Witchcraft on a Budget, #2
The witches of old knew well the powers inherent in the world around us. Branch, leaf, stone, wind, all were sources of unlimited power waiting to be tapped and used to one’s Will. Unlike witches today, those whom we base our traditions and practices upon had no stores from which to procure their materials. Rather, they relied upon that which could be found and made. 

It is in that very same spirit, of innovation and practicality, that the Witchcraft on a Budget series of articles is founded. 

One item, to which we all have access to, and which can be quite the magickal ally, is the simple found stone. Know it as that pebble that gets stuck in your shoe, the small stone that you nonchalantly kick down the sidewalk, or the sharp stone that you step on barefoot in your kitchen. Know it as the treasure you would stuff your pockets full of as a child and bring home to show your parents, and now, again, recall its worth and alluring pull. 

The simple found stone, for all its ordinary appearances, is quite the treasure. Just as crystals do, the found stone possesses an energy that is well suited to magickal workings. And also like crystals, various types of stones are better suited to certain specific magickal goals. But, unlike most crystals, this inherent energy is much more malleable and is able to be utilized to a wide variety of purposes (though, naturally, some stones may be more inclined to certain properties.)

These common stones, be they found in a river bed, a forest trail, or from the street, can be used as protective charms, divination aids, and even in healing, either alone or with other crystals. Their uses truly are vast, as like clear Quarts, they can be programmed to any use. Here’s how. 

Once you have found a suitable stone, preferably one that has jumped out at you and made its presence known (my favorite was gifted to me by a friendly Oak tree,) you want to make sure that it is physically clean. A light scrubbing in water will suffice, be it sink, pond, river, or ocean. At this point, you want to be open to any impressions you get from this stone; it may reveal to you what sort of magickal working it would be best suited for.

Now, if preferred, is the time to psychically cleanse the stone. This is more than likely not needed if the stone was found out in nature, but if the stone was found in the street or sidewalk, it may feel necessary to take the physical cleansing a step further. This is easily done while physically cleaning the stone: see an electric blue light emerge from your hands, washing over the stone, and removing all traces of energy that would be counterproductive to your goal. These energies will remain in the water leaving your stone clean and purified. 

To charge the stone, and thus prepare it for magickal use, first make sure that you have clear in what you want to use the stone for. One specific goal is always best in magick, as anything more can get muddled up (the energy doesn’t know where to go.) Hold your stone firmly in your dominant hand. Close your eyes, exhale, and feel yourself calm and center. Say aloud what it is you want to use the stone for (e.g. “I charge this stone for protection,” or “This stone will radiate happiness and joy.”) Focus on this goal and push that goal into the stone. You will feel the energy rise in your hand, perhaps as a tingle or warmth. Hold tight to the thought of your goal until the energy you feel in your hand changes (the heat may reside or the tingle stop.) It is done. The stone can now be effectively used. 

Carry it in your pocket, add it to a Charm bag, or use it in conjunction with Candle Spells. The found stone is very versatile and lends itself easily to a wide variety of magickal uses.