ORE FEATURES: Pyramids

True, a pyramid is not a gemstone in the traditional sense (a stone that is worn in jewelry). However, when you consider the tremendous human effort it took to construct these magical edifices and the powers they are alleged to have, they certainly warrant examination by crystal users.

Pyramids appear to be one of human's very first architectural achievements. From earthen structures in North America and China, to the stepped pyramids of the mesoamerican cultures to the smooth sided and gold capped pyramids of the Egyptian rulers, these structures all appear to have played a critical role in the spirituality of early civilizations.

While most would assume that the famous pyramids of Egypt are the oldest on Earth, recent archeological discoveries may prove this untrue. In Peru current excavations in the Supe Valley at Caral are revealing pyramids which may date back to 2627 BC or earlier. At least three years ahead of Pharaoh Djoser's stepped Pyramid (the first of the Egyptian structures erected in 2630).

Volumes of information are available about the Egyptian pyramids. Imhoptep was the architect considered to be the genius behind these majestic tombs. He was hired by Pharaoh Djoser to construct that first one and the systems and principals he put into place to for that construction project were still in use when the last great pyramid was built for the Pharaoh Unas in 1817 BC.

Egyptian pyramids were built as "machines" to assist their pharaohs in breaking through the Wall Of the Dead, achieve resurrection and live happily ever after with the gods. A long central shaft in each pyramid was the channel or pathway that funneled the Pharaoh's Ka toward this goal.

Many of the objects and rooms within the massive tombs were intentionally designed to be dysfunctional. A door, goblet or room that cannot function in this realm, would be totally functional in the world of the dead. Fake doors, rooms filled with rubble and plants carved in Limestone would become important passage ways, elegant throne rooms and luscious swaying palms in the afterlife of the pharaoh.

Historians theorize it was the building of this and subsequent pyramids that catapulted ancient Egypt into the mega state it became. The massive numbers of humans it took to quarry, move, cut and place the stones forced the state and its citizens to join together in a common goal. The state's need for a healthy workforce, made them focus on meeting the housing, nutritional and cultural needs of all these individuals. It is quite possible that the effort to track and supply this vast army of workers was one of the catalysts for our earliest written languages.

After about half a century the building of pyramids in Egypt came to an end. Partly because of tomb robbers, but mostly because Egypt was under going tumultuous growing pains and the days of "pharaohs who are gods" were coming to an end.

Today we know almost every detail of the Egyptian pyramids. Who they were built for and why. Floor plans, function (and dysfunctions), architects, even records of some of the actual workers all survive to help tell us the story of these magnificent structures. Unfortunately, this is not true of other pyramids around the world.

The Americas probably contain more pyramids than any other region in the world, yet very little is known about their construction. Monks Mound in Illinois (US) is a huge earthen pyramid probably built around 950 AD and used by the Cahokia tribe during the Mississippian era. This 16 acre structure has a base that is 1,037 feet long and 790 feet wide. Archeologists are still in the process of uncovering this pyramid's secrets, but theorize that it was multi-functional. Serving both as a tomb for important leaders and as a place to worship or honor the Divine.

Mexico may be home to the largest pyramid on the planet. In fact, everyone (including the conquistadors who built a church on top of it in 1519) thought it was just a hill until archeologists uncovered the truth around 1910. Named Tepanapa it is actually three pyramids built on top of each other and when it was first built around 250 BC had a base of 480 yards (1,440 feet, almost double the base of the largest Egyptian structure).

Tepanapa was built in Cholula Mexico around the same time that the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon were constructed in Teotihaucan (just outside Mexico City). Just two of over 600 pyramids in this area, of which the Pyramid of the Sun is the largest. In fact its dimensions are almost identical to those of the Cheops (the greek name for Pharaoh Khufu) in Egypt. The nearby Pyramid of the Moon features a long indented avenue that archeologists believe may have held water at one time. It also contains a long central shaft, similar to those found in the Egyptian pyramids.

Teotihaucan was known by mesoamerican cultures as a City of Gods (where men ascended and became gods). At its zenith, it was the sixth largest city in the world (around 100 AD).

As you journey South, more and more pyramids are discovered. One of the largest tomb treasures ever found in the Western hemisphere came from a pyramid for the Lord of Sipan in Chiclayo Peru. Amazing gold and ceramic pieces found there are now on display in the Bruning museum. Like the giant pyramid found in Cholula Mexico, many of Peru's pyramids were initially thought to be natural hills or small mountains and ignored by archeologists.

Ecuador has a group of pyramids that are aligned perfectly with specific astronomical occurrences. On the Canary Island of Tenerife is a series of structures called the Pyramids of Guimar that are still being excavated by archeologists. China, France, Rome, Nabia and Iraq are also sites of ancient pyramid construction. Even modern cities like Memphis and Paris have their own, new pyramids. The pyramid is a common thread through almost every human culture. Making it is very easy to align this unique building technique with mystical and spiritual powers.

