Nicholas Pearson - 19 Feb

STONES of the GODDESS

What an exquisite and valuable book! Nicholas Pearsons Stones of the Goddess is packed with goddess lore as well as some extremely practical information for using a vast variety of crystals and gemstones. Although much of the material in this book is highly sophisticated, it also contains some of the clearest, most lucid instructions for actually working with crystals that I have ever read. Highly recommended!

JUDIKA ILLES, AUTHOR OF ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SPIRITS AND ENCYCLOPEDIA OF 5,000 SPELLS

... a peerless authority when it comes to the knowledge of crystals, stones, gemstones, and mineralsPearsons expertise bridges geology, metaphysics, mythology, and occultism. Stones of the Goddess is a considerable contribution to the occult, metaphysical, pagan, goddess-worshipper, and witchcraft communities. Pearson understands the geological reasons why stones have the energies they do and how they can assist us. This book is sure to deepen your relationship with the world of rocks, goddesses, healing, and magick and is a book that every practicing witch and magician should have in their library.

MAT AURYN, AUTHOR OF PSYCHIC WITCH AND BLOGGER OF FOR PUCKS SAKE ON PATHEOS PAGAN

Pearson has done it again! Stones of the Goddess is instantly informative and deeply entrancing. By combining a detailed knowledge of crystals with a respectful approach to the Divine Feminine, he has created what is destined to become a lasting, indispensable handbook for anyone interested in magick, meditation, crystals, mythology, astrology, andmost importantlyfinding and understanding the Goddess. Beautifully illustrated and with equally beautiful prose, this book is at once a manual of crystals and a crystal grimoire; perfect for novice and expert alike.

LAWREN LEO, AUTHOR OF DRAGONFLAME: TAP INTO YOUR RESERVOIR OF POWER USING TALISMANS, MANIFESTATION, AND VISUALIZATION

This book provides glimpses into the many roles of the Goddess through history and mythology in a compendium of stones described using mineral science and practical instructions as well as their links to the Female Divine. The mineral kingdom is here to support us during these times of transition and transformation, and this book fulfills its promise! I recommend it highly!

ROBERT HIERONIMUS, PH.D., COAUTHOR OF THE SECRET LIFE OF LADY LIBERTY: GODDESS IN THE NEW WORLD AND HOST OF 21ST CENTURY RADIO

This book is an important bridge between the new consciousness and the old ways. Mystery traditions around the world have always known that the Great Mother speaks to us through her stones, caves, and wild places of the Earth. This book is the perfect resource to help us all listen.

DAVID SALISBURY, AUTHOR OF WITCHCRAFT ACTIVISM

The Goddess and her stones has been a subject always close to my heart, all my life and especially when I began exploring the crystal kingdom more than thirty years ago. So you can imagine how excited and intrigued I was when Nicholas Pearson asked me to review his latest book. After reading it from cover to cover I was not disappointed. Stones of the Goddess is perfect for this unique time in our collective evolution. I highly recommend it.

HAZEL RAVEN, AUTHOR OF THE ANGEL BIBLE AND CRYSTAL HEALING

Connecting to the Divine Feminine through stones is a sacred connection to Mother Earth, where the mineral kingdom thrives, and Stones of the Goddess is a magickal treasure itself. From meeting the Goddess to the Goddess stones themselves, this is a wonderfully comprehensive, beautifully illustrated divine gem that should be on everyones bookshelf.

MARLA BROOKS, AUTHOR OF THE WITCHS ORACLE AND HOST OF STIRRING THE CAULDRON ON PARA X RADIO NETWORK

Pearson boldly stands on the shoulders of the unlikely pairings of the likes of Robert Graves and Scott Cunningham, Carl Jung and Melody and has crafted a paean to Gaia which will ring true to the many who will use her stones in a radically new fashion for age-old purposes.

DOMENIC LEO, PH.D., ART HISTORIAN, INDEPENDENT SCHOLAR, AND AUTHOR OF IMAGES, TEXTS, AND MARGINALIA IN A VOWS OF THE PEACOCK MANUSCRIPT

Acknowledgments

IT TAKES A TRIBE TO BIRTH A BOOK , from its humble beginnings as the insight that inspired me, to the finished volume you hold in your hands. It would be impossible to list everyone who has helped in this venture, but know that my gratitude flows to each person involved.

First and foremost, to the many women I have known, thank you for everything youve done. Most people are fortunate to have a single mother, but I feel like I have been raised by a tribe of women: my mum, my birth mother, my grandmothers and great-grandmothers, my auntsnot to mention my innumerable friends, colleagues, teachers, and mentors. In some way or another you have shaped my life. My sisters, cousins, and other women in my family are also shining examples of the Divine Feminine in the everyday world. You have inspired me in so many ways, and it is my sincere wish that you be recognized as the goddesses you are. I couldnt possibly name each of you, so I throw this blanket of gratitude as wide as the ocean over all of you. Thank you for being the living embodiments of the Goddess. Thank you for teaching me to see her in each of you, for you are the real-life Maidens, Mothers, and Crones.

To Steven Walsh, thank you for your unerring support and artistic photography. Working with you on this book has been like making magick. I love you more than words can express.

To Maggie Marullo, thank you for unknowingly inspiring me to reconnect with the Goddess, and for gifting materials to help me hone my magickal craft.

To Sharron Britton, thank you for years of friendship, for sharing your crystal wisdom, and for supporting this and many other projects. Thank you for the magick that you work every day, and thank you for sharing your insights into the stones that speak most directly to the Goddess and her radiant heart.

To Miranda Solace, thank you for helping me find a home amid your team at Avalon, in Orlando, Florida. I am so grateful that youve allowed me to use the store and its selection of stones for many of the photos in this book, as well as for hosting my first Stones of the Goddess workshops. Thank you to the rest of the team at Avalon for becoming part of my spiritual family.

To Mat Auryn and Dan Lupacchino, I am grateful for your effort in reading initial drafts of chapter 5 and providing feedback on the Triple Goddess of Stone.

To Victor Lugh, thank you for the gift of the biotite lenses that you found in Portugal.

To Kathy and Miguel, my gratitude extends to you for introducing me to Atabey and helping me connect to her gemstones.

To the visionary team at Inner Traditions, I cannot thank you enough. Your expertise and experience have helped guide and refine this work into the beautiful book it is today. Thank you to everyone who has helped make Stones of the Goddess a reality.

INTRODUCTION

The Goddess as the Mother of Minerals

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND