#: 61633 S6/Tarot & Divination
    11-Jul-95  17:13:17
Sb: Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: All

I need a little guidance on this one.

My sister is looking for a crystal ball in order to learn to do readings,
etc. I went to the store and saw all kinds of them. Some were made of
natural quartz crystals (coul see cloudiness, etc in them), some were
made of pink quartz crystals, and some were man-made (i.e. casted sort
of thing) and looked clear. The latter one were about half price the
natural one.

The lady said that the clear one usually work better for readings. Is
that so? Any recommendation as to size, color, etc?

Alain


#: 61699 S6/Tarot & Divination
    11-Jul-95  20:04:25
Sb: #61633-Crystall balls
Fm: Michele 75131,2106
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Alain,
I recently read a good book on Crystal Scrying and  it said that some
cloudiness or occlusion was O.K. and in fact helped to focus.  It also
recommended quartz or other stones )obsidian) as being superior to
glass, but other books have said that glass works just as well.  It is
certainly cheaper!  I also read that 2.5" is about the smallest you
should get. I started to by a ball myself, but the prices for natural
crystal scared me away.  I kept thinking about how many Tarot  decks
I could get for the same amount of money. 

Michele


#: 61742 S6/Tarot & Divination
    11-Jul-95  20:48:04
Sb: #61699-#Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Michele 75131,2106 (X)

>> I recently read a good book on Crystal Scrying and  it said that some
cloudiness or occlusion was O.K. and in fact helped to focus.  <<

How much is some? I have seen some that were almost all translucent and
some others who only had minimal sections of translucense. So I guess
that means it would rule out the opaque pink quartz one?

>>  It also   recommended quartz or other stones )obsidian) as being
superior to glass,  but   other books have said that glass works just
as well.   <<

Hmmm... so looking at the more restrictive set, the opaque pink quartz
would do well then as obsidian is also opaque.

>>  I also read that 2.5" is about the smallest you should get.  <<

OK. Very good start! That rules out all the tiny (also el cheapo!) one
inch balls!

>>  but the prices for natural crystal scared me away.  <<

Well, here's s sample of some prices that I've seen. 2.5" clear man-made
crystal ball: $CDN 98, 2" natural crystal with some cloudiness: $CDN 150,
2.5" natural crystal with quite a lot of cloudiness/clivage: $CDN 175,
4" opaque pink crystal ball: $CDN 135, 6" opaque pink crystal ball: about
$CDN 250. And they had a BIG one which was opaque pink (I think) for
$CDN 1,300.

Then of course, the stand is sold separately. Some were just ring-like
(starting around $3) and some were sort of tripod (up to $98) with some
lion faces touching the ball at three points. Would those affect the
energy pattern of the ball? I.e. would the ring ones be more objective
for scrying?

>>I kept thinking about how many Tarot  decks I could get for the same
  amount of money. <<

She already has some tarots!  And a pendulum!

Alain


#: 61913 S6/Tarot & Divination
    12-Jul-95  03:50:18
Sb: #61742-Crystall balls
Fm: Ann/Silverhawk 76413,2114
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Alain,

I have a natural crystal ball with some clouding. It's smaller than
recommended but not much, about 2" diameter. I can feel a lot of energy
when I hold it, and I love it. It was originally priced $25, and I got
it on sale for $19. This was about 2 years ago.

 Hope that helps.

  -Ann/Silverhawk


#: 62057 S6/Tarot & Divination
    12-Jul-95  13:35:22
Sb: #61913-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Ann/Silverhawk 76413,2114 (X)

>> on sale for $19. This was about 2 years ago. Hope that helps.   <<

Gee! Now, I feel that I am going to get ripped off! 

Alain


#: 61710 S6/Tarot & Divination
    11-Jul-95  20:11:07
Sb: #61633-Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Alain,

As usual I'm butting in where I have no business, as I don't scry crystal
balls *at all* - but in working with crystals in general...I'm betting
that your sister's crystal ball will "find her" if she looks.

Just my opinion,
Shelle


#: 61741 S6/Tarot & Divination
    11-Jul-95  20:48:30
Sb: #61710-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723 (X)

>>  but in working with crystals in general...I'm betting that  your
sister's crystal ball will "find her" if she looks.  <<

Well, she lives in the boonies sort of things so I have more variety
around here than where she lives. I offered to buy her one before to
visit her at the end of the month. She relies on me as I told her that
I'd get plenty of advice here!

>>As usual I'm butting in where I have no business<<

No problem! The message was to everyone and of course, any public
message means that any one can comment.

Alain


#: 62157 S6/Tarot & Divination
    12-Jul-95  18:50:27
Sb: #61741-Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Alain,

What a great brother! Happy hunting, and let us know what you find.
I'd like to hear what she gets and how it works out for her.   I have
a fluorite ball that exudes a lot of energy - it literally gets hot to
the touch, but being pretty dark green I've never tried scrying with it
before.

Shelle


#: 62381 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  02:21:21
Sb: #62157-#Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723

>> What a great brother!  <<

She's a great sister too! She's got me a limited print copy of an
interpretation of Nostradamus prediction by a French who lives in
Quebec. (in French of course!) He goes through the meaning of old
French and some historical background and figures out what things are
likely intended to mean.

>>  I'd  like to hear what she gets and how it works out for her.  <<

She will also get some training from that fortune teller. She says that
it is all in the prayers that she says to herself while scrying the ball
and her guardian angel. Does not sound like traditional scrying to me!
Maybe it is a version which became to use prayers to avoid being
condemned by the Church for doing Divinitations. But I am sure that
she'll do good. She has good psychic abilities/intuitions.

>>fluorite ball that exudes a lot of energy - it literally gets hot to
the touch<<

What do you do with it for that to happen? Maybe it is a rock that is
quite reflective of infrared rays from your hand.

Alain


#: 62454 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  09:33:22
Sb: #62381-Crystall balls
Fm: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

93 Alain,

>> She will also get some training from that fortune teller. She says
that it is all in the prayers that she says to herself while scrying
the ball and her guardian angel. Does not sound like traditional scrying
to me! Maybe it is a version which became to use prayers to avoid being
condemned by the Church for doing Divinitations. <<

Actually, the concept the HGA (Holy Guardian Angel) is quite strong in
the Western Magyqal Tradition.  In many of these systems (the Golden
Dawn tradition being the best known), the first part of the Great
Work consists in obtaining the Knowledge of Conversation of the Holy
Guardian Angel.  It is thru the HGA, that most "magyqal' things happen.

 21 OMNI
 Jeff


#: 62479 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  11:57:24
Sb: #62454-#Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163 (X)

>>  the concept the HGA (Holy Guardian Angel) is quite strong in the
Western Magyqal Tradition.  <<

SO how many different traditions are there?

Alain


#: 62527 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  14:20:17
Sb: #62479-Crystall balls
Fm: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Alain,

<>

Sorry, never took a census .  In one sense there are as man traditions
as there are people, as we all tend to see things in subtly different
lights.  The tradition to which I referred with the HGA is the Qabalistyq
western tradition.  In the east, which unfortunately I have not had the
time to study at length, you may met with something else.  But, when you
strip away the words it may very well have the same "core".  Thus, one
may make a case that the "core" of many different esoteric traditions is
the same.

The only point I was making is that the idea of a Guardian Angel is not
the sole prerogative of the Christian Church.  It's there in many
different traditions, some, like magyq, the church casts aspersions upon.

21 OMNI
Jeff


#: 62514 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  13:55:16
Sb: #62381-#Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Alain,

>>>
>>fluorite ball that exudes a lot of energy - it literally gets hot to
the touch<<

What do you do with it for that to happen? Maybe it is a rock that is
quite reflective of infrared rays from your hand.<<<

That could be, except it only happens in meditative states - I tried to
show a friend by just holding it for a little while and it was as cool
as ever.    When I hold it in meditation, however, it just heats right
up - even when I have it sitting near me when I'm working with my
guides it heats all on its own.  I haven't quite figured out if this
is meant for something besides awe and wonder on my part  - I guess
it could just be soaking in some of the energy of my guides (they hang
around when I'm in meditation and not trying to contact them too) - or
it could be an accumulation of energy gathered there for a reason I'm
not aware of yet - if I hold it to my third eye after it becomes
warm/hot it seems to help open me up psychically.

Shelle


#: 62587 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  16:37:26
Sb: #62514-Crystall balls
Fm: Silver Hawk 76413,2114
To: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723

I've had my clear quartz crystal ball heat up on me, too, when I'm
specifically sending energy through it. I might have thought it was
because I was holding it, but it was much hotter than my hand, and held
the heat for some time.

  -Silver Hawk


#: 62721 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  22:01:22
Sb: #62587-Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: Silver Hawk 76413,2114

Silver Hawk,

Yes - I know - I had a hard time believing it was my hot little hands
- especially when I hadn't touched it yet!

