| The History of Charmstones |
The charmstone
is a mineral believed to have mystical or healing powers. The stones or
pebbles themselves occur naturally but they are honed or adapted in
some way to inject charm and esoteric value.
Painted pebble charm stones date back thousands of years. They have been used as both sling-stones (made more potent by the addition of a magic or tribal emblem - as in ancient Greece) or, more commonly, as stones with reputed magical powers. In Scotland, 'cold-stones' were used to help cure sick animals. Water into which the pebble had been dipped was believed to have healing powers. One such stone preserved in the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland belonged to a farmer in Angus in the 1870s which he kept in a small leather bag suspended round his neck. In Arran, there was a stone called Baul Muluy which was used to disperse enemies: When thrown among the front ranks, the opposing army would retreat in confusion. The Macdonalds were said to have gained many a victory in this way. In medieval Iceland, the belief in charm-stones was extremely strong and featured in the 12th century Gragas law-book as well as in Icelandic folk tales and sagas such as the Laxdaela. In Scandinavia, warriors carried amulets called 'life-stones' or 'victory-stones' to strengthen their hand in a fight. When Saint Columbia was in Pictland in 565 AD, visiting the court of King Bridei, he took a white stone from the river Ness, blessed it, and instructed that the water into which it had been dipped be given to sick people in order to cure them. The stone was kept in the royal treasury and used many times.
|
 |
| The Lee Penny |
|
|
| Charmstones and the holistic approach |
Charm stones were used by Native Americans for spiritual ceremonies and healing rituals, and to secure a productive harvest. Nowadays, lucky charm stones, charm bracelets, and charm rings are hugely popular, especially amongst those interested in a holistic approach to life. The holistic style of education, for example, as espoused by Montessori and Steiner, cultivates the spiritual dimensions of a child - basing its teachings on the premise that each person finds identity, meaning, and purpose in life through connections to the community, to the natural world, and . . to spiritual values.
The Miwok and Pomo tribes of Northern California left thousands of charm stones on the bed of Tolay Lake which were used in spiritual ceremonies. Charm stones are also seen with the Shaligram Shilas in Hinduism and by the Maban of the Australian Aboriginies. Buddhists have the Cintamani Stone. Montessori herself spoke of "cosmic" education . . using spiritual mysticism to help people feel part of the wholeness of the universe. Today's new age thinking is rooted in the past and the use of charm stones, charm rings and charm bracelets is commonplace.
| |
| Indalo lucky charm stones |
Indalo charm stones are unique: Originating in Almeria, Andalucia, in southern Spain, they feature the Indalo Rainbow Warrior - the little Indalo symbol which is steeped in history, and reputed to have magical powers to offer protection from harm, and bring good fortune and prosperity. There are several designs representing Love, Friendship, Prosperity, Protection, Health, Happiness, Fulfillment of Dreams . . .
Choose an Indalo design to meet your own special needs:
| |
 |
| RAINBOW WARRIOR |
|
| | |
 |
| PEACE |
|
| | |
 |
| DREAMS |
|
| | |
 |
| JOY |
|
| | |
 |
| GUARDIAN |
|
| | |
 |
| LOVE |
|
| | |
 |
| VITALITY |
|
| | |
 |
| ETERNITY |
|
| | |
 |
| MYSTICAL |
|
| | |
We can adapt the designs for bulk orders over 20 pieces (e.g. corporate colours for corporate gifts, promotional items, etc). Please Contact Us.
|
|
