Celestial Bear Fetish Paperweight

One of a kind hand painted totem animal art stone featuring a celestial bear fetish design with a star, arrow, and spiral. Place on you desk or in decor as a reminder of Nature, or use as a small paperweight to hold down the pages of a favorite book. The painted surface is smooth Devonian Limestone and has not been changed by me in any manner other than having been painted. No cuts or fillers are ever used on Spiritkeepers Stones; the shapes are formed by Nature. The collection location is from Lake Erie. After being painted with its unique design the stone was coated with a protective clear varnish.

Celestial Bear Fetish Spiritkeepers Stone #sk103

- 2 3/4" wide
- 1 3/4" high
- 2/4" thick

METAPHYSICAL

From a metaphysical view, being comprised of fossil, this stone is a link to ancient knowledge -- the Akashic Record. It is thought this type of stone can accelerate the transfer of said knowledge into one's "being". Telepathic abilities may develop or increase. Fossils in general, from a metaphysical understanding, may bring quality & excellence into one's surroundings. It may raise the level of, and add to one's achievements in the business world. Creativity may be increased simply by the presence of fossil stone in the environment. Devonian Limestone has, what I think, is a wonderful metaphysical feel. It is an active energy but in a fluid controlled manner, whereas some stones just vibrate waves of high key energy that may require a bit of effort to direct; the Devonian Limestone seems to "go with the flow". The limestone base rock itself is a very grounding stone, helping to center your thoughts within your actions, and also encourages positive thoughts.

Check my store link for availability of this stone.

*unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt.

Black Wolf Face Paperweight Fossil Rock

One of a kind hand painted totem animal art stone featuring the bust of a black wolf with golden yellow eyes that seems ready to speak words of ancient wisdom at any moment. The painted surface is a river smoothed limestone fossil cluster, and has not been changed by me in any manner other than having been painted. No cuts or fillers are ever used on Spiritkeepers Stones; the shapes are formed by Nature.

The metaphysical properties of the stone make it an excellent addition to an office or studio work space (see details below). Turn the stone over and enjoy viewing the unpainted fossil cluster surface, including tiny brachiopod shells and fragments.

** The second photograph above shows the stone before the protective varnish was applied because details of the painting can be more easily detected by the camera and seen online without the mild shine reflecting my studio lights.**

The collection location of this stone is from the Southwestern Ohio Valley, USA -- the Appalachian Basin on the pinnacle of the Cincinnati Arch. These fossils are found predominately in a large strata of thinly bedded, but dense fossiliforous, limestone approximately 450 million years old. After the stone was collected it was cleaned, painted with its unique design, then coated with layers of protective clear varnish.

Black Wolf Face Paperweight Spiritkeepers Stone #sk092
- 4" x 5"
- 2 1/4" at highest thickness, thickness varies

►METAPHYSICAL
From a metaphysical view, being comprised of fossil, this stone is a link to ancient knowledge -- the Akashic Record. It is thought this type of stone can accelerate the transfer of said knowledge into one's "being". Telepathic abilities may develop or increase. Fossils in general, from a metaphysical understanding, may bring quality & excellence into one's surroundings. It may raise the level of, and add to one's achievements in the business world. Creativity may be increased simply by the presence of fossil stone in the environment. The limestone base rock itself is a very grounding stone, helping to center your thoughts within your actions, and also encourages positive thoughts.

  

*unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt.

Painted Pony Spiritkeepers Stone sk066

 A hand painted horse runs across this one of a kind stone; a pony painted in symbol. The animal is in a profile pictograph style, like a cave drawing, featuring a spiral and hand print. The stone is a light colored quartz from the Pacific Northwest USA -- Mt. Rainer near summit -- and the natural surface has been left to show on the reverse. Display as decorative art, a totem animal spirit guide reminder, or place near your computer workspace to remind you of the magic world of nature! 

Painted Pony Spiritkeepers Stone #sk066 

Size: 1" x 1 1/2" x 2/4" inches thick
*This stone is no longer available.

Each Spiritkeepers is unique, individually numbered, and signed with the sigil logo; no fillers or cutting ever used on stones. The reverse side shows the I.D. sigil and number. This piece is intended for indoor display, though coated with a durable clear varnish.

*unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt.

