Magnificent Crystal Cave In Mexico

This Giant Crystal Cave has been found randomly in Naica, Mexico. 

The Naica Mine of the Mexican state of Chihuahua is a working mine that is best known for its extraordinary selenite crystals. Located in Naica in the municipality of Saucillo, the Naica Mine is a lead, zinc and silver mine operated by Industrias Peñoles, Mexico's largest lead producer. Caverns discovered during mining operations contain crystals of selenite (gypsum) as large as 4 feet (1.2 m) in diameter and 50 feet (15 m) long.

Regional fault lines pass right under the Sierra de Naica Mountain. About 26 million years ago, magma started pushing its way toward the Earth's surface through those faults. Ultimately, that process led to the mountain's formation. It also explains the massive crystals.


Giant Crystal Cave is a U-shaped cavity in the limestone below the Sierra de Naica. Roughly 98 feet (30 meters) long by 33 feet (10 meters) wide, it was filled with groundwater for tens of thousands of years. The water was originally driven upward into the opening by a magma chamber that's located deeper in the Earth. This intrusive water contained the mineral anhydrite.

How did the crystals reach such superheroic proportions?

In the new issue of the journal Geology, García-Ruiz reports that for millennia the crystals thrived in the cave's extremely rare and stable natural environment. Temperatures hovered consistently around a steamy 136 degrees Fahrenheit (58 degrees Celsius), and the cave was filled with mineral-rich water that drove the crystals' growth.

Modern-day mining operations exposed the natural wonder by pumping water out of the 30-by-90-foot (10-by-30-meter) cave, which was found in 2000 near the town of Delicias (Chihuahua state map). Now García-Ruiz is advising the mining company to preserve the caves.

Dangerous Turf

In 1794, prospectors discovered silver on the Sierra de Naica Mountain. Before long, troves of lead, zinc and gold turned up as well — and by the mid-19th century, the first mining operations broke ground along the slopes. One day in 1910, the Peñoles Mining Company discovered a wondrous cave just 394 feet (120 meters) below the surface. Much like Giant Crystal Cave, the chamber — dubbed "The Cave of Swords" — was lined with selenite crystals. But these were significantly smaller, only about 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) long at the most.

They probably formed in the same way the bigger crystals down below formed. However, the Cave of Swords apparently cooled down at a much faster rate. This put a cap on how large its selenite spikes could get.

Giant Crystal Cave itself wasn't found until the year 2000. The water was pumped out by the Peñoles Mining Company before anyone realized that it was full of gargantuan selenite columns. Brothers Pedro and Juan Sanchez — two miners with the organization — became the first people to lay eyes on its crystals when they entered the drying cave on foot.

It soon became clear that Giant Crystal Cave was an inhospitable place. Not only did the air temperature climb as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit (47.1 degrees Celsius), but the humidity levels were also close to 100 percent. The place was so humid that a visitor who lingered too long risked having fluids condense inside his or her lungs. That can be fatal.

 Exploration and scientific studies

At first, explorers were limited to 10-minute forays into the cave due to the justifiable safety concerns. But with specially designed cooling suits, teams of scientists were eventually able to slightly prolong their visits. Those who donned the outfits received a supply of chilled, breathable air from attached respirators. Suddenly, excursions lasting 15 to 60 minutes became possible.

A scientific team coordinated by Paolo Forti, a specialist of cave minerals and crystallographer at the University of Bologna (Italy) explored the cave in detail in 2006. To survive and to be able to work in the extreme temperature and humid conditions which prevent prolonged incursion in the crystal chamber, they developed their own refrigerated suits and cold breathing systems (respectively dubbed Tolomea suit and Sinusit respirator).

Special caving overalls were fitted with a mattress of refrigerating tubes placed all over the body and connected to a backpack weighing about 20 kg (44 lbs) containing a reservoir filled with cold water and ice. The cooling provided by melting ice was sufficient to provide about half an hour of autonomy.


Beside mineralogical and crystallographic studies, biogeochemical and microbial characterization of the gypsum giant crystals were also performed. Stein-Erik Lauritzen (University of Bergen, Norway) performed uranium-thorium dating to determine the maximum age of the giant crystals, about 500,000 years.

