The Healing Power of Crystals
Crystals have been used throughout history for their healing qualities and beauty. Many people believe that each stone emits a certain energy which can have a beneficial effect on our well-being.
There are four types of crystals: covalent, ionic, metallic, and molecular. Each type has a different type of connection, or bond, between its atoms. The type of atoms and the arrangement of bonds dictate what type of crystal is formed.
Crystals hold a special quality which is known as their piezoelectric effect, this means that crystals can accumulate and hold an electric charge. Crystals respond to the electricity in the Earth’s energy field.
When a crystal enters your aura, it can change the vibrations of your aura slightly and this adds to the healing properties of crystals. Crystals do not harm the body. They bring solace and healing properties through the intentions and affirmations placed in them by a crystal healer.
Choosing Crystals
When choosing crystals the most important thing to remember is intuition, or, in other words, the sensation you receive from the crystal. Generally, when buying crystals from a store or rock and mineral show, you have the opportunity to see and touch the crystal without benefit of a description of their healing properties. This can be good, as it allows you to choose specifically from intuition. In situations like this, you will be visually drawn to a particular stone. You may have physical sensations when touching the crystal, such as warmth or tingling. Another good indication that this particular crystal is for you is, upon walking away, you may experience a constant “nagging” sensation as if the crystal is calling you back. This is a particularly good test. But don’t fret if you return to find it gone! If that is the case, it wasn’t meant to be. You will eventually get what’s right for you.
You may be drawn to or desire a particular type of crystal, say amethyst, and decide to go in search of it. Remember, this does not necessarily mean that the first piece of amethyst you see will be right for you! While all amethyst have the same basic vibration, each piece can be as different as people are. Look not only for the type of crystal that attracts you, but also the particular piece. Try not to focus simply on finding an attractive looking stone, but one which seems to effect you on a more deeper level. Just because it is visually appealing doesn’t mean it will do the best job for you!
Handling and Storing Crystals
Crystals are power objects and must be treated with respect. There are many different views on how they should be stored. Naturally, they shouldn’t be thrown somewhere, piled on top of each other where they could rattle around and be damaged. Crystals have different hardness’s and mixing the wrong ones together could end up with your crystals chipped, pitted and scratched! Where to store them? Some say in the dark. Some say in the light. Others say they should be wrapped in leather or silk. All reasoning’s are valid. The choice is yours. What do you feel most comfortable with? (Do avoid leaving them somewhere where they will be in constant sunlight, though. While sunlight is good for cleaning and charging, it can also fade them with prolonged exposure). Wherever you choose to store them, it is better to have them secluded where they won’t be a temptation for others to handle.
Cleansing Crystals
There are two main times when you should clean a crystal. The first is when you bring it home, to make it yours and to clean away the energy from others who have handled it before you. The second is after using it for healing purposes. I personally don’t think it is a good idea cleansing crystals with salt water, and don’t feel comfortable with it. Salt is very good for absorbing negative energy, it is also corrosive and can physically damage some crystals. It has recently become a view that it can damage the matrix or energy structure of the crystal as well. Apart from salt, some crystals do not do well in water either, some can even dissolve!. Two good methods of cleansing are Earth Cleansing and Smudging, and also if you’re sure of the crystal type, a crystal clearing essence works wonders!
Choose crystals that suit the different energies of cleansing such as the sun’s energy for the fiery stones such as carnelian, ruby and sunstone. Crystals such as moonstone or opal etc for the moon’s energy. Water crystals such as larimar, aquamarine for water cleansing in the rain, or a stream etc. grounding stones such as smokey quartz or black tourmaline for the earth. Use your intuition as guidance.
- Earth cleansing is a powerful healer and transposer of energy. A crystal that has collected a lot of “negative” energy and even one that has lost it’s lustre and vitality may benefit greatly from this. To cleanse this way, either find a safe and secluded spot outdoors or use a clay flower pot (left somewhere safe). Bury the crystal in fresh earth (if burying outside, dig down approximately 6 inches or until you hit fresh earth), and leave overnight or longer if it feels necessary. (Be sure to clearly mark the spot when left outside so you don’t loose it!) Gently rinse with clean water after removing from the earth.
- Smudging is a very easy and fun method of cleansing. Smudging is the use of smoke from incense or burning mixed herbs. An incense stick or wand is generally the safest and easiest way. Pass the crystal through the smoke several times and on all sides until you feel it is “clean”. (A good method to use for a new stone you have just acquired.) Some good incense scent to use are: copal, cedar and sage.
