written for HedraNews October 2018 issue (Vol 29 issue 10), reprinted (posted) with permission
by Sammy Castonguay, scaston23@gmail.com
Greetings!
Often we find access to a plethora of gemstones
and crystals when visiting shops related to alternative medicine or
spirituality. As a budding young geologist, I would simultaneously scoff at
‘rock shops’ while drooling over rare or exquisite samples found within: covellite,
sphene (titanite), huge ammonite fossils, iron-meteorites, or gigantic amethyst
lined Brazilian geodes. I now own a wonderful assortment of such crystals, as
so many do, including many rocks and minerals I have collected on my research
excursions. Here I want to bring our focus from the gem-quality, pretty shop-samples
to the world of crystals all around us.
The geosphere of the Earth System is primarily
composed of the base mineral ionic group Silicates or [SiO4]-4
which account for 90% of earths crust. Most of the average minerals you come
into contact with are of this group. In fact, one of the most popular crystal
groups that are a hot sale at any shop is the Quartz Point Crystal composed of
a pure framework of these ions formed in hydrothermal environments. Quartz is
one of the primary minerals in the igneous rocks granite (Bogus Basin, Sawtooth,
Seven Devils) and rhyolite (much of the Owyhee Plateau and canyons) where they
formed from cooling magma or lava. Yes! That is right, the quartz points and
many other silicate-based minerals we might ogle over in a gem store are
actually contained in the rocks of earth all around us! Furthermore, quartz is
a fairly chemically inactive material on earth surface so when rocks are being
eroded down from these landscapes the quartz is often times re-precipitated in
the cavities. These become the varieties precious jaspers, agates, and opals
depending on the concentration of dissolved ions, temperature of water, and
time of formation.
My point here is to illuminate the crystal world around you is composed of the same materials you
may already work with—although at different concentrations and harmony
arrangements. Recently, I have encountered an increase in awareness of the
practice known as ‘grounding’ or ‘earthing’, which is both an ancient and
modern practice. This practice is tapping into the crystal world of a local
landscape. Wilson Alverez, a rewilding advocate, has offered “a culture is a
reflection of a landscape”. If you are
familiar with the Role Playing Game “Magic: The Gathering” this idea is reflected
as Mana sourced from Land cards. In other words, connecting with the Earth
element of your local landscape provides us with a Mana. If you are neglecting this Mana source and are not
aware, you may be causing yourself minute harm physically, emotionally,
mentally or sexually. I beckon you to familiarize yourself with the World of
Crystals you live on!
YOUR REALLY GOING FOR IT ALL!!! IM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!I CANT WAIT TO CONTINUE READING ALL THAT YOU REPORT!!
ReplyDeleteYou go Sammy!
ReplyDelete