Welcome to the newest addition to the Gateway To The Soul online ezine.

It seems as though I have always been drawn to crystals and gemstones, although it didn't appear to come to the fore until a year or so ago.

Being the webmaster of Portals of Spirit has resulted in countless internet searches featuring a multitude of topics related to spirituality and the so-called "new-age". One distinct associated feature is that of Alternative Healing methods; a feature that quickly proved to be the catalyst for me.

I have since made email contact with many people that share an interest in this area, many of whom also utilize crystals and gemstones in this capacity. Having recently received my Level 1 training in Reiki, it is my wish to combine this ancient healing art with the healing properties of crystals and gemstones.

By my very nature, I am a researcher. Between reading actual text and/or related articles on the internet, I find that I have just begun to delve into this metaphysical topic. It is in this segment of the ezine that I aim to provide the reader with tidbits of this knowledge.

I have been able to compile a Gemstones and Crystals Book List that many of you may wish to peruse. I currently own 13 books on the very subject, which shows how serious I am about wanting to learn more. Currently, I am involved in the creation of prototypes for several gemstone kits that feature my domain name and graphic (Portals of Spirit).

In the course of my crystal and gemstone research, I have made contact with several reputable gemstone jewelry artists; namely,

(1) Pierrette d'Entremont's Jewelry Designs (Pubnico, Nova Scotia, Canada)

Pierrette's designs are jewelry pieces for the free spirit, handcrafted in gemstones, Austrian Swarovski crystals, pearls and precious metals. The intermingling of matching tones is essential to the creating of a motif that is at once stylish, wearable and attractive. All pieces are unique custom pieces that span the use of graceful simplicity to bold and funky, skillfully crafted with creative and modern appeal. Pierrette draws her inspirations from many places. Memories and images of her early college years in Ottawa's bustling Byward Market combine with her strong roots in a small fishing village on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Her interest in the colors and hues of nature is a most strong influence in her art and designs. Each piece of Pierrette's jewelry is carefully handcrafted with practiced skill. Finished pieces are faithfully inspected and then polished. The end product is a creation that we hope will be appreciated and cherished for many years. I can attest to the exquisite quality of her pieces.

(2) Barbara Y. Allen (otherwise known as Crystalmoon) of Gadsden, Alabama, can be located on EBAY.

The wire wrapped designs that Barbara creates are clearly the best pieces that I have come across. After registering at this site, click on search, followed by seller. After typing in her Seller's User ID (Crystalmoon), you will be taken to a list of items for sale. If you are anything like me, you will want to own all of them. I have been most fortunate to have acquired a rare Blue Apatite (cabochon form from Brazil) wrapped sterling silver pendant. All of her designs are both original and exclusive. If successful in your bid, you may be sporting a one-of-a-kind piece with a most distinctive flair. In taking the time to visit The Jewelry of Crystalmoon, please spend some time perusing her Photo Gallery. Having done so, you will have been able to obtain a more detailed visual of her talent.

Per featured item on EBAY, Barbara also denotes paraphrased ancient beliefs about the energies of each stone as well as their method(s) of use. In this light, Barbara has consented to submitting information about individual crystals and gemstones for this online ezine.

(3) Anne Wilken of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada can be located at EBAY. Her wrapping style is very similar to that of Barbara (aka Crystalmoon). You can also visit her Kalico Krafts business.

In the course of my contact with Pierrette, I have also been directed to several artists; namely,

(1) Bob and Pat Hawke of Hawke Originals Designer Creations (Canada)
(2) Peter Bauer and Sandra Kay of Sterling Silver Art Jewelry (Canada)

I trust that many of you will also be intrigued by the components contained within this particular segment.

In Love and Light Always,
^Michele^









Copyright © Portals of Spirit
December 2002