I remember a time during the 70s when pyramid power was all the rage. While I ignored it back then, I recall a number of individuals claiming that a banana or apple left under a wire pyramid frame would not rot. Numerous theories abound about the purpose of the pyramids beyond tombs for pharaohs and places of worship.

They were built by extra terrestrials. They were astronomical observatories. They were landing strips for ships piloted by extra terrestrials. Together all of Earth's pyramids were a map for travelers between galaxies.

As is the problem with any theory, there is still no way to prove any of them. Yet.

Buildings give a city spirit. They are places for people to gather for a wide range of reasons. All Pyramids appear to have been constructed for very sacred purposes. Either as a machine to assist a pharaoh in his journey or as a tool for transmitting a community's need for a bountiful harvest to the Divine. Pyramids by their very shape give humans a focus and direction for their desires, energies, hopes and fears to be channeled.

As it is with any tool, the Pyramid is really not the source of any power. But rather a gathering place for the human spirit to aim and project its greatest resource. The will to reach beyond the mundane and touch our highest good.

Receive a FREE Quartz crystal with any purchase from Ozark Rock Exchange. You can shop on line at https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart You can also place your order by email at stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com or send your telephone number for a phone appointment. Discount will be taken at the time of purchase. You must be an ORE FEATURES subscriber as of November 1, 2006 to be eligible for the Subscriber's Special; the Subscriber Special is not valid with other offers (unless otherwise stated). Only one special per subscriber, please.

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The Buddha By My Sink
by Tasha Halbert
(author of Heartwings Love Notes)

Heartwings Love Notes 230 - The Buddha By My Sink
Heartwings says, “It brings joy to our hearts when we see the smile of the Buddha.”

Some years ago a dear friend gave me a small collection of Buddha's that had belonged to her father. Some were large, others small. “You will have more use for these than I will,” she said as she gave them to me. Although I am not a Buddhist, I honor that path—it is such a peaceful one, and I was glad to have received them.

Since then one of the seated Buddha's has had a place of honor on the corner of my sink. He smiles as he overlooks the dishes that pile up and are rinsed for the dishwasher. He smiles as the water cleans the vegetables, washes my hands, runs over the mop. Not only does he see, he also hears. With his large ears that droop down to his shoulders he hears all, and surely he blesses what he hears.

The Buddha listens to the water running, to the dishes being stacked, to the everyday noises of the kitchen. These sounds weave a background to my activities as I move through my day. As I am mindful I look out of the window; I see the colors of autumn or of spring as they spread across the landscape and brighten the horizon. I see and hear the birds at the bird feeder. I am grateful to my Buddha for reminding me to honor all creation.

While I prepare food for us to share often I entertain friends in my kitchen. My Buddha’s large droopy ears remind me to listen more than I speak. There is a riddle that asks, “If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one to hear it, does it make a sound?” My Buddha reminds me to focus on the fallen tree, not on the sound of its falling. When a friend has a story to share, I do not need to comment or to add my own reflections. What matters is that she needs a listener. Whether or not it makes a sound is irrelevant to the fact that the tree has fallen.

As you go about your daily tasks may you find inspiration and joy.

The winner of the ORE FEATURES Birthday Roll Call contest is Pamela W-L of Elmira NY. Pamela will be receiving the ORE FEATURES Birthday Rose Quartz Collection. This collection of my favorite crystal includes one each:
Raw Rose Quartz
Carved Rose Quartz Round Cabochon
Polished Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz Pendulum
Rare Rose Quartz Elestial Point

Congratulations to Pamela and a huge thanks to everyone that took time to answer the roll call! The response from this contest is always overwhelming and its a joy to hear from so many of you.

ORE'S POET PAGE: Gee, I only receive two submissions for the new ORE's Poet Page. So, I am going to wait until November 15 to launch the page and give you a few more days to get yours sent in. I'll also take this time to invite non-ORE FEATURES subscribers to send their submissions as well. Send your poems, prose and even short essays to webmaster@ozarkrockexchange.com - please use the subject line: Poet Page Submission

IRONSTONE HERITAGE MUSEUM: The Ironstone Heritage Museum in Murphys CA is going to be featuring my 2001 article on Lepidolite with their new exhibit of this lovely purple Lithium crystal. You can read the article here:
http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/ore_features/2001/lepidolite.shtml

DECEMBER ORE FEATURES: 2006 has been a very stressful (a good stress, but stressful none the less) year for me. So, I am giving myself a break for the December issue of ORE FEATURES. There will be a newsletter issued on December 6 (the first Wednesday), but it will not contain a new gemstone article. I am going to take a month off from research to give myself a little time to "refresh". Most likely I will resurrect an older article (maybe Rose Quartz). If you have any ideas or articles that you'd like to share, please email them to stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com for consideration.

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