Charm Stone

Charm stone. Irregular fragment of sandstone, bound with bark cords. This divining-stone is consulted in cases of sickness, to ascertain whether or not the wishes of the invalid are heard and will be granted. When the Vedda offers these prayers, he holds in his two hands a stick, from which the divining-stone is suspended. If his prayer is heard, the stone will swing to and fro like a pendulum. If the evil spirit does not hear, or will not grant his prayer, the stone remains at rest.