Sacred Stones
I have always had an affinity to stones, for as long as I can remember. Always seeing an unusual shape here or a beguiling colour there, a smooth one picked up by the river or one with a ripple design on it, whatever the magic I just had to have it and take it home with me. As a child I always had a stone in my pocket and not much has changed since, I always have a stone somewhere around me or on me. A trip to the beach or the mountains always culminates in a new souvenir, it is not a conscious thing, it is more like a magnet, as if someone is calling “look at me, look at me”, once the stone has caught my eye, thats it, instant possession. Once it is home it must be cleaned and inspected for any other unusual qualities and then it is lovingly placed in the special space that just feels exactly right for that particular stone.
Later still, I discovered the precious and semi-precious stones, it was like being in Fairyland, all those colours and textures, some names unpronouncable, stones of sparkling, twinkling pure joy. There is an age old saying “As above, so Below”, well that is true, as many colours that can be found in flowers, birds, fish, sky, can be found in gemstones and minerals. From the palest most delicate colours to the brightest, gaudiest ones. Each one has a special meaning for me and fulfills a certain purpose at given times. All I can say is that my life has definitely benefitted from my affinity to stones.
I had an ensuite bathroom built on to my bedroom and in the floor of the shower I have imbedded some tumbled gemstones, my sacred stones. I put in some red Jasper, Orange Carnelian, Green Moss Agate, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, and Clear Quartz Crystal. Each time I shower, I rub my feet over the stones and speak. Firstly I say Thank you for this wonderful day, Thank you for all the Joy in my life, Thank you for giving me the wonderful Family that I have, Thank you for the great, supportive friends that I have. Then I rub my feet over the Red Jasper and ask that I be able to keep my feet firmly on the ground and not be influenced by the things that seem too good to be true. On the Carnelian I ask that I not be led into hasty decisions or anger but instead be granted patience. On the Rose Quartz I ask that I may give and receive love among family, friends, loved ones and all humanity. On the Green Agate I ask that I be able to voice and show my love in everything I say and do. On the Amethyst I ask that I attain a higher level of understanding for the world and everything that exists within it. On the Crystal I ask that I will have the wisdom to recognise my mistakes and to have the courage and strength to put things right. Lastly I go back to the red Jasper and ask that I come back down to earth and face all the challenges and excitement of this new day.
This little ritual has made an amazing difference to my life, it has brought me patience, peace, understanding of myself and others, but mostly has made me see that nothing is insurmountable. Perhaps it is the repetition that reinforces what I say or perhaps it is the magis of the sacred stones. Who knows!
I was born to catch dragons in their dens
And pick flowers
To tell tales and laugh away the morning
To drift and dream like a lazy stream
And walk barefoot across sunshine days.
James Kavanaugh