The Mystery of the Crystal Skulls: Unlocking the Secrets of the Past, Present, and Future

by Chris Morton, Ceri Louise Thomas

The action movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has based its plot on the real crystal skulls, the story of which is documented in this book

• Investigates the Maya and Native American legends that tell of thirteen crystal skulls said to hold vital information about coming Earth changes

• By independent filmmakers Chris Morton and Ceri Louise Thomas, whose A&E documentary on the crystal skulls won high acclaim in the United States and abroad

• Over 100,000 copies sold worldwide

Native American legend tells of thirteen life-size crystal skulls said to contain crucial information about humankind’s true purpose and destiny. The legend prophesied that one day, at a time of great crisis for humanity, all thirteen crystal skulls would be rediscovered and brought together to reveal information vital to the very survival of the human race. To date several skulls have been discovered.

This book is the definitive guide to the facts and legends that inspired the May 2008 movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull . It explores what these mysterious crystal skulls are, where they came from, and what they may have to offer. The book follows Chris Morton and Ceri Louise Thomas on their journey of discovery from the ancient temples of the Maya to the British Museum, the Smithsonian, and to the crystal laboratories of Hewlett-Packard, where scientific tests on one of the skulls--made from the same quartz crystal used in today’s computers--lead to the conclusion, “This skull shouldn’t even exist.” Their journey also leads to Native shamans and elders who reveal the sacred knowledge and vital information that these skulls hold about coming Earth changes and humanity’s imminent destiny.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Occult, Spirituality, Conspiracy Theories, Mystery, Mysticism

424 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

Reviews

[aloveiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is how I came about this book:
I was talking to a repulsive astrophysicist, who had much to say about the all the people and things he could prove where idiots by use of science-
immediately following I went to the local mystic shop to disassociate myself from his manner of isolating righteousness. I looked at crystals and candles and various adornments, I was tempted by a psychic reader who studied my actions so scrupulously that I felt I barely controlled them. Then, I reached down to this book, which read mystery + crystal skulls, two things I was intrigued by but not actively seeking. It seemed like the kind of book that people I like would like, but I might be reluctant to make affiliations with.
But, since I was there to be accepting I bought it anyway.

The Mystery of The Crystal Skulls, is written like a journal, kept by two documentarians. The story follows their actions from initial discovery of the crystal skull legend to an obsessive hunt through ruins and jungles (literally and figuritively) to discover the historical context or spiritual connotations of the crystal skulls.

The first half of the book illustrates, like points on a map, the stepwise travels of the writers as they are led around the americas by legends and hearsay.
The two show a good modern balance of objectivism and open-mindedness when encountering the magicians, psychics, shamans and scholars who they interview to gain insight and direction on their search. In general their journey has an adventurous urgency to it with inspiring and well researched descriptions and technical details of the ruins and landscapes they traverse.

However, the second half trails off it's track of informed speculation, and leads down a path that is heavily laden with quotations contributed by american indian leaders and historians. While my feelings about the words of these people are generally positive I felt that it was unnecessary to include these 150 pages of italicized quotations. The attempted dramatic tone incurred by the constant forebodings about the pending demise of the earth as we know it was expectantly boring and counterproductive.

I still think this book has great merit, and I think that people with more metaphysical personal interests would likely enjoy it the whole way through.
For those not so inclined the references to information about the mitchell-hedges legacy, Ambrose Bierce, the manners of ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations, and indigenous peoples' interpretations of Atlantis provide ample fodder for the progressive inquiring mind.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

A bit disappointing. Though non-fiction, the back of the book touted the story like experiencing an Indiana Jones Adventure. In away it started out like that, but rapidly the authors digressed into over-analysing everything from the electrical properties of crystal to the technologic involved in dating artifacts. Somewhere along the way they lost the plot and me the reader. I stuck it out, hoping for an amazing conclusion, but it got worse as whole sections of the book where not the authors writing, but quotes from people who were interviewed. Progressively the book became an analysis of the meaning life, with a hint of discussion of aliens. Even the Indiana Jones version of the crystal skulls was more entertaining.

