St. John of the Cross, Handmade Medal on Chain: Patron of Those Who Are in or Have Gone through a Dark Night

Patron of those who've gone through a dark night of the soul, John of the Cross. I design, carve, and cast the medals myself (see the last 3 photos for the process). The medals are made of lead-free pewter and have designs on both sides. The medal comes on either an 18-inch or 24-inch stainless steel chain with a lobster clasp. Each necklace comes in a felt jewelry pouch with a history card that states: "'The Dark Night of the Soul,' a poem by St. John of the Cross, is about both the stages of contemplative prayer (moving from alienation from God to unification) and more generally about going through a period of suffering (for 9 months John was imprisoned, allowed to see light for only a few moments a day...) and ultimately emerging whole and enlightened. This medal, then, is meant as a reminder of hope to anyone who has gone through or is going through a period of alienation, depression, or grief, through a dark night. The medal, handmade at In the Company of Saints, depicts John at t