which was opened to end illusion and save the world according to Hindu mythology. It is a stunning natural gem made of calcium carbonate and have brown and black band that are carved into the shape of the eye. Lord Shiva is also worshipped in Tibet and Sri Lanka.

As Shiva's Eye is found in many of the world's seas it goes by a host of different names according to local lore and language: Buddha Eye, Cat's Eye, Money of Mermaids, Sea Eye, Pacific Cat’s Eye and Naxos Eye, to name a few. Whatever the name there is a legend behind it that attests to the miracle power of this eye. Along with the variety of names there is a diversity of size and colour. Shiva Eyes found in Tahiti can be quite large, some 4 inches across, those from southern Thailand are noted more for their intense natural colouring.

The Shiva Eye is in fact the crystal mineral aragonite, a natural gemstone. Due to its reputed healing and protective properties (the same crystal mineral is present in the soothing waters of spas and hot springs) Shiva Eye is best worn next to the skin, in a bracelet, in a ring, as earrings or a necklace; some even wear it as an amulet or carry it as a lucky stone or charm. The Shiva's eye jewellery was most popular in Victorian era Britain and are commonly found in African-American mojo bags in America.

Shiva's eye is a significant divination and transforming crystal which help to find a new path in life. Shiva's eye have been believed to open the Third Eye Chakra which transforms and mutes negative energy. It gives us the vision of the Third Eye and has Water energy. It is believed to sharpen the wearer’s intuition, which in turn enhances the discernment and deepen the understanding.

It is a stone of wisdom which help to understand our world and events. Shiva's eye proves to be good if it is held in the north area of an individual’s home and is supposed to be associated with life history and career path. The flowing energy of this stone balances the push of life currents and will protect or guard against its ill effects.

The Eye of Shiva is used principally as a meditation crystal to understand yourself and the issues that are happening in life. It is practised to facilitate deep understanding of your inner self so you can effectively dispense with the outside universe in a manner that is sizeable for your heart. It is reported that it will reflect and fight back against the Evil Eye, and also helps with premonition efforts.

As a special piece of jewellery, the Shiva's eye has an inimitable charisma and as a protective, lucky stone it watches over the one who has it. The Third Eye represents the eye of knowledge and wisdom, the essence of the omniscience of the god of fertility, Shiva, who unites male and female. The coil on the rear of the Shiva Eye symbolizes development and apparent movement and is a substantial and important symbol for security against bad energies. It rolls up and strengthens optimistic energies. The Shiva Eye has a collectively positive effect on an individual’s natural well being.

Eye of Shiva Shell is a wonderful gift because of its natural beauty blended with its spiritual meanings.

Physical Healer

Shiva's Eye stones have been highly venerated in many cultures for thousands of years. This valued crystal has long been believed to provide protection against evil and enhance creativity, as well as kindness. Physically, this stone is used in crystal healing for kidneys, pancreas, and liver, lymph nodes, spleen, and leukaemia issues. Along with optimism and generosity, it is used to balance self-esteem. When held close to the body, it amplifies and radiates the energy of vibration as these vibrations are subtle, but they can be applied to assist you manage life’s daily problems.

Emotional Healer

Shiva Eye or Third Eye Agate stimulates psychic powers and assist in developing an awareness of the Divine without losing the connection to the earth. This unique crystal has a structure that allows vibrations to add together, it calms an over-active mind and energizes the imagination by bringing in new ideas. It helps get rid of the emotional drain of daily procedure and being taken down by obligation, it awakens a sense of adventure and change as it is considered a tremendous tool for giving back joy and spontaneity back to one's spirit. It is an uplifting crystal, helping to banish fears and insecurities while enhancing faith and reliance in oneself and faith in the world. It encourages reflection and introspection, bringing the clarity of rational thought and intuitive wisdom to help drive out an illusion, find out the root cause of an issue, and get one to repose. Third Eye Agates serve best when worn or carried in a sacred space.

