Illustrated Design for the Serpentine Majesty Cover Photo
Yak Magazine November/December 2005
Indonesian Tattler Magazine September 2003 “The ancient sages realized that all life and phenomena is energy. Science has only come to accept this in the last century. Do jewels have power? What is power? But the ability to exert influence. Just because power can not be scene does not mean that it does not exist. Gravity is invisible. Radio waves, microwaves and galactic beams are bouncing around us an through us all the time yet we don’t see them. They are beyond the scope of our senses. Radiation is another form of invisible energy that is directly emitted by the mineral world of which
gems are arguably the highest expression. In fact in an interrelated world of energetic movement all things can’t help but to influence and exert power over one another. So the question of whether jewels have power is a deft one. It would an exceptional oddity that goes against all knowledge if we were to say they didn’t. So all life and phenomena is interlinked by invisible lines of power. And these power lines, form an underlying, invisible basis for each and every jewel that I design.”
Excerpt from the ‘Power of Jewels’ lecture 2004
Solitare(Asia Pacific Edition) September-October 2006
GALLERY soul. As a yogi, mystic visionary and author / lecturer in fields such as ancient traditions, symbolic art and natural philosophy, Shunyata embeds this knowledge into the jewels, which are from the original sketch to the finished pice, talismans of rare beauINSPIRED JEWELLER DESIGN FOR THE CONNOISSEUR ty. Shunyata has written several books and lectured in the USA, Europe, Australia and Asia. Visitors in Bali expect to be able to buy souvenir When I visited the Zoëin showroom in Sanur, items such as wood-carvings and fabrics and there Bali. I had some idea of what to expect, as I had alare many designers and producers of inexpensive ready seen a number of Shunyata’s designs on his web jewellery. Silver working has long been practised in site, but the pictures on my computer screen simply Bali and a visit to the town of Celuk, for example, hadn’t prepared me for the almost magical quality of can be an interesting experience. However, for those the real thing. I felt afraid to touch anything but not who want the best, there is a company here which because I was worried about causing material damproduces brilliantly deage; these exquisitely signed jewellery for the designed masterpiecconnoisseur. es evoked feelings of Shunyata, the awe and reverence. founder and jewellery I can imagine designer of ‘Us Cresome readers thinking ations’, has evolved a ‘what a lot of arcane new entity from his forand esoteric mumbomer business and, like jumbo this is’ and you the newly arisen Phoecould be excused for nix, Zoëin Inc. has now this before actually come to life. Zoëin is experiencing the powdedicated to preserver of these artefacts. ing ancient gold-workOnce in their presing techniques, raising ence, however, only a the awareness of gemvery stony-hearted inmology and reintrodividual would fail to ducing the legends and be moved. meanings that were Each treasure once woven into every is a weave of natural piece of jewellery. With forces, harnessed in a a mandate of quality, potent and uniquely originality and dynamic elegant manner. The synergy, each piece is a designing, carving, celebration of beauty, beading and gold refinement and significance. work, are all done by hand and with the utmost care Zoëin is an ancient Greek term meaning indestruc- in the Zoëin workshops. The material used are 22 tible, or that which does not die or decay. One ref- karat gold, precious gems, pure silver, rare beads, erence offers an interesting analogy: ‘individual ex- crystals, shells and specialized carvings from fossilistences (Bios) are strung on the golden cord of life ized walrus ivory and other environmentally friendly (Zoë), like pearls on a string’. materials. Zoëin is an ideal name for a company creatHundreds of hours of work go into each creing treasures from gold, a metal which represents ations; from the designing and illustrating to the gold the incorruptible and indestructible attributes of the and silver crafting and, as Shunyata says; “every moTEXT ANDREW CHARLES
Zoëin Jewels
EACH TREASURE IS A WEAVE OF NATURAL FORCES, HARNESSED IN A POTENT AND UNIQUELY ELEGANT MANNER
ment is inspired.” The garlands are strung on auspicious dates such as the New and Full Moon, Solstice and Equinox. When you purchased a Zoëin creations, you get not only a piece of jewellery but a talisman of power that mean something more. It is an investment in not just the jewel but in your empowerment and mastery. You can also commission a Zoëin ‘Symbolic Certificate’ that describes the materials and gems used and explains the symbolic theme inherent in the design itself. During the period of ‘Us’, Shunyata’s design were featured in ‘New Age’, an Oliver Stone film. They have also appeared in numerous prestigious publications. In March 1999, his work was showcased by ’Over Asia’, a CNBC program and in June 2000, by ‘Inside Asia’, a CNN program. His work has appeared at exhibitions in London, Paris, New York, Los
