Crystal skulls have become increasingly popular in recent years. There are many stories about ancient crystal skulls, and many attitudes, beliefs and opinions concerning modern carvings. Lots of people ask, ‘What are they for?’

For many people, there is an initial discomfort – even revulsion. In our culture we often associate skulls with death, and since we have a strange relationship with death, they can be objects of fear. The skull, as a symbol, is used to warn us of poison!

Because of the nature of crystals, when we project such feelings onto crystal skulls, this energy is then amplified, focussed and reflected back.

The skull, as part of the skeleton, does speak to us of the ephemeral nature of life. While we can choose to focus on fear, and how short is our time on Earth, that is not the only choice we can make. We also have the opportunity to focus on the magic of life, on appreciating the wonderful gift of life and expressing gratitude for each treasured moment.

The skull is uniquely human and can remind us of the true nature and purpose of human life – to be an integral part of the whole, in right relationship with Mother Earth and all who live on her. They can remind us of our sacred blueprint and the potential for us to embody a high consciousness. They also remind us of our commonality – that whatever our perceived difference, we are all of the tribe of Human.

While the human skull will become dust and return to Earth, reminding us of our physicality, a crystal skull will last for millenia - thus reminding us of the timeless nature of our soul and spirit.

Because crystal skulls ‘look like us’, once we have overcome the fear of death/poison/pirates, it is easy to relate to them and we can work with the crystal energy for personal healing on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels: for family, lineage, ancestral, karmic healing; to raise consciousness on many levels; to connect with other forms of consciousness; to work for planetary and cosmic healing.

If you feel drawn to work with one, receive it with gratitude into your life. Spend time together. Don’t rush. Take your time. Ask for help and guidance. Ask for teachings. Listen and observe.

Obsidian is natural volcanic glass.

Black Obsidian has a very powerful energy which has a natural affinity with the Navel, Base and Earth Star Chakras. It connects us to Mother Earth and to the Fire at her core. It is deep, passionate, sensual and intense.

Obsidian takes us deep inside, to hidden places, and reveals that which needs to be released and that which needs to be owned and integrated.

The deep, dark, velvet blackness can be a fearful place, if the Shadow has not been addressed; alternatively it can be a place of peace, rest and recuperation.