Spiritual Healer

Shiva's Eye enhances the psychic abilities, intuition, extrasensory perception, mental imagery, and concentration. This Eye is used to understand dreams but is besides a powerful ward against bad dreams and nightmares. Put it beside your bed or the bed of a child having bad dreams. Eye of Shiva also called the Brow Chakra is a stone for the Third Eye. We examine ourselves and the outside world, interpret what we discover and are aware of ourselves and the universe through the brow Chakra. The brow Chakra interprets the world, our inner world (self), and the world (mass), that comes into the body. It controls the energy flow within the torso and is said to be a code breaker. It is the pattern maker and shows the path of understanding. It balances the imperative and the inconsequential impressions of the life. This stone is also used for general protection and deflect the evil eye, it repels negativity and prevents the psychic attack.

Heals and Balances Chakra

Shiva's eye is known to protect wearers from all forms of negativity help to concentrate the mind, and aid in decision-making. The stone is believed to increase stamina and self-confidence and have a cooling effect on the body. Shiva's eye affects the point where Shiva and Shakti become one. This gemstone resonates the sacred energy, via the universal mind for all who use it. Its resonance within the third eye chakra or brow chakra is about individuals’ visionary abilities which enhance a direct connection to the higher self. This stone helps you to recognize that you can use the aspects of the pineal gland and help to see the uniqueness of the self. Spiritually, tells one that he is a separate individual within the whole. This stone will boost your Pranic energy and point of verve as you get in touch with the Divine.

Staying on a magical and spiritual subject matter I also have some Hagstones. These stones have always been popular and as well as selling them I have given many as gifts over the years. A lucky find many years ago led me to look up 'holey stones' and I found how much they are loved. I have a few for sale at the moment, some with keys attached to protect from disease, evil charms or negative energy. Here are some of the stones:

The hag stone symbolises the womb of the earth Goddess and is thought to be a doorway to the fairy kingdom. Look through the hole in the witching hours and you may just see earthly spirits, fairies or even the earth goddess herself!

Hag stones are also known as wish stones, earth stones, witch stones, serpent's eggs, snake's eggs, adder stones or holey stones. Hag stones have occupied myth and magic for centuries, used by witches for centuries in their spell craft and rituals.

Hang on a key or door to protect from disease, evil charms or negative energy.

Place under bed for relief from cramp, rheumatism or stomach disorders.

Hang above bed head to prevent nightmares.

Hold in palm of left hand and rub clockwise with thumb of right hand while making a wish.

Swirl vigorously around head at arms length to dispel wind and rain clouds.

Use to bring good luck.

Rub the hag stone over the body to cleanse illness away.

Hag stones also protect animals, tie to your pet's collar.

Use to raise or focus power.

The hag stone is at its strongest when given in love.

A little bit of magik!

As you may already know if you are a regular reader of this blog or my Positive Evolution website I am very interested in Goddess spirituality and love the stories of the many different Goddesses from all over the world. My primary interest is in the Pagan Goddesses and I have some jewellery and keyrings representing the Goddess!

Wiccan Goddesses are part of the nature orientated religion followed by a diverse group of modern witches and some pagan groups. It is essentially a dualistic belief system where the male and female energies are worshipped in balance.

For most Wiccans, the Lord and Lady are seen as complementary polarities representing masculine and feminine, force and form. All of creation results from the interplay and tension between these two complementary forces. This duality of the divine is reflected in the structure of many covens which are jointly headed by the high priest and priestess. These individuals are responsible for calling in and embodying the energies of the Wiccan Goddesses and Gods during rituals.

Traditionally the Wiccan Goddesses are further split into three different aspects known as the triple goddess, reflecting the mother, maiden and crone. In this symbol the Maiden represents expansion, new beginnings and youth. The Mother archetype symbolises nurturing and fertility of the natural world and the Crone reflects the wisdom gained in a lifetime of learning, transformation and change. These aspects are also seen in the cycles of nature.

I really love geometric patterns and sacred geometry and the Flower of Life is my favourite. I have clothes with it on, furniture with it on and even have it tattooed on me. I have had this little wooden box for a while and wasn't sure what to do on it until now!