Shelle


#: 62913 S6/Tarot & Divination
    14-Jul-95  08:32:28
Sb: #62587-Crystall balls
Fm: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163
To: Silver Hawk 76413,2114

93 Silver Hawk,

>> I've had my clear quartz crystal ball heat up on me, too, when I'm
specifically sending energy through it. I might have thought it was
because I was holding it, but it was much hotter than my hand, and held
the heat for some time. <<

Yes, I have noticed this as well.  I also have a lapis lazuli ball that
I keep with me always.  When I hold if for a while it heats up as well.
The hand that was holding it doesn't notice it, but when I swtich hands
I notice it immediately.  I don't know if the stone absorps the body
temperature and then somehow reflects it back or if something else is
going on.  But you're right, it does seem to be warmer than the normal
body temperature.  At this point, I'm inclined to belief it is just
simply absoping the body heat and then reflecting it back out somehow.

 21 OMNI
 Jeff


#: 63688 S6/Tarot & Divination
    16-Jul-95  16:08:14
Sb: #62913-Crystall balls
Fm: Sandra L. Daine 76655,3565
To: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163

Hi Jeff (and others who might have an interest),
>>I also have a lapis lazuli ball that I keep with me always.<<

I am collecting information for an essay on crystals that may become a
column eventually.

I would love to hear what the lapis sphere means to you or anything
about your experiences with it, if you wouldn't mind sharing that
information.

Thanks,
Sandi


#: 64046 S6/Tarot & Divination
    17-Jul-95  09:29:17
Sb: #63688-#Crystall balls
Fm: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163
To: Sandra L. Daine 76655,3565 (X)

93 Sandi,

>> I would love to hear what the lapis sphere means to you or anything
about your experiences with it, if you wouldn't mind sharing that
information. <<

I bought the lapis lazuli ball at a gem show about 6 months ago.  Cyndi
and I were just starting to get interested in crystals at that time.
It is the same show in which I bought the quartz crystal pyramids that
are now clouding up.

I was attracted to the lapis stone right away.  When you look at it, it
immediately reminds you of Earth, looking down from a celestial
reference point.  It's blue surface reminds me of the great bodies of
water.  There are many white streaks in it that look like cloud cover.
There are brown "impurities" in it that look like the continents.  And
it is studded throughout with pyrite that looks like stars.  I bought it
exactly because it evoked these thoughts in me.  Sure, I could have
bought a "purer" lapis, but it was the mix of the different minerals in
that give it its character.

I now keep the lapis ball with almost all the time and have had a few
interesting experiences with it in ritual.  Somehow, the little ball
and I have bonded.  It feels good to hold it, even when the thing flew
out of my hands at a sudden stop and cracked the windshield last week.
My first thought was not of the windshield, but whether the lapis ball
was okay. Interestingly, the impact created a 22 point star on the
windshield. Unfortunately, the rays of the star are starting to grow.
Afraid we'll have to replace the windshield before too long.

I noticed something very interesting at the gem show where I bought the
lapis ball.  After a bit of time, I started getting light headed and a
little queasy in the stomach.  I put this down at first to simple hunger
pangs.  However, when we went back the second day, I felt a similar
effect.  Whenever I go into a gem store I have similar, though less
extreme feelings.  I would guess this is a sensitivity to the vibrations
of the crystals.

 21 OMNI
 Jeff


#: 64149 S6/Tarot & Divination
    17-Jul-95  15:59:24
Sb: #64046-Crystall balls
Fm: Ceridwen 74637,771
To: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163 (X)

Jeff,
I have had a similar experience of ill feelings around (a particular
piece of) stone jewelry.  It's a bracelet I got recently, four tigereye
cylinders, slightly curved to fit wrist contours, and joined with metal
joiners that latch onto the ends of the stones instead of threading
through (after all, how can you drill through a curved piece?).  I put
it on right away, and wore it all evening.

And, sometime after putting it on, I began to feel queasy and ill in
general. (A strange thought struck me about the past nature of the
bracelet, but that may have been a fantasy wish for a romantic thread
to the piece.  Anyway...) I thought it was the dreaded Something-going-
around that was and is going around.  But, I usually get a weak or tired
feeling before the onset of even a cold, and didn't get it this time.
I thought about it, fought sleep til after hubby and kids were in bed,
and dedicated the bracelet.  I was fine the next day.

I dearly love this bracelet.  It's unique, it's beautiful, and it's
stuck on my arm now since the pinch-clasp's head broke off.  Yes, I can
get it off if I work at it, but I don't want to.

Your lapis lazuli ball sounds *fabulous*.  Can you scry in an opaque
object?

Ceridwen.


#: 64562 S6/Tarot & Divination
    18-Jul-95  08:39:01
Sb: #64149-Crystall balls
Fm: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163
To: Ceridwen 74637,771 (X)

93 Ceridwen,

>> I have had a similar experience of ill feelings around (a particular
piece of) stone jewelry. <<

I wouldn't call what I experienced (and still do, but to a lesser degree)
ill or negative.  Rather, I think it was kind of an explosion of energy.
I had just opened myself up to looking at crystals at the time and hence
I think I was hyper-sensitive to their vibrations.  Now, I still have
many of the same feelings, but to a lesser degree.  I think I've learned
to handle the energy better.

As for the Tiger's Eye, it's truly a neat stone.  I don't have my
reference books here so I can't go into to it, but I've looked it up
since I have a Tiger's Eye in my college ring.  Selecting that was kind
of funny.  There were all kinds of stones to chose from and I was
somewhat bewildered.  Suddenly, the Tiger's Eye just reached out and
grabbed me.  If you want, I can look up the Tiger's Eye when I get home
tonight.

Perhaps all you're feeling right now in the new energy from the stones.
You also may want to perform some form of ritual cleansing and
purification of the bracelet and then bond with it.  If you don't want
to take it off, perhaps meander down to a nice stream and stick your arm
in the running water and meditate.

As far as scrying goes, I'm hardly an expert or an oracle.  But yes,
I think you can scry with an opaque stone.  From what I've gathered
of the scrying process, it's related to self-hypnosis.  Staring at the
crystal or stone focuses the eye and the mind.  This, plus the energy
from the stone, puts the scrier into a heightened "state".  In this
state, the scrier then receives the visions.  They may appear projected
upon the crystal or stone, but I think they are really in the
"mind's eye", the product of the third eye if you will.

 21 OMNI
 Jeff


#: 64791 S6/Tarot & Divination
    18-Jul-95  22:50:18
Sb: #64562-Crystall balls
Fm: Ceridwen 74637,771
To: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163

Jeff,
Perhaps you're right about the sensitivity thing.  I have never felt
quite like that, a little nauseous, a little... odd.  Before the clasp
broke, I did a cleansing of the bracelet, and have had no ill or odd
effects since.

I've rarely had real stones in my jewelry before, so I don't have a lot
of past experience to draw from.

I would appreciate any information on Tiger-eye.  It's a beautiful
stone, and cut in longish cylinders like this, the inner fire moves
all over on the stone.

I'm interested in scrying.  Right now, I'm on the outside looking in,
but have been following this thread and learning.  Thanks for your reply.

Ceridwen.


#: 64885 S6/Tarot & Divination
    19-Jul-95  00:06:11
Sb: #64149-Crystall balls
Fm: Bella 73672,1433
To: Ceridwen 74637,771 (X)

Hi Ceridwen,
Tiger's and Cat's eyes stones always remind of large feline cats and they
have very stong medicine.  Maybe you were just wrestling for a little
while with a large cat's medicine and then came to accept it into
yourself  I know this may sound a little silly, but it was the
first thing I though of when I read your description, 2 Tigers looking
out at you, seeing if they were wiling to be attached to you.

Fondest Regards,

--Bella--


#: 65367 S6/Tarot & Divination
    20-Jul-95  00:35:16
Sb: #64885-Crystall balls
Fm: Ceridwen 74637,771
To: Bella 73672,1433

Bella,
Those tigers might have resented me.  I was their second or subsequent
owner, finding them in the dark jewelry counter, made of wood, at the
local thrift store.  I almost missed them, since they are dark wood
tones and the case is dark wood and poorly lit.  They had just come in,
and were probably missing their last mistress (pet?  Cats are notorious
for being the masters in relationships) dearly.

Ceridwen.


#: 65051 S6/Tarot & Divination
    19-Jul-95  10:52:05
Sb: #64149-Crystall balls
Fm: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163
To: Ceridwen 74637,771 (X)

Dear Ceridwen,

I have looked up the Tiger Eye stone in LOVE IS IN THE EARTH, a book with
reference to about any kind of mineral, crystal etc. you can imagine.
The authors name is Melody.  We found ours at a cyrstal and gem show
here in Maryland.

I will quote her in reference to your Tiger Eye bracelet, which, by the
way, sounds like a very beautiful piece.  Now that the clasp is not
functioning, it is almost as if it has connected itself to you!

Anyway, here goes.

The fibers in the stone reflect light, making it appear to glow.
"This mineral brings together the vibrations of sand and sunlight,
synthesizing the energies of the Sun and the Earth.  It combines
sharpness and grounding, and is quite practical in its sphere of
concern.  It resonates to the frequencies of the Earth, encouraging
stability with dynamic beauty.  The vibration is conducive to
peacefulness and stimulates the actions equired to advance the
encounters with others during the meditative state.

