seeingstones

Seestones, also known as witch stones or holey stones, are stones that have a naturally occurring hole or holes that pass all the way through them. These stones are often found on beaches, particularly after storms, where the constant action of the waves and sand has eroded cavities within the rock.

The formation of a seestone is a geological process. Initially, a pebble or stone with a softer core or vein is chosen by the sea. As the waves repeatedly wash over the stone, they carry sand and grit. This abrasive action, over time, grinds away at the softer material, creating a hole. Alternatively, a stone may contain a fossil or a concretion that is more susceptible to erosion than the surrounding rock, leading to a similar hollowed-out effect.

Throughout history and across various cultures, seestones have held a variety of symbolic and practical significances. They have been used as protective amulets, believed to ward off evil spirits or the "evil eye." It was thought that by looking through the hole in the stone, one could see into the spirit world or gain a clearer vision. Some traditions held that hanging a seestone above a doorway or in a home would bring good luck and protection. Fishermen sometimes carried them for a safe return or to ensure a good catch. In some folklore, seestones were also associated with magic and divination. While their geological formation is natural, the cultural meanings attributed to them are varied and often steeped in folklore.