Gods Eyes Midsummer crafts revolve around the sun god, and the sun itself. God's Eyes are probably the most well known craft tied to Midsummer. South American in origin, they were made by the natives for both protection and decoration. These amulets are made of two sticks placed to form an equilateral cross. Coloured yarn or ribbon is wound around the cross, in alternating colours, to form an eye, and its four points symbolize the two solstices (summer and winter) and equinoxes (spring and fall). To make the God's Eyes, you will need: | 1/4 inch dowels (available at craft or hardware stores, any kind of stick can be used, popsicle sticks are common ^_^) | | Yarn or ribbon in assorted colours | | Scissors | | Glue | Cut the dowels into any length you wish, just make sure you have two sticks of equal length. Place them to form an equilateral cross. Starting it can be a bit tricky. I tie a tight knot with the ribbon in the centre, then take the dowels and form the cross, and go and tie it the other way. You could also just tie a knot in the centre, pull the dowels out to form the cross, and start weaving. Just keep in mind you'll have to hold it in place the while you weave it around the first few times. Once you have it started, take the ribbon and wrap it completely around one point of the dowel, than trail it over the next point of the cross. Pull the ribbon taut, you want a tight weave. Work your design outward, stopping periodically to change ribbon colours, if you wish. If your God's Eye is going to be used for magickal purposes, you should visualize its purpose as you weave, and consecrate it for its purpose later on. When you have wrapped the ribbon within about half an inch of the end of the dowels, stop the weaving, and tie it off. This may require a bit of glue to hold it in place. When it is tied off, use a bit of the ribbon to make a loop and glue it to the top of the God's Eye so that you can hang it. God's Eyes are a great activity about the Sun God and the purpose of Midsummer. |