Curled Up Grizzly Bear Stone sk034

Hand painted on this pebble lays a grizzly bear curled up; perhaps awoken from a nap. The playfully detailed image was inspired by bumps and shapes found on the natural surface of the rock. This type of stone is a variety of granite. It was collected by hand from the Northern Pacific Ocean in the United States. Display as home decor or keep as animal spirit guide reminder; Place near computer workspace to remind you of the magic world of nature.

Sized at 28 mm x 35 mm x 11 mm thick

 
 

Symbolism of the Bear:

In both ancient and modern cultures bear often represents the Primordial Mother energy. One reason for this is that mother bears are fierce to protect offspring. The bear is also seen as a symbol for Earth energy and dreaming as they tend to travel the depths of caves into the figurative womb of the planet; burrowing deep to hibernate. In spiritual art and Jungian studies the curious bear represents the deepest parts of the inner self consciousness, revealed through introspections self discovery. Bear is a guide to lure the seeker deeper into the portion of “The Hero’s Journey”, (see Joseph Campbell), that requires the Hero to look deeper still within the self.

*Positive Aspects - wisdom, strength, endurance, ingenuity, healing, nurturing, protection, introspection, imagination

*Negative Aspects - poor vision or lack of insight, quick temper, being nosey, indulgence, refusal to back down

Copyright Tree Pruitt

http://www.mysticgriffin.com/spiritkeepers.htm
*unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt.

White Rabbit Pebble sk11

Alice would have to be very tiny to follow this rabbit down the hole, but you can keep the spirit of the white rabbit with you through this miniature painted stone. The rabbit is a symbol of fertility, and that can apply to attracting an abundance of magical fertility as well as other types. Slight-of-hand magicians use the white rabbit during hat tricks, further embedding it into our collective minds as a symbol for magic. In the story, Alice in Wonderland, the white rabbit is the leader of the tale who guides us along with Alice into the magic dream world of the unconscious.

Sized at just over 1" inch long and 1/2" at the widest, it's amazing how the rock shape actually feels like an animal body including slightly raised areas that feel like leg haunches! This pebble would be a nice fetish addition to a Native American style medicine bag, or simply a light hearted addition to a desk top work space as a reminder of the magic outside of the mundane.

http://www.mysticgriffin.com/spiritkeepers.htm
*unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt.

Buffalo and Calf Holey Stone

 This new large Spiritkeepers Stone comes with an upright brass display stand for one of a kind home decor. It features a unique landscape painting of a mother Native American Bison with morning mist steaming from her mouth while her baby buffalo calf stands by her side. It was inspired by the shapes found within the natural surface, formed by fossils & fossil imprints, so it has a great deal of texture. In some areas, especially the calf, the image seem 3-D! I painted it with washes of color and careful dry brushed layers of acrylic paint.

The type of stone is limestone, known to generate metaphysical energy, and shale created from ancient swamp silt in the Ohio Valley. The presence of fossils is said to increase creativity with the surrounding environment. Being naturally holed, this rock makes a perfect totem animal amulet.

A naturally holed stone, or holey stone, is also known as the Witches Amulet or Witches Dream Shield. It is the most powerful protection amulet for the witch because it IS the presence of the Goddess Herself. The opening in the stone is the Sacred Womb of the Earth. When strung with a red string or ribbon & placed over the bed it acts as a shield against bad dreams, much like the Native American dream catcher. A holey stone may also be used for Full Moon magic by gazing at the moon through the hole.

Buffalo and Calf Holey Stone Spiritkeepers #sk021

- 8 1/2" long

- 6 3/4" at tallest points
- 1/4" to nearly 1" thickness varies
- included brass stand is 3 1/2" high w/ rubber covered feet to protect surfaces

Each Spiritkeepers™ is unique, individually numbered & signed with the Spiritkeepers™ sigil logo; no fillers or cutting ever used on stones. The reverse side shows the sigil, number & natural color of the stone. This piece is intended for indoor or protected outdoor display. Coated with durable clear varathane varnish, so the surface is water washable with cold water and care.

Click here to shop ArtistTree at

Painted stone art images & totem animal text, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt.

Egyptian God Thoth



The ancient Egyptian God Thoth (or Toth) was thought to be a self-begotten 'One' of his own making, and held many important attributes. It was believed that the gods would not exist without the words of Thoth, as he was the scribe of the gods and the Underworld, thus his power was nearly unlimited. Being the creator of writing he was seen as the author of all works of science, religion, magic, philosophy, and was the master of all forms of law. Thoth was a record keeper for the Underworld, wise counselor, and persuader to both humans and gods.

