The stones I collected seemed to call out to me -- wanting to be picked up -- showing me pictures within the surfaces. I began to follow the lines I'd see on the rocks with paint strokes so that I could show others what I saw at about the age of five. The Pop craze of the Pet Rock that swept America in the later 1970's only served to encourage my feeling that stones are alive and do communicate.
As my Earth based spirituality developed later in life it occurred to me these rocks have messages to share just like a spirit guide. In Native American spirituality stones are often believed to hold spirits. In the Inipi, or Lakota Sweat Lodge Ceremony, heated stones are thought to be Grandfathers and given great respect. Ancient peoples went to great effort to place pictures on rock outcroppings and cave walls. Modern Neo-Pagan, Wiccan practices encourage direct communication with nature and the exchange of energy with things in nature. I could no longer resist the urge to share the stones in my collection so I began to sell, or adopt out, these creations as Spiritkeepers™ in 1997-98. Earlier painted stones by Tree may have been signed as Desktop Doodles.
Each stone comes from my personal rock collection and is gathered by myself either from nature or purchased. I think of them as individuals and treat them respectfully as spiritual beings. Some stones may have been in my collection for up to thirty years before being painted! As of 2006 all Spiritkeepers are individually numbered and signed with the rune like symbol seen on the logo design.
Because I'm so anthropomorphic in my treatment of the stones, it can sometimes hurt when it's time for them to go to new homes. They become like friends over time. But I feel as if I'm doing a spiritual duty of a sort when I'm called to paint a Spiritkeepers and offer it for sale. In my eclectic Wiccan belief I have given my life over to service to the Gods, (I do as I feel I am asked by my personal deity figures in service of humanity and nature). Stones and rocks call out to me with a spiritual voice or energy vibration almost like a psychic sense. That sounds heavy and serious -- and it is -- but it's always great fun discovering the final image hidden inside these stones!
I can have a general idea what I want to do at the start of one of these rock paintings, but I remain open to guidance -- from whatever the source -- and allow the images to evolve naturally. I often use the natural lines and bumps in the rock to create the picture on the stone, never filling in spaces with wood putty or other fillers! Because I think of them as metaphysical, spiritual objects I only work on Spiritkeepers in a positive frame of mind and do my best to imbue them with positive energy. I only create Spiritkeepers when I feel I am called to do so, making them somewhat rare. For more general information see the blog archive for the FAQs page.
I am a serious artist and a serious mystic. But I never take anything too seriously! The engery of Divine Spirit often moves through laughter.
As my Earth based spirituality developed later in life it occurred to me these rocks have messages to share just like a spirit guide. In Native American spirituality stones are often believed to hold spirits. In the Inipi, or Lakota Sweat Lodge Ceremony, heated stones are thought to be Grandfathers and given great respect. Ancient peoples went to great effort to place pictures on rock outcroppings and cave walls. Modern Neo-Pagan, Wiccan practices encourage direct communication with nature and the exchange of energy with things in nature. I could no longer resist the urge to share the stones in my collection so I began to sell, or adopt out, these creations as Spiritkeepers™ in 1997-98. Earlier painted stones by Tree may have been signed as Desktop Doodles.
Each stone comes from my personal rock collection and is gathered by myself either from nature or purchased. I think of them as individuals and treat them respectfully as spiritual beings. Some stones may have been in my collection for up to thirty years before being painted! As of 2006 all Spiritkeepers are individually numbered and signed with the rune like symbol seen on the logo design.
Because I'm so anthropomorphic in my treatment of the stones, it can sometimes hurt when it's time for them to go to new homes. They become like friends over time. But I feel as if I'm doing a spiritual duty of a sort when I'm called to paint a Spiritkeepers and offer it for sale. In my eclectic Wiccan belief I have given my life over to service to the Gods, (I do as I feel I am asked by my personal deity figures in service of humanity and nature). Stones and rocks call out to me with a spiritual voice or energy vibration almost like a psychic sense. That sounds heavy and serious -- and it is -- but it's always great fun discovering the final image hidden inside these stones!
I can have a general idea what I want to do at the start of one of these rock paintings, but I remain open to guidance -- from whatever the source -- and allow the images to evolve naturally. I often use the natural lines and bumps in the rock to create the picture on the stone, never filling in spaces with wood putty or other fillers! Because I think of them as metaphysical, spiritual objects I only work on Spiritkeepers in a positive frame of mind and do my best to imbue them with positive energy. I only create Spiritkeepers when I feel I am called to do so, making them somewhat rare. For more general information see the blog archive for the FAQs page.
I am a serious artist and a serious mystic. But I never take anything too seriously! The engery of Divine Spirit often moves through laughter.
*What is a holey stone?
