manzia
Lithomancy
Lithomancy, from the Greek lithos "stone" and manteia "divination", is the practice of drawing omens from stones or gems: by their throw, their arrangement or their random selection from a pouch. It is a variant of cleromancy (the casting of lots) and has ancient roots in Mediterranean, Celtic and Germanic cultures.
Technique
Stones or gems are gathered in a pouch (seven, nine or twelve, according to the tradition), each associated with a symbolic meaning (lapis lazuli for wisdom, amethyst for spirituality, obsidian for protection, citrine for joy, and so on). You ask a question, draw one stone (or three) blindly and read the message.
Related traditions
In many shamanic cultures, stones are considered alive and bearers of distinct energies. Contemporary crystal therapy (Melody, Judy Hall) inherits these traditions in a New Age key. The "healing" properties of stones are not confirmed by medical science: their value remains symbolic and meditative.
FAQ
Do stones have properties?
They have no proven healing properties. They have symbolic qualities assigned by traditions and real mineralogical properties (hardness, colour, crystalline structure).
Which stones for a beginner?
A set of seven stones in the colours of the rainbow is the most common choice. Add black (obsidian) and white (quartz) to broaden the reading.
Is it linked to crystal therapy?
Yes, they share the symbolic framework. Crystal therapy focuses on the "energetic" use of stones; lithomancy on their divinatory use.