Interview by Mary Ellen Hettinger

It is difficult to find an aspect of metaphysical and healing work that Marie Andersen-Whitehurst has not explored. A retired licensed social worker, she is also a certified life coach, Reiki Master, hypnotherapist, student and teacher of energy practices, and longtime collector of crystals and minerals.

Many in Greensboro know Marie simply as the “Pebble Lady”—a nickname earned through years of collecting, sharing, and selling crystals. She and her late husband, Mc, were also the owners of Earth Songs, a beloved crystal and mineral shop near the Greensboro Coliseum. Today, Marie continues to see coaching clients, teach, and welcome the community to Spirit House, her wooded sanctuary in Greensboro.

At the heart of Marie’s many paths is one constant: a lifelong desire to learn, seek, serve, and help others discover their own capacity for growth.

Mary Ellen: What brought you to the Greensboro Holistic Collective?

Marie: I’ve been a member of the metaphysical community here since the very beginning. For years, my late husband and I ran Earth Songs on Patterson Street in Greensboro near the Coliseum.

How did you enter the life-coaching and healing fields?

Marie: I retired as a licensed social worker after 25 years. I worked in private practice, in the Virginia prison system, as a mental health aide in a hospital, and was in charge of rape, child-abuse, and domestic-violence hotlines for a couple of years.

But I’m a lifelong learner and seeker. As a social worker, I studied hypnotherapy and past-life regression with psychiatrist and author Brian Weiss. I am also certified as a life coach through Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach.

What led to your career as a “rock star”—and to your nickname?

Marie: My husband, Mc—pronounced “Mac”—was a locksmith and had hurt his back. I was taking a class in Peruvian shamanism and knew the importance of intention. I placed an amethyst necklace on his back and brought in what I understood as God’s love and healing energy. His pain was gone the next morning.

“There’s something to this,” I thought, and I started studying crystal healing.

Not long after, we opened Earth Songs, a crystal and mineral shop near the Coliseum. Not to brag, but the Greensboro Gem and Mineral Club said we had the best selection of minerals between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta!

When the Universe Sends a Very Large Hint

Earth Songs became an important part of Greensboro’s metaphysical community, but life eventually asked Marie to change direction. When Mc became ill—he always referred to Marie as his “bride”—she stepped away to care for him while others managed the store.

Then a car crashed into the storefront. Once the damage was repaired, another driver failed to make the turn and struck the building again.

“Apparently, I’m not good at taking hints,” Marie says, “because it took a third accident for me to finally say, ‘Enough!’ and close the store for good.”

The store may have closed, but the work continued. Marie still has some of Earth Songs’ crystal and jewelry inventory available, and she continues to meet with coaching clients by appointment.

Creating Space at Spirit House

Marie also stewards Spirit House, a local sanctuary that hosts meditation groups, holistic classes, Reiki retreats, and other wellness gatherings. Set on nearly five wooded acres in Greensboro, the property includes a labyrinth and offers a quiet place for reflection, learning, and connection.

It is a fitting continuation of the community Marie and Mc nurtured through Earth Songs: a place where curiosity is welcomed, knowledge is shared, and people can explore their own spiritual and personal-growth practices.

Besides coaching and working with crystals, your desire to help people and communities has recently taken a new direction. What are you exploring now?

Marie: Most recently, I’ve been trained by Raymon Grace of Virginia in dowsing, pendulums, and energy practices, and I’m authorized by him to teach the methods. Now, through in-person or distance learning, I’d like to help people learn to do it themselves.

Imagine if we could bring more positive intention into schools, workplaces, churches, hospitals, and courtrooms!

A Life of Learning, Service, and Possibility

Marie’s path has moved through social work, coaching, hypnotherapy, Reiki, crystals, dowsing, teaching, caregiving, and community building. Although the forms have changed, the purpose beneath them has remained remarkably steady: helping people feel supported as they seek greater understanding, healing, and possibility in their lives.

As one of GHC’s original members, Marie represents something essential about the Collective: the depth of experience carried within our local community and the value of remaining curious throughout a lifetime.

Connect With Marie

Contact Marie to ask about coaching, dowsing lessons, house clearing, Spirit House, or her remaining collection of crystals and jewelry.

Email Marie Call 336-580-7122