Spiral Spirit: Rocks Rock

Scotland

England

Wales

One fine summer day I was wading along the shoreline of Mullet Lake in northern Michigan, looking for one "special" rock to take home. My exact thought was "God, I'd like to find a heart-shaped rock. If you can help me with this, I'd appreciate it." Not fifteen seconds later, I reached in the water and came up with a beautiful heart-shaped rock which is now being used as a paperweight.

Heart-shaped rocks have become, for me, a physical manifestation of God's nearness and love.

I've been given and have found any number of heart-shaped rocks which I usually end up givng away. After all, no one can really own a rock. There is, however, one "heart stone" that I treasure the most, given to me by a dear friend upon their return from Ireland. This stone (not pictured here) was "handcrafted from 900 million year old Connemara marble" and is, kinesthetically speaking, a pleasure to hold. It's finely varigated surface is cool to the touch, invoking a sense of calm when held in the palm of the hand.

I like to carry a small rock or two with me on my journeys (they're good pocket travelers). They not only give me a sense of connection to the Earth, but are also part security blanket, part lucky totem, and personal touchstone to home.
Last May, I took my heart-shaped stone on a 27-day adventure in the United Kingdom. It came home with rock friends.

I collected heart-shaped rocks from Cornwall to the Isle of Skye, my bag becoming heavier and heavier along the way. At some point I decided to stop collecting and start photographing them instead!

Paraiba Tourmaline

For as long as I can remember,
I've had an affinity with the mineral kingdom.
It seems only natural that my fascination with the processes
by which gemstones, crystals, minerals and rocks are formed
would lead to an interest in their spiritual aspects
and healing properties as well.
Of course, they are also
lovely to look at and wonderful to wear!

In my estimation, Paraiba Tourmaline
is the most exquisite gemstone known to humankind.
It is also one of the least abundant, most sought-after and expensive.
This fabulous stone derives it's name from it's country of origin,
the Federal Brazilian State of Paraiba.
The only producing mine closed over twenty years ago,
resulting in a significant decrease in availability
and subsequent increase in cost.

For more pictures and descriptions of gemstones visit
the International Colored Genstone Association's website at:
http://www.gemstone.org/