Penelope Boston (New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology), speleologist and geomicrobiologist specialist of extremophile organisms realized sterile sampling of gypsum drillcores by making small boreholes inside large crystals under aseptic conditions. The aim was to detect the possible presence of ancient bacteria encapsulated inside fluid and solid inclusions present the calcium sulfate matrix from its formation.

A geologist explores the caves of giant crystals inside the Naica 
Solid inclusions mainly consist of magnesium and iron oxy-hydroxide but no organic matter could be found associated with the solid hydroxides. No DNA from ancient bacteria could be extracted from the solid inclusions and amplified by PCR.

Microbial studies on fluid inclusions are foreseen to attempt to evidence the presence of ancient micro-organisms in the original fluid solution in which the crystals developed.

Other researches also cover the fields of palynology (pollen study), geochemistry, hydrogeology and the physical conditions prevailing in the Cave of Crystals.

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Your Birthday and Celtic Tree Astrology

Find out that from which tree your soul has fallen from, although there is no known scientific study and proof behind these type of horoscopes yet it has a science behind it and in most cases the description matches the person, although many people do not believe in zodiac signs and the effect of time and date followed by the position of the moon on the newborn, in many beliefs and astronomy masters this is a well-known knowledge, like in Kabbalah and old Jewish people or Druids, they were known as great astrologists, and they even created rules and charts to guide them to understand people and their behavior so they can have a better interaction and communication. well, this article is not that deep about astrological science and still the fact that Celtic Tree Astrology can be considered an astrological knowledge is a wonderful topic to learn about.

Oath of Druids

Celtic tree astrology is based on the ancient concept that the time of our births is pivotal to the formation of our character and behavior. the spiritually savvy celts, especially the druids have been professional observers. over the years, they diagnosed that a child born within a positive season might develop certain qualities. further, the druids discovered styles in the color and form of someone's lifestyles in keeping with the motions of the moon primarily based on a lunar year calendar, and the season in which we are born. the system of Celtic tree astrology was evolved out of a natural reference and connection with the druid's knowledge of earth cycles and their reverence for the sacred understanding held by trees. the druids had a profound reference to trees and believed they were vessels of endless knowledge. sporting this concept a leap forward, we are able to companion the likeness and character of trees to our personal human nature. with the aid of doing so, we gather inspired insight and clarity into who we are.

Celtic Tree of Life

Below you may discover a precis of every of the thirteen Celtic zodiac signs and summary. why 13 instead of 12 signs? because Celtic astrology is based totally on a lunar system, which revolves around the thirteen phases of the moon. this is a unique system of astrology in that the meanings of each signal are bounded to both the power of the moon and the limitless magic inherent inside the trees/flora determined within the Celtic Ogham. in lots of ways, Celtic astrology based totally on ancient Ogham knowledge is a way greater dynamic than different astrological structures. Celtic druids, who created this special star-casting system, spent a long time looking at bushes. in reality, druids have been capable of see signs, omens and divine destiny activities just through the rustling of leaves. the similar form of severe invocations and divination had been done by meditating upon the moon and her motions. the moon and the trees/plants of the ogham dovetailed collectively to offer us a sacred and forcible tool in our forecasting bag of hints. those superb forces in nature are top notch in their effect upon every human life. through delving into Celtic tree astrology based at the druid ogham, we gain unusual perception into the human psyche, in addition to the variety nature gives us in super and cosmic methods. as you contemplate your Celtic tree astrology signs and personality bellow listed, please know there may be so much more to your personality and psyche. you'll find more insight into your sign in future posts for each Celtic Tree, keep posted and follow us.

Your Celtic Tree Astrology Signs and Meanings

Birch – The Achiever

December 24 – January 20

If you were born under the energy of the Birch you can be highly driven, and often motivate others they become easily caught in your zeal, drive and ambition. You are always reaching for more, seeking better horizons and obtaining higher aspirations. The Druids attributed this to your time of birth, which is a time of year shrouded by darkness, so consequently you are always stretching out to find the light. Birch signs (just like the tree) are tolerant, tough, and resilient. You are cool-headed and are natural-born rulers, often taking command when a situation calls for leadership. When in touch with your softer side, you also bring beauty in otherwise barren spaces, brightening up a room with you guile, and charming crowds with you quick wit. Celtic tree astrology Birch signs are compatible with Vine signs and Willow signs.

