For as long as I can remember, I have been enamored with geodes and minerals. There is something miraculous in the fact that these exquisite materials are forged within the earth. As the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust, quartz is utilized in a variety of ways today.
My affinity for minerals has given birth to an extensive collection of jewelry and other collectibles. One of my prized pieces is a crystal quartz pyramid that I got on vacation in the Middle East. The pyramid is beautiful by itself, but when it refracts light, it creates a kaleidoscope of incandescent coloring that astounds me.
In chemistry, mineralogy and materials science, a crystal is a solid in which the constituent atoms, molecules or ions are packed in a regularly ordered, repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions. The word crystal is derived from the ancient Greek word krustallos, which had the same meaning, but according to the ancient understanding of crystal. At root, it means anything congealed by freezing, such as ice. The word once referred particularly to quartz, or “rock crystal”.
Most metals encountered in everyday life are polycrystals. Crystals are often symmetrically grown to form crystal twins. There are numerous applications of crystals, including jewelry and home décor figures. In my home I keep a collection of exquisite quartz crystal points on the mantel.
There’s nothing quite as hectic and exciting as working in the world of theater. The preparation that goes into any given play is tremendous, both on the individual and group level. Before the curtain ever rises on opening night, there has already been days upon days of work, preparation, and dedication that have gone into the production. Especially if you work behind the scenes on costume, set, or prop design, you don’t have to worry so much about onstage jitters, but you do have that opening night anxiety as you see the fruits of your labor displayed and used onstage.
If you’re looking to put together a play at your local community center, high school, or even your own backyard, you have an amazing selection of tried and true favorites to choose from. One of the most celebrated and often performed plays is Shakespeare’s Hamlet. And if you decide to tackle this challenging and moving play, remember that props and sets can make all the difference. For Hamlet specifically, the most important prop is the skull used in the famous graveyard scene. Every audience member will be waiting for that skull, so make sure you have something special on hand. In my high school production, we invested in a set crystal skulls to help make the climatic scene more dramatic.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009@ 2:25 PM
In a dark and quiet room light one or two candles. Place your crystal ball or other favorite meditation crystal on a table in front of you. ( My favorite is an all natural quartz crystal ball filled with wonderful inclusions and a few rainbows.) Burning incense is sometimes helpful for setting the mood. I use a wood scent. Sandlewood, cedar wood, etc.
Relax, gaze into the crystal. Try not to blink. Slowly take deep breaths in and out while gazing deeply. You should feel a sense of calm and peacefulness. At this point, gaze steadly for 15 minutes. You may increase your time by 5 minutes every new session until you reach 30 minutes or so.
You might see a fluffy cloud forming in the center of your crystal. This is your “focusing area” where your visions will appear. You may or may not get a vision on your first try. For some it might take several sessions. Always relax and don’t force anything. Whether you receive a vision or not this is always an excellent relaxing and stress reducing exercise.
Saturday, September 19, 2009@ 5:16 PM
A very special friend was involved in an extremely toxic relationship. He knew it was destructive, but he was unable to make the permanent break. When he asked for our help we immediately cleansed and charged a tumbled unikite stone and a rutilated quartz crystal. We added these to a special powerful crystal point and gave them to him.
Unikite is a moss green and salmon pink composite rock. It enhances personal power and the ability to completely take charge of your own life. It helps ensure that you will be the guardian of your own fate and not be taken over by someone else. Rutilated Quartz and Tourmalinated quartz have the same energy. It helps you become more discriminating about who or what one allows to be of impact.
It has been rough, but the bad relationship is finally over! He has met a new lady ( also out of a bad relationship ) and slowly they are healing together. Never underestimate the power of the crystal.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009@ 3:40 PM
I have always been a great believer in the beauty and power of stones, particularly crystals. I guess the first time my grandfather took me up in the attic and showed me his old “cat’s hair crystal radio” I have been fascinated by them. I figured if I could listen to Amos and Andy by touching that stupid cat hair to a particular spot on that crystal, hopefully you can see why I thought that crystal just had to have some kind of special something. Over the years I have I have seen crystals and stones used in healing, to release tension, restore health, etc. I met a veterinarian in Dallas, Oregon who was known all over the world for using crystals to heal and treat champion race horses. Last time I saw him was in Jordan where he has treating the horses in the king’s stables.
