Ok, so some of you may not like the idea of having a skull at your altar, in your home or in fact anywhere near you! However there are more to skulls than just gothifying your space or conducting the darker side of magick! Just like poppets they too have a bad rap! As with most magick there are two sides. Skulls may be used for assisting you with divination, as a means to honour the departed, to give embodiment and representation of your deities. Skulls have been used throughout time, not only as a signifier of death, but also one of rebirth and a means to commune with ancestors and embodiment of your deities. They aren’t something to fear or recoil at, plus they do add a little something mystical to your altar! Charge them with intent to guard and protect your altar (and you!). Designed and created by the Nemesis Now team.
Did you know Cecil Williamson (A Devonshire Neo-pagan warlock) kept one in his Museum of Witchcraft back in the early to mid 20C, it is called the “Old Granny Man”. He reported it had been gifted to him from a witch/ wise woman who noted it to be her friend. Consisting of a human skull sat upon a metal pentagram, she kept it in a secret hidden place at Easdon Tor (Nr Newton Abbot in Devon). When presented with a problem by those who sought her knowledge, she would apparently offer, “Well dear me, I don’t rightly knows what I a do - till I have asked me friend. I’ll let thee know later”. Off she’d go to see her friend upon the Tor and come back with the answers! It has been shown in the Museum of Witchcraft (Boscastle, Cornwall) up until quite recently. Cecil also proffered: “Like Hamlet, every sorcerer must have a skull”.
The skulls I have chosen vary in price, design and size, so to suit varied purses and paths. These skulls are genuine Nemesis Now products, meaning high quality, intricate detailing and design, with each being painted and detailed by hand. Made from tough and good quality polyresin, no humans, fairies or elves were harmed in the creation of these products!
Astrological Skull: 20cm, weighing approximately 1.1kg. This realistic human skull has been intricately engraved with the zodiac circle, small constellations of stars and also a sun and moon on opposing sides. Over the bridge of the nose there is a thin scroll stating the words "Hinc itur ad astra", meaning "Here we go to the stars". Ideal for those interested in astrology and astronomy!
Celtic Skull: 18.5cm, weighing approximately 0.53kg. This realistic human skull is beautifully decorated with carved Baroque and Celtic patterns. Covering every inch, the only break is within the empty eye sockets and nasal holes. A very intricate piece, would make a fine way to honour you Celtic deities.
Cardinal Directions Skull: 17.5cm, weighing approximately 0.84kg. This skull grins mischievously, one gold tooth hiding with the rest. Their head has a compass carved in black, overlaying a faint map of a certain ocean. The skull is cast in high-quality resin and expertly hand-painted, and the compass rose on the crown bears the best directions anyone can get – Make Your Own Way! Great for honouring the Cardinal directions during spell work & rituals!
Celtic Iron Skull: 16cm, weighing approximately 0.4kg. Covered in intricate Celtic patterns including trisks lion and knots, this skull looks as though it has been carved by an ancient force. Perfect for honouring your Celtic deities!
Heiroglyph Skull: 15cm, weighing approximately 0.64kg. Perfect for any Egyptian enthusiast, nor only featuring popular ancient Hieroglyphs, such as the Lion, Horned Viper and the Egyptian Vulture there are also larger Egyptian art works showing a Mother and her child, the sun, the Eye of Ra and the winged Scarab. Perfect for those who honour the Egyptian deities!
Small Skulls: 9.5cm, weighing approximately 140g each. Each skull differs in design, one features a more realistic, simple look whereas the other three feature differing Celtic patterns.