A naturally holed stone, or holey stone, is also known as the Witches Amulet. It is the
most powerful protection amulet for the witch because it IS the presence of the
Goddess Herself. The opening in the stone is the Sacred Womb of the Earth. When
strung with a red string or ribbon and hung over the bed it acts as a shield against
bad dreams; called the Witches Dream Shield -- much like the Native American dream
catcher. A holey stone may also be used for Full Moon magic by gazing at the moon
through the hole.
most powerful protection amulet for the witch because it IS the presence of the
Goddess Herself. The opening in the stone is the Sacred Womb of the Earth. When
strung with a red string or ribbon and hung over the bed it acts as a shield against
bad dreams; called the Witches Dream Shield -- much like the Native American dream
catcher. A holey stone may also be used for Full Moon magic by gazing at the moon
through the hole.
*What is the metaphysical or spiritual reason for painting on a fossil?
From a metaphysical view, being comprised of fossil, this stone is a link to ancient
knowlegde -- the Akashic Record. It is thought this type of stone can accelerate the
transfer of said knowledge into one's "being". Telepathic abilities may develope or
increase. Fossils in general, from a metaphysical understanding, may bring quality &
excellence into one's surroundings. It may raise the level of, and add to one's
acheivemnts in the business world. Creativity may be increased simply by the presence
of fossil stone in the environment. (some portions of above paragraph from Love is in
the Earth by Melody)
* What is a totem animal or spirit guide? See the Animal Totems Page here at Mystic Griffin.
*Where do you get the stones you use to make Spiritkeepers™?
I get my stones from a variety of sources. See our STONES page here at Mystic Griffin.
I've collected rocks and minerals all of my life. It's almost as if I hear them call out to me. Some of the stones used for Spiritkeepers have been in my personal collection for up to thirty years! I've been known to travel often through out my life too and so have collected rocks from road sides and truck stops all over America. There are places to go on vacations where I could mine or pan for gems, and I did quite well! Some of the rocks were collected by other folks on vacations. Due to the location of my home I can simply dig in my garden to find interesting fossils and stones. But through the years I've attended many rock and mineral shows to make purchases to add to my collection. I've scoured many a flea market and yard sale for that perfect find. Now, with the technology of today I can also scour the Net when the mood strikes me.
I've never knowingly obtained stones from illegal methods. If you go out collecting yourself know that most state parks prohibit the collecting of fossil and plant specimens. It's also a no-no to pocket treasures from private property. Usually though you can knock on the door of the property owner and they'll let you in with a smile. I once braved a lone bull in a pasture for a stone with a lovely shape. The owner stood by, just in case, but he wouldn't go in after the stone! He thought I was nuts! Maybe so. :)
*How do you decide what to paint on a stone or rock?
Sometimes the shape of the stone already looks like something. It could have the outline of an animal so clearly that anyone could see it. Or the lines on the surface may make a picture. I'll follow those lines with paint and sort of fill in the blanks. There are other times though where it seems as if the stone tells me what it wants to become. I may see the shape of a wolf and begin to paint one, but if the stone is whispering that it wants to become a cougar there's nothing I can seem to do to stop a cougar from emerging.
*How do you decide what to paint on a stone or rock?
Sometimes the shape of the stone already looks like something. It could have the outline of an animal so clearly that anyone could see it. Or the lines on the surface may make a picture. I'll follow those lines with paint and sort of fill in the blanks. There are other times though where it seems as if the stone tells me what it wants to become. I may see the shape of a wolf and begin to paint one, but if the stone is whispering that it wants to become a cougar there's nothing I can seem to do to stop a cougar from emerging.
*How do rocks talk to you? Coming soon.
*How can I own a Spiritkeepers™ of my own?
Visit the Spiritkeepers main page at this site to browse current selections.
*Do you take special requests?
Yes I do. But please understand that this this is an individual process and may take some time. The individual stones dictate what images they will portray. I couldn't just pick up any 'ol rock and paint a raven or a spider on it because someone said they'd like to have one. It is my belief that the stone tells me it has the energy of a raven totem inside it or I can see the image of a spider on the natural surface of the stone. If I don't have a stone on hand that matches the spiritual energy of your request all I can do is tell you so and then keep my eyes out for the right one; the exchange of energy is often more important than the exchange of currency, to myself. Contact me for more information about a special project and I'll see what I can do.
*Can I have a portrait of my pet done as a Spiritkeepers™ ?
No. I'm sorry, but the individual stone decides what it wants to become, in my mind. As fine artists my husband and myself are both willing to do more traditional pet portraits, but the stones are never treated as a merely a painting surface. Please see the side bar links for information on pet portraits. You may also search the Net for other stone artists. There are several who love to do house pets and would be glad to help you out; Spiritkeepers are generally of a more wild nature.
*All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit, copyrighted Tree Pruitt. Metaphysical suggestions are intended as entertainment only -- we make no claims as to the ability of the action of stones or advise. Meditate at your own risk! Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by artist, Tree Pruitt.
