A Question of Energies, and the Role of Stones in the Creative Process

by Janet Young

During the initial development of the first Stone Game, it could be said that we were in a state of attuned awareness. No doubt this was a result of a relaxation and energy collection exercise done early in the day, the meditative walk we had done, the collection process itself and the holding of the question about Energies.

As we placed the stones and objects around the table in various configurations based on our relationship in the world, and previous experiences there came a moment when we stopped and just gazed at the table. It was then that some of the placements just did not seem “right”. It was then that we began to spontaneously take turns putting stones in locations that “felt right” or were more optimal than their previous placement. And finally there was a moment when both Leslie and Janet agreed that yes, this is done, it feels good, the arranging is finished. While it may have been possible to find another even more optimal arrangement there was a moment reached when both felt satisfied with the result presented before them.

This process that consumed most of the day began with the collection of stones and objects. Why were these objects chosen, why were they placed on the table in groupings, and why were they finally matched, arranged, placed in the final order that was completed by dusk? It could be said that in their own way the stones – spoke to us. Something resonated between each of the participants and the objects collected that informed the participant on the action to be taken. Psychologically it might be simply explained as an awakening, or reminding of the psyche of something else that occurred previously in that participant’s life that is now being brought to the mind’s surface as a result of the question that was initially raised. The stone or object selected thus becomes the objective manifestation of a response to the question raised.

From physics we know that all objects have energy. Individual atoms have so much energy that it is impossible to chill them to a sufficiently low temperature to make them stop moving completely. Gases have more energy than liquids and they in turn have more energy than solids. Atoms with lower energy are more stable, as are their visible structures. So in general, the lower the energy state, the more stable the structure in which it resides will be.

Stones are one of the most solid of materials on our planet, yet they too contain energy. If one observes them carefully with all of our senses, simultaneously, it is possible to become aware of this energy, and of more of the essential details that mark the uniqueness of that stone than is possible with a single glance. In both the careful selection and collection of objects, and during the placement and movement of objects on a field we are able to connect our essential energy that includes the question of the moment with the unique energy of the stone or object to be placed on the field. By using objects with no previously identified history our minds are released from their requirement to name, or make intellectual sense of something upon initial encounter. This frees up our other senses and ways of interacting with our world to become more active, and perhaps to reach a new understanding of the question that is raised.

While this use of stones may be new to our world, shamans have for centuries used stones and their energies. Peruvian shamans are taught how to incorporate specific stone energies in the intensification of medicine capacities they already have, perhaps initially only as seeds. This ability to connect with seemingly inanimate objects at the level of the energies they possess has the capability to allow expansion of one’s awareness, and to permit a deeper understanding of the question raised during any particular game.