Reading Witches Stones

     Below are ten symbols you would commonly see used on witches stones. Personally these are the symbols I would use if putting together a set for someone who was interested in learning them.

Wyrd - Fate, destiny, the unknown, that which is yet to be decided.

Black - Negativity, bad luck.

Spears - An argument, dispute or confrontation.

Moon - A change, usually within 28 days (one moon cycle).

Sun - Growth, prosperity, abundance.

God - A man or a leader like/providing force.

Goddess - A female figure, a protective force or a care giver.

Birds - A message.

Corn - A work or career situation, or hard work bringing rewards.

Rings - A partnership or relationship.

Some other symbols you may come across are;

Spiral - A situation gathering momentum, a situation that has been ongoing for some time.

Birds - A message.

Waves - Travel, contact from close friends/family.

Wheel - The current situation is only temporary.

Nail - Needed help/protection coming.

Key - A new opportunity presenting itself.

   Usually to use the stones I would do either a three or seven stone casting. Three stone castings are good for getting a feel for the stones when you first start working with them, they are also great for quick answers and readings to uncomplicated questions and scenarios. Seven stone castings are great for general readings, or more complicated queries. Both are performed pretty much the same way.

   First hold the bag containing the stones and gently shake the stones whilst clearly holding the information and answers you wish to get from the reading in your mind. If doing the reading for someone else make sure you have this person at the forefront of your thoughts too.

   Pick stones out of the bag , hold them together in one had 4-6 inches above table and then drop them. Look at the stones and how they have landed. Some stones will have fallen close to each other , these stones will relate to each other. Some stones may have landed upside down. Some readers will simply turn them over and read as normal - (this is my own chosen method), some will discount them all together, and some believe that it indicates the opposite of the meaning indicated when the stone is the correct way up."

Book Review: Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom

I was recently sent a copy of “Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom”, the book is written by Carole Carlton, and is the fourth book in the “Mrs Darley” series. Anyone looking at the cover and title of this book would be forgiven for thinking that they were looking at a spell book of healing rituals, but as the back cover explains...

“When we become ill we search for a cure, but a cure only suppresses the symptoms of disorder; it fails to address the underlying cause. When we search for healing, we are encouraged to look beyond the symptom, in order to explore the emotional, psychological and spiritual imbalances which underpin the illness.

Following several periods of less than robust health, Carole Carlton's enigmatic next door neighbour, the ever wise Mrs Darley, invited her to embark on a journey of healing through the five senses. It was a journey that not only made Carole view life and death in a different way, but also altered the way in which she interacted with her body. It ultimately became a magickal journey that changed Carole's career and touched her soul.”

The main body of this book contains information, history and references to how the human body responds to the way it interacts with it's surroundings. How these things can manifest into physical and psychological aliments, and what can be done to prevent and address these things if they do cause ill affects.

Usually books like this are fairly textbook-ish, and not the sort of thing you would sit down with on a Sunday afternoon with a pot of tea. However, the way the book has been structured means that all the factual and evidential information is peppered with “Mrs Darley Tale” segments. These anecdotal, diary-type stories not only make this book a much more enjoyable read, but also put the information you've absorbed into an everyday context, making it easier to relate to and put into practice.

After reading this book I would have no hesitation in recommending it to my Pagan friends who are interested in healing work. I would also list it as a good read for anyone, regardless of spiritual affiliation, who is interested in alternative therapies, or is currently studying or working in the fields of holistic therapies or homeopathy.

For more information about Carole Carlton and the “Mrs Darley” series of books visit www.arcanus.co.uk.