Rowan – Thinker

January 21 – February 17

Celtic tree astrology recognizes Rowan signs as the philosophical minds within the zodiac. If you were born under the Rowan energy, you are likely a keen-minded visionary, with high ideals. Your thoughts are original and creative, so much so, that other’s often misunderstand from where you are coming. This sometimes makes you aloof when interacting with others as you feel they wouldn’t understand where you are coming from anyway. Nevertheless, although you may appear to have a cool exterior, you are burning within from your passionate ideals. This inner passion provides inner motivation for you as you make your way through life. You have a natural ability to transform situations and people around you by your mere presence. You are highly influential in a quiet way and others look to you for your unique perspectives. Rowan pairs well with Ivy and Hawthorn signs.

Ash – The Enchanter

February 18 – March 17

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Ash are free thinkers. Imaginative, intuitive, and naturally artistic, you see the world in water-color purity. You have a tendency to moody and withdrawn at times, but that’s only because your inner landscape is in constant motion. You are in touch with your muse, and you are easily inspired by nature. Likewise, you inspire all that you associate with and people seek you out for your enchanting personality. Art, writing (especially poetry), science, and theology (spiritual matters) are areas that strongly interest you. Others may think you are reclusive, but in all honesty, you are simply immersed in your own world of fantastic vision and design. You are in a constant state of self-renewal and you rarely place a value on what others think about you. Ash signs partner well with Willow and Reed signs.

Alder – The Trailblazer

March 18 – April 14

If you are an Alder sign within the Celtic tree astrology system, you are a natural-born pathfinder. You’re a mover and a shaker, and will blaze a trail with fiery passion often gaining loyal followers to your cause. You are charming, gregarious and mingle easily with a broad mix of personalities. In other words, Alder signs get along with everybody and everybody loves to hang around with you. This might be because Alder’s are easily confident and have a strong self-faith. This self-assurances is infectious and other people recognize this quality in you instantly. Alder Celtic tree astrology signs are very focused and dislike waste. Consequently, they can see through superficialities and will not tolerate fluff. Alder people place high value on their time, and feel that wasting time is insufferable. They are motivated by action and results. Alder’s pair well with Hawthorns, Oaks or even Birch signs.

Willow – The Observer

April 15 – May 12

If you are a Willow sign, you are ruled by the moon, and so your personality holds hands with many of the mystical aspects of the lunar realm. This means you are highly creative, intuitive (highly psychic people are born under the sign of the Willow) and intelligent. You have a keen understanding of cycles, and you inherently know that every situation has a season. This gives you a realistic perspective of things, and also causes you to be more patient than most tree signs. With your intelligence comes a natural ability to retain knowledge and you often impress your company with the ability to expound on subjects from memory. Willow Celtic tree astrology signs are bursting with potential, but have a tendency to hold themselves back for fear of appearing flamboyant or overindulgent. It is your powers of perception that ultimately allow your true nature to shine, and what leads you to success in life. Willow signs join well with the Birch and the Ivy.

Hawthorn – The Illusionist

May 13 – June 9

Hawthorn signs in Celtic tree astrology are not at all what they appear to be. Outwardly, they appear to be a certain persona, while on the inside Hawthorn’s are quite different. They put the term “never judge a book by its cover” to the test. They live seemingly average lives while on the inside they carry fiery passions and inexhaustible creative flame. They are well adjusted and can adapt to most life situations well – making themselves content and comforting others at the same time. You are naturally curious, and have an interest in a broad range of topics. You are an excellent listener, and people seek you out as an outlet to release their burdens. You have a healthy sense of humor, and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture, and have amazing insight – although you typically won’t give yourself enough credit for your observations. Hawthorn signs match up nicely with Ash and Rowan’s.

Oak – The Stabilizer

June 10 – July 7

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Oak have a special gift of strength. They are protective people and often become a champion for those who do not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is the crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog. Nurturing, generous and helpful, you are a gentle giant among the Celtic zodiac signs. You exude an easy confidence and naturally assume everything will work out to a positive outcome. You have a deep respect for history and ancestry, and many people with this sign become teachers. You love to impart your knowledge of the past to others. Oak signs have a need for structure, and will often go to great lengths to gain the feeling of control in their lives. Healthy Oak signs live long, full, happy lives and enjoy large family settings and are likely to be involved with large social/community networks. Oak signs pair off well with the Ash and Reed, and are known to harmoniously join with Ivy signs too.

