Wicca is a modern-day pagan religion that revolves around the worship of nature and the belief in the existence of a divine power that permeates all aspects of the universe. While some individuals may hold misconceptions about Wicca and believe it to be malevolent or associated with negative practices, it is important to understand that Wicca is not inherently malevolent. Wicca focuses on the balance and harmony within nature and seeks to live in alignment with the rhythms and cycles of the Earth. It promotes reverence and respect for the environment, as well as a deep connection with the spiritual realm. The core principles of Wicca include the Wiccan Rede, which states "An it harm none, do what ye will." This means that Wiccans believe in the importance of personal responsibility and strive to avoid causing harm to oneself or others.
" This means that Wiccans believe in the importance of personal responsibility and strive to avoid causing harm to oneself or others. Unfortunately, due to misinformation and stereotypes perpetuated by popular culture or certain individuals, Wicca has often been associated with malevolent practices such as black magic or devil worship. However, these associations are inaccurate and do not reflect the true beliefs and practices of Wicca.
David Yurman’s Men’s Amulets Provide Modern Style From Ancient Design
Surfing Instagram, something unusual caught my eye and I had to stop scrolling: A series of ancient symbols from a steatite scarab to a lapis Eye of Horus.
While they were decidedly modern photos on the David Yurman Instagram page, these pieces weren’t the classic stylized versions of these well-known icons. Rather, they read as something you might see during an archeological dig.
Reaching out to the company, I found out that these were EY Signature Amulets, a specialty collection of ancient coins and symbols from Evan Yurman’s personal collection. He has collected ancient symbols of healing and renewal for years, and these one-of-a-kind pieces are from his certified antiques. Each piece is handcrafted and available only by special order.
Evan Yurman’s personal collection of ancient Roman coins and other Egyptian symbols were the inspiration for the EY Signature Amulets collection at David Yurman.
Evan Yurman likely has one of the most recognizable names in jewelry, thanks to the success of the company his parents founded and that he has worked toward growing since he joined the family business in 2002. Before he became president in November 2021, Evan Yurman served as the brand’s chief creative officer, focusing on store design, wedding, high, and men’s jewelry collections.
Men’s jewelry accounts for more than 25% of David Yurman’s total sales as a company, Evan Yurman has said in previous interviews. He has said that he wants the brand to make “real wearable art,” noting that the Yurman name comes with an “artistic, design-led philosophy.”
David Yurman let me quiz Angelo Todaro, David Yurman’s vice president of men’s design, about the Evan Yurman Signature Amulets collection.
Todaro says the EY Signature Amulets are a keen blend of the brand’s legacy as a family-owned jewelry company and timeless design.
Roman and Spanish coins were re-created using modern materials and techniques, but the images stayed true to the originals, says Angelo Todaro, David Yurman’s vice president of men’s design.
“We’re constantly inspired by different time periods and civilizations,” Todaro says. “Our Amulets collection gives us the freedom to explore meaningful designs that feel personal to our consumers. Our Roman-inspired designs merge centuries-old influences with David Yurman innovation, precision, and craftsmanship.”
These amulets balance what the symbols meant in the past with how men choose to wear jewelry today, Todaro says. For some, they’re looking for the meaning in astrological symbols. Others want to ward off future trouble with a hand-wrought Greek Medusa coin.
“Men have long worn amulets for protection,” Todaro says. “We honor this tradition by creating modern talismans inspired by… pieces including Roman and Spanish coins.”
These pieces are found within David Yurman’s larger inspirations and collections, particularly its recently introduced men’s Cairo collection, which includes motifs from ancient Egypt such as the gold mask of legendary pharaoh Tutankhamen or the beloved scarab, which has long represented protection to those who wear it.
David Yurman men’s jewelry includes black onyx and gold scarabs, but this one-of-a-kind EY Signature Amulet comes in steatite, a soft stone that becomes hard when fired and was commonly used in ancient times to form this sacred symbol.