It is helpful for individuals seeking clarity and for those who must
deal intelligently with the scattered details  which must be brought
together into some pattern.

It can be used to enhance the psycic abilities and can assist in the
gentle attunement of thrid-eye activity - this stone being best adapted
to "earthy people".

At the base chakra, it can help to dicipline sexual and emotional life,
bringing life, bringing "light" to instances where one must be practical.

It contains a solar energy which helps with those psychic processes
which involve the solar plexus chakra - promoting intuitive impressions.

Tiger eye can help one to become practical and of discrete mind, as well
as more grounded.  It can elimate the "blues" and can bring lightness and
optimism to the user.  It also assists in providing insight to those
issues which induce internal mental battles, delivering one from the
"horns of dilemma" and the conflicts associated with the willful pride.
It further prompts the admiration for the pure and beautiful, allowing
ones life, and ones passion for life, to open and to blossom.

It provides for balancing of the yin-yang energy.  It further assists in
the integration and balancing of both hemispheres of the brain, bringing
awareness to perception.

It can help prepare the systems of the body for the approach of
enthusiasm for flowing with "the river of humanity" towad the "one".
It further acts to attune one to the connectedness of the brothers and
sisters of the planet, releasing introversion and fear, while promoting
experiences which are fresh and new.

It tends to bring awareness to ones personal needs as well as the need
of others, stimulating understanding with respect to disparity between
the pleasure of "wishing" and the act of "having".  It has been used to
stimulate wealth and to enhance the stability required to maintain wealth.

It produces soothing vibrations, generating a calmness to unsettled
turmiol, and allowing one to enjoy the actions of being unfenced and
uninhibited.

It has been used in the treatment of disorders of the eye, the throat,
the reproductive system, and diverticular constrictions, and to aid in
night vision.  It can also be used to strengthen the alignment of the
spinal colum and to facilitate the mending of broken bones.

Vibrates to the number 4.
Astrological Sign of Capricorn."

As quoted from LOVE IS IN THE EARTH p.p. 645-647

I hope the above information is helpful to you.
Take care, and wear your bracelet in good health.

 Sincerely, Cyndi


#: 65368 S6/Tarot & Divination
    20-Jul-95  00:35:18
Sb: #65051-Crystall balls
Fm: Ceridwen 74637,771
To: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163 (X)

Jeff and Cyndi,
Quite a post!  I have some thumbnail sketches on Tiger-eye, but this
sounds like a real novel!  Thank you!

And yes, it seems better, actually, now that the clasp has broken off
and the chain has come up missing.  Somehow, I don't worry about losing
it a lot.

BTW, do you think that someone might be able to scry in a tiger-eye, or
would the shimmer throw you off?

Ceridwen.


#: 65888 S6/Tarot & Divination
    21-Jul-95  08:05:10
Sb: #65368-Crystall balls
Fm: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163
To: Ceridwen 74637,771 (X)

93 Ceridwen,

>>  BTW, do you think that someone might be able to scry in a tiger-eye,
or would the shimmer throw you off? <<

There are folks here on this thread that are far better able to answer
your question than I.  However, I do think you could scry with a
tiger-eye.  I think the key to using any stone to scry is your bonding
and relationship with the stone.  For I believe the stone is a conduit
to allow your 3rd eye to operate more effectively.  I think it does this
at least two ways.

It gives the "normal" two eyes something focus on and occupy the
conscious part of the mind.  This allows the 3rd eye to open and make
direct contact with the bicameral (I really don't want to say
subconscious, because while the bicameral mind is similar, it is more
and different.  It is perhaps the area of the mind governed by the
right hemisphere of the brain.  The more intuitive aspect of the mind
that perhaps speaks more directly to the Divine within) and allow that
portion of the mind to project.

The stone also gives off vibrational energy.  Since each stone has a
different vibration, perhaps you may want to have several scrying stones
to use depending upon your intent for the scrying session.  Now I realize
that may go against conventional wisdom, but it is something to ponder
and chew on. If the vibrational energy of the stone is important, and
different stones have different vibrational rates, one could conclude
that some stones are better suited for various types of scrying than
others.

 21 OMNI
 Jeff


#: 65536 S6/Tarot & Divination
    20-Jul-95  12:27:23
Sb: #65051-Crystall balls
Fm: Summer/WomenSpirit 74072,2567
To: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163 (X)

Cindi,

>> LOVE IS IN THE EARTH, a book with reference to about any kind of
mineral, crystal etc. you can imagine.  The authors name is Melody<<

I agree that this book is the greatest, a must for anyone who is at all
interested in crystals.

Summer


#: 64223 S6/Tarot & Divination
    17-Jul-95  18:37:19
Sb: #64046-Crystall balls
Fm: Sandra L. Daine 76655,3565
To: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163 (X)

Hi Jeff,

>>When you look at (the lapis sphere), it immediately reminds you of Earth<<

Thanks for the reply. I bought mine a couple of weeks ago at a gem show
in Mass. and was attracted to it for much the same reason you were to
yours. I have a few other lapis pieces but no sphere. I do have other
spheres...cyrstal, sodalite, amethyst, ametrine, obsidian etc... so my
lapis has lots of company now!

Sorry about your windshield, wonder what significance that might have
for you!!

>>Whenever I go into a gem store I have similar, though less extreme
feelings.  I would guess this is a sensitivity to the vibrations of
the crystals.<<

Sounds like you do have quite a sensitivity. I notice a lightness and
just a general good-all-over feeling when I go to a show, but nothing
quite as strong as what you've felt.

Thanks again, and happy crystal (and windshield!) hunting.
Sandi


#: 61821 S6/Tarot & Divination
    11-Jul-95  23:27:00
Sb: #61633-Crystall balls
Fm: Bella 73672,1433
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Hi Alain,
I'm agreeing with Shelle, what your siter likes is probably more important
than if the ball is rose quartz or glass.  I have a glass ball, it was
a gift.  I wish I had a quartz one, a smoky coloured one, but my glass
one works fine.  If I may, a great book about cyrstal balls and bowls
and how to scry with them is 'Crystal Balls and Crystal Bowls by Ted
Andrews"  He gives good reasons for prefering quartz over other materials
and tells the differances between Amethyst, Malachite, Obsidian, Rose
Quartz and Clear Quartz balls.  He of course is a very advanced user of
these tools and has a very impressive collection of which there are
pictures.

I can say I was given a small amethyst crystal recently(not a ball
though) and it has a very positve and recharging kind of energy to it.
Good Luck and let us know what kind of ball she ends up with and how
she likes it.

Fondest Regards,

--Bella--


#: 62058 S6/Tarot & Divination
    12-Jul-95  13:35:26
Sb: #61821-#Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Bella 73672,1433 (X)

>> what your siter likes is probably more  important than if the ball
is rose quartz or glass.  <<

Yes, I was thinking about that. I guess most people have that
unconscious belief that it has to have transparency to be a "crystall ball"
so that rules out the opaque pink ones. That at least narrows down the
choice! 

>> a great book about cyrstal balls and bowls  and how to scry with them
is 'Crystal Balls and Crystal Bowls by Ted  Andrews"  He gives good
reasons for prefering quartz over other materials  and tells the
differances between Amethyst, Malachite, Obsidian, Rose  Quartz and
Clear Quartz balls. <<

Thanks for the reference! My sister can read some English but it would
take her a while to labor through it! I'll try to find that book too.
I hope it is well illustrated.

>>      I can say I was given a small amethyst crystal recently(not a
ball though) and it has a very positve and recharging kind of energy
to it. <<

She also says that you need to let it dip in salt water for at least
24 hours in order to wash out any foreign energies acquired by all the
people touching it before at the store. Ever heard of that thing?

I also have a tape that is supposed to revitalize/energyze crystals.
(You put the speaker horizontally and put the crystal on it). Would that
work also on the ball, you think?

Incidently, when inside that store, I was browsing for some other stuff
and I came upon some books by Ouspenski (very HEAVY reading!). I pulled
one book out and saw something moving... Looked like a toy-like bat and
I thought to myself, how cute! They want to put some esoteric ambiance
to the store! Well, looking closer and proding some more, it was a real
bat! Told one of the assistant there, and he said "what bat?". I showed
it to him and they proceeded to get it out harmlessly. It was their
first bat ever in the store. How about that!

Alain


#: 62181 S6/Tarot & Divination
    12-Jul-95  19:34:23
Sb: #62058-Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Alain,

>>>She also says that you need to let it dip in salt water for at least
24 hours in order to wash out any foreign energies acquired by all the
people touching it before at the store. Ever heard of that thing?<<<

To cleanse my crystals I leave them soaking in a glass of salt water in
the sun.  To help to energize them, I sometimes put them out to soak up
the moon's rays.  I've not read much about that one, but someone told
me crystals receive more energy from the moon, and it seems to give them
a boost!

>>> I showed it to him and they proceeded to get it out harmlessly. It
was their first bat ever in the store. How about that!<<<

You and Gwen!  Did you read her bat story 2-4 weeks ago?

Shelle


#: 62379 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  02:21:16
Sb: #62181-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723

>>  Did you read her bat story 2-4 weeks ago?  <<

No, I missed it.

