Pagan Jewelry: Magic, Fashion, And Identity In One

By Audra Olson


A pagan jewelry is an accessory that has a symbol or symbols of indigenous or polytheistic traditions. An example of such is a necklace bearing a pentacle, a triple moon, or an ankh. Depending on their origin, the meanings of the symbols vary. The eye of Horus, an Egyptian symbol, for instance is believed to protect and heal. But aside from their meaning, these symbols also tell something about the owner of the jewelry.

To wear such type of ornament means to have courage of certain amount and a different view of the world. This is due to paganism's implication on people and in places. It does not always imply good meaning. If you wear one, you may get questioned, stared awkwardly, or even scorned at in some occasions. But such are rare instances given the modern way of thinking people have nowadays.

The word "paganism" is an adjective that is derived from the Latin term "paganus", which translates to "rustic", "rural", or "of the country". How it changed to mean "non-Christian" is still unclear, but the seemingly jaundiced reaction it occasionally yields in people may be due to early Christianity's campaigns against it. But then, if viewed from a different perspective, pagan symbols can be astonishing as well.

There are many symbols in paganism that would reflect a person's love for nature, his or her recognition of the body's connection with the mind and the spirit, or an individual's love for life. They may also signify modern meanings, like the Triquetra which is no symbolic of Christianity's holy trinity. Also, these symbols may connote meanings attached to them by their wearers.

To wear or not to wear such ornaments depends on one's set of beliefs. Some people wear them because they believe in their magical properties. Amulets for example are said to bring good fortune and protection against sickness, accidents, and negative forces. Others wear these jewelries because they reflect their outlooks in life, like the yin and yang which connotes harmony.

Meanwhile, in a lighter sense, a person may wear one just because he or she likes it. A girl may choose to wear one since it looks great when coupled with her dress. A guy may opt to have one because it looks nifty on him, or because it makes him look good. The reasons may vary from one to another. And such reasons may also depend on what they represent or how they look.

Designs of pagan jewelries however may pose problems for girls since most of them appear masculine. Looking for one that looks "girlie" may be a bit challenging. However, they are normally made of semi-precious stones or silver so they always look elegant and are not hard to match with clothes.

Despite the seeming subjectivity of why one wears pagan jewelry, believers of its power thinks otherwise. For them, intent creates it power and it is this that separates it from ordinary ornaments. Nevertheless, for what reason it may be, wearing one will always tell the world a bit of who you are.




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