Speaking In Stones

Notes taken from ‘The Book of Runes’ by Ralph Blum, published in 1982 — a book lovingly dedicated to Margaret Mead.

**Jo Sabey ‘***Wunjo (reversed)’ —* this rune is a fruit bearing branch. A time of travail has ended.
acrylic on archival paper, 12.5 x 8cm.

**Jo Sabey** *‘Gebo’* — an indication that a union or partnership in some form is at hand.
acrylic on archival paper, 19 x 17cm.

**Jo Sabey** ‘*Ewha*’ (reversed) — a rune of transition and movement — the movement appears temporarily blocked.
‘*Berkana’ —* a rune of life process — denotes that form of fertility which promotes growth both symbolically and actually.
Acrylic on archival paper.
Framed together as a pair 37 x 61cm.

**Jo Sabey** *‘Sowein’ —* this rune stands for wholeness — that which indicates the path you must follow not from ulterior motives but from the core of your individuality.
Acrylic on archival paper. 29 x 21cm.

Speaking in Stones

“ I have come to be looked at more closely”

And so begins a silent conversation with a stone.

Not just any stone — a particular stone
that for some reason your eye is drawn to.
You pick it up hold it in your hand warm it
put it in your pocket warm it further walk home with it place it on a shelf.

It catches your eye from time to time.

It has entered your life — slowly — as is the way of stones.

You notice its unique marks, its colour, its particular shape. It becomes part of a collection as companions for this first stone find their way home
— in a pocket, or a purse, or the hand of a small child.

You arrange them,
rearrange them.
You have started speaking in stones remembering the ancient language that speaks of deep time,
of sediment and settling,
of how long it takes to smooth a stone.

And one day you discover The Book of Runes

— written in stone.

You know the language by heart.

Jo Sabey 2024