Usually depicted as a man with the head of an ibis, or simply the head of the bird, he was sometimes depicted as a baboon holding a crescent shaped moon because it was Thoth who directed the motions of heavenly bodies; the curve of the ibis' beak is similar to a crescent moon and baboons were observed as intelligent nocturnal creatures. This deity was associated with the moon due to its significant importance in early astrology, astronomy, and many of Egyptian society's important events were governed by the cycles of the moon. Perhaps Thoth, like the moon in the dark of night, provided illumination in the darkness of ignorance. The moon itself eventually became associated with another god and Thoth was more often associated with wisdom and writing, thus becoming the patron of scribes (writers). However, Thoths connection to the moon sustained in that magic, measurement, regulation of events, and of time itself remained associated with this most important of Egyptian deities.



Spiritkeepers™ Stone #sk056 shown above.



The wearing or carrying of an image of this ancient animal deity certainly could call upon totem animal like aspects to gain assistance from a "Higher Power" for a wide variety of us simple humans living today. Thoth may be called upon by modern Pagans, Wiccans, and witches for assistance in writing ones own spells or rituals, especially having to do with moon magick. An author or poet of any faith may find inspiration in an image of Thoth as a simple good luck charm. Through meditation upon His image, those having legal difficulties, or social issues, may find helpful counsel from Thoth in discovering how to persuade an opponent to see things your way... if you stand in a place of truth. Modern astrologists and astronomers could also gain important insight through meditating upon an image of Thoth. Those working in the fields of personal organiser, construction, mathematics, or any field of the sciences could improve skills with the help of this god.

*Referenced http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoth

*Referenced and recommended reading...

Budge, E. A. Wallis. Egyptian Religion. Kessinger Publishing, 1900.

Budge, E. A. Wallis. The Gods of the Egyptians Volume 1 and 2. New York: Dover Publications, 1969

* Free images of Thoth for you to print and color http://karenswhimsy.com/ancient-egyptian-gods.shtm

Painted stone art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Totem animal text information may not be used for profit.

Witchy Totem Visit; American Toad

I've a new neighbor, and perhaps a familiar friend or "toadem" animal, as well. A large American Toad has taken up residence in the back yard my wee apartment has to offer. At first I'd only occasionally see a small toad on the back patio taking shelter from a hard rain, but one night there were two toads. The second was much larger than the first, and since its arrival the smaller toad is absent; likely having been consumed by the new comer. Now, nearly every evening the big toad comes right up to the screen to crawl safely under the door ledge. It's a calm confident creature and has allowed me to pet it; stroking between the eyes being careful to avoid the toxin glands on either side of the head.
I couldn't help myself to interfere with nature, so I began to catch some of the numerous moths that gather at the patio lamp in the hope of hand feeding my new pal. I've had a lot of experiences with wildlife, both exotic and indigenous, but had never spent time with a simple toad until now. It thrilled me when that quick tongue flash out to grab a moth from my finger tips! A relationship of a sort has developed, without a doubt, because when I make a deep hum noise Toadie walks out from under the door ledge to come right up to my hand. I still feed him (I think it's male because the colors are very dark) moths by hand but also chase crickets his way so his hunting skills remain sharp. In truth, I doubt my offered snacks could dull his hunting skills; a toad of this size is bold and opportunistic, taking whatever moves and fits in his mouth.

In Western lore the toad often gets a bad reputation as a wart giving ingredient for evil witches' to brew into curse potions, but the toad has a variety of meaning as a symbol. Because they often burrow into the ground and produce abundant numbers of offspring, the toad can be viewed as a symbol for the Earth Goddess. Just as the Earth can both give and take life in a flash, the swift deadly tongue of the toad also makes it a representation of death or transformation. Death itself is merely a transformative change, not always a bad thing, so Toadie making friends could signal a deep change in my life is approaching (though I've already had quite a few). For unstated reasons, toads are also thought to be signs of good luck and near future prosperity; Perhaps this is because of that opportunistic nature, patience, and quick hunting skills they have. Toads do NOT cause or give warts, but they do produce a toxin from the fat lumps on either side of the head. It's mostly harmless to humans unless it comes in contact with an open cut, is swallowed, or comes in contact with the eyes. It's a good idea to always wash your hands thoroughly after handling toad to be kind to yourself and wash before handling to be kind to the toad so you don't pass any bacteria or pollutants onto the toads thin skin. Perhaps persons with a Life Totem (not a Temporary Totem) of toad might seem a little "thin skinned", being easy to irritate others, and may even have a tendency to seem toxic during stressful or social situations? To understand what an animal means as a symbol we must look at the animal traits and how it lives, but also how it makes us feel when coming into our own lives individually.
Personally, I'm happy with my new pal Toadie. As long as I keep the dog from eating him, Toady is doing good work keeping the insect population in check and offering me childish chuckles from exploring his company. He's welcome at my door, and I'll be keeping my witches eye out for a stone to offer itself to be painted as a toad Spiritkeepers! ;)