>> To help to energize them, I sometimes put them out to soak up the
moon's rays.  I've not read much about that one, but someone told me
crystals receive more energy from the moon, and it seems to give them
a boost!  <<

Wow! That's a weird one!

As to the sun rays, how long does it have to be? (There is no sun 24
hours a day! ... unless you're north of the polar circle!)

Alain


#: 62513 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  13:55:11
Sb: #62379-Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Alain,

>>>As to the sun rays, how long does it have to be? (There is no sun 24
hours a day! ... unless you're north of the polar circle!)<<<

It's my understanding that it is the ultraviolet rays that cleanse it in
the salt water.  Ultraviolet rays are emitted by both the sun and moon.
Crystals are basically born in water, and returning them to salt water
acts like returning them to their embryonic fluid...I think I read this
in "Crystal Healing Secrets" by Brett Bravo.  You can also rinse them
with clear water or mountain water, or cleanse them in the smoke of
burning sage, or bury them in the earth or a pot of soil to isolate it
and rejuvenate it with the earth's vibrations.  Like crystals themselves,
it's sort of personal, and whatever works for you!

Shelle


#: 62758 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  23:02:06
Sb: #62058-Crystall balls
Fm: Bella 73672,1433
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Hi Alain,
Yes, salt water works well for cleansing and reenergising crystals, as
well as sun and moon light and smudging.

Bats!  Yuck!  I must admit to being terrified of them.  I know they are
very helpful in the ecosystem, but I can't seem to get over the fear.
I'm glad it wasn't me how found the bat in the Ouspensy books. I wonder
if that says something about his books?  I do have one Tarot book of
his I liked, even though as you said, heavy!

Good luck with your search.  We'll all be anxious to know what kind of
crystal ball you finally pick for her and if we can rent you out as our
brother

Fondest Regards,

--Bella--


#: 62771 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  23:50:00
Sb: #62758-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Bella 73672,1433

>> as well as sun and moon light and smudging.  <<

What's smudging?

>> I'm glad it wasn't me how found the bat in the Ouspensy books.  <<

No, it was on top of them!

>> I do have one Tarot book of hi  <<

I did not know he wrote about tarot too.

>> Good luck with your search.  We'll all be anxious to know what kind
of crystal ball you finally pick for her and if we can rent you out as
our brother   <<

There were two of acceptable size there and one was a bit less occluded
than the other. I think that will be the one that I will get her.
($150 + tax though! Outch!)  About the brother bit, it's already
quite expensive to be the "rich uncle" for the niece and nephew of my
brother! 

The bats are ugly but I think I'd prefer them to snakes though! 

Alain


#: 64886 S6/Tarot & Divination
    19-Jul-95  00:06:26
Sb: #62771-#Crystall balls
Fm: Bella 73672,1433
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Hi Alain,
>>What's smudging?<<

This is were you light on fire some fragrant herbs or incense and then
let it smolder, the smoke is very cleansing.  it is done a lot in rituals.
You can buy smuding sticks or wands, made of sage and other fragrant herbs.
The are neatly tied and smolder well and you can hold them and wave them
around(it's fun) quite saftely.  They are quite strong smelling, so you
might want ot do it outside if you ever try it.

It seems like L.D, has brought up that salt water is not good for
crystals.  He seems to be quite knowledgable about this so please take
his word on it, I'n quite new to crystals(except for my crystal ball)
and I only recently tried to cleanse it(using salt water! oh dear!)
So, I'll patiently wait till our days get longer so I can try some
moonbeams.

>>The bats are ugly but I think I'd prefer them to snakes though! <<

I guess each person has their own likes and dislikes for animals, I rather
like snakes, especially when they shed their skins, such a sign of renewal
and growth.  I'm trying to convince myself to sorta like bats, but I tried
to watch a lady on TV holding one and nearly got sick.  It's awful to have
these stupid phobias, I wonder how they start?

Fondest Regards,

--Bella--


#: 65020 S6/Tarot & Divination
    19-Jul-95  09:45:21
Sb: #64886-Crystall balls
Fm: Summer/WomenSpirit 74072,2567
To: Bella 73672,1433

Hi,

I just wanted to mention that sweetgrass has a much lighter smell (though
some might mistake the fragrance for a popular illegal substance so be
careful where you use it, like probably not at work ).

Copal which is a resin has a light clean smell to it. You need to put it
on one of those little charcoals that is burning and it will smoulder
nicely.

Also rosemary is very cleansing as a fragrance in a potpourri or such.
No smoke at all in this one and yet it feels quite cleansing. I wonder
if one could dip the crystal in water with rosemary?

Actually running water over it while thinking cleansing thoughts is
probably the best.  You can feel what it is clean and clear.  Its really
the thought that counts.

Just some things to try.

Summer


#: 65730 S6/Tarot & Divination
    20-Jul-95  22:06:05
Sb: #65020-Crystall balls
Fm: Bella 73672,1433
To: Summer/WomenSpirit 74072,2567 (X)

Hi Summer,
Thanks for the info, I've only smudged a couple of times and the wands
were given to me.  They do sell sweetgrass wands here, so I may have to
try one out.

I agree that the idea of running water and intent sounds just fine.  I
wish we had some fast running streams here.  I'm sorta of loath to put
them under the tap and run all the water with chemicals over them.  It
seems so unspecial for something I treasure.

Still looking for loons here, but they are really hard to find close
to town.

Fondest Regards,

--Bella--


#: 65094 S6/Tarot & Divination
    19-Jul-95  14:12:23
Sb: #64886-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Bella 73672,1433

>>  It's awful to  have these stupid phobias, I wonder how they start?   <<

Supposedly they get engrained in you by the age of 2 or 3. Same thing
for food: if you grow up to learn that you can eat grasshoppers (like
the one at the bottom of tequila bottles), you won't have an aversion
to them. But if, like us in western world, grow up that it is dirty
food, you'll lose your appetite just hearing about people doing such
things. Must be the same thing for phobias.

>>      It seems like L.D, has brought up that salt water is not good
for crystals.  He seems to be quite knowledgable about this so please
take his word on it, I'n quite new to crystals(except for my crystal
ball) and I only recently tried to cleanse it(using salt water! oh dear!)
So, I'll patiently wait till our days get longer so I can try some
moonbeams.  <<

Yes, sounds like L.D. is very knowledgeable in that field.

Let us know if you notice differences after moonbeams!

Alain


#: 65580 S6/Tarot & Divination
    20-Jul-95  14:08:00
Sb: #62758-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Bella 73672,1433

>>  We'll all be anxious to know what kind of  crystal ball you finally
pick for her and if we can rent you out as our  brother  <<

Well, I just picked up her ball today. It's 2" 5/16+ and weight 300 grams.
Paid $130 for it (+tax of course!).

It is mostly transparent with some sort of linear "bubble trails" through
it if I can express it that way. Has a major clivage about 1/3 of the
ball but it does not reach the sides. Also 3 minor clivages about 3/4"
apart along the surface of the ball. Those form small ridges/cracks at
the surface of the ball. They are concentrated to one half of the ball
though.

There were some that were mostly transparent but had some nicks at the
surface. Some others had major clivages almost all the way through and
I was afraid that any thermal shock (like when she would dip it in water)
would one day split the ball in half. One had a nice discoloration near
a clivage but it would have been smaller and had some nicks at the
surface too (like some chip of quartz flew off). Another one was OK
except for a little depression (1/4" diam) which looked like it got hit
by something and grinded some quartz away. So, it was sort of some trade
off! Took me a good 15-20 minutes to make up my mind! 

I also bought her the book "Crystal Ball and Crystal Bowl" and a
transparent circular stand made of glass about 1.5" diameter. The part
that holds the ball is about "1 diameter.

So that's about all I can say about it. Is it ever hard to describe a
quartz ball! 

Alain


#: 62106 S6/Tarot & Divination
    12-Jul-95  16:30:08
Sb: #61633-#Crystall balls
Fm: Pete Salomone 71621,1347
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Hi Alain,

I paid about $25 for my crystal ball 2" in dia.  It has some cloudiness,
which I believe is a benefit.  You'll see things in the clouds.  It came
on a stand which is a wooden cube about 2.5".  Two opposite corners are
trimmed and hollowed, so the cube stands on end and the crystall ball
balances in the hole going thru the cube.

There are several ways of clearing a crystal including bathing in salt
water (sea salt preferred), placing in running water (clear mountain
stream preferred), incense, etc.  I prefer to bath my crystals in the
sunlight. Scott Cunningham's Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic is an easy
reading book - 200 pp available from LLewellyn.

Since I have had my crystal ball 3 or 4 years, its chips and cracks
have reduced in size; a common occurrence if you're in tune with your
crystals.

Pete


#: 62182 S6/Tarot & Divination
    12-Jul-95  19:34:27
Sb: #62106-#Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: Pete Salomone 71621,1347

Pete,

>>>Since I have had my crystal ball 3 or 4 years, its chips and cracks
have reduced in size; a common occurrence if you're in tune with your
crystals.<<<

I read recently that crystals will change and in appearance also -
become cloudy, clear, get new inclusions, etc.  I personally have not
experienced this, and was just wondering if you had.

