Blackthorn tree, much like the scorpion or the snake, carries with it  a dual nature: its folklore is seeped in an ‘othering’ darkness and yet its thorn berries are used as protection and medicine. Used as barriers in England to create hedges between wild and cultivated land, it generally grows on the edges of woodlands with its sister Hawthorn. Its near black wood and thorny branches gives it a fairytale quality; it is the exact thorns that encircle Sleeping Beauty’s castle to protect her while she sleeps, snarling intruders and “unfit” princes in its branches as its thorn pricks can lead to septic death. 

As a liminal guardian of boundaries, Blackthorn also carries with it apotropaic magic: protection by defense and warding. Blackthorns were worn woodlands on solo journeying to keep unwanted energies away as well as kept by the bedside to avert night terrors. They were also hung in the doorways of the home for protection and warding, similar to how they function in the wild, protecting the edges of the otherworlds.

The proximity to pain while wearing blackthorn suggests being mindful to the emotional realms of it: our ability to stay present and persevere during intense times as well as the hope for healing psychic wounds by piercing them-facing them, allowing them to drain and heal.

While some wounds may never be healed : the presence of a thorn over our wound protects from further damage : a guardianship.

Here, a smooth, domed magnifying lens is cradled by entwined blackthorns, reminiscent of the magical tools people would fashion blackthorn into to dispel negativity. While seeking and observing out in the otherworlds or in the mundane world, this jewel protects with its intensely thorny setting. Please be mindful while wearing at a long length.

This listing is for The Seeker pendant set with a half dome magnifying glass, paired with our signature bar link chain. Both pendant and chain are oxidized to achieve our favorite shade of stormy gray and then hand finished to reveal the bright luminous silver highlights. 

Details :

- 80mm tall 

- 36mm at its widest

- Pendant, chain, jump rings, and clasp are all Solid Sterling Silver  

- Shown on Jess and Miguel at 30 inches 

- 25mm half dome magnifying glass 

- Please be aware that thorns are as sharp as they would be in nature 

Spyglass:

Magnifying lenses magnify the small things we are unable to see clearly when placed beneath the glass, acting as a large, powerful ‘eye’. While the glass is fully functional as an object/tool, as a talisman it urges its wearer to look closer, to see/feel the invisible: whether that be by examining our feelings and our Shadow with a deeper gaze or turning our sights to others; to mindfully ‘see’ our friends, lovers, family, and community: to foster a deeper sense of empathy, to spark the current of transformation.

*Please note glass is hand cast and may have slight waves and / or imperfections in it. Please note that while this lens does magnify, it is not a professional grade magnifying lens. 

***IMPORTANT***

This jewel is handmade to order, just for you, with care and focus. Please allow approximately 6 weeks for creation before shipping.                   

Visit the Policy Page to make an educated and informed purchase HERE.

If you have further questions, we are always here to serve you in a kind and timely manner: via bloodmilkjewels@gmail.com