This weekend was an exciting one – there was a Mind, Body & Spirit Expo in the Chicago area, where the infamous Mitchell-Hedges crystal skull was placed on public display for the first time in years.

Mr. Bill Homan is now caretaker of this controversial skull – which was discovered in 1924 by Anna Mitchell-Hedges and who has been taking care of the reputedly ancient skull for years. At the age of 100, Miss Mitchell-Hedges passed from this earth into the light last year and left Mr. Homan in charge of this marvelous artifact.

The Mitchell-Hedges crystal skull was discovered in the jungles of what is now Belize, Central America on an archeological dig headed up by famed archeologist F. A.

Mitchell-Hedges, Anna’s father. This colorful but respected man of ancient exploration was seeking a link between the Mayan culture and the legendary city of Atlantis. His archeological journeys took him to a site where over several years of digging, an ancient temple was found. It is said that the skull was found by Anna Mitchell-Hedges herself. Thus a special bond between Miss Mitchell-Hedges and the skull was born.

While there has been controversy about the skull over the years, Mr. Homan may now be able to lay some of the more contrary stories to rest, for he was a good friend to the elderly Miss Mitchell-Hedges and was privy to the stories of her adventurous youth.

The skull itself has been one of mystery and intrigue. Scientific tests were performed on the skull in the 1980’s by the Hewlett-Packard Corporation, when the controversy over its origins and age came up once more. The results of the tests were astonishing –it was discovered that the clear quartz crystal skull is carved against its natural grain – which means it shouldn’t even exist. Carving against the grain would shatter the object being carved. Moreover, scientists weren’t able to determine how the skull was carved, for there were no discernable carving marks left by either ancient or modern day carving tools. Observed carefully under laboratory conditions and with exacting microscopic equipment, this discovery puzzled and perplexed the scientists.

Modern day crystal skulls are carved with diamond tipped carving tools that leave marks. Older skulls or even ancient stone artifacts were carved with more primitive tools, leaving their own indelible marks upon the surface of the carving. But no such markings were found on the Mitchell-Hedges skull. The remarkable clarity of the crystal itself and the craftsmanship of the skull make this a true artifact. The skull is smaller than human sized and its jaw is removable – another amazing feature. The fact that both objects were found intact made this discovery absolutely amazing and has added to the controversy surrounding its origins and age.

Yet the site where the skull was found – in the heart of the land where the ancient Mayans ruled – is ripe with skull images. It is well documented that the ancient cultures of the time worshipped the image of the skull and applied god-like qualities to these images. It may be that the indigenous peoples used the skull as a method of ‘talking’ with the people. The high priests may have used the skull as a ‘puppet’ to keep the people in check – awing them with the magic of the crystal skull. For it has been found that a light source placed under the skull will illuminate the eyes in an eerie fashion and the removed jaw could easily be used to allow ‘motion’ of the mouth.

These are theories of how the skull may have been utilized, of course. Theories abound where the Mitchell-Hedges skull is concerned. Its origins are truly unknown, although psychics have felt powerful energies emanating from the skull and Anna Mitchell-Hedges regarded it as a friend and companion. Various channelers have received spiritual messages from the skull over the years. Wilder theories and speculation of original origin include those of the skull coming from Atlantis or the Pleiades.

Perhaps now that the skull is available to the public once more, we may learn more from the skull and come to our own conclusions.

The Mitchell-Hedges Skull has been known by many names. Of course the skull is named after its discoverer. But at one time it was known as the Skull of Doom, as it appeared so menacing to so many. Skull images are normally perceived as creepy – humans aren’t keen at seeing this image – it depicts death and reminds one of their own immortality. Today, Bill Homan, as current caretaker of this wondrous yet mysterious and beautiful artifact, likes to call it the Skull of Love.

New observers of this skull feel like it provides a sense of peace and tranquil beauty. At the Expo, this was the feeling of so many as they observed in awe this truly amazing object.

Whether it is ancient or what the skull’s back-story truly is, today the skull reminds us of a time and place where an indigenous people worshipped the human story for the wonder and mystery that it still remains today. By reflecting on the Mitchell-Hedges skull or Skull of Love, we are indeed reminded of our own story and our own life and how fragile the human condition can be, if we allow it to be so. But in rising beyond its many years, no matter how old it may be, the skull reminds of us that we can survive conflict and controversy, we can rise beyond our conditions and conquer our fears to become great and allow our light to shine forth.

For this reminder alone, the skull no matter what its history will always be a truly great object of beauty and indeed, a Skull of Love.

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