In a previous blog, I’ve shared stories of the four main Elemental Altars that I created on the boundaries of the property where I live. Now, I’ll describe some other sacred art, generally rock sculptures, that I have installed around my home. Over the years, the making and re-shaping of these rock pieces has added a sense of the sacred to my living space. So many rituals and so much magic have occurred here- my home feels special and strongly energetic, within and without. This connection with magic and building stone structures is illustrated in the song Sing up the Stone, by Alane Crowomyn.
Sing up the stone, one family, Heave up the stone, one family
Around the tree in the center of our driveway, I used local rocks to indicate the four directions and elements. These are not strictly altars, but are images that honor the directions and their spirits. And yes, it’s a challenge to create Air and Water images using rocks!
Here is the East rock sculpture. I was at a loss about how to indicate Air and new beginnings, until I “happened to find”(!) a rock with air and sky colors of blue-ish green. Placing that rock on top of the opening through which the wind and air flow was a satisfying way to show the beauty and power of the Eastern Spirits.
The South and Fire are indicated with fire colored rocks in the shape of a Solar oven. Facing the southern sun, the warmth of Fire and Passion are captured in the structure that encloses a warm space, where majik and prayers can be cooked up and served!
For Water and the West, I built a structure that, to me, resembles whitewater tumbling under a natural bridge. Yes, all this made from rock! This watery totem reminds me of the power of water, of emotion and of the tides that shape us throughout our lives.
Creating the Northern sculpture I used linear rocks and stones, resembling the layers of earth and geological formations. It communicates stability and strength, unyielding formations of earthly material. Looking at it gives me a deep understanding of the characteristics of Earth that give us grounding and stability.
In addition to these four sculptures in the circle, I created a Sentinel image at the entrance to our deck- it stands as Guardian to our home, carrying with it the spell with which I built it. Imposing but welcoming, it guards my living space with quiet authority, and has become a part of my family, as in the song by my KrowSister, Alane:
Flesh and stone, rock and bone, one family
Welcome into the family of flesh people, one family
I constructed a sculpture honoring the Sun and the South, on the Southern edge of the gravel around the home. Complete with glittery rocks and a Salamander image, it honors the element of fire, warmth, summer and energy.
And here is a corner sculpture of round river rocks, to honor the place where I have seen snakes on our property. Snakes are magical creatures, giving their mystery and glamour to the places they choose to live. I am always happy to see snakes and welcome them, as they are important in rodent control. But, in the magical realm, they lend an air of Ancient Spirits and Deep Wisdom to my surroundings.
I feel fortunate that I live in a rural setting, where rocks and stones, great slabs of wood and foliage abound. These materials give me inspiration to circle my home with sculptures that embody the sacred and give protection and energy to this land. If you live in a similar rural setting, you can create your own sacred sculptures around your home.
If you are a city dweller, consider gathering up objects from the natural world as you venture out into the countryside. Small rocks and stones, especially ones that contain features that beckon us with magical energy can be collected and form the basis of your own sacred art. Bringing in pieces of wood, leaves, flowers and other natural items to add to your altars or sculptures will ensure that they are dynamic images, changing with the seasons. A bowl of rain or snow, cast-off snake skin, insect husks, seeds and fruits will connect your art with the beauty of Nature and of the Gods and Goddesses of our wonderful planet.
Please send us your comments and even photos of the natural art you create so that we know we are connected, all of us, in honoring our world.
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