The symbolism of stones
…one can’t help but conjure images of the steadfast, the eternal, and the permanent while considering these powerful, but familiar words. Rock and Stone. Place the words rock and stone in the context their symbolism invokes and we start to feel foolish for the many times we choose not to notice their beauty, their majesty, or their tranquility. This article is part of a series dedicated to inform and inspire.
The various descriptive words we come up with are enough to testify to the ancient relationship we humans have with these long-lasting elements of the physical world. The Stone Age, we say, as if we are attempting to reference a long ago time devoid of comfort. In actuality, rocks and stones were the material of early tools and weapons; the material that enabled humans to be more productive and more efficient.
Stones in Architecture
Dense, heavy boulders, chiseled to size, became foundation stones of great architectural structures. Large slabs, intricately designed, became altars. The architects of the Statues of Easter Island, 887 stone heads embodying great clan ancestors, surely must have labored endlessly to achieve such a lasting feat. It’s not hard to understand why stone was so often chosen for these endeavors, the symbolism of stones was known to the ancients. It is a material of integrity, it patiently bears loads, and its sturdy make up allows it to weather well. To this day, 887 heads still gaze out over the land of their clans, and serve as architectural masterpieces of power and permanence.
Though most of us may never have the chance to physically be in the presence of such remarkable stone architecture, photography can be the medium that allows us the same joy and awe. Fine art photography, whether looked at on the screen, in books and publications, or hanging on your walls to decorate your residential or commercial interiors, can take us to new places and remind us of how rich in beauty our world is. Photography depicting the symbolism of stones and rocks can serve as a meaningful reminder of that natural richness and infuse us with inspiration.
The longevity of structures made of rock and stone often means that they are associated with the divine and the eternal. Homes are not only built for the living, but for the dead as well. Stone formations often symbolize the passage from one life to the next. A stone archway or a stone carved boat mark this spirit world journey and stand as vessels unconcerned with time as life cycles around them from earth to eternity. In Germany, the spirit of the dead remains in the tombstone, while many African beliefs hold to the idea that stones carry the spirit of an ancestor. Stonehenge, one of the more commonly known stone structures, has long been perceived as an ancient burial site. Though mystery still surrounds this circular site of standing stones, it is impossible to deny the fact that the architects of Stonehenge chose giant slabs of rock to mark their sacred place. And also here the ancient civilizations knew about the meaningful symbolism of stones.
Stones and the Divine
Many cultures and religions use stone to symbolize the divine. This is unsurprising considering that meteors fall from the sky and rock exists and endures in places humans cannot. Things unknown and hard to understand easily invoke a fantastical mood. Thus, it’s not hard to imagine Zeus reigning from high up in the mountains, close enough to the sky to gather clouds and throw thunderbolts. Or Mercury, the traveler, who had the luxury of venturing into all worlds much like the stone whose home appears to be anywhere and everywhere. Photography brings mystery to life and through photography; our imaginations find a place to play.
In a Christian church you may hear a congregation belting out “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” joyfully proclaiming the solidarity of their God through a metaphor of a reliable God. You might even hear a sermon on “The Rock of Ages,” the God of eternity who is the beginning and the end.
In many cases individuals are simply striving for divine wisdom. And again, it seems only natural to associate wisdom with a substance that is so permanent; a substance that endures age through age. We collectively strive to make the good things like love, patience, compassion and hard work, last and in doing so, we mimic these steadfast rocks and stones that have seen it all and remain standing.
Rocks are not only paired with the divine or with voyages into eternity. In our everyday life rocks represent struggles to overcome and perspectives to be gained. Many myths, fables and stories use rocks to symbolize the obstacles a character must overcome to complete their quest. These rocks are immovable and often jagged structures and one must employ perseverance if they mean to climb up and over. But once over, you realize the hard work gave you strength, much like the obstacle you just overcame.
If you have ever scaled a mountain then you know the climb can offer perspective. The journey of overcoming struggle after struggle, of testing yourself against the very physical substance that gives meaning to the word endurance tends to provide a refreshing new point of view.
The awe that descends at the sight of a mountain range is hard to wave off. The sheer size of the rocks and stones can make quick work of pride. Their ancient presence serves to both put us in our place as well as bring joy. Photographs often serve to enhance these powerful emotional experiences. They, like the very images they capture, stand as lasting reminders of that perfect day, that perfect feeling or that life altering experience.
