Lovingly handmade from layers of recycled copper, this necklace features a domed copper moon with a hand-sawn serpent familiar, one of only two conjured...
The 'familiar' spirit was terminology adopted by the witch-hunters of the 1600's when persecuting accused 'witches', and was most commonly said to be a spirit gifted to a witch by the Devil himself once she had agreed to do his bidding in return for supernatural powers. The spirit was most often animal in form, typically a black cat, a rat, a wolf, snake, or other animal that was despised or feared by the community. The animal was said to help the supposed witches, but only in return for a small amount of blood, which they would feed from the witch herself, often from a single point, or 'witches mark' (thus becoming her 'familiar'). Cruel examinations would occur of these accused witches in which they would be stripped of their clothes and searched for so-called witches marks. The prosecutors would use anything to prove their case, whether it be a mole, a freckle or anything else it could be enough to send an innocent woman to her death.
In these necklaces I am reclaiming the terminology just as modern women have reclaimed the word Witch, in honour of the innocent women affected by the witchcraft hunts of times gone by and the thousands of women alive and practising today what would once have had us killed - the healers, crones, mystics, card-readers, candle-lighters, animal-whisperers and moon-howlers... Long may you be free to express your wild and radiant selves.
These creatures have found their way into this world as talismans of power, intuition and divine feminine radiance, waiting to be adopted by their new Witches.....
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The chain is 18 inches and made from sturdy copper with a lobster clasp. If you would like it shortened, please leave a note with your order. Ready to ship. You will receive the EXACT item pictured.
Please allow up to 4 working days for your order to ship. Please visit the policies page for more information before purchasing, and above all - thank you for supporting handmade! Please note that copper naturally tarnishes and care should be taken to avoid contact with liquids and perfumes.
