Anyone who knows me knows that I love crystals. I feel like a kid in a candy store every time I walk into a rock and crystal shop. I love hearing the stories about how each one was formed and all the unique properties each one holds. It's amazing to discover and learn more about the creations of Mother Nature.
Humans have had a close relationship with crystals for many years. Ancient civilizations utilized them for protection, rituals, healing, and even jewelry. The concept of crystal healing has cycled back into modern day society, gaining popularity again in very recent years. Most stores sell beginner crystal kits nowadays, promoting the potential for enhanced health, peace of mind, and intention setting. Today I wanted to dive a bit deeper into the realm of crystal healing, and talk about the many ways that we can work with this tool.
Before I begin, I must mention the reality that any healing modality should be used with caution and discernment. Crystal healing is best used as a complementary therapy rather than replacing any medical or psychological advice.
What is a crystal?
Crystals are minerals that are formed into crystalline lattice-like geometric structures. This is different from a rock, which is when two or more minerals are bound together with no specific chemical composition. Crystals emit vibrations and depending on the molecular structure of the crystal, they will vibrate at different frequencies (1).
Part of crystal healing involves entrainment, which is the process of making something have the same pattern or rhythm as something else. When we introduce a crystal of a specific frequency into our auric field, it helps us to essentially align with that frequency the crystal embodies. With this in mind, we can pick and choose which crystal we want to work with depending on what area of our life or wellbeing we need support with. Ways in which you can work with this in a practical sense is to carry the crystal with you throughout the day, meditate with it, or do a body layout by placing the crystal on a specific chakra or meridian. If you want more information on the process of entrainment, here is one article that goes into depth a little bit more.
Something to keep in mind is that in this process of alignment, what is blocking or not serving may be brought to the surface. Many forms of alternative healing have the potential to trigger a "healing crisis" of sorts, where any physical or emotional imbalances may temporarily get worse as things get cleared out of our system. Keeping this in mind in the context of crystal healing, it's usually recommended to start with certain forms of quartz, agate, or jasper when beginning this journey (although it depends on the person and their own personal vibration). These minerals tend to have a much more gentle effect on the system.
Utilizing the Properties of Crystals
One of the questions out there is how the metaphysical properties of crystals came about. How do we know that carnelian, for example, is used on the sacral chakra, or that rose quartz helps with matters of the heart? It's a complex subject...but apart from the historical, intuitive, and anecdotal information passed down through mystics and healers, one of the ways in which we can get to know a crystal's unique medicine is through the symbolism of its color, physical qualities, and the way it was formed.
Chromotherapy, otherwise known as color therapy, plays a big role in a crystals' recommended use. Utilizing chromotherapy for medical and mental health conditions still falls under the branch of pseudoscience, however, most of us understand on an innate level that gazing at certain colors tends to have a unique effect on us. In the realm of crystal healing, many of the stones used for passion, energy, and sexuality (for example) are most likely red or orange since these colors tend to be much more invigorating to the system. A stone meant to calm intense emotions will usually fall under the color umbrella of blue, green, or purple.
In regards to the chakra system, a crystals' color will usually directly correspond to the associated color with each chakra. A red crystal will align with the root chakra, an orange crystal with the sacral chakra, and so on and so forth. The chakra system and how it came to be associated with certain colors is a complex discussion. I have heard that the chakras being associated with the rainbow is actually a Western concept, however, it appears that each color of the rainbow represents a specific frequency that will align with the frequency of a given energy center and therefore the frequency of a crystal.
The physical qualities of a crystal can tell us a lot about what it may represent. For instance, obsidian (which isn't technically a crystal) is very glassy and reflective in appearance. This makes it a stone known for being used in shadow work, as it is meant to symbolically reflect back to us what may be hidden and unconscious (this quality is also magnified by the fact that obsidian is the color black). Meanings and associations will be highly individual, so don't be afraid to do your own digging and introspecting when it comes to how a crystal will align with your specific needs.
One of the ways that we can also connect to a crystal or minerals' essence is learning the history behind it and the way it was formed. One example is Fulgurite. Fulgurite is formed when lightning hits the ground and fuses silica together, creating a hollow shape- another name for it is fossilized/petrified lightning. A mineral formed in this way has very powerful energy, embodying the fire element as well as transformative qualities. This is why one of the ways in which it can be used is to help with motivation, action, movement, and manifestation. Due to the fact that lightning comes from the "higher realms" (sky), it can also be used for intuitive and spiritual journeying.
Understanding the symbolic lessons and qualities of a crystal can be very helpful for our self discovery journey and can aid our introspections and reflections. Connecting with a crystal in this way can also be helpful for people that may not believe in the "woo woo" side of crystal healing, or for those who may not be the most sensitive to crystal energy. They can still act as companions and guides and come along for the ride. Keeping a crystal close by during certain phases of your life can serve as a reminder and awaken a remembrance of the power that exists within yourself.
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Another way you can implement this concept is to take a look at which crystals you are most drawn to or feel an aversion towards. Look up the symbolism behind them. What does this say about yourself? Are there certain traits and energies within yourself that you are in resistance to or in denial of? Is there something that you need to nurture more of within yourself?
A personal story to elaborate on this is that I had a dream some time ago about eating a sandwich that tasted so good. Pretty soon I bit into something and realized I had bit into an Azurite specimen. It was crumbly in my mouth and tasted absolutely disgusting. I tried to be rid of it but the taste of the azurite had lasting affects on me. I had wondered in the dream if I poisoned myself and needed to get help. This dream I had reflected the previous days' concerns towards continuing on a spiritual path. I tend to experience a conflict of wanting to continue intuitive work, yet not knowing how to navigate a world that values linear and logical ways of perception. Things like meditation, while initially appealing in some ways, can open up internal experiences that leave me feeling alone and misunderstood by myself. Azurite, a mineral that works with the third eye and helps with spiritual perception, was showing me the level of resistance I sometimes still carry about this facet of existence.
Intention Setting with Crystals
For those into magick, crystals can be a perfect way to enhance your intention setting and spell work. There are many different ways to utilize this. According to Judy Hall's book, The Crystal Handbook, one simple way to set an intention with a crystal is to hold it in your hands after it has been cleansed and charged. You can then focus your attention on it and say,
"I dedicate this crystal to the highest good of all and ask that its power be activated now to work in harmony with my own will and focused intention."
You can then add your own specific purpose/intention for the crystal, or you can allow the crystals' unique vibration to decide for you what you need at this time.
After you have finished working with the crystal, you can then deactivate and cleanse it, saying,
"I thank this crystal for its power, which is no longer needed at this time. I ask that its power be closed until reactivated."
If you want to continue with this sort of work, you can also make crystal grids, which are usually created using a combination of crystals that blend harmoniously together for a specific purpose (such as love, abundance, healing, etc.). You can leave the crystal grid within your space after it has been cleansed and activated.
There are many other ways that you can infuse a crystals' energy into your life. You can use them for candles or spell jars, infuse them into water (as long as they are safe and non toxic!), they can be used with specific intentions for altar spaces, be used within jewelry made for specific healing purposes...the possibilities are truly endless. I may create future articles where I dive more into depth with some of these practices.
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The world of crystal healing is a widely varied and open ended journey. Although maybe seen as just an inanimate object, crystals can be good allies, teachers, and companions on our path towards wholeness and wellbeing. If you feel drawn to a specific crystal, give one of these techniques a try. You might be surprised to find just how much you can learn from its wisdom.
Sources:
2. Hall, Judy. The Crystal Handbook: Power Crystals for Magic, Meditation, and Ritual. Beverly, Fair Winds Press, 2018.
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