One of our double sided wax seal pendants paired with a classic sterling silver Maritime anchor, both pendants handmade in the USA. Wax seal pendant features the Latin words CARPE DIEM with a compass, used by sailors for navigation during the day, on one side and CARPE NOCTEM with a sextant, used for navigation at night, on the other.

CARPE DIEM means “Seize the day.” One of the most timeless maxims still quoted in the modern world, CARPE DIEM first appeared in Odes, written by the Roman poet Horace over 2,000 years ago. The entire phrase reads CARPE DIEM, QUAM MINIMUM CREDULA POSTERO and means "pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the future." Horace intended the motto as a command to focus on the present and avoid postponing things unnecessarily, and encouragement to appreciate every moment in life. Without a firm grasp on your destiny, time can fade away in an instant, and take with it your opportunity to direct your course and pilot your fate. This pendant serves as a reminder to make the most of every moment, and be as productive as you can while the daylight lasts. How will you seize the day today?

CARPE NOCTEM means “Seize the night.” While this phrase is quoted less than its counterpart, it is still a recognizable motto and is used more often in the context of fun and enjoyment (and less in a framework of productivity). A more free translation could be "enjoy the pleasures of the night" - after all, the English word "nocturnal" draws its roots from the Latin NOCTEM. When darkness falls, the day’s work is done and many cares can be put aside until the next sunrise, and we are free to seize the night and create whatever joy strikes our fancy or take whatever rest our minds and bodies need.

We appreciate the dual nature of this juxtaposition of ideals, and enjoy the contrast that the images of day and night create. Wear this pendant with the same side always presented to a viewer, or switch between the two sides depending on which phrase you want to focus on for the day. We chose to pair the wax seal with an anchor to provide a reminder that you have things in your life that prevent you from going adrift in the sea of life and help keep you grounded.