An Introduction to crystals
CRYSTALS have been around for eons formed thousands of eons ago. They are unique in that they have a geometrically perfect atomic structure. Quartz crystals are a natural substance formed from the movement of the earth’s crust. It is believed that the Atlanteans harnessed the power of gemstones or communications over distance, and even for flights.
These perfect substances have extremely special properties. It receives, focuses and converts energy.
Quartz crystals are used today in many appliances because of their electrical properties, crystals amplify sound waves in a radio and light waves in television. The silicon used in our computers is valued for its programming capability. At their deepest level, crystals are said to be mineral transmitters and they store cosmic energy contained deep within the earth’s core.
Due to their perfect molecular structure, they are in complete alignment with the earth’s energy. Crystals have been used for healing purposes by the early Egyptians. Magical properties are attributed to crystals. Into the Middle Ages, kings and knights wore gemstones on their breastplates for protection.
Today, some believe that crystals have Devas in them; that this is where crystals derive their power. Whether you believe, or not, crystals are worthy of experimentation and study. Many healers use crystals on regular basis, crystals are used in Feng-Shui, which is an ancient Chinese art of Placement where man comes in harmony with his environment.
They are used to ward off negative energies, and enhance the flow of positive vibrations in an area. Crystals can be imbued with one’s energy, used to focus and re-direct energy in many ways. Everyone’s relationship with crystals becomes very personal. There are no clear rules, you have to discover for yourself which crystal resonate with you in an effective way. Fascination with gemstones goes beyond their use for jewelry.
Crystals , minerals, semi-precious and precious stones, call them what you want, their use has extended far beyond ornamental adornments; it has expanded into health, vibrational healing, meditation, personal power and protection, into science and technology and many more uses that man’s imagination has probably not explored.
Others may argue that knowledge of the power and uses of crystals has been around centuries back. For this ebook, allow me to share the little knowledge I have gained about the world of crystals. Join me...
WORKING WITH GEMSTONES
I am no expert, but I use crystals to improve the health of my mind, my body and my spirit. Actually, the first crystals I owned were Feng-Shui crystals, beautiful, man-made crystals that reflect the rainbow colors as the sun shines on them just at the right angle.
Thanks to the Internet, I typed the word crystals and I haven’t looked back. They can be used for meditation, chakra balancing and/or stimulation, grounding, centering, relaxation, reikei and protection.
Crystals are associated with the signs of the Zodiac as birthstones, some wear them for good luck and as talisman. Did I say protection? Yes, for self protection against negative energies that surround us, protection for our house, our property and our vehicles. The most important use of crystals to me is for self-improvement.
Let gemstones get us closer to our inner selves and more in touch with Mother Nature. Enjoy the beauty, touch them, hold them in your hands. Crystals are beautiful.
WHERE TO START
Look through your jewelry box and around the house, There must be something made of crystal. In today’s metaphysical shops, crystals come in all sizes and shapes and variety. There are polished stones, uncut stones, chunks or clusters, druzy, tumbled gems, cabochons and other varieties.
There are also dyed stones and other fake stones in the market. Spend some time in a crystal shop and try to feel the energy of the crystals, Or visit e-bay and have fun with their many pages of crystals. Should you do decide to start collecting crystals, think of it as a new world opening up to you, a fascinating one.
WHICH CRYSTAL TO USE
The variety of crystals to choose from is very extensive. Think of what you want a crystal for. Browse around the shop, look at the different crystals, which ones are you drawn to? Take it in your hand, roll it in the palm of your hands, first with the right hand, then the left hand. Even if you are familiar with the world of crystals, it is a fascinating experience to hold these gems and experience that warm feeling if a crystal is right for you. And if you dare, hold the stone in the area of your third eye.
SOME CRYSTALS and THEIR HEALING PROPERTIES
Quartz - The most popular and extensively used crystal. It comes in many kinds, colors, shapes and sizes, among which are amethyst, citrine, clear quartz, snow quartz, smokey quartz, etc.
