NOTICE
In the posession of G.D. WATT is a BLOOD STONE; for the cure of all kinds of inward bleedings whatever,--a never failing remedy without medicine. No cure no pay. Mr. Watt may be seen at the Tithing Office.
I've read a little bit about this bloodstone belief. Brigham Young also had a bloodstone charm. He wore it on a chain next to his skin when he went into dangerous places. He thought it offered some element of protection. His original stone can be seen at the museum of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, in Salt Lake City. Here's a photo of a reproduction of Brigham's stone.
All of this makes me think of something like a lucky rabbit's foot-- some sort of charm, amulet or talisman that holds mystical power. It all seems very... nineteenth century. I was wondering if 21st century Mormons still hold to the sorts of mysticism as the old prophets, or if perhaps they have adopted more New Age varieties of mysticism. I have a cousin-in-law that practices something called "foot zoning." It seems to embrace elements of chakra, magnetism, and accupressure. Are these more representative of modern Mormon mysticism? Or do we still embrace peep stones as well?
1 comment:
Honestly I don't know enough Mormon Mystics to know what is the norm these days. I don't have any talismans or magical items, although I have seen some similar elements within LDS belief and certain alternative ceremonial rituals. These would include a type of focused meditation or astral projection that focuses on specific colors, energy and sound vibrations, specific roles and names of God, specific environments that promote greater understanding of specific areas of His work, and keeping company with spiritual beings that again focus on specific types of interaction. These types of exercises help the individual experience multidimensional familiarity in a controlled environment so as to influence greater success in their interaction with the everyday world. Since the exercises focus on one element of perspective on a very deep level, it helps the practitioner gradually add more elements of perspective as they systematically grow in their capacity to transcend the spiritual worlds. I have tried these practices or a hybrid of them with more LDS symbolism and terminology. These spiritual worlds are actually more detailed breakdowns of the Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial states of understanding. Although most commonly, LDS would say that they focus on the Celestial inheritance, it would make sense to gradually grow into that fullness from the bottom up. If the first steps are rejected, how can the journey ever be accomplished? These exercises help to remove the veil by layers and also help to make real the Kingdoms of Glory by layers. The ultimate goal is to reconcile our Fallen state with God’s fullness by progressive growth and understanding.
Anyway, from what I understand of the significance of talismans, symbolic relics, or such from a mystic’s perspective, it is not the innate power that these objects hold that is their true magic. It is the mood, perspective, idea, or possibility that they point to, that helps the mystic remember to stay oriented in specific ways during his spiritual journey. Much like the Kingdoms of Glory symbolism should help the LDS stay oriented in their spiritual progression. Starting from the bottom upwards: The Outer Darkness reminds us that we are cut off from the presence of God in this Fallen world; the Telestial Kingdom (glory of the stars) reminds us to gain the Holy Ghost as a Constant Companion (D&C 76:86); the Terrestrial Kingdom (glory of the moon) reminds us to gain the Second Comforter (D&C 76:77); the Celestial Kingdom (glory of the son) reminds us to gain the personal ministry of God the Father (D&C 76:70). See also John 14 for additional information that encourages the reception of the Godhead by degrees while in mortality to aid in spiritual progression.
Similarly I think the Bloodstone would help the wearer remember to exercise their faith towards receiving Divine protection and healing. If you think about it, the symbols on LDS garments should also work in a similar way to invite miracles and spiritual growth through reminded and focused faith of the wearer. Unfortunately, I think that most wearers assume that the powers that these symbols suggest are just going to magically happen (no pun intended… well, it really was) with no effort on their part. There are so many tools, symbols, rites, and rights associated with the Restored Gospel that get overlooked as to their potential use it is ridiculous. For the mystic, true magical items are able to help them ascend inwardly, not be effected superficially.
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