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savageworlds β Caduceus
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Published: 2009-04-05 07:32:24 +0000 UTC; Views: 10851; Favourites: 103; Downloads: 2201
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Description
Update: This shows three different treatments. Probably not a fair comparison since the two on the right had a softer core to the plywood. The laser engraving, although deeper, did not char to a crisp black like the first piece. However, each represents a different cost in terms of laser time and finishing time. I am hoping to bring these down to a range of one or two dollars each. Currently, the one on the left would be around $5, the middle one $4, and the last one $3.This piece is a prototype for a Token/Talisman intended for use in the 'Alchemifire Ritual: A Celebratory Rite of Transformation' (for more information about the ceremony itself, check out: [link] (Follow the link regarding the Pyromantics and the Alchemifire Ritual)
The token design is based on the 'caduceus' or staff of the messenger god Hermes/Mercury. Although often confused with the 'Rod of Asclepius' ( a single snake twined around a wand or rod) and thus mistakenly used as a symbol for the medical profession, it is actually a far more ancient emblem from early Greek mythology. Its earliest representations accompany Iris (messenger of Hera) even before depictions with Hermes.
As a further embellishment, this version also displays the symbols of the seven major chakras (energy centers) of Hindu Yogic tradition (in ascending order from root to crown) as well as a stylized halo of fire (representative of the transformative principles embodied in the ritual).
It was cut and engraved from thin 1/8" (3mm) poplar plywood using a 45 watt CO2 laser. Actual size 3" by 6" (7.5cm by 15.5cm)
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Comments: 64
I have seen this symbol during profound meditation experiences and I feel the compulsion to create these also! These are very beautiful
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Hi Matt,
Sorry for the delayed response. I've been neglecting Deviant Art because of too many other obligations. To answer your question, yes I can still make (and sell) the caduceus talismans. The cost for shipping, however, may far exceed the cost of the talisman itself. Send me a note with your address, and I'll get an estimate on the postage. If you are still interested at that point, I will be happy to oblige.
-Tom Savage
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"Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art."
-(Leonardo da Vinci)
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YES! if i ever get a tattoo this is roughly what I want!
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Awesome design. I would love to buy one if you are still offering them. But one question: why are the heads positioned at the 5th chakra instead of at the 6th or 7th? The wings would traditionally be positioned at the 7th, if we were to replace the sun disk with any of the centers in a 7-chakra version, with the heads positioned on either side. It doesn't seem to make much sense for them to be anywhere else, unless it's implication is a culmination within the 5th chakra.
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Thank you. I am trying to find time to make a few more and would be happy to provide you with one. The position of the heads was part of my client's blend of several different symbolic elements. The heads just seemed to fit naturally at that position. The ceremony that they were designed for also involved vocalization the form of singing and/or chanting, so it seemed appropriate that the mouths of the serpents were positioned near the throat chakra.
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Thanks for your interest. I may have one still here at my shop. If so, I will send you a note so we can discuss price, shipping, etc.
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Please do! But I'm concerned about shipping price, would you mind giving me an estimate? I'm still a student that runs on allowance.
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Merci!
Thank you for both comment and fave! I am glad you enjoyed.
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"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." -(Voltaire)
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This is awesome! How long do you spend on one? I love it!
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Thanks for both the compliment and the fave! Glad you enjoyed it. As far as time goes, the longest amount was the design time. Working from ideas provided by *mythfits , I created the basic design. Then, I purchased some thin decorative plywood. I coated the wood with gold spray paint and then etched the surface and cut out the final shape with my CO2 laser. Etching and cutting took about six minutes for each token. The final pieces were then sprayed with a protective coat of varnish.
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"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." -(Voltaire)
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The caduceus was almost my first tattoo but I ended up working with something more like the Rod of Asclepius. It's a star of life with a snake on the other side. Still really love this symbol, did you ever decide if you were going to make extras?
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Thanks again for both fave and comment. Actually, I did get permission to make a few extras. Send me a note with a mailing address and I'll send you one as soon as I can make a few.
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βThe universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.β -(Eden Phillpotts)
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For someone who's between agnostic and atheistic I went "Wow...I want one!"
Beauty-full job
And the symbolism is....400 page books say less
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Thanks for the enthusiastic compliment.) As a result of similar comments and requests, *mythfits gave me permission to etch a few extra pieces. When I do, I would be glad to send you one as a gift if you are interested. It may not be for another month or so, but drop me a note with a mailing address and I'll get one to you.
-Tom Savage
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"Spirituality is unanswered questions, religion is unquestioned answers."
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"The world needs more generous and less egocentric people."