I have lost track of the number of chiropractors and osteopaths whom I have met, who use crystals and other stones in their treatment and practice. I have to admit that many of the town folk in some of those towns have looked on them as something akin to witch doctors when they first started practicing. Of course, there was the young lady years ago, when I was working in a rock shop in a town that will remain anonymous. She walked in and wanted a piece of a blue stone, but couldn’t remember what it was called. I just happened to have a piece of it. At that point she removed her blouse, and showed me the fragment of Kyanite nestled between….well, you get the picture. When I asked her why she wanted the stone she explained that she had been told that if she wore Kyanite she would not get pregnant. I sold her the sample she wanted and laughed all the way home. I wonder who convinced her of that?
This article was contributed by a dear friend, may he have many more exciting adventures. Thank you Kelly.
The popularity of last year’s action blockbuster “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” brought renewed interest to a niche of Mesoamerican art. Crystal skulls have been discovered as artifacts and stored in museums and private collections. These skulls are themselves replicas of actual human skulls with some level of artistic license. The shape and color of the crystal goes a long way in determining a piece’s overall aesthetic effect.
Modern day craftsmen and craftswomen continue the tradition of carving crystal skulls. There are numerous apocryphal tales that imbue these skulls with supernatural powers. They have been said to cure diseases or enable the owner to become clairvoyant. For most people, however, crystal skulls make a striking decorative piece for the home.
Saturday, July 18, 2009@ 5:00 PM
My personal thoughts on the quartz crystal cluster. It can be as little as two points joined, or literally thousands. Some are milky, and some are as clear as gin. They are not always beautiful, but they are always interesting. You can spend hours looking into them and wonder at the process which occurred to make them. Some are used as paper weights, some as display pieces. Crystal clusters radiate
energy into the area around them.
The powerful influence of a quartz crystal cluster can be felt by most. Many company executives have claimed the power of the crystal has improved their business dealings. It has been my experience, and many of my friends and customers that a certain crystal will reach out to you. You can just look at it and feel it is meant to be with you. Sometimes when I receive a new shipment of merchandise as I am unpacking, there is one item that beckons me. It
never makes it to the web store for sale. It has found its permanent home.
Saturday, July 11, 2009@ 5:00 PM
Pyramids will amplify and focus energy through the top point. A crystal pyramid can be used to draw off negative energy from the Chakras. Pyramids make excellent meditation tools. The mystical shape is said to generate healing energies. Natural clear quartz crystal has a
remarkable strong energy!
In a dark and quiet room, light one or two candles. Place
the quartz crystal pyramid on your lap. Burn incense if you like but it’s not necessary. We prefer sandalwood. Center yourself before beginning. This is done by gazing into the
pyramid, and making your mind completely blank. This is hard at first but should get easier with practice. Try not to blink. Slowly take deep breaths in and out while relaxing and gazing into the pyramid. You should feel a sense of calm and peacefulness, as though time is standing still. Do this for at least 15 minutes. Afterwards you should feel relaxed and refreshed.
Saturday, July 4, 2009@ 5:00 PM
Pocket crystals can be single or double terminated. I like to carry my single point crystal to feel the energy is there for me to touch at any time. The power of the crystal is always emitting its energys next to your body. It’s a great stress relieving tool and always has a calming effect. Natural quartz crystal has remarkable energy. It vibrates all of the colors of the spectrum.
A double terminated crystal point channels energy in two directions at once and provides a bridge between two points. Your energy is gathered and combined with the power of the crystal and may be projected away from you into that which needs the added energy. Double terminated crystal points strengthen energy projection, and creates a flow that removes all unwanted energy.
