Shells, Fossils, and Rocks
Shells and fossils also have their place in magickal work. Since ancient times, they have served as units of monetary as well as mystical value. As physical records of earlier geological periods and long-ago life forms, shells and fossils symbolize endurance and the cyclical nature of earthly existence. These natural objects carry specific energy imprints that witches today can activate and direct for specific purposes.
Stone casting is a divination method that uses shells, stones, or other minerals to provide guidance and answers to questions. Take a collection of stones (shells, etc.) and toss them on a surface. The way each stone lands, the overall pattern, and the symbolic value of the stones, are all interpreted. Runes are also carved on stones, bone, and shells, then used for divination.
Rings of standing stones, such as those at Stonehenge and nearby Avebury, define sacred space. Individual stones often mark the four directions in a ritual circle. Stones imprinted with natural circles offer protection. In sweat lodge ceremonies, red-hot rocks fuel the purification process that aids spiritual growth. In feng shui, heavy stones hold down chi and provide stability.
Clearly, stones of all kinds have long held a sense of magick for humankind — who hasn't reached down and picked up a pretty pebble and kept it as a touchstone? Perhaps their very ancientness, their role as witnesses to history, provides a sense of connection and continuity. As repositories of experience, the mysteries they contain make them an unparalleled source of knowledge that we have yet to fully grasp.
Substance |
Uses |
Amber |
fossilized resin, sometimes containing insects, it's worn for protection |
Bone |
to provide strength and structure; for longevity |
Coral |
to attract love, to enhance intuition and creativity; red and pink coral are the preferred types for protecting children |
Cross stone |
sometimes called a faery cross, it honors the four quarters and their corresponding elements |
Geode |
to create a natural womb for energy; for mental or physical fertility; an ideal Goddess emblem |
Hag stone |
also known as a holey stone, it's a plain rock with a hole through it that's found near water; stimulates health, luck, and blessings, and is considered the gift of the sea goddess |
Jet |
a fossilized bit of wood, it provides strength and courage, particularly in difficult situations |
Lava |
born of fire, lava burns away sickness and negativity |
Petrified wood |
if you can determine the tree from which it comes, its energies will be connected to that type of tree; generically, petrified wood helps you honor cycles in your life and supports longevity |
Pumice |
carry a piece of pumice to ease your burdens and make the road ahead less difficult |
Round stone |
for good fortune; to encourage wholeness and unity; it also represents the Sacred Circle |
Sand dollar |
a gift from the sea, the sand dollar provides protective energy, especially of your personal resources and energies (note the natural pentagram design) |
Shells |
to connect with your intuition, enhance feminine qualities, improve divinatory ability; for relaxation |
Stalagmites and stalactites |
once carried for protection and male fertility, stalagmites produce upward moving energy, while stalactites direct it downward; for increasing or banishing power, respectively |
White stone |
among the Celts, a white stone found adjacent to a holy well could help the bearer see faeries |
Stone casting is a divination method that uses shells, stones, or other minerals to provide guidance and answers to questions. Take a collection of stones (shells, etc.) and toss them on a surface. The way each stone lands, the overall pattern, and the symbolic value of the stones, are all interpreted. Runes are also carved on stones, bone, and shells, then used for divination.
Rings of standing stones, such as those at Stonehenge and nearby Avebury, define sacred space. Individual stones often mark the four directions in a ritual circle. Stones imprinted with natural circles offer protection. In sweat lodge ceremonies, red-hot rocks fuel the purification process that aids spiritual growth. In feng shui, heavy stones hold down chi and provide stability.
Clearly, stones of all kinds have long held a sense of magick for human-kind — who hasn't reached down and picked up a pretty pebble and kept it as a touchstone? Perhaps their very ancientness, their role as witnesses to history, provides a sense of connection and continuity. As repositories of experience, the mysteries they contain make them an unparalleled source of knowledge that we have yet to fully grasp.
