Jose AND LETIA STEVENS 67given to you for your birthday by Aunt Mabel, even though
it is pretty to others. The fact is, your body probably doesn't
like it at all and thus you never wear it. On the other hand,
you may just love an ornate silver ring with some turquoise
inlay, a Navajo favorite. The spirit of turquoise tends to open
the heart and allow creativity to flow. If you love it and it
feels good, then it is right for you. Shamans pay attention to
these allies and they notice how their bodies feel when
around them.
Although wearing metals and stones next to the skin ex-
ercises a greater effect on you, larger quantities in the envi-
ronment will emit their power and impact as well.
A hunk of jade, coral, or quartz in the room will influence
you according to its makeup and size. You may love to enter
a room with a large amethyst, but avoid a room decorated
with onyx statues. You are naturally responding to the power
and life in the mineral world.
Here we will not go into detail about the specific effects of
different gemstones and rock structures. Although there are
general influences and tendencies, people best discover for
themselves by experience which rocks, gemstones, and
metals are personally helpful and which are not. We will,
however, give some exercises that will help you tune into the
spirit of rocks and cooperate with them for more successful
living. Not only will you become more knowledgeable about
rocks, but you will gain some new friends as well.
Exercise #1: Rocks and Minerals
This exercise will acquaint you with the spirit of rocks and
minerals. Becoming acquainted with their spirit will automat-
ically open up the channels to communication and therefore
to their power.
Choose a rock, mineral, or gemstone. Better yet, let one
choose you. The right rock for you will automatically grab
your attention, even if it is not pretty to look at. It could be
any rock, even a simple small one found on the street. Let
yourself be drawn to it. If you see it outside, always ask it for
permission to remove it from its natural setting.
Sit down with the rock, mineral, or gemstone in your
hands and study it carefully. Notice every detail; shape,
color, temperature, and how it feels in your hand. Then close
your eyes and ask it these questions:
- What are your specific properties?
- Is there anything you want to tell me?