Shelle


#: 62344 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  00:30:20
Sb: #62182-Crystall balls
Fm: Silver Hawk 76413,2114
To: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723

>>>>>Since I have had my crystal ball 3 or 4 years, its chips and cracks
have reduced in size; a common occurrence if you're in tune with your
crystals.<<<

I read recently that crystals will change and in appearance also -
become cloudy, clear, get new inclusions, etc.  I personally have not
experienced this, and was just wondering if you had.<<

This is really interesting! I've had my crystal ball for 2 or 3 years,
and I don't see anything in it, but if I hold it when I meditate or
read Tarot, it adds energy and power. Just yesterday, I had it out and
was thinking that it looked clearer than I remembered. Then I saw this
post. Amazing!

Silver Hawk


#: 62455 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  09:33:27
Sb: #62182-Crystall balls
Fm: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163
To: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723

93 Shelle,

>> I read recently that crystals will change and in appearance also -
become cloudy, clear, get new inclusions, etc.  I personally have not
experienced this, and was just wondering if you had. <<

Cyndi and I purchased three crystals together about 4 months ago.
(Actually a few more, but we view these 3 as a 'set').  Two are quartz
crystals carved into pyramids.  The third is a rutile smoky quartz
that's just a large chuck. When we bought them, all three were clear,
and have few occlusions.  Over time they've clouded up and developed
occlusions.  Been interesting for sure. We've been pondering the meaning
of it.

 21 OMNI
 Jeff


#: 62515 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  13:55:20
Sb: #62455-Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: Jeff M/Ass't Lib 73763,1163 (X)

Hi Jeff!

>>> Two are quartz crystals carved into pyramids.<<<

Ohhhhh! How powerful!

>>> When we bought them, all three were clear, and have few occlusions.
Over time they've clouded up and developed occulusions.  Been interesting
for sure. We've been pondering the meaning of it.<<<

That's really interesting!  How do they feel - do they feel like they
need to be cleansed?  I wonder if it could be a build up of your
energies somehow...or if they are simply growing with you. Do they
seem to give off a different vibration now?   Hmmmm.  I'd be interested
to know if they continue to change or if anyone knows what this means
exactly.

B*B
Shelle


#: 62484 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  12:11:21
Sb: #62182-Crystall balls
Fm: Pete Salomone 71621,1347
To: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723 (X)

Hi Shelle,

>I read recently that crystals will change and in appearance also -
become cloudy, clear, get new inclusions, etc.  I personally have not
experienced this, and was just wondering if you had.<

I haven't noticed any change in the cloudiness.  There is a red impurity
that apprears to be growing. Also there are some gray/black impurities,
but I can't say if they have changed in size.

Pete


#: 62538 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  14:45:21
Sb: #62182-Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723

>I read recently that crystals will change and in appearance also -
become cloudy, clear, get new inclusions, etc.  I personally have not
experienced this, and was just wondering if you had.<

Hi Shelle, these things mostly happen because of the care rendered to
the specimen involved. Breaking and cracking and fading meaning your
screwing the poor thing up. And brightening of shine and color, etc.
means you are doing it right.  My kid can brighten a dead amethyst
up in minutes until you'd not believe it was the same piece of moments
before. Although cracking usually means improper care, some minerals
crack with a major healing or magickal exercise being sent through
the specimen... thus it 'dies' for a good cause. LD


#: 62723 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  22:02:01
Sb: #62538-Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552

LD--

thanks for the info!

What about cloudiness?  Is that improper care too?

Also - my green fluorite ball - even though it is dark in color,
I can still see through it some - would that be acceptable for scrying?
I've never tried - thought it had to be lighter, but this has got me
very interested.  Plus, it seems to have such an immense energy...

Thanks again!

Shelle


#: 62380 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  02:21:19
Sb: #62106-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Pete Salomone 71621,1347 (X)

>> Since I have had my crystal ball 3 or 4 years, its chips and cracks
have reduced in size; a common occurrence if you're in tune with your
crystals. <<

COMMON occurence?

BTW, she was telling me that her fortune teller stopped scrying with
her ball when one of her customer had good medium abilities and saw
her daughter in a wheelchair (at the same time as she did) and brushed
the ball away from the table. As a result, the ball has a 1/4 "
gash/grove in it and she considers it useless from now on because of
that. What do you think?

>>  It has some cloudiness,  which I believe is a benefit.  You'll see
things in the clouds.  <<

OK, so it helps if you have some of that too. But I guess the ball must
not be too cloudy either. Right?

Alain


#: 62485 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  12:11:24
Sb: #62380-Crystall balls
Fm: Pete Salomone 71621,1347
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Hi Alain,

>BTW, she was telling me that her fortune teller stopped scrying with
her ball when one of her customer had good medium abilities and saw
her daughter in a wheelchair (at the same time as she did) and brushed
the ball away from the table. As a result, the ball has a 1/4 "
gash/grove in it and she considers it useless from now on because of
that. What do you think?<

She should still be in tune with her crystal ball.  I'm not sure where
this is coming from:  She should hold the crystal ball with a loving
touch.  It has had a trauma and needs to know that she's its owner, its
custodian. Holding can be done during meditation or during sleep.

>>  It has some cloudiness,  which I believe is a benefit.  You'll see
things in the clouds.  <<

>OK, so it helps if you have some of that too. But I guess the ball
must not be too cloudy either. Right?<

Right, you want to be able to look into the crystal ball.  Personally
I would like to be able to see thru it even tho some clouds will be in
the way, but it may be you only need to be able to see to the center.

Pete


#: 62628 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  18:30:04
Sb: #62485-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Pete Salomone 71621,1347

>>  but it may be you only need to be able to see to the center.   <<

Must be some personal preference though. After all, why would they sell
completely opaque pink crystal ball then?

Alain



#: 62986 S6/Tarot & Divination
    14-Jul-95  14:00:26
Sb: #62928-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: Pete Salomone 71621,1347

>> Apparently some people like completely opaque crystal ball.  And
that's their preference.  <<

I see. Must be a minority then?

Alain


#: 63336 S6/Tarot & Divination
    15-Jul-95  14:51:17
Sb: #62986-Crystall balls
Fm: Pete Salomone 71621,1347
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Hi Alain,

>> Apparently some people like completely opaque crystal ball.  And
that's their preference.  <<

>I see. Must be a minority then?<

I used the word "some" to mean at least one.  If "some" becomes a large
enough number it will be a majority.

Pete


#: 62537 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  14:45:19
Sb: #61633-Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

Dear Alain,
Scrying has been done for thousands of years with whatever has been found
handy at the time... poolished steel, lead droplets, mirrors, quicksilver,
ink spots, fishing floats, smoke, spit, and just all kinds of stuff. One
just goes with whatever Self says to use. So actually Sis doesn't HAVE to
have a crystal ball just because the pop-books says she does. After all,
it's only a tool.

What IS important is the ability to still Conscious Mind and Physical Input
to ALLOW the connection to PSYCHIC MIND. I usually don't involve myself
in the crystals discussions because I do not go along with the majority of
the books out, said books just copying the crap others hve written or
elaborated on same. However I feel compelled to involve myself to endeaver
to answer your questions.

So... lucite SPHERES won't work. Glass works but you need the air bubbles
for focus and glass has no natural energy of its own, nor will it hold a
charge from you. You can usually buy 'flawed' spheres at a cheaper price
because most people believe it has to be 'perfect' to work.

Although clear quartz crystal is usually thought of when speaking of
'crystal balls' you already know there are many minerals that will grind
to a sphere and are sold. Any will work, depending on that sphere's
comehither to the person who will be using it, each will lend its
individual energy to the person. Obsidian scrying mirrors are quite
popular for instance, too bad most are NOT obsidian but glass... work
the same but the price 'reflects' too pricey an item.

Whatever you use, it has to have a reflection or focus point, whether it
be internal or on the external surfacing. The eyes find that focus,
slowly the optic nerves in each eye stop sendind or transmitting external
stimulus to the brain. When this happens the optic nerves will slowly
start to respond to the reflex action which will come from the brain to
the scryer's eye and Psychic Mind awakens.

At this point you have INTERNAL impressions being projected EXTERNALLY
which is how the scrier 'sees' things which really aren't there in or on
the sphere. The sphere 'disappears', 'misting' or 'clouding' comes up
before the sight and then images start to appear much like you'd be
watching a movie screen.

WARNING! go slowly! If you over do it, the optic nerve will be
temporarily paralized and external sight is gone... this will cause a
neophyte to panic like nothing else will. It's OK! Stay calm... if this
happens, just close the eyes for a few moments, WILL Psychic Mind quiet
again, then open your eyes and slowly move them about the room focusing
on things close and far to kind of 'exercise' them. You would also likely
suffer a headache to various degrees and even if the eye problem doesn't
occur, you may get one until you've trained yourself and become more
experienced. I recommend working at this new experience for only FIVE
MINUTES per day until the first results start then gradually working up
your timing as able. Only one session per day.

