How Do Crystals Work?
An Introduction to Working with Crystals
Humans have been fascinated and captivated by the beauty of naturally occurring gemstones, rocks, and minerals for millennia. As you are aware, some crystals are very common and can be picked up on beaches, on mountainsides, or just about anywhere you may be taking a walk. Others are extremely rare, and some occur in a tiny, distinct area in just one part of the globe.
While rarity dictates the value of crystals and gems in monetary terms, this does not carry over their value as tools for healing and supporting us in our everyday life. The most commonly occurring crystal, Clear Quartz, is also one of the most powerful crystals on earth in terms of its vibration, its effects on the electromagnetic or human energy field, and its applications in treating emotional disorders. It supports our mental, physical and emotional bodies and has the ability to cleanse and clear our environment of the harmful emissions from electronic devices (known as electromagnetic smog). In truth, there are not many things that Clear Quartz can’t tackle! Holding one in your hand for a few minutes increases the output of your electromagnetic field tenfold. For a humble, often quite a plain-looking piece of rock, that is some achievement.
How Do We Know?
Understandably, some people are naturally skeptical about the nature of crystals. It has to be said that this is not helped at times by the claims made for certain crystals in terms of absolutes. If you have a headache, for example, and somebody says to you, “Just hold this piece of rock for a few minutes and your headache will be cured” you would be valid for having doubts.
However, as with many other forms of healing, the properties of different crystals have come to be recognized throughout many thousands of years of human history. A good analogy here is to think about the wealth of knowledge we, as a species, amassed regarding the beneficial (and otherwise) effects of herbs, plants and roots. Sometimes, possible in prehistory, a human being discovered that their pain was eased by chewing the bark of the willow tree. Now we buy aspirin which contains the same ingredient for dealing with pain.
A similar process applies to the body of knowledge we have accumulated regarding the properties of different minerals and crystals. There are so many varieties of crystals that they are often grouped, in reference works, by color or by the “family” or group in which they seem to fit best. At its simplest, the darker the stone, the heavier its vibration.
What is Meant by Crystal’s Vibration?
Every single thing in the known Universe is constantly moving. This is a proven scientific fact. We may not be able to see this movement of molecules and atoms but it is undoubtedly happening. Our bodies, brains, thoughts and emotions are no exception to this rule. In keeping with our view of the world, it seems that the lighter and faster the vibration the more joyful and positive it is. Of course, there are many applications and uses for heavier, slower vibrations too. We cannot live life on a high all the time, and an excess of anything is always detrimental to us.
The frequencies at which the atoms of crystals vibrate give it its own “signature”. Like attracts like, so when we introduce a crystal with a vibration that is similar to the one emitted from a person in pain or distress, the crystal’s vibration begins to mitigate the one with which it has come into contact. In metaphysical terms, this is often described as the crystal’s “alignment”.
Some Common Uses for Crystals
Crystals can be used to improve physical and emotional health, to clear and cleanse the atmosphere, and to encourage positivity and positive attitudes in group situations.
Mental Health
This topic is definitely at the forefront of many news articles at the moment, with the human race facing unprecedented challenges from the spread of Coronavirus. Our modern, Western lifestyle has evolved into something very different from that for which our ancestors were adapted. Whatever the reasons, we certainly do seem to be experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression at the moment.
Crystals can provide enormous support in this regard, especially as their use often entails meditation and mindfulness techniques. Some crystals are ideally suited to soothing and calming an over-anxious mind.
Amethyst, for example, is an excellent stone for treating anxiety. It is a member of the Quartz family and is, therefore a powerful healing stone with a high vibration. It is a very cleansing crystal and can be used to absorb the negative energies of other crystals, returning them to their original state. Amethyst can do a similar thing for you, absorbing negative or worrying thoughts and bringing in a sense of proportion when your thoughts are racing out of control.
Blue Lace Agate is one of the most beautiful crystals to look at and to work with when you are feeling frazzled or overwrought. The vibration of this delicate blue stone is soothing, calming, and nurturing in nature. Blue Lace Agate is said to promote healthy, productive communication and is a lovely stone to wear as a necklace near to your throat.
