The Witching Stones

The Witching Stones

The Lore and Craft of the Essential Crystals, Gemstones, and Minerals to Empower Your Magic

by Nicholas Pearson

Crystals are displayed prominently at virtually every witchcraft and metaphysical store; however, a comprehensive guide to their use in magic has been a missing element. Nicholas Pearson helps to remedy this with The Witching Stones, examining crystals, gems, and humble stones with the most ancient and powerful connections to magic. These magical stones number fourteen in all: flint, hagstone, ammonite, fossil urchin, salt, lodestone, lead, toadstone, amber, jet, cross-stone, quartz, moonstone, and emerald.

Pearson explores the historical usage of these stones, as well as why they are associated with witchcraft, but also offers practical and accessible uses for the modern practitioner in the form of spells and rituals. He describes more than fifty spells, rituals, and recipes, from the basics of cleansing and consecrating your stones, to more advanced techniques like crafting lead curse tablets, blending incense and oils, and working lunar magic with moonstones.

Inspired by The Witching Herbs—Harold Roth’s in-depth examination of thirteen plants powerfully associated with witchcraft—The Witching Stones focuses on the geology, history, and practical use of crystals and stones in magic. This book is an excellent how-to guide to the magical use of stones and crystals, suitable for beginners who don’t know what to “do” with crystals, as well as for the experienced crystal lover who seeks to take their practice to the next level. While many spell books feature the use of crystals within them, this is the first book to dive deep into the topic, exploring the mineral kingdom in the context of alchemy, talismanic magic, and witchcraft.

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“Presenting a perfect mixture of science, mystery, and practical application, The Witching Stones is an important addition to the corpus of modern witchcraft books, not only introducing readers to familiar stones, but, more importantly, illustrating their potency in the Craft. These crystalline allies are detailed, each one with rich mythology and magic of their own. These stones have been with us since the beginning, and Nicholas Pearson underlines their continued importance to us all.”
—Benjamin Stimpson, author of Of Doves & Ravens: The Witches and Wisefolk of Wales and the Borders

“With expert knowledge and contagious enthusiasm, Nicholas Pearson takes you on a unique journey to explore the historical and modern relevance of a special selection of stones. His book is well thought out and full of fascinating information that is presented with both simplicity and depth, which is not an easy feat. Whether you are a novice or seasoned practitioner, The Witching Stones will bring your magical practice to a new level of meaning and enchantment.”
—Sandra Kynes, author of Crystal Magic, 365 Days of Crystal Magic, and Gemstone Feng Shui

“Nicholas Pearson offers a true gem for the modern witch with this book. The Witching Stones draws from rich veins of geological and occult history, expertly carving that knowledge into practical, powerful magick for today’s practitioner.”
—Mat Auryn, author of Psychic Witch and Mastering Magick

“The Witching Stones: Crystals, Gemstones, and Minerals to Empower Your Life is so much more than just another excellent book about crystals by Nicholas Pearson. It is an initiatory journey with these witching stones as your spiritual guides. . . . In addition to all the knowledge that the book contains, it’s also brimming with a sense of wonder and love for the precious combination of stones and witchcraft.”
—Ivo Dominguez Jr, author of The Four Elements of the Wise

“Nicholas Pearson is my favorite authority on rocks, minerals, and gemstones, and he has surpassed his previous efforts with The Witching Stones. . . . He takes us beyond the surface to dig into the history, the who-what-where-when-why of the stones, and does so brilliantly. Learning the lore and superstitions of the stones and how they were used in the past breathes life into even the most mundane rocks. . . . The Witching Stones is must-read.”
—Christine Cunningham Ashworth, author of Scott Cunningham—The Path Taken

“I love Nicholas’s unique blend of science, lore, and experience applied to such an unusual assortment of stones. He leads us through a magical process of stone magic, ending with my favorite, emerald. The Witching Stones is truly wonderful and unique contribution to the lore of the Craft.”
—Christopher Penczak, author of Gay Witchcraft and The Inner Temple of Witchcraft