~Keepers of the spirit~
The use of stones for healing is as old as time itself. Most of us however, only think of gemstones and crystals when it comes to healing. Many native cultures believe that stones have innate ‘healing powers’. In Native american traditions stones are referred to as, "Grandfather Stones" and have been used in sweat lodge ceremonies since ancient times. In the ceremony, the use of the four elements of fire, water, air and earth in the heating preparation of the stones for the ritual is a key element of the process.
Another Native American ritual used a heated stone that was wrapped in cloth/bark. This warm stone was placed onto the lower abdomen of a woman who was menstruating, in order to relieve cramps.
The ancient Hawaiians refer to hot molten lava rocks as Pohaku. These stones were wrapped in Ti leaves and placed on sore muscles to reduce pain Pohaku were also placed in shallow pits and covered with these same leaves, with the patient then laying on top of the leaves to allow the healing properties to infuse into the body.
In India, The Rishis (seers), used stones during Shila Abhyanga (stone massage). The body is massage in copius amounts of warm herbalized oil and heated stones are the massaged into to various points of the body to balance the Dosha's and promote healing and longevity.
Why are stones so healing?
Have you ever been to the beach or on a hike and found yourself drawn to a particular stone on your path? Stones have a way of calling to us when we need them. Stones act like magnets on a subtle level. They help reorganize the structure of the energetic human anatomy and assist in polarizing imbalances within the physical body. Nearly all minerals possess some magnetic character.
Granite stones for instance connect us to the earth and water elements. Granite contains shiny, light reflecting drusies. A stone that works with both emotions and practicality.
Basalt stones are commonly found along pacific coastline beaches and river beds where volcanic activity has once occurred These dark stones are formed when molten lava is cooled.
Basalt is a stone of strength and courage, it allows one the opportunity for stability throughout changes in their life. If you are going through a lot of shifts in your life then basalt would be a helpful stone for you. Basalt helps to diminish the negative aspects of one’s character and allow us one to see where modification of your character can be helpful. Since basalt was once molten lava, it has the power of fire within. If you find yourself drawn to Basalt, it may be telling you to add a little fire energy to your life.
In my massage practice I use mineral composite stones made up of ancient bedrock that I have hand selected from the coastlines of the Pacific Northwest. These stones are my treasured gems. Even more so than any gemstone or crystals I own.
Next time you venture out into the great outdoors and you come a cross a stone that calls to you. Sit with it a while. Listen to what the Keeper of Spirits are trying to tell you. If you are a rock hound like me and you decide to keep it. Make sure you give Mother Earth your thanks for providing you with her wisdom.
wild witch of the forest
The use of stones for healing is as old as time itself. Most of us however, only think of gemstones and crystals when it comes to healing. Many native cultures believe that stones have innate ‘healing powers’. In Native american traditions stones are referred to as, "Grandfather Stones" and have been used in sweat lodge ceremonies since ancient times. In the ceremony, the use of the four elements of fire, water, air and earth in the heating preparation of the stones for the ritual is a key element of the process.
Another Native American ritual used a heated stone that was wrapped in cloth/bark. This warm stone was placed onto the lower abdomen of a woman who was menstruating, in order to relieve cramps.
The ancient Hawaiians refer to hot molten lava rocks as Pohaku. These stones were wrapped in Ti leaves and placed on sore muscles to reduce pain Pohaku were also placed in shallow pits and covered with these same leaves, with the patient then laying on top of the leaves to allow the healing properties to infuse into the body.
In India, The Rishis (seers), used stones during Shila Abhyanga (stone massage). The body is massage in copius amounts of warm herbalized oil and heated stones are the massaged into to various points of the body to balance the Dosha's and promote healing and longevity.
Why are stones so healing?
Have you ever been to the beach or on a hike and found yourself drawn to a particular stone on your path? Stones have a way of calling to us when we need them. Stones act like magnets on a subtle level. They help reorganize the structure of the energetic human anatomy and assist in polarizing imbalances within the physical body. Nearly all minerals possess some magnetic character.
Granite stones for instance connect us to the earth and water elements. Granite contains shiny, light reflecting drusies. A stone that works with both emotions and practicality.
Basalt stones are commonly found along pacific coastline beaches and river beds where volcanic activity has once occurred These dark stones are formed when molten lava is cooled.
Basalt is a stone of strength and courage, it allows one the opportunity for stability throughout changes in their life. If you are going through a lot of shifts in your life then basalt would be a helpful stone for you. Basalt helps to diminish the negative aspects of one’s character and allow us one to see where modification of your character can be helpful. Since basalt was once molten lava, it has the power of fire within. If you find yourself drawn to Basalt, it may be telling you to add a little fire energy to your life.
In my massage practice I use mineral composite stones made up of ancient bedrock that I have hand selected from the coastlines of the Pacific Northwest. These stones are my treasured gems. Even more so than any gemstone or crystals I own.
Next time you venture out into the great outdoors and you come a cross a stone that calls to you. Sit with it a while. Listen to what the Keeper of Spirits are trying to tell you. If you are a rock hound like me and you decide to keep it. Make sure you give Mother Earth your thanks for providing you with her wisdom.
wild witch of the forest