 

The Flower of Life is most likely something that you have seen before. It is a common symbol of many spiritual and religious teachings around the world. The Flower of Life has been found all over the world in many different religions. It is one of the oldest sacred symbols known to man. It is a geometrical shape that is made up of multiple overlapping circles of the same size. There is a huge amount of information and knowledge that can be gained from understanding the Flower of Life. It is considered to be sacred geometry that contains ancient religious value and to sum it up it depicts the fundamental forms of space and time, but there is a lot more to know.

The oldest depiction of the flower of life known to man is at The Temple of Osiris in Abydos, Egypt. The symbol here is not etched or carved into the granite rock, it appears to be burned into the rock. Many other depictions can be found within many ancient structures in many different countries including: Israel, Turkey, Ireland and many more. A rather interesting depiction of the flower of life is found in The Forbidden City, in Beijing, China. The Flower of Life is found in a spherical form underneath the paw of the “Fu-Dog,” or more accurately known as the “Guardian Lion.” This palace was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Fu-Dogs were a symbol of protection to the buildings and their inhabitants and also, they were considered to be the guardians of knowledge. Which is interesting when you consider the spherical Flower of Life symbol that is found under the dog’s paws. The dogs are literally guarding the knowledge.

I have been working with these lovely Gypsy Wagon charms for a while now, mainly making necklaces but this year started doing keyrings too. The first batch I made in April all sold within a couple of months so I now have a new batch, I particularly like the ones with the little oil lamp charm and of course the horseshoe!

A vardo is a traditional horse-drawn wagon used by British Romani people as their home. Possessing a chimney, it is commonly thought of as being highly decorated, intricately carved, brightly painted, and even gilded. The British Romani tradition of the vardo is seen as a high cultural point of both artistic design and a masterpiece of woodcrafters art.The heyday of the living wagon lasted for roughly 70 years, from the mid-1800s through the first two decades of the twentieth century. They are still used for year-around living today by a small group of travellers.

A vardo's design includes large wheels set outside the body, whose sides slope outward considerably as they rise toward the eaves. Beyond this characteristic, the six types of caravans differ in shape, size, placement of the wheels relative to the bed, where made, and maker. The roofs of the bow-top and open-lot types are canvas stretched over curved wooden frames; the others are roofed in wood. By the mid-1800s, the designs were almost entirely standardized, and some features are common to all types. The door is almost always in the front.

The small cast-iron cooking stove was invented in America and was available there and in Great Britain from about 1830 on and is a common fixture of the wagons. A cooking stove necessitates a chimney to vent smoke. A caravan's chimney is always on its left side as viewed from its front doorway; as the caravan travels along the left side of the road, the chimney is in less danger from low-hanging tree limbs in that position. The stove rests in a wooden fireplace.

The wagon's interior is typically outfitted with built-in seats, cabinets, a wardrobe, bunks in the rear of the caravan, a chest of drawers, and a glass-fronted china cabinet. There are windows on the left side and rear. Some types have clerestories which let in light and air. A bracket for an oil lamp is mounted over the chest of drawers opposite the fireplace; the chest's top functions as a table. Wagon exteriors can range from fairly plain to intricately carved, painted in bright colours, and sheathed in places with gold leaf.

Initially using cast off horses and even mules to draw their chimneyed living wagons, the Romani gradually created a breed of horse known variously as the Gypsy Cob (UK, NZ), Gypsy Horse (US, UK, AU), Coloured Cob (UK, Ireland, parts of continental Europe), Gypsy Vanner (USA, CAN), Tinker Horse (parts of continental Europe), and Irish Cob (Ireland) to do so.

Wagons were first used as a form of living accommodation (as opposed to carrying people or goods) in France in 1810 by non-Romani circus troupes. Large transport wagons combined storage space and living space into one vehicle, and were pulled by teams of horses. By the 19th century wagons became smaller, reducing the number of horses required, and around the mid-to-late-19th century (1840–1870), Romani in Britain started using wagons that incorporated living spaces on the inside, and added their own characteristic style of decoration. 