[Jacco.. · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair, I didn't read this book unbiased, which makes it hard to write a review. I expected wildly speculative theories about aliens, Atlantis, supernatural powers, and that's exactly what I got. I expected tantalising facts, interesting histories and fascinating cultures, which I also got.
Now I hardly think that unexplicable facts need far-fetched theories. The science-philosopher in me applies Occam's Razor almost subconsciously, it seems. Therein lies my bias.
However, the overall Indiana-Jones-feel made it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Not badly written either, it's pretty much a detective story.

[Belove · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books I've read till now. it delivers such a beautiful message. we. our earth. let's connect. you don't need to believe in the crystal skulls, legends or 2012.. just open your eyes and look at our nature. doesn't she need help? and look at us. doesn't we need help too? I'm so tired of seperation.. all this differences and war. let's just be more open, help and become one. to each other, others and mother earth. let's be a better humanity. doesn't that make sense to you all?

[Joshua Vine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever recommended to me by a prostitute! And that's really saying something.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps "Our Journey to Unlock the Mystery of the Crystal Skulls" would have been a better title. There is no mystery solved in this book though it does throw up a lot of interesting ideas, including a vague suggestion that the reader probably already knows the answer to the mystery...
Weird stuff.

[Steven H · Rating 3 out of 5]

A ‘QUEST’ TO FIND ‘SECRETS’ OF SUCH CRYSTAL SKULLS

Authors/filmmakers Chris Morton and Ceri Louise Thomas wrote in the first chapter of this 1998 book, “To … ancient people death was part of the balance of nature, part of giving back to Mother Earth the life she had given. The skull, it seemed, was symbolic of this view… According to an old Native American legend, there exist 13 life-size skulls of solid crystal with movable jaws that were said to speak or sing. The legend said that these crystal skulls were left behind by our earliest ancestors form way back in the mists of time, and they are the source of great knowledge and wisdom; that they contain the answers to some of the greatest mysteries of life and the universe; information about the past history of this planet and the evolution of humankind, and, above all, vital knowledge about our true purpose and future destiny. The legend also prophesied that one day, at a time of great crisis for humanity, all of these crystal skulls would be rediscovered and brought back together again to reveal their sacred knowledge, which would be vital to the very survival of the human race. But the legend also warned that when that time arrived, humanity would have to be suitably prepared and sufficiently evolved both morally and spiritually, as the information the skulls contained could also be greatly abused.” (Pg. 2)

They continue, “we thought the legend was a fascinating story… but… just a story, nothing more than that… What we didn’t know than was that we were about to discover something that would change our view of a legend quite dramatically, something that would lead us on an adventure, on a journey mystery, intrigue and wonder…. Along the way we would meet some of the world’s leading scientists and archaeologists, encounter UFO investigators, psychics and mystics, and hear words of great wisdom from native elders, shamans and medicine men… we would explore our own attitudes to life and death and our place in the universe, an inner journey that would take us into the darkest reaches of the human soul.” (Pg. 3)

They go on, “an actual crystal skull … had been found in the lost city of Lubaantun, a Mayan name ‘the City of Fallen Stones’… since the skull had been discovered, truly incredible claims had been made about it… We were fascinated---and as film-makers, we certainly thought that a real crystal skull would make a great subject for a documentary… [A barman said] that he could arrange for us to visit the site of the skull’s discovery… And so began our journey of discovery, our quest to find out the truth about the crystal skulls.” (Pg. 6-7)

Anna Mitchell-Hedges “was the woman who had originally discovered the crystal skull way back in the 1920s.” (Pg. 10) “In Anna’s opinion, the crystal skull was bequeathed to her and her father for a reason, a reason whose time would come. ‘The Mayans told me that the skull is important to mankind. It is a gift from the Mayan people to the rest of the world… They gave us the skull for a definite reason and a purpose. I am not exactly sure what that reason is, but I know that this skull is part of something very, very important.’” (Pg. 27)

