From the very earliest of times, humans have used stones for a wide variety of reasons. For example, stones have been used for building, as tools, and as adornments. They have also been used as weapons, instruments of prophecy, and implements of healing. There are many more uses of stones as well. People from all walks of life, young and old alike, have had a fascination with stones throughout the ages, and that brings us to the question...

What is that "thing" about stones? Does anybody truly know what this attraction is all about and, if so, who's to say? Well, I'll tell you who -- it's you! Subconsciously, we all know something about stones simply from our natural attraction to them. It happens to all of us - times in which we are drawn to a particular rock because it looks cool, or seems to call to us, or merely because it feels good in our hand.

An important thing to remember about the energy of stones is that what you read is not (forgive the pun) written in stone. Although there are numerous books written on the subject, and most have some good information, we all need to find what speaks to us personally. As you accept the knowledge that holds true for you, you will begin to find where the energy of the stones has its greatest power, or resonance, for your life at this time.

Every stone has its own particular energy, just as every person does. I have yet to find two stones or met two people, including twins, with the same energy or frequency. Even two stones of the same rock cut into similar shapes will have a different feel. Because of this difference, the impression or response you get from each stone will be unique for you.

Taking all of this into consideration, you might begin to see how there is a whole lot more to the energy of stones than meets the eye! One might even say that this energy is what meets the soul or the higher consciousness. I say this because most of the time we do not understand why we hang onto and take home a particular stone. We just know we need to, and so we do.

I believe that part of our desire to possess particular stones could be due to some depleted or missing frequency in the spectrum of our own energy bodies. This depletion leaves us out of balance and in search for what will help us heal. I think this is why we are attracted to certain stones, minerals, crystals - or "rocks" in general.

An attraction to a stone and the need to take it home may not always mean that it is meant for you, however. It is possible that you could be drawn to it for someone else. People we are in contact with leave an impression or a residual energy within our aura, and we connect with them even if they are not physically around us.

There have been many times I have set aside a stone or crystal or put one in my pocket before I went out, not knowing exactly why. Later, when conversing with someone, it will dawn on me that the stone I have in my pocket or put aside is meant for that person. There are also times when I know beforehand - though, personally, I like being surprised by the synchronicity. It is more fun and confirming to me that way.

I have found it very interesting and enlightening over the years to learn about the different ways people use the stones that come into their lives. My best friend Nick, for example, has been a rock junkie for most of his life. He says that the stones talk to him. Nick does lapidary work, so when he gets an impression of the shape a particular stone wants to be, he cuts and polishes it in order to enhance its energy for that specific purpose. He also sometimes wire-wraps stones to make them into necklaces for wearable healing tools.

There are several ways to utilize the energy of stones. One simple way is to make a medicine bag. Say you want more clarity in a certain situation in your life. The first thing to do is focus on what you want to know. Now, pay attention to what stones come to mind first or which ones may stand out if you have them in front of you. Collect the stones that you feel will be most beneficial for this situation. You can now put them into a leather bag (or one made of other material) and either wear it or put it in your pocket. Be sure to be aware of your thoughts and the synchronicities that occur in the days and weeks to come.

The gathering of stones was something I never planned on. In fact, I never considered working with stones - it just happened. In late 1990, I was working as an electronics technician when I discovered I was soon going to be out of work. In 1991, I went to my first gem and mineral show and found myself literally moved by a stone called Septerian Nodual. I was in a booth that had nothing but Septerian Nodual. Within three minutes, my head got that light, buzzy feeling - the kind you get right before you pass out. I left the booth to go sit on a bench, figuring I just need to eat something. After eating a bit, I felt fine and went to look at other booths. Eventually, I made my way back to the same booth and the same experience happened all over again. Although I loved the stone, I realized I could not be around so much of it.

After that experience, I was hooked. I wasn't really sure what had happened, but I was determined to find out. And so I began to learn all I could about stones. About a year later, I met Nick, who taught me a lot and still does. Most of what I know about how to listen to stones I learned from him.

In the next issue, I will share more about what I know about stones, particularly clear quartz crystal, one of my personal favorites.