Indian rune set in a pouch — Tiger's eye

Tawny and brown bands crossed by a moving sheen that slides as you tilt the stone — chatoyancy.

Twenty-five stones engraved with the elder futhark, presented in their fabric pouch; the characters are carved and then picked out.

In tradition. A protective stone renowned in many cultures, tradition credits it with turning back what comes from outside, like a mirror.

In practice. Drawn blind, hand in the pouch, one to three depending on the question asked. Keep them in the pouch: the stones scratch each other if left loose.

• Its sheen comes from asbestos fibers replaced by silica without their parallel structure being lost.
• A natural piece: shade, veining and dimensions vary from one example to the next

A decorative object for personal practice. It is no substitute for medical advice or treatment.