I started out with the quartz crystals, learned as much as I could, and started to work with a few. The Quartz family of crystals include a long list. Here is a short description of a few of them
Clear Quartz - Come as points, clusters, druze, in all sizes, shapes and inclusions. Quartz crystal unblocks energy centers and helps the body heal. Simply holding a quartz point each day helps boost the immune system.
Excerpt from Krystina Arcati’s book:
Gems and Crystals for the Beginners About an eighth of the world’s crust is quartz, and it has been used in buildings for thousands of years. Many ancient people mistakenly believed clear quartz to be fossilized ice, Roman ladies used to carry quartz balls to cool their hands when the weather turned warm.
I find clear quartz are very helpful in meditation. It helps the mind to focus; it helps dispel negativities.
Rose Quartz - Soft pink color in itself is very calming. It is the stone for self-love, to uphold self-esteem when it is being compromised, a calming stone. It helps promote forgiveness by releasing the anger and pain and the other negative energies.
Rose quartz exposes emotional imbalances; keep a rose quartz in a room where arguments may likely occur; it helps keep the boiling point down.
Sit with a rose quartz in meditation when you are feeling perturbed, helps calm you down emotionally and feel an inner peace.
Amethyst - Comes in deep shade of purple or lilac. It is said that those who choose rose quartz are also drawn to amethyst. This is a spiritual stone, indicates creativity, capability of spiritual healing.
Keep one under your pillow, reduces nightmares, enhances dream state. Amethyst is a good crystal against alcoholism.
Citrine - Comes in deep orange-brown or bright yellow color. This stone does not absorb negative energies, also known as the merchant stone, good to hold when is under stress and anxiety. It is a stone that helps one in polishing communication skills.
Smokey Quartz - Has been considered a good luck stone. In the past, it was given to soldiers about to go to battle. It helps alleviate negativities and promotes relaxation.
Kept under the pillow at night, it is said to induce lucid dreaming. Explore your inner self with smokey quartz. It helps to balance sexual energy and helps in recall activities.
Natural stones have stronger energies and healing properties.
CRYSTALS FOR GROUNDING
Sometimes we are vulnerable to stress because we are not properly grounded. The energy level is spread out all over, focus is lacking or absent, you know not whether you are coming or going.
Some grounding stones to help are: smokey quartz, hematite, tiger’s eye and black tourmaline. There are others that are equally effective.
Hematite - This stone is helpful when one tends to take on the negative energies of others, like when you allow yourself to be a sounding board for everyone.
Carnelian - A chalcedony, jasper, translucent, also called red agate, an orange crystal believed to help one find focus amid confusion.
OTHER CRYSTALS:
Moonstone - format like others off white in color, it is a variety of feldspar with aluminum. It has a pearly appearance which can be white, grey, pale yellow or almost colorless. It is believed that the moonstone’s energy grows weaker and stronger as the moon wanes and waxes. It soothes stress, good for grounding, being referred to at times as "mother earth" stone. It enhances intuitive sensitivites, helps promote smoother flow of life.
Lapis Lazuli - This stone is believed to have links to biblical, Sumerian and Egyptian origins. Its name is partly Arabic for "blue" (lazurite) and partly Latin ‘stone" (lapis).
Lapis has been a popular healing stone for several centuries- for eyesight problems, to heal fevers and self -assurance. This is a good stone for meditation. People who show a natural affinity to this stone will find that it helps one to develop and increase psychic awareness. It also helps in cases of depression.
Tiger’s Eye - This stone is a member of the quartz family. It’s variety in color range from yellow, red, brown, golden yellow, green and blue, They make eye-catching jewelry.
Tiger’s Eye is helpful as a protective stone. You can carry it around in your purse, leave it in your car, or as a jewelry. It is said to counter-act nervousness, increases self-confidence and provides protection. In meditation, the layers of dark color next to bright colors seem to be the epitome of the Yin/Yang principle, the positive and negative principle working together
