Geologist and ‘spiritual scientist’ Salome Pouroulis tells Margaret Harris that the scientific and spiritual fields have greater value together than apart What do you do at work each day?I manage and develop a website called Earthbody. This is a practical online spiritual science tool, which encourages self-discovery using the earth and her makeup as a way to acquire insights.Tell me about Earthbody and location mapping.Earthbody offers you a novel way of seeing yourself and the circumstances of your life through the eyes of the earth. The objective is for you to get to know yourself better. Knowing is empowering, because you're in a position to make better choices. In the process, you change for the better, and so does the world around you.story_article_left1How does Earthbody work?By plotting your location using the Earthbody Eyemap Model, which is a map of the earth's anatomy, you determine in which organ of earth's body you're positioned.The organ of the earth's anatomy in which you live will influence your personal life, your relationships with your partner, family and friends, and your health and wellbeing.How did you end up doing the work you do today?A fortuitous discovery led to me working in this industry. I moved from mining geology into beneficiation (adding value to low-grade gemstones) early in my career as a result of illness and a need to work in my own time and at my own pace.I had always been interested in the spiritual side of life, and working for myself gave me the opportunity to explore and learn more about this fascinating field.One day, while searching for an archaeology book, a geology textbook fell open on a satellite image of the Johannesburg Dome (a formation of intrusive igneous rock formed from magma that cooled and solidified within the crust of the earth; it lies between Johannesburg and Pretoria).This was a familiar image, but on this particular day it looked different. I saw the Eye of Horus (an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power and good health) etched over this granitic feature, which I recognised to be an earth equivalent of a third-eye chakra.block_quotes_start Combining disciplines has offered me new perspectives and understanding, which would not otherwise have been possible block_quotes_endWhat was your first paying job, and what was the most important lesson you learnt there?When I qualified as a geologist, women were not permitted to work underground as mine geologists in South Africa, so I was assigned to special geology projects. This was great exposure to a variety of geological environments as well as facets of the mining industry I would not ordinarily have had access to.Given the legal restrictions and concerns over safety, I was always accompanied on underground visits to various operations.One day, irritated by having to allocate an assistant to me, one mine manager informed me: "Dis nie 'n plek vir vroumense nie. [This is not a place for women.]" I was horrified and insulted.This incident was a game-changer for me. I realised, first, that a supportive work environment was essential. Second, women in tough industries like mining did not stand a chance against their male counterparts. They had to have other talents, which is why I opted to study further for a business degree.story_article_right2What did you want to be when you were a child?I wanted to be a musician or an archaeologist. I loved the idea of excavating sites and making discoveries that would expand our understanding of our origins.My father was adamant that archaeology was a waste of time ... which is why I decided on geology and manoeuvred a major in archaeology.What do you love about your job?The fact that I'm working on a unique body of work is thrilling for me.I like the pioneering, albeit controversial, aspect of it.Spending so many years on extreme ends - the purely scientific field and then the spiritual arena - has persuaded me of the importance of viewing life through multiple lenses.The scientific and spiritual fields have greater value together than apart. Combining disciplines has offered me new perspectives and understanding, which would not otherwise have been possible...