Not far from the volunteer village where I currently reside is Fairy Stone State Park, Virginia. In the park can be found “fairy stones.” These are actually Staurolite crystals consisting of silica and iron. They can be found in the shape of a Roman, Maltese or St. Andrew’s cross.
I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day than walking through the forest looking for fairy stones. So I drove the couple of miles to the site where they were said to be prevalent, got out of my car, entered the woods and started my search.
No one is allowed to dig at the site which sits on top of Bull Mountain and covers about 5o acres of forest with creek beds and gently sloping hills. The preferred method is to look for the Staurolites cropping out of the ground, especially after a heavy rain or winter thaw. As I was walking along I was wishing though for a rake to clear away some of the leaves covering the ground.
My perception at first was of perfectly formed crosses made of stone. I soon found from talking to some other searchers that many times the fairy stones are still embedded in the matrix or “mother” stone.
My finds for the day with some “luck” on this blessed Irish feast day.
Fairy Stones in the form of Saint Andrew’s Cross
They’re less than an inch long. So you really have to be close to the ground in your search.
A Maltese Cross, the rarest to find, still embedded in the Mother Stone.
In times past, during the pre-spring gathering of the indigenous Cherokee tribes the collected stones would be kept heated by a fire on the eve of the spring equinox. In the morning the stones would be dispersed to tribal members to ensure safe journey and good fortune in the coming year.
Fairy Stones For Safe Journey; Good Fortune
Such luck on my first outing only goes to ensure that I will be out there again real soon!
Safe journey and good fortune to you all, dear ones!
Love, Annie
Wow, what a find. The luck O’ the Irish was sure with you. How exciting. Being as I am Irish I was very interested in this story. How did you find out all that information? You never cease to amaze me.
Well, thank you, Sher! I have been doing research on the Fairy Stones for some time now; piecing together bits of info from many sources. The old folks tale around here is that when the fairies in the nearby wood heard about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, they wept and their tears fell to the ground and formed crosses. Interesting story! I am more endeared though to the tribal tradition of the Cherokee. All in all, I am blessed to have found these stones on St Pat’s day and right in time for the Spring Equinox. More later!
I love that you found some. I have never heard of them.
They do exist in other states and around the world but not in such heavy concentration as here in the woodlands of southwestern VIrginia!
Thank you Teacher! I am grateful for your lessons.
You’re very welcome, Teresa!
What a wonderful find and on such a great day! I love the detail – perfect additions for the Tin Can. Wishing you safe travels Annie!
Thank you, Patti! They are unique!
I am adore an adventure too…just stuck behind a cubicle this stage in my life. It will be fun to take this virtual journey with you!
Thank you so much! Glad to have you aboard!
Annie,please say more about the volunteer village, sounds intriguing.
Thank you, Sarah! I’ll be posting soon on the Village!