Pleasure and Transformation is a crystal skull sculpture made from a Rastellum carinatum oyster fossil. The Rastellum carinatum exhibits a deep ribbed shell growth pattern which terminates in an extremely pronounced zigzag dorsal shell margin. These groves and sharp shell mantle terminations helped direct sedimentary debris away from the animal within. Rastellum carinatum is commonly referred to as the denture clam because it resembles an array of teeth. This specimen was unearthed in Madagascar, and has been embellished by Skullis Crystal Skull artists to become a synthesis of art, nature, and natural history.

The Pleasure and Transformation crystal skull sculpture enhances our Earthly experiences, helping us to understand that achieving our spiritual growth will best be accomplished by experiencing the human condition to the fullest. The Pleasure and Transformation crystal skull is presented to remind us that if we attempt to focus only on the spiritual aspect of our existence, to the neglect of our physical and worldly issues and challenges, we actually begin to delay our spiritual growth. Pleasure and Transformation encourages us to be here, present in the world, and to observe our instinctive reactions, and even allow ourselves to feel the emotions we may be suppressing. Once we have given ourselves the opportunity to identify our reactions and understand the reasons for them, then we can proceed to temper our wilder energies with the spiritual wisdom we possess. This can help us to find a balance between our spiritual pursuits and our physical responsibilities, and help us to make an effort to align our mental and emotional behaviors as well. The Pleasure and Transformation Rastellum carinatum fossil crystal skull sculpture is presented to assist us in this process, with the purpose of creating in ourselves a greater level of understanding of the attitudes and behaviors of those around us. With an enhanced ability to understand why others do what they do, we also gain the ability to more easily accept and forgive.

The Rastellum genus of oysters lived between 161 to 65 million years ago during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Occurring in many locations across the globe, the Rastellum oyster species inhabited shallow marine environments such as lagoons, bioherms and biostromes, and peritidal areas exposed to air and more harsh extreme variations of temperature, salinity, and storm activity, and also lived in shallow subtidal areas, above, on, and below reefs, coastal areas, and offshore shelves along continents. Rastellum oysters would remain stationary, attached to the surfaces of rocks, pilings, and to the sea floor itself, where they would filter feed on small foods suspended in the water column. This specimen is Rastellum carinatum, a species which seems to have occurred from 144 to 65 million years ago, evidently becoming extinct during the same event that ended the reign of the dinosaurs.

Oysters have many symbolic meanings. Throughout history the oyster has been regarded as a symbol of physical love, sexuality, and fertility by many different cultures. As a known aphrodisiac, they were presented in art to suggest, insinuate, and convey the ideas of sensuality and sexuality, and sexual freedom, during times of extreme social repression of such matters. Oysters represent protection, and the barriers created to protect a vulnerable and emotional interior. Oysters inspire reserve and discretion, holding oneself back from impulsive behaviors, and allow for contemplation of all aspects of a situation before deciding on a course of action. Oysters are symbols of the attainment of mystical knowledge, of wisdom, and of learning secrets. They also represent taste, the temporary pleasures of earthly existence, and luxury. They also symbolize joy and prosperity, and facilitate achieving and obtaining that which is desired. At the same time, oysters represent patience, helping one to learn to gracefully accept not getting what is desired, by helping one to understand the reasons why what is sought after is not actually needed in one's life.

Oysters represent the connection to water as a source of all life. They symbolize spiritual transformation and the transformation of negative qualities instead of extinguishing them, and help one to appreciate the beauty and purpose of something which was previously perceived as troubling, aggravating, and bothersome.

Oysters have served an essential role by providing sustenance to mankind for ages, and even Neanderthals are known to have eaten them. Oysters shells have been made into tools, jewelry, and false teeth, and ground up for making mortar. Oyster shells have also been powdered for the purpose of ingestion, creating an easily utilized source of a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including several varieties of calcium, for overall health and biomineralization which involves the growth and maintenance of bones, teeth, enamel, and also otoconia in the inner ear.

Oysters help to counter depression, bolster the immune system, and enhance the body's absorption and utilization of nutrients.

Fossils, in the distant past, were believed to be seeds from the stars that were grown in the earth and as such, are considered to enhance telepathic communication with worlds of the past and with other worlds today. Fossils are used to enhance and intensify achievements in business and to diffuse quality and purity into an environment. Fossils can assist in letting go of habits and undesirable thought processes, and to be aware and considerate of new options and energies that are available.

Fossils are used for the treatment of conditions of the thymus, bones and skeletal system, issues of the hands and feet, and dis-ease involving atrophia. Fossils assists one to remain grounded, bringing balance, stability, and vitality and endurance. They assists in calming the mind, allowing the body to release stress so one may experience peace and comfort.

Shells provide a connection to the water element and the moon, and so to the emotions. Shells enhance intuition and sensitivity providing mental clarity and insight to assist with decision making. Shells possess a pliant and easy healing energy that gradually increases in intensity to become quite powerful and effective. This characteristic is effective not only for healing, but also for conveying messages within one's self, between people and in groups, and with the spiritual planes. Shells are wonderful tools for manifestation and transformation. They can provide one with the ability to adapt to changes and increase one's spiritual power to bring happiness, prosperity, and fulfillment, and allow for the expression of one's imagination and creativity. Shells are naturally inclined to provide protection for the home, travelers, small children and pets, for the emotions, and from uncooperative attitudes and actions of the self and others. Shells can be used to enhance energies and to assist one in meditation, decision making, and in exploring alternate realms of existence. Shells encourage cooperation and cohesion for groups, for individuals, and for the self.

Shell can be used for skeletal issues, broken bones, proper utilization of calcium and vitamins A and D, and bringing optimal health to the spinal canal, brain, and the blood, lymphatic, immune, and nervous systems.

NOTE: Skullis does not prescribe treatment for medical issues. Skullis offers information for reference to assist with the selection and understanding of crystal skulls, including this Rastellum carinatum fossil shell crystal skull sculpture.