highstones & moonstone

The Moonstone is a sacred stone deep below the earth that the Clan cats go to to share tongues with StarClan. Although cats are supposed to be given free passage through to the Moonstone, this law is not always obeyed. The cave in which the moonstone is located, Mothermouth, is seen as a hole in the ground. As cats enter, they go through a long, cold tunnel that slopes down, with absolutely no light whatsoever, sometimes so thin they feel their whiskers brushing either side. After a short distance they emerge into a small cavern where the actual Moonstone is.The cat is then dazzled by an extremely bright light, caused by moonlight reflected onto the gem from a hole in the ceiling. The Moonstone is several tail-lengths high. To communicate with StarClan, all the cat must do is press his or her nose to the rock, and they fall asleep almost immediately. It is said to be very cold, and some cats believe they are not dreaming until they open their eyes, realizing their nose is no longer pressed against the rock. They then dream about their warrior ancestors, and are able to talk with them. Apprentices used to go here before their warrior ceremony. Leaders go to Moonstone to receive nine lives and have the second half of their name replaced with the suffix "–star" to honor StarClan.