RATTLES
Rattles are used extensively in contemporary Shamanism,
Wicca and similar ways as ‘noise-makers’. This is because a Rattle is easily held in the hand, and can be used easily while dancing, chanting and invoking power while moving about, as well as when sitting down. Obviously
Drums are the Shamans noise maker par excellence, but Rattles are light, can be used in situations when noise is needed but shouldn’t perhaps be shared too widely, and are tough and robust. Shamans use sound to enter trance states for healing and accessing the Otherworlds, and for causing shifts and changes in their own and other peoples energy fields. Sound has powerful effects on the body, the brain and the mind, and the sounds made by Rattles are said by native peoples around the world to attract the attention of helpful Spirits. The sound from a Rattle is perfect for all these needs, and has the benefit of not travelling too far- it won’t disturb your neighbours at home, or bring unwanted attention outdoors.
Rattles are also used for cleansing the energy fields of places, and are therefore used for this at the beginnings of ceremonies and
rituals to ensure that there is no negativity in the place where this is happening.
Rattles have another quality. Which is that their form lends itself well to decoration- carving or beadwork on the handle, artwork on the ‘head’ of the Rattle. Which means that they can be adorned with Totem signs and symbols, and this will all help to keep these
connections at the forefront of your consciousness when you are using your Rattle.
FLEDGLING RATTLE
This is the perfect Rattle for those newly upon the path, and whom are now beginning to ‘Spread their wings and fly’.
A ‘Fledgling’ Rattle has two ‘faces’- sides on the hand stitched Rawhide head, on which
motifs can be painted, a balanced handle wrapped in good quality natural leather to give an excellent grip and feel in the hand, and sufficient additions of thongs and bead ‘drops’ to make it look just right as a beautiful item of
Craft Work, and to inspire you to ‘Walk your path with beauty and power’.
This style of Rattle is simple, uncomplicated, and has a good powerful, resonant sound created by tiny quartz pebbles which will enable you to raise power, move or clear energy in yourself, your home, and other people, and work confidently and well in
Shamanism, Wicca, Druidry or other paths. Though this Rattle is designed for those newly upon the
spiritual path, you might never want another style or kind, as its simple elegance has a broad appeal, and indeed it would perfectly suit anyone, no matter how long they have worked with
ritual and ceremony.
Price:- £26.00
JOURNEYMANS RATTLE
Having two faces on the head, and a simple uncluttered style, makes this Rattle just right for those who don’t need complex styles and designs in their
magickal tools.
It has leather thong and bead drops to make it attractive, but as a Journeyman’s Rattle is very open in style, you can add to that if or when you do feel that you want to. For example, the handle is made from ‘wild’ wood, and so could be easily carved at a later date when you know what designs you would like on.
A Journeyman’s Rattle has a sweet strong voice, just right for healing, accompanying chanting or singing, energy work and calling in power in ceremonies. Tiny pieces of quartz and pebbles inside the head ensure that the sound from this Rattle is strong and clear. Incidentally, the term Journey-man does not imply any sexism- ‘Journey- Person’ doesn’t quite sound right, and the term refers to those of both genders whom are becoming more confident on their spiritual Journey.
The head itself is hand stitched from Rawhide, and so it is strong, robust and durable.
Price:- £28.00
SPIRIT VOICE RATTLE
Those whom work with the wilder and more primal, earth connected aspects of
Wicca, Druidry or Shamanism, and prefer to undertake ceremonies and rituals outdoors, will find that a Spirit Voice Rattle is ideal for them.
A two sided, hand sewn Rawhide head of an ancient style surmounts a handle crafted from a specially chosen piece of wild wood with a particular, evocative shape. These Rattles are inspired by
the wild power of the land, and that spirit makes its voice heard when you use a Spirit Voice Rattle.
A Spirit Voice Rattle will enhance and express your connection to the land. Listen for the voices of the Spirits of the Land speaking when you use a Spirit Voice Rattle, especially if you use yours outdoors rather than inside. Even indoors, these Rattles bring that spirit in, to help you connect with the power of all.