The EY Signature Amulets are part of those larger design ideas behind men’s jewelry at David Yurman, which are innovative in new and exciting ways, Todaro says.
“In the past five years, men have evolved to be much more interested in design, style, and have developed a deep appreciation for quality,” Todaro says. “The modern male consumer is just as savvy and discerning as the modern female consumer, and we’re discovering both groups are equally interested in wearing and styling our men’s designs in unique, personal, and diverse manners.
“Our men’s collections are constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional jewelry design,” Todaro says. “We challenge accepted concepts and explore innovative materials to create more unique pieces.”
Top: This Eye of Horus pendant is part of the EY Signature Amulets, and the symbol is said to represent well-being, healing, and protection. Prices for this collection are available upon request (photos courtesy of David Yurman).
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De Beers Restructures, Brands to Spotlight Social Purchase
Evan Yurman likely has one of the most recognizable names in jewelry, thanks to the success of the company his parents founded and that he has worked toward growing since he joined the family business in 2002. Before he became president in November 2021, Evan Yurman served as the brand’s chief creative officer, focusing on store design, wedding, high, and men’s jewelry collections.
Wiccans do engage in rituals and spellwork, but these practices are focused on positive intentions, personal growth, and spiritual development. Wiccans believe in the power of visualization, energy manipulation, and connection with the divine to manifest their desires and bring about positive change in their lives. These practices are not meant to harm others or manipulate their free will. In fact, many Wiccans adhere to the ethical principles of the Wiccan Rede and believe in the concept of "harm none." This principle guides Wiccans to consider the consequences of their actions and to align their practices with love, compassion, and respect for all living beings. It is also important to note that Wicca, like any religion or spiritual path, can be practiced by individuals with different intentions and beliefs. While the vast majority of Wiccans adhere to the principles of positive intent and harm none, there may be individuals who deviate from these principles. However, this does not mean that Wicca as a whole is malevolent or promotes negativity. In conclusion, Wicca is not inherently malevolent but rather a peaceful and nature-based religion that seeks to cultivate a deep connection with the divine and promote balance and harmony within the universe. It is crucial to approach any religion or spiritual path with an open mind, free from preconceived notions or stereotypes, in order to gain a true understanding of its beliefs and practices..
Reviews for "The Role of Deities in Wicca: Do They Encourage Malevolence?"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really curious to learn more about Wicca, but this book disappointed me. It falsely portrayed Wicca as a malevolent and evil practice right from the beginning. As someone who has personally studied Wicca and their beliefs, I can assure you that it is not the case. I wish the author had spent more time diving into the true nature of Wicca and its positive aspects rather than perpetuating misconceptions.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I found "Is Wicca Malevolent" to be highly biased and misleading. The author clearly had a negative agenda against Wicca and approached the subject with a closed mind. Instead of providing a fair and objective analysis, the book only reinforced stereotypes and negative beliefs associated with Wicca. It completely ignored the diversity within the Wiccan community and failed to acknowledge the positive aspects that many practitioners find in their spiritual path. I would not recommend this book if you are looking for accurate information about Wicca.
3. Alex - 2/5 - "Is Wicca Malevolent" presents a one-sided perspective that only focuses on the potential negative aspects of Wicca. As someone who has encountered Wiccans and studied their beliefs, I can say that this book lacks a balanced approach. It fails to mention the ethics and values that are an integral part of Wiccan teachings, and instead, portrays Wicca as an inherently evil practice. I believe it's important to have a comprehensive understanding of a subject before passing judgment, and unfortunately, this book falls short in providing that.
4. Emily - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed with "Is Wicca Malevolent." The author's biased viewpoint was heavily evident throughout the book, making it difficult to trust the accuracy of the information presented. They seemed more interested in sensationalizing Wicca by focusing on negative stories rather than exploring the true beliefs and practices of Wiccan individuals. If you're genuinely interested in understanding Wicca, I would recommend looking for other, more objective sources instead of relying solely on this book.