Compass Stones
by Eliza Yetter
(written 2003 / revised 2007)

Materials Needed:
4 stones, preferably smooth and rounded although smooth flat stones also work well
Paint, acrylic
Paintbrushes and/or cotton sticks

Purpose:
In ritual, one needs to know the compass directions to be able to perform the ritual/spell accurately. I myself am "directionally challenged" and had to devise a method to ensure that I kept my directions correct. These four stones, painted and personalized with my energies, are set out in a circle surrounding my work area with the use of a compass, before each ritual. I've found that not only have they kept me accurate in my work, they've also added directional/elemental powers to my work.

Instructions:
1. Make sure the stones are completely clean and dry before beginning.
2. Using acrylic paint, you will paint each stone for each of the four directions. You can color each stone a solid color, mark them with the directions initial (N, S, E, W), or use other symbols. Below are the visual characteristics of each compass direction to inspire your own creation.

NORTH
earth
brown or green
symbol: circle with an equal-armed cross inside it.

SOUTH
fire
orange or red
symbol: circle

EAST
air
white
symbol: circle with a small black circle inside it.

WEST
water
blue
symbol: circle with a horizontal line through the center.

3. After you have painted each stone, allow to dry for a day. Afterwards, you may want to spray with clear acrylic to protect your designs.

Use: With a compass, place each stone at each compass point around the area where you will be performing your ritual/spellwork.