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• 1 media/Calcite Stone Elephant.jpg 2021-04-14T02:22:18+00:00 Calcite Stone Elephant 11 Object 1 Submission plain 2021-05-12T23:27:08+00:00

  By Gillianne Nugent

  For my found object for our Cabinet of Curiosity, I have chosen to submit an item that I have had in my possession for a short while. It is a calcite stone elephant that was gifted to me before coming to school here. I didn’t know much about it when it was given to me other than the fact that it is made of a mineral that has energy moving properties. It was originally found by someone I consider to be like family, so it holds a lot of importance for me that way. However, upon learning more about my little elephant, I am even more intrigued by it. 
  
  The stone statue is made of a mineral called calcite, which is known for its emotional properties. When looking at this mineral in a spiritual context, it is said to bring together emotions and intellect, as well as open us up t0 a higher level of consciousness. My mother and her sisters have always been interested in different crystals and stones for their special properties, so this mineral, calcite, was an interesting thing for me to research. It is also said to help cleanse the “elimination organs” that produce waste in the body. When my elephant was gifted to me, I was told to first cleanse it with salt water and then only I could touch it. What I gathered was that once it is cleansed of others’ energies, it should only have mine in order to properly do its job. If you ask any of my friends and family, I take this very seriously, and I have not allowed anyone else to touch my elephant. 
  
  Perhaps my favorite part about calcite as a mineral is that it can also cleanse the negative energy in the space it occupies. In the form of the elephant, when the rear end faces out of the space and the trunk faces in, the energy is able to flow through the space cleanly and efficiently. 
  
  The fact that my object is an elephant is symbolic of strength and gentleness. The trunk in the air leans more toward strength in difficult situations with a gentleness underneath. Elephant totems have been popular across many cultures for hundreds of years. An example of this is in the tradition of Feng Shui, in which the trunk curled up also calls for good luck. While I know that my little stone elephant is not an artifact or even very old, the mystery surrounding the traditions and the energy has piqued my interest since I first touched it. This item has a great personal value to me, as well as a strong symbolic value. I like to believe that my energy has been more positive and open since bringing my little figurine into my personal space. I would be interested to know more about the specific reasoning behind the gift choice made my loved one, and where she obtained it.