Angeles, Delhi, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore, Sydney and Bali. To view some of Shunyata’s creations, please have a look at his web site: www.zoeinjewels.com which will give you a very good idea of what spectacular items he produces but you really have to see the jewellery at first hand to experience the magic. The Zoëin studio in Sanur, Bali, is at Jalan Duyung, Gang 1/13, close to the Bali Hyatt Hotel. For an appointment to view, you can telephone (0361) 289 420. Readers in Jakarta will have an opportunity to see the magic of Shunyata at an exhibition entitled ‘Divine Jewels’ to be held in the Bimasena Club at the Darmawangsa from 26 September to 5 October this year; open 9 am until 8 PM. In the afternoon of 27 September, Shunyata will be giving a lecture on ‘The Power of Jewels’ . From Garuda Garuda in Magazine flight Magazine September 2003 September 2004
Shunyata showing Jewelry to Indonesia’s President — Megawati Sukarnoputra at the Bali Beach hotel - 2003
Solitare Magazine October/November 2003
World Jewelry Review April 2004
Peak Magazine August 2004
B International Magazine July 2000
Ploy Magazine Thailand 2007
Insight Magazine Vol 2_05 2009
Insight Magazine Vol 2_06 2009
Insight Magazine Vol 2_07
Indonesia’s Femina Persona September 2003
Indonesia’s Devi Cosmopolitan April 2003
Indonesia’s Jewelry Magazine October 2003
Prodo Magazine March 2005
Ruby S er p en t R ing of Power
August 26, 2009 Hi Reiko,
Y
ou have gotten yourself a very special ring. Aurora tells me that you are wondering what kind of power it has! I picked out the Ruby specially with you in mind and took us around one hundred and thirty hours to hand craft your ring at the Zoein studio/workshop in Sanur.
You know, many people have forgotten about the tradition of ancient knowledge and the unseen, mystical dimension. This hidden world is vast, much greater then the world we perceive.
This mysterious area was originally revealed only through special talent, extreme training, meditation and or the ceremonial arts. In the age that we now live, technology like the microscope and telescope, have allowed our senses to see what was invisible and completely unknown before. Yet these instruments have there limits.
The power of your ring, like astrology, is closer to the ancient wisdom traditions, then it is to scientific technology. You will find that its symbolic meaning is easy to see and understand, by considering just a few points. Lets begin by looking into the way that the gold is worked and crafted. When gold is found, it is shiny but not really that special, like an unpolished gem. But when it is crafted, it comes out of the process as a beautiful and pure metal.
T
iming the crafting according to natural cycles, like from the new, to full moon and longer cycles, like from the solstice to the equinox imbues the jewel with the particular energy of that cycle.
Creative work that follows natural cycles, is kind of like a ship that sails with the wind rather then against it. Of course all rings must be shaped into the universal symbol of eternity (the circle). Otherwise you couldn’t slip it on your
finger. It has literally gone through the fire and come out illustriously in the circular shape that represents Forever. If the ring is set with a precious gemstone, like your ring is, then the power and the magic of the gem comes into the ring. To feel the full potency of the gemstone, it needs to be of proper size and touch your skin when you wear it. The design of your ring is an absolutely essential element.
Its symbolism, theme and shape directs the energy and determines what kind of power your ring ultimately provides.
Your Ring of Power, combines the qualities of nearly Pure Gold, the Serpent symbol and a 8.8 carat Red Ruby. Did you know that Rubies are much more rare then diamonds? Rubies exhibit that clear hue and lustre that characterizes royalty. Across the world they are synonymous with sovereignty. In China, only the highest rank of the Mandarins were permitted to wear Rubies.
One night in Paris, while reading the hand of late Prince of Germany, Johannes von Thurn und Taxis, my eye was drawn to his astonishing Ruby Ring. It was Pigeon blood red and square
cut in a fine gold setting. It was his favorite and had been in his family for generations. Even in European Legend, the Ruby is associated with Kings. In the Arthurian Grail legend, “the temple of the Holy Grail was surmounted by a huge Ruby” which served as a beacon for King Arthur’s knights. If you didn’t already, now that you know, that the Ruby is ‘the King of gems’. You might also like to know that it represents both the planet Mars and the Sun, the two powerhouses of the solar system.