I'm not one to fave cliches but yeah....fits for the occasion
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βThe universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.β -(Eden Phillpotts)
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Elegant and beautiful. Perfect in every way.
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Hi J.L.,
Warm thanks for your enthusiastic compliment (and the fave).
Glad you enjoyed it.
-Tom
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"I hope that I may always desire more than I can accomplish."
-(Michelangelo)
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Thanks for both the enthusiastic compliment and the watch! Cool gallery, btw!
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"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." -(Voltaire)
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Umm... I believe your gears are boggling my mind!
Thank you too.
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Fantastic stuff!
I love the original design. The darkness of the flames gives it some added depth. Like the snake patterning as it gives them a rounded feel. The mouth shapes definately lend a more universal feel than the other more 'evil grin' shapes. or is that cos there's a fang in those ones? hmm.
Damn groovy
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Thanks, Dave!
My clients've opted for the open mouth (minus fangs) to symbolize vocalization (the snakes are facing the Throat Chakra), but they too like the darker flames. We also are applying a gold metallic paint prior to lasering. I was surprised at how natural it looks on the finished pieces.
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Thank you, Anne!
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"I hope that I may always desire more than I can accomplish."
-(Michelangelo)
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Tom,
Coming to this one a little late in the game - I've been updating my own dA, but not thoroughly checking my subscriptions, for some time! But I have to say you've amazed me again. Looking at the deviation before reading the description, I guessed that you'd be pricing these at $10 to $25 each; the price listed just blows me away. I realize that the use of laser speeds and eases the process significantly, but it *still* seems just unreal that you could price them so low.
All of that aside - I agree with above commenters; I think the first one's curves are just gorgeous. However, I also like the diamonds of the second one. Is it impossible to incorporate both? I like the open mouths better (with them closed, they actually look crankier!), and I prefer the last flame-and-rose motif. The chakra are *gorgeous*, and also a wonderful brainwave.
Keep up the beautiful work!
Nightengale
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Thanks so much for the comments. To some degree, you are are right about the pricing. Were it only a few pieces, I would not be able to do them at such prices. The big advantage here is volume. I am looking at somewhere between 150 to 200 pieces for the first order, with the potential for more in the future. I also get free advertising from the clients as an added benefit. I expect to both purchase materials and apply surface treatments, etc. in bulk rather than small batches, which will save time (and money) as well.
I am awaiting a decision from the clients regarding the design details, but I appreciate your input as well.
-Tom
p.s.- Thanks for the fave on my little racecar too!
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definitely more magical than the caduceus in most medical journals and such
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...and, amazingly, it is every bit as effective at diagnosis and cure of illness.
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βMedicine can only cure curable disease, and then not alwaysβ -(Chinese Proverb)
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yes i believe it is!
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This is awesome, I did my fair share of learning the ropes of this with my "Asclepius" painting. Excellent attention to detail!
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Thanks, Jeff. So far, *mythfits seems pretty pleased as well. I'm working on a version with a gold painted surface.
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I love it. I must fav and run since I have nearly 3000 deviations to look at.
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I like the idea to develop old symbols - that's evolution 
Maybe linden (or lime-tree?) would be great, because it's bright wood so it will give very good contrast and is very fine structured.
...I really admire your skills in all materials!
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Thanks for the comments and suggestions, Marcus. I also think the curve pattern is best. Still undecided about the mouths. The snakes are facing 'Vishuddha' (the 'throat' chakra) which relates to communication and growth through expression. Although I realize the open mouths might be taken as a sign of aggression, my intent was to suggest vocalization (and the closed mouths just seemed rather bland by comparison). Have to leave it up to my clients to decide.
Linden or lime might be great for the etching, but I'm not sure if it will be strong enough at the thickness I'm using (between 2mm to 5mm). Right now, I'm working with readily available plywoods (birch, poplar, luan, or oak) mainly for convenience sake, but I may experiment with your ideas as well.
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Selfmade plywood would let the costs explode I guess, especially because you had to glue on both sides...
I hope I don't annoy you but what came in my mind thinking of heralds or messengers was closed eyes.
Much fun further on with this project!
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No annoyance whatever, Marcus. I really appreciate the feedback and suggestions as this is still in the research and development stage. I like the homemade plywood idea. So far, I have been at the mercy of the plywood manufacturers concerning the interior plys, some of which do not etch darkly enough. If not on this job, I may try it on another.
-Tom
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What are the dimensions (of the piece, not your cosmic mind). :> Wow. wow. wow.
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Brilliant, miles beyond my hopes, Tom!! I can't wait to pass along this link. Great work!!!
Thank you so much!
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Regards,
-Tom
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i like the middle one not to dark or light. very nice work
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Thanks for the feedback! I was kind of leaning that way myself.
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