Healing
Rocks!

by Ananaia O’Leary

Stones are powerful healing allies. When we think of stone healing, we often immediately think of working with the properties of crystals and semi-precious stones such as citrine, amethyst, jasper, obsidian, quartz, etc. Our vision swims with images of metaphysical shops --  laden with glittering stones, fancy price tags, and thick encyclopedias in which we can look-up each stone’s properties. While working with stones in this way can have great value, we can also engage the healing power of stones in a more direct and ancient way, adventuring into the realm of the Stone People without a field guide, allowing our intuition to lead us.  The pathways for such an exploration are numerous and varied, here are a few ideas to get you started.

Finding a Stone Ally:

The first step is realizing that stones are allies, not objects. They have ancient wisdom to share and will work with us generously if we approach them with respect. If you wish to find a stone ally, set your intention to welcome a healing ally and go out into Nature with an open heart.  Remember, you are inviting partnership with the mineral realm, not hunting for a resource. Take a walk in your favorite green space: your backyard, local park, greenway or along a river or stream.  As you walk, breathe in the scents of the Earth, feel the soil beneath your feet, the Mother holding you with each step.  Be open and aware …  your stone ally may come to you in many forms, a piece of landscaping rock, street gravel or a rock jutting out of a riverbank.  It may jump out at you, catching a gleam of the sun, whispering to you as you walk by “Notice me.” 

When you are drawn to a stone, pause a moment to ask its permission before picking it up.  If you are uncertain how to do this, just sit or stand quietly and ask “Are you willing to be my healing stone ally?”  Be present with the energies as you hold this question; you may hear, see or sense an answer within.  If the stone is willing, thank it and take it in your hand. 

Attending to Your Ally:

Remember this stone called to you for a reason, so before you start telling it what you need, open to what it has to share with you.  First sit quietly with your stone and observe … be present with it.  How does it look, feel, even smell?  What messages does it have for you, just as it is?  Being receptive is a vital part of healing.   What is the nature of this stone?  You may wish to connect to the stone spirit through a shamanic journey or sleep with it, asking the stone spirit to visit you in your dreams.  Whatever method you chose, take time to receive before actively working with your stone. 

Note: Stones found in Nature are often energetically healthier than those found in stores, but sometimes they can be carrying negative energies or trauma.  Occasionally, we are drawn to a stone, because it needs our help.  If you sense that this is the case with the stone you have chosen, decide whether you are willing and able to provide healing support at this time. If so, do this healing before doing any personal healing work with the stone. (See “Keeping the Energies Healthy” below for suggestions on how to help.)  If not, simply thank the stone, and return it to its place in Nature.   

Sharing Healing Partnership:

Once you have taken time to open to the wisdom of your stone ally and ensured that it is healthy, create some quiet space in which to begin your healing partnership. Focus on personal healing; this is a rich time of sharing and deepening your relationship.  You can incorporate your stone ally with any healing technique or approach.  Here are just a few ideas; remember to listen to the wisdom of stone and spirit as you welcome healing: 

• Focus on a specific healing intention, blow the energy of your intention into the stone, then hold it as you meditate on that issue for guidance from spirit, or involve your stone with Reiki, massage, shamanic journey, healing ritual, chakra work, or other healing work.
• Sleep with the stone, asking it to support your healing journey in the dreamtime
• Blow fears, anxieties, worries, etc. into the stone, then place it in/on the ground asking Mother Earth to mulch these energies on your behalf, or rattle over the stone to dispel the energies, etc.
• Charge the stone with your intention to welcome healing blessings, then wear, carry or sleep with the stone, meditate with the stone inviting the healing support of spirit.

Keeping the Energies Healthy:

 As your stone ally provides healing support for you, it can accumulate dense energy.  It’s important to clear any stagnant energy from the stone, periodically (frequency depends on the nature of the work you are doing).  There are many ways to clear and energize a stone: pass it through flame, rattle over it, sing to it, smudge with sage, cedar or yerba santa, soak it in saltwater, snuggle it down into the earth and let it mulch, let it rest in the moonlight for a few nights, or soak up the rays of the sun for a few days.  Whichever method you choose, remember your intention is to clear the dense energies, not to wipe the stone clean of all memory of your work together.  As the stone builds a relationship with you, it becomes a more effective ally, so allow this memory to grow within it and you. 

If it is time to end your partnership, take time to clear and cleanse the stone.  Thank it for all its help, hold it under running water for at least 5 minutes (or until it feels clear to you) and return it to Nature with gratitude.