מראה – Mirror

Self-reflection

What It Is:

This is a handmade ritual art kit exploring Jewish self-reflection, blessing, and healing. Drawing on the angelic prayer and Psalm 91, the kit brings together objects crafted to help create sacred space, invite protection, and mark moments of personal or communal healing. Each element is designed to support a process of guided meditation, journaling, and ritual assembly, inviting viewers and participants to contemplate the interplay between tradition, intention, and contemporary Jewish art practice.

This body of work brings together a hand-polished obsidian meditation mirror, four preserved rose petal corners inscribed with Hebrew letters, a blessing jar intended for personal assembly with ritual ingredients, a tin of protection salt, and a journal sheet with instructions. Each component was conceived, crafted, and assembled through an intentional process of research, ritual, and reflection—drawing on Jewish tradition and personal spiritual practice. The kit as a whole is designed to support ongoing self-reflection, healing, and engagement with the evolving language of Jewish ritual art.

1. Centering & Creating Sacred Space

Compass Rose

Begin by setting an intentional, quiet space. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and prepare yourself for the ritual.

Artist’s Process
With the angelic prayer as my guide, I contemplated the meaning of protection, healing, and sacred boundaries. I assembled these tools—the blessed salt and compass rose—so that the ritual could be accessible at any time, including Shabbat, and without the need for burning or candles. Each step was approached with care, honoring tradition while making space for personal reflection and healing.

Blessed Protection Salt
A tin of kosher salt, ritually smoked and layered with herbs, citrus, and a grounding stone. The lid is hand-painted with the ritual flow map, showing the sequence of the prayer and the directions. The salt can be sprinkled, dissolved in water and sprayed, or simply placed as a centerpiece—serving as both a physical and energetic boundary for your sacred space.

Rose Petals Four preserved rose petals, each marked with a Hebrew letter for one of the four archangels. Dipped in beeswax and tipped with a natural element representing fire, water, air, or earth, these petals are arranged at the four directions. The compass rose anchors the angelic prayer and creates a circle of protection and blessing, especially in spaces where burning candles isn’t possible.

For in-depth symbolism and ingredient meanings, see the separate glossary or symbolism card.

2. Guided Self-Reflection

Obsidian Mirror

Sit quietly, holding the obsidian mirror in your palm. This is a time for guided reflection or meditation—consider where you or the world need healing right now.

Artist’s Process: I chose these small obsidian mirrors so they can be easily held in your hand or carried with you. Each mirror was treated as a ritual object: I blessed, invoked, and painted the backs with the Tree of Life and a section from Psalm 91, using special porcelain paint. The mirrors were then baked in the oven to set the paint, ensuring durability and long-lasting use. As I worked, I contemplated the ancient and cross-cultural uses of obsidian—how its glassy surface has been used to create weapons and tools, for art, for scrying, and as mirrors in ancient cultures around the world.

About the Mirror: Obsidian is formed from volcanic lava—something beautiful created out of high heat and pressure. Its dark, glassy surface is perfect for contemplation, like looking into the night sky. Obsidian has a reputation as a protector stone, providing insight, clarity, and shielding from ill will.

Using an obsidian mirror is, in some ways, like staring into the surface of a smartphone—but without the energy drain or distraction. If you’re trying to break an attachment to your phone or just have difficulty being still, having a familiar, reflective surface can help refocus your attention inward.

There are many benefits to working with obsidian mirrors for reflection and spiritual work.

Creating Space for Healing

The Blessing Jar

Invitation:
I designed the blessing jar as a way for anyone who wishes to explore their own healing journey to do so with intention and care. The process is open and welcoming—there’s no expectation or pressure, simply an invitation to participate in a ritual of self-blessing and reflection.

For me, magic is about the meaning and attention you bring to something, and the care with which it’s assembled. Each jar is meant to be personally assembled: you’re invited to add your own blessing or intention, layering the included ingredients as symbols of protection, abundance, and growth. The act of creating and charging the jar becomes a ritual in itself, offering a space for ongoing reflection and renewal, whenever or however you choose.

Process:
I personally select each ingredient for the blessing jar—gathering, measuring, and packaging everything with care and love. When you’re ready, you begin by writing a blessing or intention, something from your heart about where healing is needed for yourself or the world. You place this blessing inside the jar, then gently layer in each ingredient, taking your time to notice the colors, textures, and scents.

There’s no rush; this is a chance to slow down, to listen, and to honor whatever comes up. As you assemble the jar, you’re invited to reflect on boundaries, protection, and what it means to create a safe space for yourself.

This isn’t about getting it “right”—it’s about being present and allowing the process to be a gift, a way of connecting with Hashem, and a gentle tool for healing. When you’re finished, the jar becomes a small vessel of intention and blessing, something you can return to whenever you need support or a reminder of your own capacity for growth and renewal.

A Ritual Object for Clarity, Healing, and Safeguarding

Rue Protection Amulet

What It Is

The Rue Protection Amulet is a small, hand-assembled bottle designed as a talisman for protection, healing, and spiritual reassurance. Each ingredient and step is chosen with care, drawing on Jewish folk magic, personal research, and intention. The amulet is meant to be hung in your space or kept close, serving as a touchstone for your own protective rituals.

How It’s Made

Each amulet is assembled by hand, layering the chosen stones, herbs, and metals inside a small vessel. All components are blessed and infused with protective intention using traditional prayers and smoke. The vessel is sealed with wax and adorned with symbolic elements, then receives a final blessing before being set aside to rest.

How to Use
Hang the amulet in your home, workspace, or sacred area. It’s not intended as jewelry (it’s a bit large for that), but can be displayed, carried, or set on an altar. The amulet serves as a daily reminder of your intention, the power of ritual, and the layers of tradition and care woven into every step.

Symbolism & Ingredients

Quartz Point with Copper Wire: At the core is a quartz crystal, wrapped in copper wire. The quartz represents purity, clarity, and divine wisdom. It’s “programmed” and blessed using Psalm 91. The copper wire evokes the copper serpent staff of Moses—a symbol of healing and connection—while also serving to amplify energy and connect all elements.
Copper Shreds:

These connect and charge the amulet, acting as a spiritual “red line” and linking to the angel Michael and the rose petals in the kit.

Rue Herb: A classic ingredient in Jewish and Mediterranean folk magic, rue is used for health, wellbeing, and as a powerful ward against the evil eye. It’s also considered a guardian, especially for children.

Apache Tears (Obsidian): A form of obsidian named for the legend of the Apache women’s tears. Obsidian is ancient, protective, and reflective—used for tools, weapons, and mirrors. It’s a stone for insight, clarity, and spiritual shielding.

Howlite: Not traditionally Jewish, but chosen for its joyful, calming, and protective qualities. It serves as a foundation, like marble or a white stone, grounding the amulet in peace.

Pine Buds: Represent breath, rootedness, and community—a connection to the nourishing world.

Blue Glass Bead, Embroidery Thread (braided blue, white, black), and Hamsa Charm: These elements add layers of traditional symbolism—protection (hamsa), spiritual connection (blue/white), and a physical way to hang or carry the amulet.