Do you have a touchstone?
You know, an object that instantly reminds you of your values, what you seek, and who you want to be.
Like the practice of pilgrimage, a touchstone is a physical representation of your intention and a reminder of your desires. In the Golden Age of pilgrimage, touchstones for the journey were common, with a different emblem representing each of the most popular pilgrimages of the day.
The most well-known emblem associated with a journey is likely the scallop shell representing the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, which still serves as a symbol for the ancient pilgrimage today. Other emblems of the ancient pilgrims might not have been so obvious or intentional, but can still be considered touchstones because they served as reminders of the quest, such as a walking stick to aid in the journey or a memento brought from home and used as a source of inspiration in times of doubt.
Whether you’re on pilgrimage abroad or journeying with intention right at home, a touchstone is a useful tool for the Seeker of the Sacred.
What object can you carry with you that might serve as a touchstone? Perhaps it is a piece of jewelry you wear around your neck each day or a stone kept in your pocket as a private reminder in times of need. Or might I suggest something from the Journey Shop?
GO FURTHER: TOUCHSTONES IN THE JOURNEY SHOP
Today in the Journey Shop I’m releasing two products that can serve as touchstones of your own—the Scallop Shell Pilgrim Charm and the Compass Essential Oil Bracelet!
The Scallop Shell Pilgrim Charm
A symbol of the pilgrim for centuries, the scallop shell represents the search for the Sacred that is written on the heart of every Seeker.
This brass-plated pendant is embossed with the texture of the scallop shell on both sides and bears a beautiful patina, representing how the journey is always evolving, becoming more nuanced over time. Attached to a removable nylon strand, this Scallop Shell Pilgrim Charm is ready to be tied to a bag or around a wrist, allowing you to carry the intention of the pilgrim with you wherever you go as a touchstone for the journey. I have one tied on the zipper of the backpack I travel with to remind me that I’m a pilgrim wherever I go. Learn more in the Journey Shop »
The Compass Essential Oil Bracelet
Essential oils have become an excellent centering tool for me, and I’m so excited to share this new offering with you—it’s probably my favorite item in the Journey Shop so far. I’ve been wearing it around for months, and it’s been especially meaningful to wear it during big meetings or appointments when I can use a tangible reminder of who I am and what I have to offer the world.
Made of black lava beads that diffuse your favorite essential oil and blue amazonite beads said to enhance intuition, this bracelet serves as a touchstone when you need it most. With beads that are both dark and light as well as rough and smooth, the Compass Essential Oil bracelet represents all that we carry on our journeys, with the form of a compass connecting it all to remind us to seek guidance from the True Self and the Divine on our pilgrimage of faith. Learn more in the Journey Shop »
There are limited quantities of both, so if you’re interested don’t delay! If they’re sold out, they’ll be back soon, I promise—it’s always important to keep touchstones close at hand…
LAUNCHING MAY 31
I’m launching my biggest project yet on May 31—Journey Guide: A Step-by-Step Pilgrimage Companion for the Journey of a Lifetime—and I’m counting down by releasing new products for the pilgrim at home and abroad every week this month. Sign up to receive updates so you don’t miss a thing!