Rose Quartz is a pale, delicate pink in color. It is guaranteed to lift the spirits with its slightly sparkling, warm rosy hue. It is known as the stone of unconditional love and can help those feeling lost, abandoned, or unloved/unlovable to find their way back to confidence and happiness. Holding a piece of Rose Quartz, feeling it warm to your hand and body heat as it “tunes in” to your vibrations can be a strange yet very positive uplifting experience. Many people report feeling as if the crystal knows exactly what they need at any particular time. Sitting quietly, relaxing, and feeling the crystal’s energies soothing their emotions then enables them to see their next step more clearly.
Black Tourmaline
Sometimes, our anguish stems from feeling as if we are adrift from the world. We might feel as if the very ground is moving underneath us (a common occurrence during a panic attack), and we cannot find our center of balance. Black Tourmaline has a strong, vibrant rhythmic vibration that can have quite a dramatic effect the first time you hold it. It is not unusual to feel a rush of energy from your upper body down through your legs and into your feet. Some people say that their feet feel almost glued to the Earth; others report a feeling of having dropped to the ground from a height and suddenly feeling stable and rooted to the earth beneath them. This brings a great sense of security and safety, one of the most important qualities to nurture for good mental health.
Storing, Cleansing, and Keeping Your Crystals Charged
Whether you have a massive selection of crystals and stones collected over time, or you only intend to harness the power of crystals by wearing them as jewelry, it is important to know how to care for them.
Firstly, just as you keep your favorite objects, ornaments, and decorative pieces free from dust and dirt, your crystals will need to be cleaned regularly. However, as they are naturally occurring substances, they vary greatly in their degree of hardness (measured on the Mohs scale) and porosity. This means that while you can safely leave some of your stones under a tap of cold running water or immerse them in a salt bath, others will need to be cleaned in a more gentle way. Any crystal that measures under 5 on the Mohs scale should not be immersed in water.
The best way to make sure you are not doing unintentional damage to your stones or jewelry is to do a quick search online to find the best way to cleanse each one. Tiger’s Eye, for example, is very robust and can be cleansed in almost any way you choose. Selenite, on the other hand, is easily damaged and should never be subjected to sea salt baths.
Soft Crystals
These crystals should not be cleansed with water:
Chrysocolla, Amber, Lepidolite, Pearl, Selenite, Halite, Calcite, Celestite, Cerussite, Coral, Azurite, Malachite, Angelite, Jet stone, Fluorite, Rhodochrosite, Ammolite, Larimar, Charoite,
Charging your crystals is actually a different process. You will want to keep the vibration of your crystals as high and clear as possible, so it is important to clear away the negative vibrations it may have absorbed during use. Your intention is key here. A popular way to recharge crystals is to pass them through the smoke of a sage bundle, repeating your intentions for the crystal and for your life as you do so. This can be a simple statement such as “I cleanse and clear this crystal of all negative vibrations. I charge it with positive, loving energies so that I can achieve my purpose/goal/dream for the highest good of all”. You can, of course, word your prayer or intention exactly how you want to. Waft the sage smoke over and around the stone and over your own head and body too.
Hazelwood and Baltic Amber
Hazelwood and Baltic amber are especially good for babies and children. Hazelwood has a long tradition of use by Aboriginal peoples to treat reflux, colic, and other digestive disorders as it is thought to have a neutralizing effect on the body’s acidity. It is also believed to help with constipation and eczema in babies. Amber is actually fossilized tree resin (not sap) and is often used in teething jewelry for toddlers, with many positive reviews.
Enjoy your work with crystals. Keep a positive, open-minded attitude as you begin to explore their possibilities, and remember that it is OK to have fun during the process!
Founded in 2013, MacRae Naturals offers genuine crystal and baltic amber jewelry, for the whole family. Each crystal necklace or crystal bracelet is handcrafted in the USA by stay-at-home moms in Texas.
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