- Sound cleansing using sound waves and vibrations can be used to cleanse your crystals, hold your crystal near a singing bowl so it can feel the vibrations. Bells are an excellent way to cleanse crystals, ring a small bell or a few bells like finger bells. Also drums and triangles can be used. Take at least five minutes to cleanse your crystals with sound.
- Brown rice cleansing using brown raw uncooked rice , bury your crystals in a bowl of the rice and leave overnight to cleanse. Throw away the rice after cleansing as it can hold the negativity, don’t eat it and don’t save it for another cleansing.
- Reiki cleansing, place your crystal on the top of an upturned glass and cup your hands around the crystal to give it some reiki energy, or, hold your crystal between your cupped hands to give it a boost of reiki energy.
Charging Crystals
Crystals can be charge with a variety of energies including sun, moon, thunderstorm, streams or your own personal power. When using the sun, moon or a storm, be sure to leave it in a secluded area where it will not be disturbed. A window sill or outside on a wall or deck will work. How long is up to you and the crystal, generally, 24 hours is a good length of time, but in cloudy weather it may take longer. Be careful if using the energy of a thunderstorm, there is a lot of strong energy involved in a thunderstorm, so be sure this is what you want. The sun and moon are gentler, but if you need more power, storms are good. If leaving the crystal outside, though, be sure it is one that will not be damaged by rain (Kyanite for example would not be good to leave in the rain).
Using a stream (while a very good charging method) it isn’t really recommend. Not many people have access to a stream that is secluded enough that a crystal can be left safely away from the close proximity of people. But if you have such a place (and the water is relatively unpolluted), by all means use it if you wish! Just once again, be sure the crystal will not be damaged by the running water. Generally, 24 hours work well here too.
Personal power cleansing and charging is done with the breath. You must first centre and ground yourself and still your mind. A meditation first to accomplish this would be beneficial. Once ready, focus on the crystal, breathe on it and focus on removing any negative energy within it. This can be repeated until you feel it is cleansed. Once done, breathe on it again with the intent of adding good, healing energy to the crystal.
Visualisation cleansing is another. Centre and ground yourself and still your mind as with the personal power cleansing. Once done, visualise a bright, white light passing through the crystal, picking up “bits of dirt” (negative energy) and pulling it out. Enfold the “dirt” in the white light and send it away. Once the crystal feels clean, visualise the powerful, white light of the Universe pouring into it and charging it with it’s healing energy.
What you think, visualise, feel and bring into conscious thought has an energetic charge. As you program a stone or crystal to help you bring forth dreams or desires, you put the energetic charge into the crystal.
Tips for Using Crystals
Even though various types of crystals have various healing properties attributed to them, the intent must be awakened. When using a crystal, you must let it know what it is you desire it to do. Once the crystal is cleansed and charges, your intent must be sent to it. Clear your mind, centre and ground yourself as before. When ready, focus on your intent (visualisation can be used) and send it into the crystal. Once done, you can proceed to use it for the way intended.
Toxic Crystals List Do not use in an elixir.
Crystals that can be damaged by liquids: (list is not exhaustive)
- Calcite (will dissolve)
- Carnelian (salt water can cause fractures)
- Galena (will rust)
- Halite (will dissolve)
- Hematite (can rust)
- Labradorite (can crack and lose it’s classic lustre)
- Lepidolite (will flake apart)
- Lodestone (will rust)
- Malachite (can break in hot water)
- Mica (will flake apart)
- Moldavite (can break in hot water)
- Muscovite (will flake apart)
- Obsidian (all forms can break from extreme liquid temperatures)
- Opals (can crack/break)
- Pearls (will lose lustre and can break)
- Pyrite (combined with water produces sulphuric acid)
- Selenite (will dissolve)
- Turquoise (will fade)
- Ulexite (will dissolve)
Water Safe Crystals List:
This is a list of some of the most common crystals that are considered safe to cleanse in water:
- Clear Quartz
- Amethyst
- Smoky Quartz
- Rose Quartz
- Citrine
- Tiger’s Eye
- Agate
- Snow Quartz
- Aventurine
- Red Jasper
Below are listed some of the properties and uses of crystals. This list is by no means exhaustive (currently adding and updating).
Does it work? – Wear one/carry one or take it to bed with you and judge for yourself.