*American Toad (Bufo americanus) graphic provided at http://ian.umces.edu/discforum/index.php?topic=151.0


All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

About Animal Totems and Spirit Guides

Spiritkeepers are stones hand painted with images of totem animals. OK, so what is a totem animal? How is it different from an animal helper or spirit guide? I've prepared the answers to those questions, and many others, at my home site, Realm of the Mystic Griffin. There, you'll find a free section devoted to teaching about the metaphysical symbols animals can become for us, including a working list of animal meanings you won't find from any one else; unique original content. Discover the magic within!

You may now also visit my new Squidoo.com informative lens at http://www.squidoo.com/animal_totems

All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

Wolf Holey Stone Pendant #045

With life-like details this bust of a red brown timber wolf on stone has been wire wrapped to make a most unique necklace pendant. With golden eyes, the fur was created by dry brushing many layers of paint over the texture of the natural stone. The white stone came from the Pacific Ocean; the Ring of Fire, and so the water of the sea created the natural hole. Wire is silver plated copper, and is strung on an adjustable satin cord, but will accept most chains. Perfect addition to a Spiritkeepers collection, ritual jewelry, or could even be used as an ornament for a small Wiccan Yule holiday tree! Can be worn by both men and ladies alike, (unisex).

Go to the Spiritkeepers Home at Realm of the Mystic Griffin to purchase & for more information.

All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

Emperor Penguin Family Set

Hand painted realistic wildlife details!

The new Emperor Penguin Family Group is a set of 5 painted rocks; four beach pebble (jasper, agate, basalt) birds rest upright for display in natural grooves in the flat silica background stone. The baby Penguin is the world's smallest Spiritkeepers Stone to date at only 1/2" long by 1/4" wide! The largest bird in set is 1" by 2/4" and they are fun to play with because the scene can be changed! The set is a true unique creation of 3-D art. Each piece is individually signed with the Spiritkeepers sigil and numbered.


The shapes of the tiny pebbles inspired this set. I'd collected an interesting group of flat little stones, and had them together for quite some time. One day they caught my eye as a "family" and should stay together; hence the first Spiritkeepers set of any kind. I'd been saving the flat background rock for a long time. I thought of it right away as a perfect setting for the birds to rest upon. The scratched up surface the stone had to begin with reminded me of the way penguins will scratch out a walking path. It's a lot of fun playing with the pebbles, moving and changing the scene, and I think the set would be great stress relief at the office desk; certainly a unique conversation piece, and a perfect way to keep the spirit of a personal totem animal with you in the real world!
Visit my home site, Realm of the Mystic Griffin, to read original totem animal meaning for Emperor Penguin.


Slide on over to my Curio Castle Etsy store to see different photos and purchase this set at this time.
*Curio Castle Shoppe http://www.curiocastle.etsy.com/

All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

Smallest & Biggest Spiritkeepers Stones Ever

In a previous post I wrote about the largest Spiritkeepers Stone to date; the Giant Wolf Holey Stone (#sk043). Sized at 12" wide, 10" tall, and 2" at the thickest point, it's sure to impress guests with the size alone but also has a great amount of realistic detail. I've recently listed, in my Curio Castle Shoppe, the smallest Spiritkeepers Stone ever and it too has realistic wildlife details!


The new Emperor Penguin Family Group is a set of 5 painted rocks; four beach pebble (jasper, agate, basalt) birds rest upright for display in natural grooves in the flat silica background stone. The baby Penguin is the world's smallest Spiritkeepers Stone to date at only 1/2" long by 1/4" wide! The largest bird in set is 1" by 2/4" and they are fun to play with because the scene can be changed! The set is a true unique creation of 3-D art. Each piece is individually signed with the Spiritkeepers sigil and numbered.