According to traditional sources, wearing a Ruby increases your vitality, steadies the rhythm of your heart, inspires greater confidence and enhances your royal qualities of leadership. Now lets move on and visit the Serpent theme of your design.You might be surprised to know that the Serpent is one of the most powerful animal symbols in the world. Let me explain! Nature based societies recognized and used the subtle links between humanity and animals. They developed a sort of magical science, that helped to empower and preserve the tribe, as well as the natural balance of the environment. As you continue to carefully read the words this certificate, you will come to understand how special your ring really is. To understand more, lets explore the nature based totem conception.
In this view each animal species is seen as an external, ‘materialized’ representative of one of the subtle, archetypical properties that reside in both your body and mind.
cognition, imagination and the body’s organic Human intelligence,
originated from the same principles and potentialities that gave rise to the animal kingdom, evolution and creation itself. That was quite a mouth full! Even so, it is
definitely something worth reading over again, to fully savour what it means.
Because the Serpent can move without legs or wings, it symbolizes the all-pervading spirit. Can you imagine, that in the totem conception and in folklore throughout the world, the universe is envisioned as a Gigantic Cosmic Serpent? The Cosmic Serpent is the magical being that stretches through and around the cosmos, like a great rainbow linking different dimensions of time and space.
In legend, the Cosmic Serpent wears a brilliant crown of jewels as he watches over his stellar cache of magical treasure. In a less cosmic tone, the following points touch on different levels of symbology. Some of them you probably already know, and others, you may just find truly fascinating. The are intended to show you how the Serpent came to embody the dualistic principles of the Yin and Yang, and ultimately the Tao itself!
kk Becausekitskbodykiskphallickinkshapekandkbecausek itk entersk earthen,k cavernousk holes,k thek Serpentk suggestsk Masculinityk andk thek Sun.k However,k itsk enigmatick temperament,k nocturnalk habitsk andk deepk connectionkwithkthekearth,ksuggestskjustkthekOpposite,k FemininitykandkthekMoon.k kk kAkSerpentskvenomkiskfatalktokitskpreykbutkitkcank
alsokbekusedktokhealkandksaveklives.kWekknowktoday,k thatkantidoteskarekoftenkmadekfromkveryksamekthing,k thatk causedk thek illnessk ork poisoning.k Ifkaccidentlyk bittenkbykaksnake,kingestingkitskvenomkwillkneutralisek thekdeadlykeffectskofkitskpoison.k kk OfkcoursekwekhavekallkheardkthatkakSerpentkshedsk itskskin,kbutkdidkyoukknowkthatkmostkSerpentskshedk theirkskinkfourktokeightktimeskakyear?kTheksheddingk processk suggestsk Deathk andk Rebirthk ask wellk ask SicknesskandkRejuvenation.k Did you notice that these first two points, although different, both refer to the matters of life and death and sickness and health. In the historic world and even our times today, the Serpent shares a close relation ship with the practice of medicine. The ancient Greek god of Medicine and Healing, (Aesculapius/ Ascelepius), carries a wand with a Serpent wrapped around it. This indicates his magical powers. It is also a reminder that the science of healing came from the ancient snake-gods. His wand is used today as the symbol of the American health care industry.
kk ThektwokextremitieskofkakSerpent’skbody,k itskheadk andktailkreferkoncekagainktokdualistickprinciple.kTheyk arek indicativek ofk thek starkk contrast,k thek antithesisk thatkthekSerpentzkrichkandkvariedknaturekspans.k kk Thekuniversalkdancekofkalternation,kthekcounter-playk andkresolutionkofkoppositeskiskfurtherkemphasizedkbyk akSerpent’skundulatingkmovement.k
O
ur serpentine nervous system and spinal column, the ocean’s sinuous currents, winding rivers and the spiralling cycles of time are all indicative of the majestical Serpent. It is because Serpents suddenly appear only to disappear. And because Serpents lash out, and strike in a flash that they are considered close to the power of Thunder, Lightning and life giving Rain.