But soon, “We managed to track down an archaeologist, Dr. Norman Hammond of Boston University who had spent some time at Lubaantun… carrying out further excavations on the site… Dr. Hammond stated quite clearly and categorically that in his opinion, the crystal skull was irrelevant to Lubaantun, that it had never really been found there at all! He said there was no evidence that Anna Mitchell-Hedges had ever been to Lubaatun in the first place, and that the story of the skull having been found there had only surfaced after her father died… Anna Mitchel-Hedges’ own claim was the only evidence of the find… We were about to make a film… when a respected archaeologist suddenly claimed the whole thing was pure invention. What were we to do?” (Pg. 31-32) They add, “some archaeologists… speculate[s] that Frederik Mitchell-Hedges did not really find the crystal skull… but simply bought it in London…” (Pg. 39)

They continue, “By now we were obviously beginning to have grave doubts about Anna Mitchell-Hedges’ story. But Anna had a simple answer even to these apparent problems. According to her … a family friend … loaned her father money and the skull had actually been used as collateral… her father paid him back and got his crystal skull back… But was the … crystal skull a modern fake or could it really be one of the ancient skulls of legend?... So we asked Anna is she would be willing to let her skull undergo tests … we went off to talk to the scientists … without further delay.” (Pg. 39-40)

These tests showed ‘that the main cranium was made from only one piece of crystal… pure quartz crystal is one of the hardest materials in the world…. This makes rock crystal incredibly difficult material to carve… but the team concluded … that it would have been almost impossible to make such an exquisitely carved object … the original investigative team’s belief that the skull had not been made with modern tools … was borne out by further tests… However, it was absolutely impossible for the scientists to tell exactly when this had been done… For all the scientists knew it could be as old as the Earth itself…” (Pg. 44-46)

They recount, “The work Carole [a psychic] was about to perform with the crystal skull is known as ‘channeling.’ … The plan was that Carole was going to channel the ‘entity’ of the crystal skull and we would be able to ask it questions…” (Pg. 62-63) “Nick [‘an authority on crystal skulls’] was to come by his own crystal skull in 1959, using his ‘psychic archaeology’ skills. Psychi archaeology is the practice of trying to find ancient treasures and artefacts using … intuition…” (Pg. 91)

“Eugene Boban [‘a leading French collector and antiquarian’] had warned of the abundance of takes and forgeries which he said were made mostly in the suburbs of Mexico City.” (Pg. 101) Later, they acknowledge, “While there was some evidence to suggest that the ancient Mayans could have produced crystal skulls, there was also evidence that they could have been created by the later Aztecs and Mixtecs of central and highland Mexico.” (Pg. 209) They continue, “The scientists had let us down… they had not even asked the right questions, let alone provided us with the answers. How were we going to continue our investigation?” (Pg. 226)

They suggest, “was it not true that our whole view of the world had been undermined by our
Western ‘rational’ way of looking at things… It suddenly occurred to me that perhaps we had actually managed to cut ourselves off from the very mysteries of life itself.” (Pg. 253)

They conclude, “Wherever the crystal skulls really came from, they have a message: we may still have time to take up our rightful place in the universe. We may still have time to save ourselves and our planet before it is too late. Perhaps we will not heed that message. Our time will then be over and the human race will become nothing more than a skull itself. Or perhaps we will hear the message of the skulls and let the divine manifest itself through us, and humanity will then become the place where the heavens truly meet the Earth.” (Pg. 367)

This book may interest those studying such crystal skulls.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book begins with out-right lies about the Lubaatun Crystal Skull. The skull was in fact not found/discovered by Anna Mitchell-Hedges in the pyramids of Lubaatun Beliz, it was in fact purchased in a Sothbey's auction in 1943 Mitchell-hedges against the British National Museum. So I believe in view of the misinformation presented that the author is not so credible a source and I am taking what I read with a grain of salt, which is why this has 3 and not 4 stars.

So, all these people world wide have come to visit this skull and others.... The skulls seem to have an amazing energy of their own and people have reported healing of all types after visiting the skulls.