Colours:
• Violet/Purple – this colour is related to the clarity of mind and wisdom, it is most effective in harnessing spiritual growth and awakening passion for life
• Pink – this colour is associated to love, it is most effective if you intend to make someone feel they are loved or if there are pains that need to be alleviated.
• Clear – this colour is for clarity of intuition and effective communication. Use this in moments of decision making
• Green – this is the colour for healing
• Indigo – this colour is for meditation and discernment. It is most effective when you feel blinded or hampered by negative thoughts
• Red – this is the colour of energy and is often used to alleviate depression and boredom
• Yellow – this colour is for controlling the activities of the mind. Use this when you feel indecisive in your life’s direction
• Blue – this colour is associated with peace, so you may use this when you feel restless, anxious or nervous
• Black – this is most powerful for all the colours are within, this will help you gain insight on all possible decisions or situations in life. Black crystals are grounding and help to absorb negativity.
• Orange – this is associated with friendliness and influence. This would be useful in times of insecurity.
Crystal Properties and Uses:
Agate, Blue Lace Helps give a sense of courage and assists in discovering the truth. Believed good for strengthening the bones
Agate, Botswana Eases stress and pain of a loss. Reduces anxiety
Agate, Green Moss Restores energy and health, brings wearer happiness, emotional balance, wealth, health, and long life
Agate, Turritella Is believed to help in times of change, dispelling negative thoughts and relieving conditions of fatigue
Amazonite Attracts success, money and luck
Amber Fossils from pine tree resin, they add strength to magick and spells, attract love and increase beauty
Amethyst Increases spiritual awareness, used in all workings for peace, love, happiness and protection, used in divination and psychic work
Ametrine The entwined powers of Amethyst and Citrine make this a unique stone, believed to be an exceptional cleanser and energiser
Apache Tears Carry as a good luck charm
Aquamarine Giving warm-hearted energy, this soothing stone is said to pacify nerves and banish phobias whilst ensuring calm and tranquillity
Aventurine Increases mental powers, perception and creative insight, gambler’s stone
Bloodstone Increases physical strength and courage, brings victory in the courtroom, used to banish, exorcise
Carnelian Promotes self-confidence and peace, eases depression
Citrine Diminishes self-destructive tendencies by raising self-esteem. Good for overall emotional well-being
Coral Used for healing, protection, peace and wisdom
Fluorite Reduces emotional involvement, used to gain perspective, increase mental power
Garnet Enhances strength and endurance, protection, healing, enhances self-esteem and encourages success in business
Hematite Used for grounding, stabilising, focusing, brings emotional balance
Howlite Can eliminate rage and calm violent, uncontrolled anger. Believed good for teeth and bones
Jade Attracts love and prosperity, and promotes healing and longevity
Jasper, Red Sends back negativity to it’s source, reversing, used for stress
Kyanite Heals the cellular system, activates other crystals,stone of channelling, altered states, vivid dreams, dream recall and visualisation, gives protection during these states, brings loyalty, honesty, tranquillity, diminishes anger and confusion
Lapis Lazuli Stimulates wisdom, truthfulness, psychic awareness, healing
Lepidolilte A calming stone, this is carried for peace, spirituality and to drive off negativity
Lodestone, Green Draws money, employment, strengthens loyalty, used in bindings
Lodestone, Red Draws love, friendship, strengthens loyalty, used in bindings
Malachite Draws money and protection, guards wearer from danger
Moonstone Draws love, hope and protection, promotes unselfishness.and helps settle disputes, induces prophetic dreams
Mother of Pearl Draws money, wealth and protection, relates to the ocean, depth and movement
Obsidian Used for grounding and centering, divination, and increasing spirituality
Orange Calcite Soft, tranquil, happy and healthy, this stone is all of these and more. It is said to aid the acquisition of wisdom
Petrified Wood Good for past life work, nervous conditions, and grounding
Quartz, Rose Draws love and happiness
Quartz, Smoky Mood elevator, overcomes negative emotions and depression
Quartz, Yellow Draws protection, mental awareness. Used in magick to improve visualisation
Rock Crystal Draws protection, psychic ability
Rhodonite A stimulating stone thought to be good for dispelling anxiety, encouraging generosity and providing a general feeling of well-being
Sodalite Used for meditation, brings wisdom and calms inner conflicts
Tiger’s eye Draws wealth and money, protects travellers, increases clarity of thought
Tourmaline, Black Used for grounding and absorbing negative energy
Turqurenite A form of Magnesite. It can be used to stimulate passion and heart-felt love. Said to aid the treatment of fevers and chills