Kirk McLaren founded Amulets by Merlin in 1985 with the intent to offer his services as a custom jewelry designer.  Over the years he has produced logos, commemorative pins, limited and one of a kind jewelry and sculpture, medallions for social clubs, religious organizations, schools and rock groups;  for conventions, festivals and fundraisers.  On line he has a full catalog from which to order ready made designs.  If there is something that you cannot find, you may visit the custom ordering page and have your piece created: one, two or a dozen.  You may even have an entire line of jewelry designed for your company.

His first major project was The Tarot Casters: combining jewelry and the Tarot to produce a Three Dimensional Tarot System.  In the fall of 2000, Kirk returned to his earlier training as a sculptor creating small statues and motorcycle accessories.  He is currently working on two series: the Drumcircle: Dancers, drummers, parents and children; and a larger version of the Major Acranna.

Kirk first began teaching Tarot in Spokane, Washington, at Yhantra Book Store in 1980. From there he has taught workshops to groups from Southern California to New York; from small groups to major gatherings. An Amulet making workshop is now offered where one may create and amulet of thier own design and Kirk will cast it in bronze or silver.  More information may be found at: Descriptions of workshops.  A list of events attended.

His formal training in music included the piano, guitar  and sitar.  When Kirk started drumming at gatherings in the early nineties he found drumming a natural mode of expression and spiritual path. After several years of drumming the fires around the country, he initiated a local Drumcircle in south eastern Virginia at the West End Cafe. Centered on community participation rather than performance, his main focus has been to encourage beginners and professional musicians alike to drum and dance together. Kirk had done volunteer work with "NOW" and may be found at the Mystic Moon Drumcircle in Norfolk on Monday Nights. His workshop: Beginning Drumcircle for Children is designed to offer the tools of the Drumcircle to the next generation.  

If you are interested in receiving a Tarot Reading, you may call {757} 874-1476 for a reading over the phone.