Scientific tests have been run on the skulls, the have been inspected by technology savants and there is no explanation for the "power" associated w/ the skulls. The Lubaatun skull, defies all explanation of its being, for the carving can not be explained, as it is against the matrix/grain and "technically should not exist".

There are, according to Mayan belief 13 skulls that when brought together will "talk".... Sacred knowledge will be shared.

The book has some very interesting information, photographs, and stories..... But I know that crystals are perfectly piezoelectrically balanced and have been used in lasers, clocks/watches & radios for years......

I own a few crystal skulls: some accurate to scale, some are rough and still have the original crystal points on the back of them. I will tell you this, I have one in particular that has amazingly helped many, many people.... the energy is amazing and she will work on my healing intent, even when I am sleeping.

[Owen Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The existence of the Mitchell-Hedges crystal skull defies traditional explanations. Like many objects and buildings of the ancient past, its construction and existence cannot be adequately explained by the current worldview of mainstream academia. Quartz crystal experts (and other professionals) have concluded that the Mitchell-Hedges skull could not have been created with any available technology, past or present, unless people worked on it by hand, non-stop, 24-hours a day, for about 300 years. Much of this book is devoted to examining Native American oral traditions and new age mysticism (which is quite interesting, but it generates more questions than answers). The author also provides an excellent, easy-to-understand summary of quantum physics that highlights how little we actually understand the world around us. I enjoyed this book, but my overall opinion is that new age mysticism is the same thing as Biblical sorcery, and, ultimately, it detracts truth-seekers from greater sources of enlightenment and revelation (which are readily available through the Holy Spirit and by studying The Bible, The Book of Mormon, and other scriptures that are published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).

[Chris Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is alleged to be factual, and I read it for information about its title subject. It contains some good information regarding some of the crystal skulls found, and a fair description of the controversy which surrounds many of them, but the authors often seem unaware of various relatively basic facts and concepts, including the oneness of spacetime according to Einstein's General Relativity, and the fact that the ancient Greeks not only knew the world was round but had calculated it's circumference with considerable accuracy before the official beginning of our "Common Era" calendar, which I found rather shocking! If an author gives me incorrect information on a subject that I know about, how credible is that person on subjects which I don't know about! On the other hand, they do an excellent job of reporting what their sources told them; so much so that their own often muddled interpretations following a quote from one of their sources are often irrelevant, because the quote itself is quite clear and requires no interpretation! On the whole a useful source for information specifically about some of the crystal skulls and the legends which surround them, but don't expect much from the authors explanations of what they found!

[Mersini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm incredibly glad I picked this book up in a second hand bookstore, as it turned out to be one of the most interesting things I've ever read. Even if you don't believe in the legend of the crystal skulls, or the mysticism surrounding them, there are a lot of interesting facts in this book. It holds a great store of information on the Mayan and Aztec cultures, as well as some of the other, lesser known, Mesoamerican cultures. From the perspective of that alone it would be an interesting read. But there is also information about the scientific properties of the crystal skulls, though that is eschewed in favour of the more mystical aspects of them, according to the legends of the Mesoamerican peoples.

On that note, the book could have benefited by being a little more objective, although, the point the book makes is that this isn't possible. The other problem I had was the validity of the sources that were used.

Either way, valid sources or not, it was a damn fascinating read.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book after seeing a documentary about crystal skulls on Discovery Channel. These are the same crystal skulls referenced in that Indiana Jones movie (which I never saw) and I found it funny that the authors of this book wrote it before the movie ever got started and made an Indiana Jones reference!

This book was very interesting and I learned a lot of stuff that I didn't know before. Like that the Mayans believe that the world will end in December 2010. And that crystals are really good information containers and that is why they are used in computers. Who knew? I made some notes about things that I wanted to look up and I wish that documentary would replay so that I could watch it again.