The advantages of using natural quartz crystal is in the way they reflect
light points and rainbows, etc which induce the eye to roam from point
to point and focus on. Sometimes each eye finds its own focus point!
The shifting lights, colors, shadows, form, & motions... all aid the
natural inherit ability of the scrier.

SO you've been called by a crystal, you buy it, you bring it home...

Wash it under tepid faucet water to clear it. Use BOTH hands and gently
think of yourself ON to it, don't OVER POWER it. Crystals have their own
energy and when you EMPOWER it, you kill that energy to put your own in
its place. NO! you want to be a TEAM with it not enslave it. Thus you
wash and turn it and clean it externally of dirt, etc. and internally
of unwelcome energy imposed by anybody who has handled it. The water
running produces ions which will clean in a natural way.

Please don't fall to the 'modern' method of using salt to clean anything.
Salt can be compared to this... you have dirty hands from garden work
so you clean them with ACID! What does the acid do? It strips off the
dirt alright, but also the skin, flesh, & bone until there is nothing
left of your hands - but they're CLEAN. You then keep the sphere for
ONLY scrying use. It is either in a dark drawel or under a natural-fiber
cloth, or in use. NEVER out for display and NEVER handled by others but
the user. Some use black color to draw power or white to reflect away
outside power... depends on your path of belief in most cases.

After EACH use, even during the learning stages; you clear the excess
energy from the sphere. The adept method of doing such would be this...
hold in the receptive hand, draw excess energy off, switch to projective
hand, pair your normal energy back up with the specimen. It's not that
hard to do but most people won't want bothered to learn the skill, in
that case just run it under water again like previously described.

Moon Baths are also a passive clearing method... let specimen lay out
under moon. NEVER use a Sun Bath unless you know what you're doing. Many
minerals (what I've termed Fade Stones) will fade in color, some will
break, and the right clear quartz can actually cause fires like using
a magnifying glass can.

Hmm... I think I answered all you asked about? Anyway, I use a large
clear quartz sphere myself, though have numerous other types. My 2nd best
is a large eye-stone about 6" across. I dedicate my quartz sphere once a
month in a special Esbat celebration just for it (which is a more
elaborate Moon Bath basicly), and clear it adept method always.

Oh and size doesn't matter... as long it is big enough to work with HER
skill... I know several people who have thumb size specimens they use
just fine. In this area, it's skill and ability that counts not the size
of the rock or the money spent on it.  If she isn't sure if she has
any talent, tell Sis to try using a clear GLASS glass filled with water,
swirl water around, and see if she get any effects from watching through
the SIDE of the glass into the water. Getting DIZZY is a good sign of
talent.

Hope this is some help... LD


#: 62630 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  18:30:10
Sb: #62537-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
Replies:   0

>> lucite SPHERES won't work.  <<

Lucite is black plastic, isn't it?

>>  Glass works but you need the air bubbles  for focus and glass has
no natural energy of its own, nor will it hold a  charge from you.  <<

When you say glass here, you mean normal glass, nor crystal glass. Right?

>> it has to have a reflection or focus point, whether it  be internal
or on the external surfacing.  <<

That's what I thought.

>>  WARNING! go slowly! If you over do it, the optic nerve will be
temporarily paralized and external sight is gone... this will cause a
neophyte to panic like nothing else will. It's OK! Stay calm... if this
happens, just close the eyes for a few moments,  <<

Oh! This is more dangerous than I thought! I'm sure she will appreciate
that piece of information.

>>  Use BOTH hands and gently  think of yourself ON to it  <<

What do you mean by ON to it?

>>  Please don't fall to the 'modern' method of using salt to clean
anything.  Salt can be compared to this... you have dirty hands from
garden work so  you clean them with ACID!  <<

Oh! I'll make sure to tell her that. She'll decide which way to go but
I think your way deserve full recognition.

>> NEVER out for display and NEVER handled by others but the user.  <<

It is a bit strange that it cannot be displayed. Also, I think some
scryer get the customer to touch the ball for better channeling. No?

>> hold in the receptive hand, draw excess energy off, switch to
projective hand, pair your normal energy back up with the specimen.  <<

How do you know which hand is your receptive hand? And why would you
need to send it normal energy after you drained the excess energy?

>>  NEVER use a Sun Bath unless you know what you're doing.  <<

What do you need to know for that?

>>  I dedicate my quartz sphere once a  month in a special Esbat
celebration just for it (which is a more elaborate  Moon Bath basicly)  <<

How long is a Moon bath?

>> Hope this is some help... LD  <<

Sure does! Thanks! (I'll have to upload that to the library afterward.
Many people can find all that information useful in the future!)

Alain


#: 62646 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  18:57:20
Sb: #62537-Crystall balls
Fm: Michele 75131,2106
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552

L.D.,
   That was a great post on Crystal Balls! Thanks!

Michele



#: 62722 S6/Tarot & Divination
    13-Jul-95  22:01:25
Sb: #62537-Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552

LD-

Thanks for the post.  I was curious about the salt water - ocean water
for crystals is really like acid on your hands?  Ouch - poor babies!
Have to go apologize to my crystals!

Shelle


#: 63140 S6/Tarot & Divination
    14-Jul-95  23:28:06
Sb: #62537-Crystall balls
Fm: Nigel Cooper 100243,1344
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552

Hi L.D.

Great post re crystall balls.  This thread needed your imput.  I don't
know much about crystalls but you sound as though you do.  I know a bit
more about scrying and I think you have hit the nail on the head.
I prefer to scry in a bowl of water and have even used a bucket of water.
I would advise anybody to use the guidlines you have laid down and
*before they know it*, they will be scrying.

Thanks

Nigel


#: 63473 S6/Tarot & Divination
    15-Jul-95  23:59:19
Sb: Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Nigel Cooper 100243,1344 (X)

>Great post re crystall balls.  This thread needed your imput.  I don't
know much about crystalls but you sound as though you do.  I know a bit
more about scrying and I think you have hit the nail on the head.
I prefer to scry in a bowl of water and have even used a bucket of water.
I would advise anybody to use the guidlines you have laid down and
*before they know it*, they will be scrying.<

Why Nigel! thank you for such kind words. I appreciate it.

I have found that scrying is more a state of mind and I've had wide
experimentation in using diverse objects... right down to dewdrops
on the petals of a rose, it was my most beautiful experience. LD


#: 63947 S6/Tarot & Divination
    17-Jul-95  01:47:16
Sb: #63473-Crystall balls
Fm: Nigel Cooper 100243,1344
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552 (X)

Hi L.D.
>I have found that scrying is more a state of mind and I've had wide
experimentation in using diverse objects... right down to dewdrops on
the petals of a rose, it was my most beautiful experience. LD<

Sounds much more romantic then my bucket of water.  I agree with you
re scrying being a state of mind.  Any state of mind activity is better
when accompanied by a sensual experience so I can see why scrying
dew drops on the petals of a rose would be so good.

Happy scrying

Nigel


#: 63475 S6/Tarot & Divination
    15-Jul-95  23:59:21
Sb: Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Michele 75131,2106 (X)

>That was a great post on Crystal Balls! Thanks!<

Thanks Michele, glad to share. LD  :)


#: 63476 S6/Tarot & Divination
    15-Jul-95  23:59:23
Sb: Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723 (X)

>I was curious about the salt water - ocean water for crystals is really
like acid on your hands?<

You will find that all New Age books will say to use the Salt Water.
However an adept who can 'feel' the subtle energies can tell the
difference. BESIDES! what about those of us who used 'rocks' long before
it was popular? We never heard of such a thing as using salt, etc. 

Please realize that if you just let your specimens 'rest' for a while,
their natural energy will come back of itself. This is because of their
individual mineral content which still exists. Kinda like weeds...
you can keep cutting them off but the little suckers just keep coming
back. :)  LD


#: 63477 S6/Tarot & Divination
    16-Jul-95  00:00:00
Sb: #Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

>Lucite is black plastic, isn't it?<

Lucite can now come in diverse colorations.

>When you say glass here, you mean normal glass, nor crystal glass. Right?<

I mean normal leaded glass that is used to blow spheres and small
figurine decorative pieces. Lead HAS to be added to give the glass
the strength to be blown and worked.

>>  WARNING! go slowly! If you over do it, the optic nerve will be
temporarily paralized and external sight is gone... this will cause a
neophyte to panic like nothing else will. It's OK! Stay calm... if this
happens, just close the eyes for a few moments,  <<
>>>Oh! This is more dangerous than I thought! I'm sure she will
appreciate that piece of information.<<<

No not really. You just exercise the eyes by refocusing about the room
a bit. It'll pass in a few minutes even in the worst cases. Though the
headaches can last longer.

>>  Use BOTH hands and gently  think of yourself ON to it  <<
>>>What do you mean by ON to it?<<<<

It's hard to explain... think of YOUSELF then instead of an attitude of
"hey rock, I'M THE BOSS! obey me."  Try more of "you are pretty,
I love you, I need you for this exercise, be part of me and I'm part
of you."  In my lessons I teach to think... "Remember Crystals are
people, too." That is... give a mineral sample respect as its own
entity, not a slave, not a thing, but a partner in the Is To BE you
have pictured in your mind that you wish to accomplish.

