“When you were born you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice!” – Chief White Elk

The way I ‘teach’ is to share my experiences. So, I share this one in order to relay a great reminder I got of just how simple and profound everything is when you allow yourself to connect with your roots and the True nature of All That Is!

Having walked a Shamanic path for many years and working with Crystal Skulls since 2004, I wanted to write something that brought the two together. How did the Native Americans use Crystal Skulls? You will find many pages on the net that tell you they did, but not much about how. Until recently I had regarded my Shamanic life, and being a Crystal Skull Caretaker, as two different and somewhat separate ways in which to connect to Great Spirit / Source. This year I have had many reminders that honouring both are ways of attaining the same thing – peace, harmony, ancient wisdom & healing etc.

A few days ago I was gifted an antler that came from a deer in the New Forest. I was drawn to place it beside me as I surfed for information, only to realise two hours later my inspiration was right under my nose! Eventually I gave in and picked it up, and the moment I did I felt it throbbing, as if it was still alive. “I Am” it responded. “I am being reborn in you, I will live on so that you can learn my ways and wisdom.”

As I looked at my antler I realised how connected it would have been to the deer’s skull and how at one point it would have been very much alive (it still is of course). Anyone working with deer medicine will know that one of the energies brought through when working with it is that of renewal, mainly due to the fact deer drop their antlers and grow new ones, thus it reminded me of the cycle of death and rebirth. Crystal Skulls are often mistakenly thought of as symbolising death, but when you work with their energy you soon realise the real message is that of transformation and love, just like the deer.

This antler has on it what looks like a skull, plus a face of a ‘star being’ as if to remind me not only of my earthly connections but also of my planetary ones. It has four ‘prongs’ (known as tines) to remind me also of the four directions. Antlers are symbolic of antennae, just like Crystal Skulls, helping to connect to a higher vibration & thus knowledge/wisdom.  As I worked my way along the antler I realised it was telling my life story - some of it rough, some smooth. The first two tines reminding me of major journeys I had taken that had seemingly come to an end, only to continue along in a slightly different direction as I continued to grow. The two tines at the top end of the antler point out that I am currently coming to an end of following two ‘separated’ paths and like the antler that would fall and re-grow, I too am picking myself up to start on a new and exciting journey.  

A major part of Shamanism is about connecting, working and living in harmony with all that’s around us…land, sky, oceans, stones, animals etc. So, whether an antler or a skull, a bird, creature, flower, piece of wood or leaf, the stars, clouds, sun, wind & rain…take a breath and let them speak to you…

What can they tell you about You and your journey? Everything has a cycle (circle). Everything is connected. Remember - You Are (part of) All That Is!

Here is a short channelling that came through whilst working with Crystal Skulls: -

“Should you shield the cliffs from the power of the rainstorms and the crashing waves, you would never see the beauty of their carvings! Be pure of spirit ~ swim free like the whale or dolphin should be.

Now, you must hear the plight of the seas. Protect and serve the planet like the spiritual being you are meant to be. From the hands of man comes great destruction. But when only one takes action, so much can be achieved. The pyramids began, remember, with only one tiny grain of sand. Love the children ~ nurture their delicate souls. Let their colours shine bright as they are our future. Love the animals, reptiles, insects, birds and beasts ~ those of the land, sky and sea, for they cannot fight for themselves and it is up to man to protect their sacred spirit. Take heed the wise ways of The Native American…”

Text ©  White Elk Woman 2008

Photograph reproduced with kind permission of Lorenzo Guescini 

Channelling © Rebekah Freeman ~ Egyptian Cat Goddess