Brief Summary… 

• Recycled Bronze Greek drachma & Irish threepence
• Meticulously hand cut, carved and engraved
• Made using only traditional hand tools and techniques
• Unique fusion of two out of circulation coins
• Necklace chain included, various length options
• Optional Silver, Copper or Bonze wee charm
• Hairy Growler Shepherd’s Crook Necklace Catch: Sterling Silver
• Size : 22mm*30mm
• Symbolism : creativity, ethics and art, Strength, Protection, Wisdom, Fun, Duality, Mystery and Wonder
• Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge

A little more detail…

Hare (y-Gr) Owl (er)

Spirit of the Wild – Hare and Owl Recycled Coins

The nocturnal hare, signifying the moon who dies every morning and is resurrected every evening, also represents the rebirth of nature in spring. Both the moon and the hare were believed to die in order to be reborn. The hare has become a symbol of immortality and independence (since they are capable of looking after themselves within hours of being born).   In Greek mythology, a little owl (Athene noctua) traditionally represents or accompanies Athena, the virgin goddess of wisdom, or Minerva, her syncretic incarnation in Roman mythology.  Because of such association, the bird—often referred to as the “owl of Athena” or the “owl of Minerva“—has been used as a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, perspicacity and erudition throughout the Western world

I have created this wonderful eco-conscious, spirit of the wild, two coin fusion from an Irish threepence and One drachma coins. It is a tricky design to successfully make but one which is very special when finished. The origins of the necklace are clearly visible and the design is very striking.  I hand-cut and carve it. I use traditional hand saws, chisels and files, in order to give the piece the true English-traditional flare. This process allows me to have a close connection to each piece. Too, this leads to the added bonus of each piece being completely and organically unique.

Complete with silver necklace and trademark Hairy Growler ‘shepherds crook’ safety catch. Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge, UK. Size : Each sweet little rabbit approx 22 mm * 30 mm

Moon and Lunar Cycles: Hares are often linked to the moon, particularly where the moon goddess is depicted with a hare. This connection further emphasizes themes of cyclical change and renewal. The owl, renowned for its keen eyesight and hunting prowess in the dark, merges seamlessly with the moon, which illuminates the night sky. Together, they symbolize the ability to navigate hidden realms, see beyond the obvious, and access deeper wisdom and intuitive understanding even in challenging or obscured circumstances. In Ancient Greece, the owl, a symbol of wisdom, was a guardian of the Acropolis, while Diana, the Roman equivalent of Athena, was associated with the moon and the owl.

Trickster and Magic:In folklore, hares can be tricksters, embodying cleverness and cunning. They are also associated with magic and mystery, often appearing in tales of shapeshifting and divination. Despite its association with darkness, owls, particularly the barn owl, are often linked to wisdom, knowledge, and intuition, according to Wild Gratitude. Their ability to navigate the darkness and locate prey based on sound alone can symbolize the power of inner knowing, trusting intuition, and finding clarity in challenging situations. These characteristics represent our duality, the wonderful capacity to enjoy life and have fun whilst understanding sincerely the importance of out quest.

Death and Transformation: The barn owl’s ghostly appearance and association with the night have connected it with death and the underworld. However, this connection isn’t always negative. In some contexts, it can also signify transformation, regeneration, and the cycle of life and rebirth. The hare’s prolific breeding and connection to spring have long linked it to fertility and renewal. In some traditions, hares are associated with goddesses of love and fertility like Aphrodite and Venus. Their ability to seemingly give birth without impregnation (due to superfetation) also contributed to this symbolism. The moon’s phases also symbolize transformation and new beginnings. The owl, as a nocturnal hunter and sometimes a messenger in some folklore traditions, can further amplify the sense of transition and the arrival of significant tidings. The moon is frequently associated with femininity, intuition, emotions, and cyclical change – its waxing and waning mirroring the ebb and flow of life and the female archetype. The owl, particularly with its nocturnal habits and connection to goddesses like Athena and Diana, also aligns with the feminine and often represents prophecy and the feminine principle.

Vigilance and Intuition:Hares are known for their alertness and keen senses, making them symbols of intuition and awareness. They can represent the need to be perceptive and responsive to one’s surroundings. Although they are alert they are fortunately within the wingspan of the owl as overall guardian. The barn owl’s silent hunt and its role as a nocturnal predator can be interpreted as a symbol of protection and guardianship, especially against hidden dangers in the dark.

Mystery and the Unknown: The barn owl’s nocturnal habits and silent flight make it a creature of the shadows, evoking a sense of mystery, the hidden, and the unseen. It can represent the hidden aspects of the psyche or the deeper truths that lie beyond conscious awareness.The hare’s elusive nature and swiftness contribute to its symbolic complexity, often appearing in contexts of both danger and magic.
“Collect these charms and memories of your life and add them to your tree; This wonderfully playful hare-y-Gr-owl-er piece will not only look fab on a necklace or bracelet but will also give a fabulous wildlife feel to your bronze tree sculpture. She may also perfectly represents you, the strong, wise and playful individual in your life !”