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A mysterious quartz cranium

by Tyler Wilson Coeur Voice Writer
| May 21, 2018 1:19 PM

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Bill Homann is pictured with the skull he has been the keeper of since 2007. (Courtesy Photo)

Indiana Jones once found a crystal skull, but on Saturday, May 19, you can see one without raiding an ancient tomb.

The Mitchell-Hedges crystal skull is regarded by some as a sacred artifact with connections to legend and history.

“It’s ingrained in the Mayan religion, and they see it as a powerful force,” said Bill Homann, keeper of the skull. “They have a great respect and reverence for it. When you’re around it, you feel that something is there. It’s something you have to see… you can’t quite put it in words.”

Homann will present the skull as part of a 90-minute lecture on the legend and its spiritual significance at the Holistic Festival, held 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point Park in the Spokane Valley.

As told by Homann, the crystal skull was discovered in Belize in 1923 by Anna Mitchell-Hedges, adopted daughter of British adventurer F.A. Mitchell-Hedges. Homann was a close friend of Anna’s in her final years, before becoming the caretaker of the artifact after her death in 2007.

Homann has subsequently appeared on a number of documentaries and television specials about crystal skulls, including documented expeditions to other potential crystal skull sites. He was even a special guest at the Cannes, France screening of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” which drew inspiration from the artifact and the supernatural legends associated with it.

His main focus, however, has been to travel the country and share the experience of what he believes happens when people get near the skull.

“There was a number of years where I took it out of the limelight, but I feel like it’s my purpose to go around and let people see it… I’ve been trying to carry on with what I feel like (Anna) was trying to do with it. She didn’t want it to be stored in a museum,” Homann said.

The Mitchell-Hedges skull is known for the clarity of its quartz and its detachable jaw. Part of its notoriety is the idea that it was carved against the natural axis of the quartz and that no marks of metal tools are apparent in the piece. However, some researchers debate the origins, believing the skull was created much later in history and holds no direct association with the Mayan culture.

Homann believes the artifact dates back to ancient times and that crystal skulls serve as spirit guides found by the people who discover and keep them. He considers it the “Skull of Love,” though suggests it can serve different functions for different people.

“With the skull, it’s never boring. All the stuff I’ve been through in the last 10 years is pretty mind-boggling,” he said.

In his presentation, Homann will share the Mitchell-Hedges story, detail some of the history and debate surrounding the artifact and take the audience on a guided meditation with the skull. The 90-minute lecture will be held at 2 p.m. at the Holistic Festival.

The local Holistic Festival began around 2003 as a means to expose people to alternative ways of healing and living, according to organizer Cindy Gardner.

“There certainly always was the hardcore group that always believed in the philosophy, but more and more people are learning about it, and finding the things that work for them,” Gardner said. “It’s about taking more control of their health.”

Gardner has specialized in in life coaching and healing, Reiki healing methods and psychic readings. She said the lectures and vendors are intended to provide a wide spectrum of ideas and methods, from spiritual and psychic readings to natural-based products for anti-aging and allergies.

More than 50 vendors will offer things like life coach services, essential oils, herbal and natural-based products for food, skin and pain relief, vitamins, supplements and much more.

“People can come and learn. We are a small enough event so that there’s time for people to go around and talk to every vendor there, learn about what they’re doing and what new things are being offered,” Gardner said.

In addition to the crystal skull presentation, lectures include a non-religious look at the concept of the soul, diet choices for healthy radiant skin, the power of the subconscious mind, psychic panels, legal medical cannabis choices, Tai Chi and much more.

A complete list of lectures and vendors can be found at www.HolisticFestivals.com. Admission is $6. CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point Park is located at 2426 N. Discovery Place in the Spokane Valley.