A Guide for Play
How to Begin
Hold all five stones in your hands and shake them gently. Think of a question you would like to know the answer to: something unknown, non-trivial and without malicious intent. When you have the question in mind, spill the stones onto the table.
Once you have spilled the stones, resist the urge to rearrange them. The orientation of the stones and their positions in relation to each other can provide valuable context for the reading.
Reading the stones can help with decision making, introspection and dream interpretation. It’s also a fun way to pass the time and exercise your imagination. You may make a morning ritual of consulting the stones or an annual ritual of a birthday reading. Creative projects, difficult problems, and lack of inspiration can all benefit from spending some time with the stones.
What do you See?
There are many ways to combine symbols to create new meanings. Explore how the stones interact with one another.
A man wearing a crown
A boat at sea
Fact checking
“Eye” + “document”
Motion sickness
“Spiral” + "swing set”
Separation
"Two circles moving apart"
Cloud vs Moon
"Dark/light, doubt/clarity"
Cheetah
“Cat + Fast”
Fish Tank
The Seeing Stones can be a powerful tool for introspection, creativity and connection.
Every culture, from the beginning of time, has found ways to predict the future. Some methods are more effective than others but none are foolproof.
For some people, it’s comforting to believe we can know what will happen before it does. For other people, it’s comforting to believe we can change the future with our actions in the present. In any case, it’s impossible to know for sure if any prediction is accurate until the future becomes the past.
At its best, divination is a poetic practice that combines wisdom and creativity. A good reading can provide a powerful, life-long memory. A great reading can make the world vibrate with magic.
Interpreting the Roll
Just as there are infinite interpretations for each individual symbol (and infinity times infinity interpretations for any pair of symbols), there are endless techniques for the structure and interpretation of any reading ritual.
One technique that seems fruitful for many readers is to zoom in and out.
For example, after you throw the stones, the first thing you notice would be the overall shape and “vibe” of the stones on the table. Maybe they are loosely scattered or tightly packed. Maybe one is isolated or two seem paired together, surrounded by the others. As a group, the symbols may seem positive or negative, active or static upon first glance. Acknowledge this first impression of the whole before zooming in and interpreting the individual symbols.
After examining the symbols individually (or in combination with their neighbors), "zoom out” again and see how the whole of the reading has been reinforced or possibly changed completely, by the specific interpretations. Acknowledge this deeper impression of the broader meaning of the reading.
“Zoom in” once again and revisit the individual symbols in the context of the developing overall message of the reading. Notice the positions of the individual stones in regards to the reader, the edge of the table, or any objects in close proximity.
Finally, “zoom out” and draw a conclusion from what you have seen.
To add additional elements, examine all sides of the stones. Notice which symbols are hidden from or facing the reader and any neighboring symbols.
As you develop your practice, it can be helpful to take notes and make sketches of your readings.
Sample Readings
When will I find love?
Here in the stones is a story old as time. Reading from left to right we see a person who falls from their previous height and loses their head. They feel something is missing and for a time, it feels like there is nothing. But that period of emptiness is interrupted by a newfound passion. This passion leads to a connection and long-sought companionship. Together, the companions climb to new heights where they bask in light and color. The space between the figures on the left and the ascent on the right is considerable. Patience may be key in finding a desired connection. Notice the heart shape is made from two bent lines. This could imply an opportunity to try something new, “bend over backwards” or “lean in.” The shape of this roll looks like a ball thrown at the ground then bouncing up into the sky. Perhaps, a reminder to remain elastic and flexible. If we are too rigid, we can shatter on impact.
How do I learn to let go?
The position and orientation of the symbol on the bottom left implies a pearl or “prize” hiding beneath the waves. This may represent the object we are hoping to “let go” of. Moving upwards, the “tangled line” and the “sword”seem to imply that it is time to cut our struggling connection to this particular desire. All of this seems to reinforce the instinct that we need to let go. Perhaps swift action is required or a dramatic break. Up above, we see more indication of a need to break the connection. The two circles are first connected but then divided by a line. The shape of the roll is reminiscent of a fish leaping from the water, an enticing sight, one that may coax us to retie our line and try again to catch that prize. But look carefully at the most elevated symbols, the ones farthest from the “tumultuous waves.” Perhaps the “glasses” are encouragement to look closer. The circles on either side of the line could be seen as a “reflection,” a person looking into a mirror and remembering their self worth.
Is there a heaven?
On the left side we have the big bang. On the right side we have the ladder to heaven. In the middle we have heat/fire—entropy. Two sides. One represents scientific observation of the universe expanding from nothing. The other represents the mythical constructs we use to help us navigate the inherently mysterious nature of reality. In the middle, we have entropy: expansion and contraction. Is it God's breath or the beating heart of an impartial galaxy? Only time will tell.
When will life be good again?
The alignment of the five stones implies their message is unified. All inspire interpretations related to natural elements: a flower, a leaf, a paw print, a dandelion, a rainbow. Each of these things is ephemeral and only lasts for a short time. Each of these things is complex and beautiful. The clear message is to be present in the moment as it happens and appreciate small miracles.
These five symbolic runes are designed to reconnect us with the ancient wisdom of our own imaginations. A simple invitation to interpret the ambiguous symbols can unleash a torrent of creativity and inspiration.
As a tool for private inquiry or a game at a party, Seeing Stones give us permission to use metaphor and insight to create meaning from synchronicity. Reading the symbols of the stones can be a fascinating, hilarious and sometimes, deeply magical experience.
Included with the five twelve-sided dice is a small cloth carrying pouch and a pocket-sized fold-out booklet with sample readings and symbolic interpretations of the sixty figures depicted on the stones.
