Making Your Own Spirit Stones

Painting stones to focus intent is the practice of many different cultures. Tania Ahsan shows you how to make your own Spirit Stone Spirit stones are inspired by thunderstones, a Haitian idea that originates in the belief that there are powerful stones out in the world that were formed during the creation of the universe. The creation story is that when Damballah and Ayida-Wedo, the snake-gods, gave birth to all life, sparks of magic fell from them as lightning to the Earth. This energy imbedded itself in the landscape, producing natural places of power. Their power entered the stones of those places. Some shamanic practitioners believe that this power can be accessed through painted stones, made with intent. Spirit stones work on exactly the same principle. When you paint your stone, you are asking the universe to manifest that desire for you. It is deeply and profoundly personal. You then reinforce your intent each time you handle your stone. You can carry a stone made for wealth in your purse, near your wallet. A stone for getting rid of nightmares can be placed under your pillow or mattress. You can make very large stones for your home and garden to protect your property from theft, fire or flood. Spirit stones work by helping you tap into a source of universal manifestation.

Make your own Spirit Stone

Painting stones to focus intent is the practice of many different cultures. Tania Ahsan shows you how to make your own Spirit Stone

 

Spirit stones are inspired by thunderstones, a Haitian idea that originates in the belief that there are powerful stones out in the world that were formed during the creation of the universe. The creation story is that when Damballah and Ayida-Wedo, the snake-gods, gave birth to all life, sparks of magic fell from them as lightning to the Earth. This energy imbedded itself in the landscape, producing natural places of power. Their power entered the stones of those places. Some shamanic practitioners believe that this power can be accessed through painted stones, made with intent. Spirit stones work on exactly the same principle.

When you paint your stone, you are asking the universe to manifest that desire for you. It is deeply and profoundly personal. You then reinforce your intent each time you handle your stone. You can carry a stone made for wealth in your purse, near your wallet. A stone for getting rid of nightmares can be placed under your pillow or mattress. You can make very large stones for your home and garden to protect your property from theft, fire or flood. Spirit stones work by helping you tap into a source of universal manifestation.

 

Finding your stone

 

A couple of my friends who share my compulsion for picking up rocks, stones, pebbles and shells have told me that they forget where they got them after a while. I never do. To me, each stone and shell is a living being. I remember where they come from just as I would remember, if we were to meet, whether you were from Derbyshire or Dallas.

I also remember because I ask stones whether they are willing to come away with me. It may sound strange or fanciful but the next time you are on a beach or near a lake, hold a stone in non-dominant hand (left if you’re right-handed and vice versa), close your eyes and see what impressions come into your mind. If you mentally ask the stone if it will come away with you, you will find you get a strong ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response from this supposedly silent object.

 

 

Rocky stones

Volcanic, jagged rocks are not usually suitable for painting but are fantastic for raising the energy in your home. If you find a particularly beautiful one, you can use it without painting it for focusing ‘doing’ energy into you. Just remember to ask the stone if it wants to come with you and, again, if it wants to be painted if you’re in any doubt.

 

Woodland stones

These are cool, earthy stones that take on the energy of the tree canopy above them. They are very good for calming rowdy children and for helping with stress.

 

River stones

These stones are fantastic for healing emotional and physical wounds and calming fevers (though only after you’ve sought proper medical advice!). Whatever size your river stone is, it can bring a sense of light and joy into your home. Every once in a while, take your stone to running water and wash it, it will renew its energy. You may even decide to paint your stone as a home protection one and pop it in your pond.

 

Sea stones

These are wild, wandering stones and you may find that these stones journey away from you, after staying a while and working their magic. They make fantastic gifts as Spirit Stones because the more they change hands, the happier they will be. Don’t worry about having an unhappy sea stone – they can find their own way back to the sea when they’re done on land.

 

Mysterious stones

In the garden, in an urban pub or in your shoe, some stones turn up when you’re not looking for them. Like rocky stones, these mysterious stones don’t always need painting to be potent. You will know when you touch them what they’re with you for. Put them on your altar or hold them when you sit in meditation – you’re truly blessed if you get one.

 

Painting your stone

 

Materials

Paintbrushes

Acrylic paints

Palette

Quick drying varnish

Old newspapers

 

Preparing your stone

Wash your stone in clean water and dry it completely. Leave it overnight in a bowl of salt, covering it entirely. In the morning, brush off the salt.

Sit in meditation with your stone for a while and ensure that you are meant to paint it. Some stones are very beautiful in their own right and nature has done the artistry for you. Think of the symbols and pictures that represent what it is you want to manifest. You don’t have to be great at art; you’re looking for simple representations of what it is you want to bring about.

 

Step One

Paint your base coat. This should be the colour that you most associate with your intent. Ensure this coat dries completely before moving onto the next step. Try to keep your strokes in one direction and concentrate on your outcome as much as possible.

 

Step Two

Add your pattern and symbols. This may be a two or even three stage process with you building up paint and patterns, depending on the style you want to use. Aboriginal-inspired painting, for example, uses dots to build up intricate patterns. Paint any colours on first before you do white dots to finish, ensuring you wait for each colour to dry.

 

Step Three

Once all your coats of paint are dry and you are happy with your pattern, paint varnish over your stone. This will dry to hard-wearing, glossy surface that will allow you to carry your stone around with you without damaging it.

 

 

 

 

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