the magic circle. lily dale pentacle.

months after my visit, finally my lily dale pentacle necklace is finished! 

although pentacles in general are often mis-associated with "evil", in contrary, among their many other uses, are thought to ward off "evil" and protect it's wearer. they are amulets, typically worn around the neck during ritual and have also appear in the tarot, marking them as a divinatory tools as well

the five pointed star represents the four recognizable elements, fire, water, air and earth, and the fifth being spirit. in this way, it is also a symbol of balance as each of these elements is perfectly balanced within the crossing lines of the star. it is also seen as a circle of life, as the circle has no end and no beginning, hence my use of snake rib bones as a wink to the ouroboros, another ancient, magical symbol that is shown as a circular snake eating it's own tail, the eternal return.

another special element is the twig used to form the star. i gathered this twig in the olde and psychically charged woods on the grounds. " The Leolyn Woods is a rare gem of remaining “old growth” forest in New York State. Many of its ancient trees were seedlings before the white man walked this land. The spirits of Native Americans still come to touch some of those who walk through this area." It is also considered to have elementals roaming in it and is the place where there are daily spiritualist messages given to those who come.