Stone Work

Many shamans work with stones. For example, it is an ancient tradition of the Q’ero shamans from the mountains of Peru. Their belief, as ours, is that there is spirit in all things.

One of the practices that the Q’ero shamans have is the use of power stones. Work is brought about by the shamans’ strong belief in, and communication with, the spirits of the mineral kingdom, and by loving and caring for stones both as an integral part of nature, and as their individual stone representatives in their work; speaking with them, and creating a subtle energy through contact with them.

The Q’ero shamans learn how to use their clear intention to find the particular purpose and meaning of their individual stones. To discover the energy that will work with a person, animal, plant or place. Each power stone has a spirit essence that will transmit its higher energy help, and which the shaman allows to flow through to who, or whatever is in need.

A set of stones may look insignificant, but their power can be immense and intense. A set is rarely handled by anyone other than its owner, and sometimes it is not viewed except when working. All are kept lovingly wrapped, bedded and bundled in a way they like.

A stone set maybe collected over many years. Some just appear and call to the shaman. Others are sought on sacred treks or expeditions. But, however they are acquired they are always addressed with humility, love and gratitude.

How to find your Stone by making a Walking Journey, sometimes called a Medicine Walk, or a Walk of Attention

Allow yourself about half an hour. Do not rush. Write down your intention. For example - ‘I am going on a walking journey to find a Stone who can help me with my daily life’. Find a threshold for the start of your journey, perhaps a gate, a gap between two trees, or a point stepping over something. State your intention as you do this.

Once you have crossed the threshold, pay attention to what happens and how you are feeling.

Allow yourself to be led on the walk by your surroundings. For example, by the wind, the birds, the other sounds, a feeling as to which way to go.

If no stone calls to you do not worry, be patient, go back on another day.

Use a threshold to finish your journey. It can be the one you started with, or a different one.

Be sure to allow yourself the space and time to participate fully in your walk. Write up any insights or wisdom you received on your walk and, if your walk is prior to a teaching session or a group meeting, bring your writing to the next meeting, together with the Stone that has chosen you.