THE FOREST FRIEND LIFESTONES
The Forest Friend Lifestones are a set of thirty-six symbols representing details from nature and accompanied by simple lessons. The symbols evolved out of a way of thinking, creating, and living that draws its inspiration from the earth. They are intended to be used for focus, direction, and nurturing of spirit. The sun’s rays, focused through a lens, have the power to burn; for us, too, there is power in focus. When one is scattered or confused, it may be helpful to choose a symbol and reflect on its meaning. The set serves as a reminder of lessons and insights to be pondered in the light of one’s personality and experience. Nature’s messages are simple, wise, powerful, and enduring. They are also universal, transcending cultural, social, and religious differences.
HOW THE LIFESTONES CAME TO BE
The lessons and insights have always been around us, waiting only to be seen and recognized. After years of gathering from field and forest the materials she used in her artwork, Maia came to realize that Nature had become her teacher, that she was learning from twisted roots, pods, tendrils, leaves, feathers, and other treasures. Along with this awakening came confirmation in a line from Chief Yellow Hawk’s Native American Prayer: “Make me wise so that I may know …the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.”
Maia now proceeded to create a series of symbols. When there were eighteen, the set felt complete. As for a name, her husband’s suggestion that they be called Lifestones seemed fitting. Maia later learned that the Hebrew word for eighteen also means life and that the number eighteen holds a special place within the context of Judaic mysticism. Confirmations from such vastly different spiritual traditions were truly gifts.
An extraordinarily vivid dream inspired Maia to develop additional symbols. Instead of producing a second set of eighteen, she decided to expand the original series into one of thirty-six (a multiple of eighteen).
The deck of cards includes four blanks because Maia feels that the wisdom of the earth reaches far beyond the limitations of the printed set. It is hoped these blanks will eventually hold hand-drawn symbols for other details from nature with specific messages important to the owner of the set.
THE 36 LIFESTONES SYMBOLS & MEANINGS IN BRIEF
antennae – sensitivity, awareness
bent tree – flexibility
bird track – impact on the environment & people
branch-become-tree – assuming responsibility
Canada geese – direction, communication, shared leadership
coltsfoot flower – gratitude
day lily – embracing the moment
egg – potential for growth, patience, trust
empty chrysalis – change, acceptance, hope
engraver’s mark – cooperation between lifeforms
feather – our potential, our life
firefly – light, joy
honeycomb cell – order, cooperation
interwoven roots – interdependence, strength in unity
leaf – recognizing the Creator in the creation
maple keys – duality
moon – reflection of a greater light
mushroom – discernment
pearl – forgiveness
rainbow – diversity, simple delight in beauty
reflection – self-knowledge, personal integrity
ripples and rings – consequences, responsibility, growth
roots and branches – being part of the big picture
sapling – continuity, strength from elders
seed pod – bridge between past and future
seedling – gift of new life, nurturing
snail – inner peace and outer strength
snake – renewal, growth
tendril – search for something to cling to
three-part pod –3 harmonies to honour all life
thorn – protection, caution
twin cedars –bonds of friendship and marriage
twisted root – determination, adaptability
vine – clinging lightly
water – sanctity of, and reverence, for life
winged seed – acceptance of individuality
The “Wisdom of Nature” cards
This deck of cards includes the 36 symbols and their teachings. There are also 4 blanks for those who may wish to add symbols for items of personal significance, along with their meaning.
Price: $12.00 Available directly from Maia (please contact by e-mail) or through her etsy site: DownToEarthBookstore.etsy.com
The Lifestones Gift package
This package includes the set of 36 “stones” individually hand-formed in polymer clay, baked, stained, and then sanded. There is a bag designed to hold the stones, a chart for quick identification of a symbol (see below), and the little brown “Forest Friends Lifestones” book for the full meaning.
Price: $45.00. Available directly from Maia (please contact by e-mail) or through her etsy site: DownToEarthBookstore.etsy.com
The DIY “Make Your Own Set of Lifestones” package
A great package for those who prefer the challenge and satisfaction of creating their own set of stones using beach pebbles or slices of wood. It comes with the chart and the little brown book, along with suggestions for making one’s own set.
Price: $10.00 Available directly from Maia (please contact by e-mail) or through her etsy site: DownToEarthBookstore.etsy.com