Holly – The Ruler

July 8 – August 4

Among the Celtic tree astrology signs the Holly is one of regal status. Noble, and high-minded, those born during the Holly era easily take on positions of leadership and power. If you are a Holly sign you take on challenges easily, and you overcome obstacles with rare skill and tact. When you encounter setbacks, you simply redouble your efforts and remain ever vigilant to obtain your end goals. Very seldom are you defeated. This is why many people look up to you and follow you as their leader. You are competitive and ambitious even in the most casual settings. You can appear to be arrogant but in actuality you’re just very confident in your abilities. Truth be known, you are quite generous, kind and affectionate (once people get to know you). Highly intelligent, you skate through academics where others may struggle. Because many things come to you so easily, you may have a tendency to rest on your laurels. In other words, if not kept active, you may slip into an unhealthy and lazy lifestyle. Holly signs may look to Ash and Elder signs for balance and partnership.

Hazel – The Knower

August 5 – September 1

If you are born under the energy of the Hazel, you are highly intelligent, organized and efficient. Like the Holly, you are naturally gifted in academia, and excel in the classroom. You also have the ability to retain information and can recall, recite and expound on subjects you’ve memorized with amazing accuracy. You know your facts, and you are always well informed. This sometimes makes you appear like a know-it-all to others, but you can’t help that; you’re genuinely smart and usually know the right course of action because of your impressive knowledge base. You have an eye for detail, and like things to be “just so.” Sometimes this need for order and control can lead to compulsive behaviors if left unchecked. You have a knack for numbers, science and things that utilize your analytical skills. You like rules, although you are typically making them rather than playing by them. The Celtic tree astrology sign of Hazel joins harmoniously with Hawthorn and Rowan’s.

Vine – The Equalizer

September 2 – September 29

Vine signs are born within the autumnal equinox, which makes your personality changeable and unpredictable. You can be full of contradictions, and are often indecisive. But this is because you can see both sides of the story, and empathize with each equally. It is hard for you to pick sides because you can see the good points on each end. There are, however, areas in your life that you are quite sure about. These include the finer things of life like food, wine, music, and art. You have very distinctive taste, and are a connoisseur of refinement. Luxury agrees with you, and under good conditions you have a Midas touch for turning drab into dramatic beauty. You are charming, elegant, and maintain a level of class that wins you esteem from a large fan base. Indeed, you often find yourself in public places where others can admire your classic style and poise. Vine signs pair well with Willow and Hazel signs.

Ivy – The Survivor

September 30 – October 27

Among other cherished qualities of the Ivy Celtic tree astrology sign, most prized is your ability to overcome all odds. You have a sharp intellect, but more obvious is your compassion and loyalty to others. You have a giving nature, and are always there to lend a helping hand. You are born at a time of the waning sun so life an be difficult for you at times. This sometimes seems unfair because it appears that obstacles are coming at with no prompting on your part. Nevertheless, you endure troubling times with silent perseverance and soulful grace. Indeed, Ivy signs have a tendency to be deeply spiritual and cling to a deep-rooted faith that typically sees them trough adversity. You are soft spoken, but have a keen wit about you. You are charming, charismatic, and can effectively hold your own in most social settings. Ivy signs are attracted to the Celtic tree astrology sign of Oak and Ash signs.

Reed – The Inquisitor

October 28 – November 24

Reed signs among the Celtic tree astrology signs are the secret keepers. You dig deep inside to the real meaning of things and discover the truth hidden beneath layers of distraction. When there is a need to get to the heart of the matter, most certainly the Reed sign will find the core. You love a good story, and can be easily drawn in by gossip, scandals, legend and lore. These tendencies also make you an excellent historian, journalist, detective or archeologist. You love people because they represent a diversity of meanings for you to interpret. You are adept at coaxing people to talking to you, and sometimes you can be a bit manipulative. However, you have a strong sense of truth and honor so most of your scheming is harmless. Reed people join well with other Reeds, Ash or Oak signs.

