The first Sunday in January is often designated as "White Stone" Sunday at Unity churches. What is "White Stone" Sunday? It is the day when we set our intentions for the rest of the year. I'm not talking about resolutions, because in the White Stone ceremony, we don't make a list. Usually, we come up with one or two words which represent the changes we wish to make or what we want to see expressing in our experience.
Generally, the way it works is that each person is presented with a white tile upon entering the church and a pencil or pen. During the course of the service, a meditation is done that helps the person connect with their divine essence, Higher Self, Divine Mind--whatever we call God. We are invited to ask for guidance on what our word or words will be for the year that will represent our highest intention or it may be a name that we hear for this new spiritual identity. That name is then written upon the white tile. We keep the white tile as a reminder of our intention.
The idea of the White Stone ceremony comes from Revelation 2:17: "Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers (who overcomes) I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it."
In most Unity churches, White Stone Sunday follows a "Burning Bowl" service held at the end of the year. At this service, there is a symbolic releasing of what we wish to let go of before we move into the new year. It is written on a piece of paper and then dropped into a large bowl or container which contains fire. Participants let go of such things as feelings of anger, unforgiveness, unhealthy habits, relationships, etc.
You can create these rituals at home if you have not had the opportunity to participate at a church. I have found both rituals to be very powerful and have seen differences in my life, and the lives of others, as a result of taking part in these ceremonies.
Where did you get your small white stones for this ceremony? I have misplaced my ordering information. I am a Unity minister in ORegon. THanks so much.
Posted by: Rev. Sherry Lady | November 19, 2009 at 06:33 PM
For those that do the White Stone ceremony, white tiles are excellent. You can get them at any Home Depot store.
Posted by: Carla | December 03, 2009 at 09:07 PM