Applying the Strength of Subtle Stone and Wood

Today we are exploring subtle wood and subtle stone, moving outside the typical five element model recognized in the west. There are other elements we can incorporate into energy healing practice from cultures around the world. I’ve decided to discuss them together, so you experience a bit of contrast between two elemental energies, which are less dynamic than fire, air, or water.

Subtle wood and subtle stone both represent relatively solid energies compared to their more fluid counterparts. Wood is a more temporary and breaks down over time. Meanwhile, stone is extremely firm and foundational, taking an exceedingly long time to be diminished by air, water, or microorganisms in soil – rarely touched by fire or earth directly.

Let’s discuss subtle wood first. Its energy brings buoyancy, adaptability, cheer, and optimism. As a pliable material, wood offers positive lift through change. In Chinese medicine, wood symbology runs deeper, though I apply it slightly differently based on my training.

We could use subtle wood’s temporary nature to provide supportive tissue rebuilding as new growth forms, without the energy remaining long term.

Next, subtle stone strengthens and toughens structures due its foundational quality. We can harness its energy to hold other subtle elements together within the subtle anatomy. For example, if working with cancer I may decide to surround a tumor with subtle stone to prevent further spread. As stone incorporates mineral density, it allows sculpting and integrating those elements where needed, such as bone marrow.

While air stirs change and water washes away, both wood and stone stabilize. Flex with the flexibility of wood serves, stand strong like stone when stability is called for. May we harness these grounded elemental friends with wisdom.

Check out my review of working with the Subtle Wood & Stone practice.