The meditative aspect of rocks and stones
The joy is simple delight; quiet moments marveling in the tranquility of streams of water bouncing over pebbles. The excitement of seeing a jewel catch and hold the light. Or, the mesmerizing quality that stones have of taking on both cold and heat. It isn’t any wonder that Native Americans viewed rocks as the bones of Mother Earth just like most of us are not surprised to see faces or animals in natural stone formations. They were among those who knew best about the symbolism of stones and rocks.
Steadfast wisdom, enduring perseverance and joyful awe; these are the affects that nature has on us. Yet, somehow we seem to forget this. We walk idly by the very things that remind us of the everlasting and the reliable. We forget that it is the physical world that allows us to survive and thrive. Consider how you might infuse your day to day life with reminders of the building blocks of your life. Photographs that draw out your most precious emotions have the power to change your day. Sometimes it is from the mouth of children that we must be reminded of these lessons. As my now teenage daughter Stella puts it, “You can just pick up stones and rocks, feel the love, and be happy.” At the tender age of 7, she instinctually knew about the symbolism of stones.
Marian Kraus Photography is a Chicago area based professional commercial photographer, architectural photographer, multimedia and video producer and creator of fine art photography who has been consistently delivering compelling architectural photography to clients ranging from architects, advertising agencies, construction companies, home builders, corporations, real estate companies and the like since 1999. Additionally, Marian Kraus Photography’ s nature and architecture fine art photographs can be found in a growing number of corporate and private art collections.
just looking for the meaning to rocks and crystals
I’ve only just awakened to the raw beauty of rocks. Beautiful words and photography.
Dear Shelley, please pardon my delay in getting this message. Thank you for your kind words. Rocks are a fascinating building block of nature and life and rather beautiful to look at when one truly sees ;). Be well, Marian
Now I understand what it means God is my rock. Thanks
Rocks are a computer…drop a meteorite in liquid methane an it’ll talk !
I have found these rocks that have faces on them and numbers and heart shape rocks what does it mean
In the end it completely depends upon what comes to your mind and being when you encounter them. What does your gut and instinct tell you when you encounter or pick one of them up? Where are you on your life’s path at that moment? What meaning, memory, inspiration comes to your mind? What is going on in your life etc. etc….It really does not mean a whole lot what anybody else perceives from it, in my opinion it is more about your intuition. What does your higher wisdom tell you? Further, look at the meaning of the particular number…faces can resemble “identity”, masks, presence, personality, character etc. And the heart, well, I believe that to be symbolizing life and love. But again, what does it mean to you…? Hope this helps ;).
Great images Marion. I was thinking about stone in human culture after reading some writings by Jung…fascinating. The skylines of Chicago, New York or Shanghai, dominated by skyscrapers, are a salute to Stonehenge; millions of Muslims wait a lifetime to walk around the Kaaba in Mecca; and the Moon is the ultimate rock in terms of symbolism and influence on planetary life. And these are but a few examples…you could argue that all architecture is simply a salute to the cave, the original rock shelter. I know this has all probably occurred to you but I write this simply as a salute to your work. Keep it up.
It’s a rocky world, for sure. 😊
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Mark, I share your fascination with the simplicity of rocks. It is amazing what begins to come to one’s mind once you stop and take the time to look at them, feel them in your hands and ponder their origins…and yes, including the structures of caves 😉
I thought they where gods turds
I am a 75 year old woman who collects rocks, mostly on beaches. I have in my possession many rocks that have natural holes, two of which were found with smaller rocks embedded within the holes. Do these have meaning in myth? I have been told that my rocks, most of them, are called “Hag rocks” from Celtic times. I do not follow these types of mythical meanings in general, but would like to hear if they indicate some type of meaning since they seem so unusual to me.
Dear Samantha, thank you for reaching out. It would seem to me that the meaning of each of those rocks you describe really depends on the time and space they connected with you. In other words, what was/is going on in your life at that time? Are you being given a specific message through your connection with the rock? Meaning, a hole could mean a passage, a clearing, a passing, an opening, a closing, opportunities etc. The smaller rock embedded within the rock or hole could mean protection, attachment, togetherness, clinging, community etc. So again, at the end of the day it is left to your own interpretation and intuition what the particular rock or stone is telling you. Hope this helps. Be well, Marian
Hello Pauly, interesting viewpoint. And indeed, who knows, perhaps they are… 😉
Marian,
Thank you for your eloquent and moving compilation of images and insights.
I was consciously gifted a pebble during my guided meditation, which is what led me to your work as I sought meaning and explanation for this pebble.
I am comforted, grounded, and deeply appreciative. Thank you for your work and being compelled to share it with the world.
All the best.
Thank you kindly Ashlee, it is my hope that the entry assisted you in finding the meaning and explanation for your gifted pebble. Be well.