 

These smaller wagons were called "vardo" in the Romani language (originating from the Ossetic word vurdon) for cart. The Romani vardo evolved into some of the most advanced forms of travelling wagon, and are prized for their practicality as well as aesthetic design and beauty. There is no more iconic or recognizable Romani symbol than a highly decorated Romani vardo, and the time of its use is often affectionately called "the wagon time" by Romani travellers. The vardos were typically commissioned by families or by a newly wed couple from specialist coach builders. Building the vardo took between six months to a year; a variety of woods including oak, ash, elm, cedar and pine were utilized in its construction. Prized by the Romani, and later by non-Romani, including other traveller groups, for their practicality as well as aesthetic beauty, vardos can be categorized into six main styles; these being the Brush wagon, Reading, Ledge, Bow Top, Open lot and Burton. The general design evolved over time and were named after the home's owners, for their traditional style (Ledge), for the town of its construction (Reading), or for the name of the builder.

I also found these cute little caravan charms so I have made some keyrings with them as well. I loved finding out the history of these little homes on wheels.

The first commercial touring caravan emerged a year after WWI with the Eccles car-pulled caravan. Founded by Bill Riley and his son, Eccles Motor Transport essentially gave birth modern British caravanning. Their first model was priced at £90, a lot of money at the time. 

 

It had taken many years of drumming up interest, but by the 1930s Eccles caravans were sought after by everyone, from VIPs and maharajah, to gypsies, all over the world. After WWII Eccles launched its National Caravan, which was produced on a mass production scale using jigs and flow-line assembly. Prices were cheaper, but this did not stop the brand from retaining its luxury status.

The late 50's saw the introduction of GRP, (Glass Reinforced Plastic), into the construction of caravans, which was initially used most successfully by the Cheltenham Company. The Cheltenham Sable, for example, was one of the most prestigious models of the time, since its light weight and compact length made it ideal for couples.

In the 1970s caravans were made from pre-finished aluminium panels, which made them a lot sturdier. Towards the end of the decade people also began to experience the joy of flushing toilets and showers! The ABI Monza range were stylish, light and budget-friendly, and sold well into the 1980s (taking most of Sprite’s business).

In the 21st Century, concept caravan design began to emerge and we were introduced to the Mehrzeller. Conceptualised by two Austrian architects, each model is tailor-made, allowing the customer to design their own multicellular layout. The model is being heralded as one of the most original travel trailers on the market and there are hopes that it will usher in a new generation of customized mobile living.

I have been making shell wind chimes for many years now and have been busy making some more these last few weeks. I have finally managed to nearly use all the shells I have saved! Here is just one of the new wind chimes, there are a few more and also some made with bar chimes which make a fantastic noise in the wind!

Known in Portugal as um espanta-espíritu de conchas, natural objects are imbued with spiritual energies that we can harness for our own use in spells and charms. Sea shells in particular have a long history of magical uses, as they were associated with the powers of various sea gods and goddesses of different cultures.

Protection is a shell's primary purpose in nature, as it is made to keep small, defenseless sea creatures safe from harm. Because of this, shells have strong protective energies. Many cultures in coastal areas use shells in folk magic to protect the home by placing strings of shells over windows and doors. Necklaces of strung shells can be worn by children to keep them close to home and safe from harm. Placing a small, round shell on the collars of your pets will keep them safe should they wander from home.

Being born of the ocean, shells are strongly associated with the element of water. They are also associated with the moon, which drives ocean tides. Both the element of water and the moon have strong feminine energies that are receptive in nature, so shells are used in magic to draw things you desire into your life.

One of the main symbols for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, is the sea shell. Invoke the power of Aphrodite for love spells using shells by wearing seashell jewelry or hair ornaments to attract a mate. Many cultures used shells as a form of currency. Cowrie shells were used in Africa and North America, and Native Americans used wampum, beads made from clam shells, as money. Because of this, shells are suitable for money spells.

Here is a video I made of a few of the wind chimes hanging in the wind:

 Lastly (and thanks for sticking with this lengthy post) just for fun and not for sale is a painting I did on a piece of perspex for a small interior window. I might make some more to sell if I come across some perspex or glass. Don't forget a lot of my items are made from reclaimed, found or donated items. I try not to buy too many things and when I do I try and find ethical suppliers.

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