>> NEVER out for display and NEVER handled by others but the user.  <<
>>>>It is a bit strange that it cannot be displayed. Also, I think some
scryer get the customer to touch the ball for better channeling. No?<<<<

Every person who so much as looks at your sphere has the potential of
adding their influence to it, more so if they handle it. As to some
'scryers' having the client touch theirs... yep they do & they also
'see' tall dark and handsome strangers, too.

>> hold in the receptive hand, draw excess energy off, switch to
projective hand, pair your normal energy back up with the specimen.  <<
>>>>How do you know which hand is your receptive hand? And why would
you need to send it normal energy after you drained the excess energy?
<<<

If you are RIGHT handed, the right hand is the projective hand. If you
are LEFT handed, that one is the projective hand. If you are
ambidextrous as I am, you simply use instinct if you have it yet or
just go with right for lack of a better reason.


>>  NEVER use a Sun Bath unless you know what you're doing.  <<
>>>>What do you need to know for that?<<<<

Geology certainly helps. This is purely a mundane reason, some minerals
can not take the Sun's rays, strength, and heat.

>>  I dedicate my quartz sphere once a  month in a special Esbat
celebration just for it (which is a more elaborate  Moon Bath basicly)  <<
>>>>How long is a Moon bath?<<<<

Using this method, it is the time to ground & center, call down the
moon, lift arms and sphere to Her, etc. About 5-10 minutes. It is a
Witchy type thing of religious value more than physical need as I keep
my collection adeptly clean and cleared. I may have a magician posting
but I love my Folk Witch roots. This is something of those roots done
for the pure joy of it.

>> Hope this is some help... LD  <<
>>>Sure does! Thanks! (I'll have to upload that to the library
afterward. Many people can find all that information useful in the
future!)<<<

Perhaps. Many will say I'm nuts and haven't a clue to what I'm talking
about. How ever those who have read my book on the subject say it's my
best work. I dunno... except it works for me.  :)  LD


#: 63586 S6/Tarot & Divination
    16-Jul-95  07:19:12
Sb: #63477-Crystall balls
Fm: Michele 75131,2106
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552


You have a book out on this!!!! Info please, it immediately goes to
the top of my must buy list!

Michele


#: 64084 S6/Tarot & Divination
    17-Jul-95  12:58:03
Sb: #63586-#Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Michele 75131,2106 (X)

The book is ready Michelle, but not yet in publication, with only my
Circle/Order members & close friends having copies... if they could
handle my computer files.

This is part of a series of 5 books, 3 of which are finished. My main
problem is that I am a writer and teacher, etc. & the 'business' part of
it is beyond me.  First you need accepted by a publisher, then THEY
can take up to a couple years to ever get the thing out. (If you are
writing 'for the check', you'll sit around another year or so waiting
for any monies.)

I've been experimenting around with doing this myself but can not keep
a price down to what "I" deem reasonable. Besides the greed-factor, I
also want to control editing because my group edits me (I have LOUSY
punctuation!)  Ever get a book that 'reads' choppy & not quite right?
Thank the editing work of the publisher as it's likely the writer did
a wonderful job. Several mentioned going Sharware but how many peoples
computers can handle files nearly a meg in size? And they would have
to have WORKS which is what I use. And to print it out, oh my... a dot
matrix can take upwards of 14 hours to print one copy!

Anyway, if you ever see something with the OOTLB name, by DenElder it
will be me... #1 GLOSSARY which is currently at 243 pages of terms
and definitions and grows almost daily; #2 is RAMBLING NOTES which
covers diverse subjects; #3 is CRYSTALS 268 pages of mineral headings,
how to tell fakings, geology terms, etc. A sample is the scrying note
that started this conversation.  #4 is WORTCRAFT, now only 50 pages of
healing terms & will later continue into uses & applications... I'm
waiting to finish when I've obtained my Master's on Herbology. But
I'm under peer pressure to finish it sooner - but I just don't want to
until then.  But it will include safer more natural ways to clean
around the house, gardening, magickal applications, just all kinds of
related stuff.  #5 is on Blessings, Poetry, and that type stuff.

Anyway, that's those such as they are.  :}   LD


#: 64249 S6/Tarot & Divination
    17-Jul-95  20:04:22
Sb: #64084-Crystall balls
Fm: Michele 75131,2106
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552

L.D.,
Your books sound fascinating! I am sorry you are having such a hard time
getting a conventional publisher. Should they become available to the
general public let us know.  You have one guaranteed customer anyway .

Michele


#: 63653 S6/Tarot & Divination
    16-Jul-95  13:58:10
Sb: #63477-Crystall balls
Fm: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552

>> Every person who so much as looks at your sphere has the potential
of adding their influence to it, more so if they handle it.  <<

That's what I thought.

>> As to some  'scryers' having the client touch theirs... yep they
do & they also 'see'  tall dark and handsome strangers, too.  <<

What do you mean? The ball get haunted?

>>  How ever those who have read my book on the subject say it's my
best work.  <<

Which book is that?

Also, any word about the stand for the ball? Should it be "finger-like"
or just a support ring?

Alain


#: 64085 S6/Tarot & Divination
    17-Jul-95  12:58:04
Sb: #63653-Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Alain B./As't Sysop 70403,3645 (X)

>What do you mean? The ball get haunted?<

No, I imply they are fakes who 'see' whatever will make the client
happy and really don't know what they are doing.

>any word about the stand for the ball?<

I prefer wooden stands. Take a large diameter dowel rod, saw it off
at about an 1/2 - 1 inch or so, drill out a hole in the middle of this
piece... and you have a cheap stand.

As to the book, see my reply to Michele, it's not avialable (yet) for
public buying. Sorry.  LD


#: 63478 S6/Tarot & Divination
    16-Jul-95  00:00:03
Sb: Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723 (X)

>>What about cloudiness?  Is that improper care too?<<

If the clouding was there to begin with, it is a natural occurence. If
it came up as you've worked the sample, then it was you, or how you
cleansed it. Often happens with Sun Baths.

>Also - my green fluorite ball - even though it is dark in color, I can
still see through it some - would that be acceptable for scrying?<

Of course, if it works for YOU it is acceptable. ANY thing you can get
a reflection out of or has a focus point, will likely work. ANYTHING!
It's just a matter of what works for YOU, dear.

Also, as to the heat you spoke of coming up out of a specimen you were
working with... GOOD sign of a healthy immune system. Means your
physical energy level is vibrating at a high level. Also means you
are likely VERY intuitive or have the capability to be very intuitive.
If you are seldom sick, this is a sign of this, too.

>Thanks again!<

You're welcome. LD


#: 63682 S6/Tarot & Divination
    16-Jul-95  15:42:10
Sb: #63478-Crystall balls
Fm: Shelle Pourmanafzadeh 74224,723
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552

LD,

>>>Also, as to the heat you spoke of coming up out of a specimen you
were working with... GOOD sign of a healthy immune system. Means
your physical energy level is vibrating at a high level. Also means
you are likely VERY intuitive or have the capability to be very
intuitive. If you are seldom sick, this is a sign of this, too.<<<

Yay!  I have to say, I chuckled a bit...I was "struck" with CFIDS
(chronic fatigue immune disorder syndrome) a few years ago, and have
just now begun to kick it...I've noticed as I increase my awareness
of my intuition, the stronger it becomes (intuition) and the healthier
I get!

Also, I'm happy to say I think my crystals have recovered.  I didn't
actually salt bathe the last several I've acquired and the others
haven't been so harshly treated in years now!

Love and Light,
Shelle


#: 65053 S6/Tarot & Divination
    19-Jul-95  11:18:02
Sb: #Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Bella 73672,1433

Dear Bella,

Just drop me your addy in my private emailbox and remind me you want
those files, I'll send them. No problem! Then you just drop me back
a disk...

(this goes for anybody else reading here. Just realize these are
for PRIVATE use only. No sharing please.)

I had one bookware program but it was with DOS and wouldn't keep
my 'extras' such as bold or italic words, under-lining, or justified
margins, etc. These things look NICE! on a printed document. Now have
sent for a book about electronic publishing so maybe can figure
something out of that. I want to publish CHEAP with only a couple
dollars profit with a goal of charging under like $10. Sadly it would
cost around $25-30 right now to either print out or make copies. And
these things are HEAVY printed out for shipping, about 2 inches thick
for each 'book.' I did have somebody mention about CDs but how many
people have those? But I figure sooner or later it will work out.
Especially with people giving me hints and ideas... THOSE really help!

Thanks for the wishes, may they return greatly enhanced... :)  LD


#: 65059 S6/Tarot & Divination
    19-Jul-95  12:05:24
Sb: #64544-Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Michele 75131,2106

>Have you tried submitting it to LLewellyn?<

Yes I relunctly did as a favor to some friends but I'm not writing
'stream-line' enough for them. They've gone to such fluff they mostly
want angel books, etc. More New Agey which I definitely am NOT!
(No insult intended.) Plus I know how they treat some of their authors
and would not tolerate such treatment and told them so.  But when
you want to earn a living at writing, you DO have to put up with it. LD


#: 65190 S6/Tarot & Divination
    19-Jul-95  18:04:12
Sb: #65059-Crystall balls
Fm: Michele 75131,2106
To: L.D.  Black 75777,2552

I got more out of your message on Crystals than I got from their book
"Crystal Balls and Crystal Bowls"! You will be getting my e-mail post
haste!