A Spirit Voice Rattle has feathers attached to the handle and partially covering one face of the head, and so it is only possible to decorate the other face. I gather these feathers specifically for each Rattle as I am making it, and so it is for the Spirits to guide me to whatever feathers I use. I gather tiny quartz and flint pebbles from a local beach to use inside the head of the Rattle, so that it truly does speak with spirit voices.
The head of this style of Rattle is made so that one face is almost flat so that the feathers lay straight, and the handle is simply finished with sealant and beeswax for a fully natural feel and finish.
PRICE:- £28.00
SNAKEMAKER RATTLE
These superb Rattles have a Rawhide head of three faces, and a handle of fine grained wild wood- usually Ash; to take finely carved detail. Overall they are approximately 14 inches in length.
These Rattles are well proportioned, balanced so that you can use them for long periods of time if necessary without your wrist aching, and fit the hand well.
By ‘default’ I carve the handles of these with the Serpent of Wisdom and power, but many people have their own designs and totem connections carved on them instead. Another option would be to have the Serpent on the handle, but have your own totems and symbols on the head.
Thong and bead drops, hand blended stains, sealant and beeswax complete each piece and make it a beautiful piece of work. For those whose path is not dedicated to one particular spiritual framework, and whom are inspired by a range of sources, this is the Rattle for you to use. Decoration, carving, etc, can of course be used to shape your Snakemaker Rattle to suit your own path and personal predilections. If you would like detail other than the Wisdom Serpent carved on your Rattle handle, simply contact me to discuss this.
Price:- £48.00
CARVED WOODEN RATTLE
Rattles carved entirely of wood were used by Keltic and Pre-Keltic peoples of Europe, and were and still are used by American Indian tribes of the North west coast of America. Some
Inuit (Eskimo) Shamans also used Rattles carved entirely of wood, but these were rare and extremely highly prized due to the shortage of wood in the arctic region.
I carve these entirely by hand from hard native woods so that the sound they make is strong and powerful. Sometimes the sound seems muted, but that is because the combination of wood and quartz pebbles produces sounds which are on the edge of the human hearing frequencies range. These Rattles are therefore subtle, but immensely powerful in effect, and extremely effective in healing and energy work, as they extend their energy reach into the subtle levels of the Otherworlds.
I carve these in an evocative, expressive style inspired by both North west coast American Indian styles, and early Northern European styles- which are remarkably similar in many ways, and come together well. So as to balance size, proportions and weight, I carve these Rattles as heads only rather than full figures.
Each Rattle is then stained appropriate shades, and the whole piece balances well in the hand.
Choose from:- Wolf, Raven, Eagle, Buffalo, Bear, Human-spirit form, or contact me to discuss how I could carve your own Totem as a Wooden Rattle if it is other than ones I have listed here.
Price:- £78.00
AMERICAN INDIAN STYLE RATTLE
For those whose path is that of the American Indian Medicine Wheel- ‘The Beauty Way’ as it is known; I create Rattles directly inspired by those used by Plains American Indians such as the Lakota and Cheyenne.
To stress the connections with the deepest expressions of this wisdom, I use traditional materials in the construction of these Rattles. A hand sewn Rawhide head of three faces is bonded to a wooden handle and crowned with fluffy feathers, red cloth is wrapped about the handle, old style ‘Crow’ and ‘Pony trader’ beads in the appropriate colours on leather thong drops adorn the neck of the Rattle, and the main length of the handle is decorated with classical beadwork.
This is the perfect Rattle for those whom attend Medicine Wheel workshops and gatherings, or whom work with this wisdom stream in their Shamanic practise.
I use beadwork of two styles on these Rattles- either wrap beadwork; which is an older, simpler style, or Peyote/Gourd stitch. Which has become popular with American Indians due to its extensive use on sacred items of the Native American Church.
You can choose either of these styles. Wrap beadwork I do in the Medicine Wheel colours- Red, Yellow, Black and white. Or with the addition of Green and Blue for those whom use this expanded range. Peyote stitch beadwork lends itself to more complex designs, but to resonate with the spirit of this, generally this also is worked in the Medicine Wheel colours. Specify your choices when you order.
Prices:- With Wrap beadwork- £46.00
With Peyote stitch work- £78.00
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