Elder – The Seeker

November 25 – December 23

Elder archetypes among Celtic tree astrology tend to be freedom-loving, and sometimes appear to be a bit wild to the other signs of the zodiac. In younger years you may have lived life in the fast lane, often identified as a “thrill seeker.” At the time of your birth the light of the sun was fast fleeting and so you take the same cue from nature. You are often misjudged as an outsider as you have a tendency to be withdrawn in spite of your extroverted nature. In actuality, you are deeply thoughtful with philosophical bent. You also tend to be very considerate of others and genuinely strive to be helpful. These acts of assistance are sometimes thwarted by your brutal honestly (which you openly share solicited or otherwise). Elder Celtic tree astrology signs fit well with Alder’s and Holly’s.

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Japanese Art of Kintsugi, Golden Joinery - Wabi Sabi

Kintsugi - The Centuries-old Japanese Art of Repairing Broken Pottery

Kintsugi is translated to "Golden Joinery" or Kintsukuroi  as "Golden Repair" is one of the centuries- old Japanese arts and philosophy, Originally the artist worked on broken pottery by filling the gaps and attaching the broken peaces by valuable material such as Gold, Silver or Platinum in new age art you may find lots of similar art works which are broken by purpose and shapes and filled by materials that are not valuable and it is just for showcase and art work purposes. Although this art is more than just a simple art and has its own philosophy and spiritual meaning.

History

Kintsugi workmanship goes back to the late fifteenth century. As per legend, the specialty initiated when Japanese shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a broke chawan or tea bowl back to China to experience repairs. Upon its arrival, Yoshimasa was disappointed to find that it had been patched with unattractive metal staples. This spurred contemporary specialists to locate an option, stylishly satisfying strategy for repair, and Kintsugi was conceived. 

Since its origination, Kintsugi has been intensely impacted by pervasive philosophical thoughts. In particular, the training is identified with the Japanese logic of wabi-sabi, which calls for seeing magnificence in the defective or flawed. The repair technique was likewise conceived from the Japanese sentiment mottainai, which communicates lament when something is squandered, and also mushin, the acknowledgment of progress.

Wabi-Sabi: Embracing the Imperfec

In Japanese rationality there exists the possibility of "wabi-sabi," the demonstration of grasping the defective or the flawed. At the point when kintsugi is utilized to patch together broken earthenware, the breaks are featured, as opposed to covered up.

In our general public characteristics of shallow defect are disregarded. Flaws and age marks are evacuated with plastic surgery. Endless restorative skin medications surge the market. Flawlessness is a flat out must.

This mindset even invades our nourishment. GMO deliver is built in labs to be as huge, vivid, and, for the most part, stylishly satisfying as could be expected under the circumstances. In any case, to the perceiving eye, something about this "flawlessness" appears to be off.

Consistently we are advised to get new telephones, new garments – new everything – anything to remain associated with the transient flawlessness existing apart from everything else. In the meantime, little hugeness is put upon inward otherworldly development.


This viewpoint makes numerous inconsistencies. Also, said inconsistencies entangle our everyday lives, emptying the profundity out of a significant number of our associations. We turn out to be rationally exhausted and this empty multifaceted nature makes a rehashing cycle that abandons us aching for something more.

Philosophy, Perfection Through Imperfection

Numerous old Japanese expressions, including the pottery technique of kintsugi are revolved around very different theory and philosophy– simplicity and bringing out the beauty that is already present in the world around us.

Haiku, Ikebana, and customary Japanese culinary practices are for the most part old expressions based around these standards. Toning it down would be ideal and flawlessness is accomplished through bringing into center what is as of now present.

Perfection, as it is portrayed in the Western media, is not perfection. There is no perfect love, no perfect beauty. But, without the presence of imperfections, the wonders of the world would not be so breathtaking.

Imperfection is simply part of being, and perfection is all about embracing our imperfection as we strive to naturally better ourselves. Just as Kintsugi highlights the cracks in a piece of pottery, rather than hiding them, we should look at ourselves and the world at large and consider what we really want for the future.

Today the Earth and its biological communities are in peril, to a limited extent due to our relationship to flawlessness. Rather than acknowledging things with wear and tear as wonderful, or retouching broken things, we see those things as dispensable and supplant them with new things, making waste and putting more request on the Earth's assets. 

In the event that we move our relationship to the Earth and to flawlessness, grasping the logic of toning it down would be best and wabi-sabi, there exists potential to make a reasonable future for our planet and all the life that exists on it. Like bits of smashed ceramics, we are altogether associated. Through meeting up we can repair the Earth.

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