A Theory on The Protective Powers of Crystals and Gem Stones

The Ancient Need for Shelter and Protection

When you ask any survival expert, they will tell you that the most important and 1st thing you should do in case of an emergency, i.e. being stranded in an unfriendly environment, is finding a shelter. A person cannot usually survive more than 3 hrs in excessive heat or cold. Therefore shelter is imperative to ensure at least a basic amount of protection.

It’s somewhat curious that most ancient shelters were dug into the ground unless caves were available as a natural shelter. Earth and rocks in that way served as a protective measure from the very start of humankind. No wonder that when the first semi-precious stone showed their beautiful “inside” when it cracked open, mankind felt that it contained some mysterious power that served to protect them in a very special way, just like the rock that surrounded them and made up a fairly safe home.

How Rocks Relate to All Kinds of Protection

Besides protection from forces of nature (shelter/clothing), a human being also requires protection from animals of prey and any other enemies that can threaten his or her life (also shelter/fire/weapons), protection from demise by dehydration (water) and starvation (food), but also protection from loneliness in the long run, because humans need company and human touch or they will wither away (family and friends).

Do you realize that even fire was made by using flint stone, that weapons and tools were made from stones like obsidian, and that statues, which served fertility rituals and the like, were carved from rocks like soap stone? The first accounts of the daily life of ancient tribes and civilizations were recorded on the rock walls of caves. Sand, pebbles and rocks are transported by nature through a naturally occurring life-giving liquid – water – in all of its molecular forms, such as rivers and glaciers. Rock salt has for a long time spiced up our life, as well.

In conclusion, rocks have been one of the most prevailing parts of human history and signify our most vital need for protection.

Protection from Harm, Evil Doings and Spells

Another thing that comes to mind is that since ancient times human have worn protective jewelry and carried protective charms to ward off evil. Maybe it was the shiny surfaces, the vivid colors or the light certain gemstones seemed to hold within. Maybe the changes that carrying the stones seemed to cause in the owners life made all the difference. Or perhaps, the ancient people were able to notice a certain confidence, a distinct vibration or a particular energy the stones seem to expel. These beautiful rocks rapidly gained great value for those that possessed them and those that didn’t.

Our Planet "Earth"

Lastly, I wonder about the composition of other planets. Ours, with all its wonderful gemstones and rocks, is the only life-sustaining planet in this galaxy we know of to date. Somewhat curious!

Pet Shelter Pets

As part of my work as a developmental therapist I take kids to the local pet shelter a couple times a week to teach them how to deal with animals and volunteer a bit. In the process I get to know all the animals’ names and antics. If it was an option for me, I would adopt more than just my cat "Mittens" who became part of my family a few months back. These animals long for companionship and affection just as much as any human.
Pet shelter pets are being neutered and taken care of until they find a new owner, but many of them have been at the shelter for many months, even years! Pet shelters have trouble getting adequate funding and supplies and volunteers are few and in between.

 

My beloved former shelter cat "Mittens". She had been at the local shelter for more than a year before we adopted her.

Before getting a new pet, you should consider a few alternative options:

• You might not have enough time to spend with your pet

Volunteering is a good alternative to owning a pet, if you are not home much. A pet shelter is the ideal place to spend short amounts of time with pets at irregular intervals. The dogs and cats greatly enjoy the company, the love, the exercise, feeding and grooming you can assist with!

• Your income may not support the cost of living for a new pet

Pets can be expensive. Table scraps are not an ideal food source for pets, and you should be able to provide sufficient nutrition for your new dog or cat. Your pet also may require bedding, toys, and a leash. Not to mention the cost of regular vet checkups, shots and medical bills in case of injuries and sickness.
At the very least you might want to first foster a new dog or cat and “test-drive” you new life as a pet owner before committing to buying or adopting a pet.

• Your living space may not accommodate a pet

A lot of rental units don’t allow pets. You should check with your landlord, before bringing a new pet home, just to have to return it to the shelter or previous owner a few days or weeks later.
Some larger breeds of dogs will need lots of exercise. If you are the type of person that goes jogging on the greenbelt every day, this might not be a problem. However, if you work in the office all day, there is no sizable fenced yard, and nobody is home all day, your new large breed dog will  be miserable.
There are lots of dogs at shelters that would love for you to stop by once in a while and take them for a long walk at your own convenience!

• Your new pet may not get along with the current one, or certain people in your household

Pet shelters are a great place to pick up pets. The volunteers often notice certain pets’ behaviors in presence of others and can tell you whether the new dog will get along with cats, or whether that male feline adoptee will spray in presence of other male cats.
Some animals have a history of abuse by certain people and will refuse to get along with such persons. One may prefer female owners to males. Some will love kids and some may despise them.

• Getting a breedable pet versus one that is neutered or spayed

It’s great to buy a $500 purebred puppy, breed the living daylights out of it, as soon as it is mature enough and make a lot of extra cash. I prefer giving a home to a mixed breed pet who has lost its owner and needs a little TLC, which I am definitely willing to give! Pet shelters provide animals a new home at relatively low fees ($50-$80 in smaller towns, a bit higher in metropolitan areas) that cover neutering and spaying, as well as first shots. You wont have to worry about new puppies that will end up in careless homes or back in the shelter. Mixed breeds often have a better temper or more versatile traits than some pure-bred animals, as well.

This female Pit-mix puppy wagged her tail so hard against a door when she first met me, she got it totally bloodied up in all the excitement. I visited her again today, being greeted with many joyful licks, and the lady from the pet shelter allowed me to name her. I called her "Ember" thinking of her color resembling the low-burning remains of a fire. I would love to adopt her, but not before I have found a house suitable to have a large dog. If she finds an owner sooner, I hope she'll have a loving home. Until I know, I will keep hoping she'll be mine in a few months... :)

Now that you have a better idea of what a great difference you can make in an abandoned animal's life, what are you going to do? =)