Misc: what is the element for the symbol Gd?

Questions

Spiral staircases in medieval castles are running in what direction?

Stage of maturation between childhood & adulthood?

Star that, by the gravitational effects of its mass, dominates the planetary system that includes the earth?

Starved Rock State Park, Crab Orchard & Cahokia Mounds are in what state?

State in the east north central U S?