[Urs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was curious to learn more about the crystal skulls that have actually turned up, but this book gives little science backing to the theories, and instead gives-up on exhaustive research in favour of conjecture, mysticism, aliens and conspiracy theories. The book could have benefited from a more objective stance and a more dedicated desire to get to the bottom of things. That being said, if the world ends in 2011 as the Mayans have predicted, I'll happily recant this review.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't say i'm convinced by the ideas presented in this book, nonetheless it is a fascinating read and gives an interesting insight into the percieved history of the crystal skulls. I learnt a lot about native American creation and religious beliefs from it. It also makes you think about what humans are doing to the planet we live in and how Westerners have treated natives in the past (and in the modern day), not just in America but all over the world.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book with perfect timing. I am scheduled to meditate with the Mitchell Hedges skull this fall and wanted to learn more about the skulls in general. There were many synchronicities for me in this book and wonderful to revisit these Mexican sacred sites once again ( I visited many of the ones mentioned in the book one year ago). My only criticism is the book seemed to end abruptly and would love an update since it was written 8 years ago.

[Attila Benő · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crystal Skulls are surrounded by mystery to this very day. Some believe the story about the finding of the first skull, some do not. Some believe in the power of the skulls, some do not. It is a controversial topic even among people who deal with spirituality in their everyday life. Whatever the truth is, this books makes an interesting read.

[Sundance · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was revelation to me in my teen years and continues to intrigue me. The authors are forced to come to grips with a most astonishing reality and in the end are given great teachings from Native American Elders. UFO's, Cosmic Consciousness, Ancient History, Tribal Lesson's, it's all here.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic insight into the Cultural aspects and believes regarding ancient aliens, which brings the antiquity facts and culture together. Excellent read to begin seeking your historical answers to unanswered questions or for those deeply involved in tracing the facts.

[JJ Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halfway through this book I was thinking that this was the most amazing story I have ever been told. Now on finishing it, it is simply one of the most amazing messages I have been given.
This is a profoundly important book.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

You must read this book! From start to finish it is exciting and it made a believer out of me!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned the whole story of the history of the Mayan calendar, the background on the creation of the crystal skulls and predictions for 2012. Very well written.

[Kathy Bardot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought-provoking...

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great topic for an adventure sci-fi book, and well writen. It also has some deepness and you can learn about the Mayans a lot.

[Marcos Tavares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confira a resenha em vídeo que eu fiz pra esse livro:

site: http://capaetitulo.blogspot.com.br/20...

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

quite enjoyed this book. some bits were far out, but all in all enjoyable.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me a long time to read. It’s not that it wasn’t interesting, or well-written. There were parts that certainly read like an adventure movie. There were a lot of words I couldn’t pronounce (Mayan and Aztec words in particular). It felt like reading the authors’ diaries as they researched the crystal skulls. I think I liked the last few chapters the most. They were about the Ancient Ones (who brought the crystal skulls to earth) and the Gathering (held in 1995 or 96?) of indigenous people from around the world. The messages from Don Alejandro seemed prophetic. Since this book was published in 1997, a number of his messages seem to be proved.

[Jemima Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read. So much information packed into 400 plus pages… research and cultural exploration brought together in the pursuit of knowledge. It’s not the easiest book to read and some sections I had to read several times to fully understand but it was well worth it and I have great respect for the work that went into this powerful book. If you find yourself on your own spiritual journey this is a vital addition to you collection; a boundary pushing, an eye opening, informative alternative to Western idea that I won’t be forgetting in a long time

[Lisa Antonakakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can imagine a lot of people not liking this book off the bat, but I truly loved it as I like to think I keep an open mind about the endless possibilities of our own reality and existence. I enjoyed reading the book as a written documentary of their adventures investigating something that may never have any real forensic evidence but which leads to provocative questioning about the history of the earth and our own existence.

[Peter Hoopman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, adventure into the unknown I loved this book. For me it is not about if it is true or not, but it works like a great invitation into the unknow and stumble or walk into it. Keeping your own feet on the ground and then just enjoy this great read. Like I said an adventure and it is great! Thanks !

[Erin Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Struggled at times with the book. But overall loved this book. It's an amazingly interesting book that really can mess with your head. At least it did with mine. Worth the read. Whether or not some of the information is fact, myth or theory, it really truly hits home and makes you think.