Michele, who can hardly wait to read the rest of what you wrote.


#: 65524 S6/Tarot & Divination
    20-Jul-95  11:32:26
Sb: #65087-Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Pete Salomone 71621,1347

Thank you Pete for your thoughts. Right now have been sharing with
friends, as files on disk. But I'm not sure with how I'm doing it for
'paying customers.' ???  Am waiting for a book now that I ordered,
it's supose to tell me about electronic publishing so maybe I can learn
more details. Actually, as long as my expenses are covered, that's all
I'm concerned about. After all, I've yet to see a rich writer. 
Thanks again!  LD


#: 68566 S6/Tarot & Divination
    26-Jul-95  17:26:23
Sb: Crystall balls
Fm: L.D.  Black 75777,2552
To: Bella 73672,1433 (X)

Got your email & addy and replied. :)  Good thing you warned me about
mailing to Canada!  Hope you enjoy... LD


#: 69067 S2/Community Square
    27-Jul-95  21:18:01
Sb: #crystals
Fm: scott watson 75702,1463
To: all

Can anybody give me some insight into buying/finding crystals?

First of all, I have Uma Silbey's _The Complete Crystal Guidebook_.
She briefly talks about how to choose a crystal (quartz), but she doesn't
go into what you would expect to pay.  Nor does she indicate a good
source (jewelry store, gem shop, flea market??????)

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Scott


#: 69207 S2/Community Square
    28-Jul-95  02:40:03
Sb: #69067-#crystals
Fm: Carolyn             76727,514
To: scott watson 75702,1463 (X)

Hi Scott,

I find my crystals all over.  I live in Northern California though, and
we have quite a few choices around.

I started getting an idea of gemstones, crystals and things from the
Rock and Gem Magazine.  You can find them for sale at lapidary shops
usually, but in case you can't find a copy, here is the address:

Rock & Gem Magazine
4880 Market St.
Ventura, CA.93003

The Rock & Gem Magazine lists show dates for the whole U.S. every month,
and that would get you to where the crystals and people you need to meet
are temporarily located.  At the shows, you will likely be handed
business cards until you can't hold on to more.  It's a start anyway.
Look under your yellow pages for "Lapidary" too.  It should list the
rock shops or people who work with minerals, fossels, etc.  What you
are trying to do is find out whats available in your area without
having to spend a fortune.

New Age stores also carry some crystals, though you need to watch out
price-wise.  Try to find crystals that are totally natural if you are
going to use them for healing purposes.  There are a lot of crystals
coming from Brazil that have been polished off.  They are really pretty
to look at but they've got a bad habit of creating extra facets to your
crystal.  These stores charge anywhere from $4.00 to $8.00 per oz. for
a crystal.  It's pretty much a ripoff from my viewpoint.  For larger
crystals, the rate generally runs $45.00 per lb. or more.  It's getting
to be a VERY expensive endeavor to find good crystals.   Of course, you
could get maps and do some rockhounding on your own.  Another method is
taking a trip to Mt. Ida Arkansas where most of the fine crystals in
the U.S. come from, and there you pay to dig for them yourself, or you
could visit  one or more of the local rock shops in that area.
(probably easier too.  I think their prices would be competitive as well)

I can't take a trip without stopping to check out any rock shops we pass.
I never know where I'm going to find my next treasure.

You should be able to get a decent and mostly clear natural crystal
about the size of your thumb for around $4.00 to $6.00 ea.  If it's
double terminated it's going to cost more. I can't say if that price is
good for anywhere but California.  They are probably cheaper anywhere
else.

I thought Uma's book to be mostly bilge.  She's got you doing a lot of
different things to clear your crystals...long and drawn out things I
might add.  But, she knows a lot as well, and maybe when you are just
starting out it's not a bad idea to just do what she says until you
become so attuned that you can then just tell your crystals to clear!
Guess I'm not much for all that symbolism.  The rocks sure don't care!

It's a whole different world Scott.  Check out flea markets, antique
shops, even some jewelry shops if you know of any in a quaint, or
unusual area.  You find the little beauties all over the place.  You
will definately pay too much for some, and too little for others.
It all comes out in the wash over time.

Good luck, and let me know if I've covered your questions.
Carolyn S. Peterson


#: 69232 S2/Community Square
    28-Jul-95  06:01:19
Sb: #69207-#crystals
Fm: norm scull/NEWS 73200,1743
To: Carolyn             76727,514 (X)

Thanks for a great message about crystal acquisition.

The crystal book section of my home library includes:

THE MAGICAL CRYSTAL by Newage Forum member Geoffrey Keyte
THE CRYSTAL CONNECTION by Randall N. and Vicki V Baer
THE NEWCASTLE GUIDE TO HEAING WITH GEMSTONES by Pamela Louise Chase
and Jonathan Pawlik

I would be interested in your comments, if any, about these books


#: 69446 S2/Community Square
    28-Jul-95  17:12:03
Sb: #69232-#crystals
Fm: Carolyn             76727,514
To: norm scull/NEWS 73200,1743 (X)

Hi Norm,

Got your post regarding three books and what I thought of them.
I'm embarrased to have to admit this, but I don't have ANY of those
books.

I downloaded some crystal information a couple of months ago by Geoffrey
Keyte plus an on-line conference he gave, so at least that gave me
something to look over.  Geoffrey has some impressive information as far
as I can see.  I liked the idea to dedicate a crystal for one type of
usage...I truly hadn't thought about the possibility that cyrstals work
better that way.  When I asked them, I got an affirmative.  Since then,
I went to the trouble of clearing them and refocusing them according to
usage.  I haven't read everything through yet, but I WOULD like to get
his book.  How do I go about getting it?  I haven't seen it in any of
the book stores around here.  If you would kindly give me the ISBN
number, I think I'll order it.

As to "The Crystal Connection" by Randall and Vicki Baer, I don't have
that one, but I've gotten an older book called "Windows of Light" from
them.  It is kind of like a fantasmagoria of esoteric information.
They have some wonderful crystal layouts but they are all in double
terminated large crystals.  Those babies are too expensive to buy even
if you could find enough of them.

I do a special layout called the 12 pointed star that compares to one
of their layouts.  Mine are single terminated stones with most of them
about the size of a small balled fist.  I have a generator crystal in
the center which weights more than 17 lbs. and believe me I've got more
energy from that layout than is safe for most people.  Sometimes I can
only sit in it for about 5 minutes at a time.  Never sit  or lay in a
strong pattern more than 20 minutes at a time. (for any of you who
happen to work with crystals and don't know that...it can damage the
body)

To be honest, I don't look at very many crystal books anymore.   I've
got about 15 of them, and unless I see something very different and
unusual as far as usage goes, the information is repeated in one or
more of my other books.

I also pretty much specialize in working with quartz crystal at this
time.  I loved Katrina Raphaell's trio of books, but I don't do
gemstone layouts in the way she does.  I work with clear quartz
mostly...sometimes adding amethyst or citrine, carnelian, or the other
quartz based gemstones/crystals.  I also work with gemstone beads
because their energies swirl around like energies of the sun or the
planet.  They are far safer to use directly on a body. So, when working
on healing energies, I use natural crystals outside, and the beads
directly on a body.  It seems to work very well.

I'm still learning about crystals all the time.  In fact, I had a dream
some years back where I was in a cave encrusted with crystals.
In my mind I heard "You will know what Crystal knows".  Well, unless
I live a much longer life than planned, I don't see how that is possible.

Carolyn


#: 69494 S2/Community Square
    28-Jul-95  19:23:08
Sb: #69446-crystals
Fm: norm scull/NEWS 73200,1743
To: Carolyn             76727,514

It sounds like you might be ready to write a book on your experiences
with crystals 

Geoffrey's book's ISBN is: 0 85207 269 4 and is published by
The CW Daniel Company Ltd  in England


#: 70005 S2/Community Square
    30-Jul-95  02:42:01
Sb: #69494-#crystals
Fm: Carolyn             76727,514
To: norm scull/NEWS 73200,1743 (X)

Hi Norm,

Thanks for the information about the book "The Magical Crystal".  I haven't
seen it locally but the local New Age Book Store is really good to order
anything I ask about.

I also got a private post from Geoffrey Keyte to let me know he has a
new book out called "Crystal Healing Configurations" which is only
obtainable from him by mail order.  It sounds very interesting from
the title, so may try that one first...got to get to the meat of things,
you know.

>>It sounds like you might be ready to write a book on your experiences
with crystals.<<

Thanks for the vote of confidence, but there are so many really good
crystal books out there that I think I'll pass on THAT one...at least
until and unless I come up with a totally different approach and
experiences to share.  

Carolyn