Hello pornies! I hope you are good and ready for the weekend. I come with a book that left me with a bittersweet taste after readign it, which can be good for those interested in gemstone therapy with a few interesting ideas. It's Faerie Stones: An Exploration of the Folklore and Faeries Associated with Stones & Crystals, by Ceri Norman. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!
- Print Length: 248 pages.
- Publisher: Moon Books (March 30, 2018)
- Publication Date: March 30, 2018.
- Genres: Celtic, Fae, Folklore, Gemstones, Healing, Mythology.
- Rating: 3 / 5 stars.
Faerie Stones explores the Faerielore and Folklore associated with different stones and various crystal formations, from the ancient Neolithic arrows known as Elfshot to magical Faerie dusted geodes known as Fairy Cavern Quartz. It deals with the metaphysical aspects of the stones, their traditional uses and healing qualities, and discusses which types of Faerie and which Deities/Faerie Monarchs are associated with each stone. It also offers practical tips and two meditations for working with Faeries and stones for spiritual development. Aimed at all those who love Faeries and Crystals, it is ideal for the beginner or the more experienced practitioner.
The whole idea of working with the Fae through stones is just too attractive and it has some base. Ceri Norman gives you a simple yet solid understanding of how to work with stones like Elf Shots, Seer Stones, and some more exotic ones, keeping traditional folklore in mind and the legends surrounding some of them. She also speaks about how crystal is a common, general element in some legends.
Faerie Stones takes a more liberal approach with other stones, linking them with concepts such as astrology, numerology, to offer a wider image of their uses, expanding the list of correspondences of each of them. You will find not only Celtic deities and figures, but also those from other pantheons like the Greek, Roman, Egyptian, some from South America, and more.
However, I found it difficult to keep reading because the author works with the idea of the Fae being benevolent, funny, healing spirits. Folklore tells us they could be in a way, but it's not part of who they are. I also have conflicts with the idea that there's one in every stone because, say, what happens when that stones breaks? Is the being divided in two, when talking about big rocks, or do they die? We don't get an answer. In addition to beings included in folklore Ceri Norman also included Shakespeare's Queen Mab and Queen Titania, the Slavic Sandman, mermaids, and a chakra meditation with Morgan le Fae. This last one was particularly unfitting for me, although it works as a format to work with the Irish Three Cauldrons of Poesy instead, which seems like a better option to me, culturally speaking.
I think Faerie Stones was okay, but took too many liberties and perpetuates the idea that the Fae are tiny, cute female beings that work with nature, along with cultural inconsistencies. It can be useful if you want to learn more about gemstone healing, how to incorporate them in your practice, and some of the stones folklore links to the Fae, but most of the time doesn't tell you why a particular stone is connected to the Fae (I was expecting the author to point out at specific legends and myths that include those stones) and mixes information from so many sources I feel Ceri Norman tries to convince the reader her practices are genuine.
About Ceri Norman:
Ceri Norman is a dedicated Faerie Priestess, folklorist, historian and an internationally known author. Her inspiration comes from ancient magic, mythology and monuments, as well as the inner realms of magic and mystery.
Have you read this book? Would you recommend it? Let me know in the comments! Kinky regards, K!
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