The ancients were very good at perceiving shapes in rocks and wood and believed that such shapes could be made to maintain the soul of the creature ‘trapped’ in this way. Many artists today are still able to do so, and we too as magic makers can use this art. When in your wanderings you find an interesting stone or piece of driftwood, look at it with fresh eyes and turn it into a fetish — the correct meaning of which is an object that is believed to have magical or spiritual powers.
A pleasantly shaped rock or piece of wood Paints and brushes Decorations like beads and ribbons Glue or fixative Incense like benzoin or frankincense A small box
Casting Instructions for ‘Animal Stones’
Light the incense Sit quietly with your object and let it speak to you. Let the ideas to flow as to what it might become your totem animal, a bear, a horse or perhaps a cat or dog.
Decorate the object appropriately, taking care to enhance the natural shaping rather than to change it. Now you can consecrate it in one of two ways.
Pass the object quickly through the smoke of the incense three times to empower it with the soul of the animal.
Place it in the box with a suitable picture or herbs and bury it for three times or place it on your altar for the same period.
This permits the metamorphosis to take place and the spirit of the animal to enter your currently magical thing. It’s now ready for use, possibly to help you access the wisdom of the animals, as a recovery device or for protection.
Ancients believed that the fetish has to be fed appropriately so that it retained its own magic powers. Today, corn is an appropriate food, as is pollen, although you can use your creativity, as it’s your creation. If you don’t feed (energize) it for a time you might need to consecrate it again for it to work correctly.