As creatures that predominately live underground Serpents are considered inhabitants of the underworld. This is actually a good thing! Serpents are related to the inner force, the earth’s generative power and with darkness and mystery. They know the
subterranean secrets and the labyrinthine ways through darkness to light. In one way or another, Serpents play a vital role in the religious traditions of our world today. As you probably know, they are either portrayed as the ultimate force of salvation and wisdom, or as devilish emissaries of death, ignorance and deception, and sometimes as both. What only a few people realize, is that throughout the prehistoric world, Serpents were revered and respected like gods. They held a venerable place in the ecstatic festivals that characterized the first religious inklings of mankind.
kk Ink thek prefigurativek universek (beforek formk wask shaped)k itk wask ak greatk Serpent,k bek itk thek Greekk PythonkorkthekVedickVrtra,kwhokguardedkthekpristinek innocencekofkthekUncreate.k
I was fascinated by the Ancient Egyptians and Asthea child Pyramids. The Hieroglyphs record that long before the Pyramids were built, it was A Serpent that was among the first to see the Sun (Ra) rising above the firmament.
kk •k Itk isk writtenk ink onek ofk India’sk mostk holyk scriptures,k thek Shatapathak Brahmana,k thatk truek knowledgek“iskinkfactkthekwisdomkofkthekSerpent”.k There are so many gods and goddess’s of yesteryear,
affiliated Serpent, that it would be boring for you to read and tedious for me to list them all. So to save both of us a headache, I am only give you a few examples.
kk TokthekGreekskthekSerpentkwaskpicturedkwithkZeusk Chthonios,kthek KingkofkOlympiankGods’kandkwithk Dionysus,khiskson.k kk Ink India,k thek Serpentk drapesk likek ank adorningk necklesskaroundkthekneckkofk Rudra-Siva,kthekmostk reveredkofkallkthekVedickgods.k kk Thek Sumeriank Ishatar,k thek Goddessk ofk Love,k Sexk andk Wark isk usuallyk picturedk ink ancientk carvingskholdingkakSerpent. kk ThekOldkEuropeank MotherkGoddesskofkIreland,k BridgitkiskalsokaksnakekGoddess.k kk Womenk withk serpentk locksk ofk hair,k suchk ask thek Erinyes,kMedusakandkGraiak—ksignifykthekpowersk ofkmagickandkenchantment,kthekwisdomkandkcunningk ofkthekserpent.k
R
eiko, I know this is a fairly long certificate, much longer then I intended, and also know that you would not want me to leave anything out.
Each time you read it, over the years, you will notice something new and enlightening. So lets continue for just little while longer. In Sanskrit mythology, Serpents are called Nagas. The three Naga kings are possibly Dragon Lords. I say this because he word Naga actually means both Dragon and Serpent. There were three great Naga Kings who ruled over the three worlds. They are Vasuki, Taksaka and Sesa, and each rule over his own world.
kk kVasukikruleskthekkingdomkofkpleasure.k kk Taksaka’sk kingdomk isk thek realmk ofk formk (whichk relieskonkthek‘cuttingkofklimits’)k kk Sesakruleskthekkingdomkofkmemoryk(thatkwhichkhask beenkandkthekpossibilitykofkthatkwhichkwillkbe).k The Naga Serpents of India, are similar to the legendary dragons of China. They are the guardians of wisdom and fabulous treasure. The Naga Goddess Kundalini is the coiled energy the rests at the base of your spine. When you awaken her through Yoga she ascends to the crown your head. If you ever experience this you will feel extraordinary sensations and your soul
will savour taste of the eternal and supra-natural dimension.
“The Uraeus, or Cobra which the Pharaoh wears as a diadem on his crown symbolizes the power of healing and protection. The power to heal and protect is often associated with kingship. Half way across
the world, and before the reign of Pharohs in Egypt, the Asura, the ancient sovereigns of the Indus Valley, wore an identical diadem. Serpents that entwine themselves around a wand, staff or pillar, are suggestive of the snake, oft pictured in the branches of the World Tree. Being elevated the snake becomes a bearer of transcendence and higher knowledge. Once again this was known to the inhabitants of ancient Greece. In their mythology, the messenger of the gods, Hermes carries the caduceus, which is a staff entwined with two Serpents that form a double helix. Hermes is also the god of wit, invention and of weights and measure. He establishes the boundaries and protects the travelers pass them. Through analogical resonance, (sympathetic transference) wearing your ‘Serpent Ruby Ring of Power’ awakens the auspicious power of the Serpent.
It bestows greater health, protection, enhanced intuition, inner knowledge and all the traits that we have uncovered on our journey through this certificate. PS As with any powerful object it is important to respect you©©r ring. Keep it clean and treat it the way you would treat anything that is special. Because it is hand set in 22 karat gold, I may need to occasionally service the setting.
If you ever notice the stone becoming loose I would love to polish it up and tighten it for you. If that isn’t convent then any jeweler can do it for you in just a couple of minutes.
I am glad you enjoy your ring and now you know what it means. Wear it in good health, happiness and with a peaceful heart. Shunyata