Slide on over to my Curio Castle Etsy store to see different photos and learn more.
*Curio Castle Shoppe http://www.mysticgriffin.etsy.com/



All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

NEW River Otter Stone Is Very Realistic

River Otter Profile Bust Spiritkeepers Stone #013

Unique, One of a Kind Hand Painted Totem Animal Art

I'm excited to release this new river otter into the wild! The unique shape of the rock begged for a sleek animal, and being that the stone is a river rock made otter a perfect choice. I never really know what the final animal is going to look like when a piece is finished, and I was rather surprised by the details of this critter. This river otter wears a somewhat serious expression, watching with alert senses. Realistic details bring the face to life, in the more difficult to manage 3/4 profile position. A slight bit of color hints at a lush river background, adding a vivid contrast to the red-brown fur of the otter. The fur colors are rich natural tones with creamy highlights; a personal favorite color combination.

The entire stone is about half the size an actual otter head would be in nature, and wraps around the form of the rock. On the back of the stone some of the natural color of the rock can be seen. I always try to leave some of the natural surface showing so it's new partner (aka owner) can be aware of that connection to a thing of nature, and not just decorative art.

As of now, this stone is currently available in my Curio Castle Etsy Shop (mysticgriffin) but if it has already found a home you can still read the details and see other photos by looking in the "Sold" section.

All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

Two New Polar Bear Hand Painted Stones

Metaphysical ABOUT POLAR BEAR - Being the most outstanding hunter of the bear family also makes the polar bear the most aggressive of the bears. They have very keen hearing, listening for sounds under the ice from above. When polar bear hears a seal bubbling to the surface it patiently waits for the favorite prey to come up. They pounce on the seals to drag them from the water. This indicates that polar bear knows when to wait and when to act on an opportunity. These bears have a playful side too, sliding on ice and playing with cubs, indicating that though they're serious about the task at hand they know when to relax and nourish the soul. If you think that polar bear is a totem animal for you then be sure to also examine the animals it chooses as prey; there'll likely be a second totem in there for you.

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* Polar Bear Sleeping Hand Painted Stone

This item is actual natural rock and a one of a kind design.

A hand painted polar bear taking a nap, with head on paw, graces this unique hand painted stone. The image is unique to this piece; one of a kind, and created from the shapes found within the natural surface of the stone. This modern wildlife folk art piece can be displayed as decorative art, used as a large medicine bag or pouch item, or kept as a totem animal spirit guide reminder on decorative display; either way, this collectable Spiritkeepers stone makes a lovely sculpture of nature or Yule time gift. Sits safe for most surfaces at 2" inches tall and is 2 1/4" inches at the widest point, and 1/2" thick; palm of hand size. Place near your workspace computer to remind you of the magic world of nature outside of technology. Hand Painted Rock Folk Art.Each Spiritkeepers is unique and individually numbered. This piece is intended for indoor display though surface is water washable with cold water and care. Stone #sk025

Available at my Etsy shop. Click title to visit.

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Polar Bear Scene Hand Painted Basalt Stone This item is actual natural rock and a one of a kind design SOLD.
A hand painted polar bear standing in the ice fields, with mountians beyond, graces this unique hand painted stone. The rock material is a volcanic basalt from the Pacific Northwest ocean water. Basalt is known metaphysically to absorb negative energy. Use as a meditation devise to focus. The image is unique to this piece; one of a kind, and created from the shapes found within the natural surface of the stone. This modern wildlife folk art piece can be displayed as decorative art, used as a paper weight, or kept as a totem animal spirit guide reminder; either way, this collectable Spiritkeepers stone makes a lovely sculpture of nature or Yule time gift. Sits safe for most surfaces at 3 3/4" inches wide and is 1 1/4" inches at the thickest point; stout and heavy. Photos are a bit dark; colors are rich blue, purple, and white with brown. Acrylic paint well coated with environmentally friendly varnish. Place near your workspace computer to remind you of the magic world of nature outside of technology. Go for a late night walk with the power of polar bear! Each Spiritkeepers is unique and individually numbered. This piece is intended for indoor display though surface is water washable with cold water and care. Stone #sk44 Certificate of Authenticity included.

All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.