On: Healing Crystals

What the heck are crystals?

Example of a crystal lattice shape.

Part of me really hopes that none of you are genuinely asking this question, because I've yet to meet a person who truly has no idea what a crystal is, however just in case, I figured this would be a good place to start. The word "crystal" comes from the Greek word "krystallos" which translates to "ice", because when they first discovered quartz high in the mountains they had believed it was ice frozen so solid that it would never melt. Crystals are also in some biblical mythology, said to have been originally in Heaven's holy water that got poured out by God onto Earth. The holy water froze in space and became petrified into a permanent state of solid by the angels on it's way to Earth's surface. However in science, a crystal, otherwise known as a "crystalline solid" is a material who's atoms are arranged in a crystal lattice shape that extends in all directions. They typically are characterized by flat surfaces and an ordered, geometric shape. No matter what size, the angels are always constant in crystals, and this fact is known as Steno's Law of Crystallography, a word which means " the study of crystal formation," which you can read more about here. Some people refer to all gemstones, precious stones, rocks, and minerals as "crystals" and on some websites you will see the terms all used interchangeably, however scientifically, crystals are separate items from the rest.  The formation of crystals is known as crystallization, and most are formed deep within the earth from molten rock. When the magma cools slowly enough and starts to harden, molecules gather together attempting to become more stable, which is responsible for the repeating patterns. Another way crystals can be formed is when liquid evaporates from a mixture, such as water evaporating from salt water.

What is crystal healing?

Crystal healing is a technique used in alternative medicine in which crystals are used as aids to cure ailments, protect against disease or against negative energies, as well as to increase positive energy and to transmit certain energies into our daily lives. Crystal healing can involve anything from the wearing of certain crystals and gemstones as jewelry or carrying them on your person daily, to laying on them allowing the energy to radiate into your body, to arranging them into grids or patterns. The claims of crystal healing are that it can alleviate stress, boost creativity, cure disease, raise consciousness or help someone on their path to enlightenment, help to enhance psychic or extra powers within oneself, ground and connect you with Mother Earth, reconnect and balance your inner being and aura, and a host of other benefits. There are even "offices" popping up where one can go and pay to receive a crystal healing session, typically a 60 minute session in which the receiver typically lies on a sort of table or mat on the ground while essential oils are placed in specific locations of the body and crystals are laid out into grids. These healing sessions may also include Chakra balancing, aromatherapy, and Reiki. 

How are you supposed to use the crystals?

Amethyst 

This is something that, if you asked enough people, you would certainly get a million different responses about, although one thing that most people seem to agree on is that simply being around crystals can have positive affects! Placing them around your home, in your car, holding them, or carrying them in your pockets or purse can have several benefits to your daily life. There are others that use other techniques, though. This is known commonly as passive use of a crystal. You can also actively use crystals, one way to do so being through affirmations (which is basically exactly what it sounds like). You can also meditate with the crystals, or use them in chakra balancing which involves placing the crystals at various points of the body (I would recommend learning about the chakras before partaking in this. I'll probably be making a post about it at some point in the near future). Another method that is popular among some crystal therapists is to use a pendulum and 'swipe' the crystals over the body, gently swinging it until the swings become neutral. Other techniques include making crystal 'grids' that are often deeply rooted in sacred geometry or wrapping the crystals into necklaces and wearing them, etc. Some believe that a great way to use crystals is similar to the use of certain mandalas in that they are meant to be given as gifts or offered. Many crystal therapists and enthusiasts urge you to treat crystals and those who believe in their healing properties with respect, asserting that the failure to do so can result in an accumulation of bad karma not because of the crystals themselves but because a lack of respect is detrimental to the spirit. They also urge people wanting to use crystals to take the time to cleanse your crystals every so often. This is because just as they emit their energies, they also absorb energies and when others are around your crystal they can leave their energy imprint on it. Methods of cleaning or clearing your crystals include soaking them in sea salt, smudging (a Native American method which involves burning sage and letting your crystals pass through the smoke) or with your own breath. If you set your intention to clear the crystal and meditate, your breath can carry the intention with it and clear it. They also suggest charging your crystals, which is most commonly done by placing them in sun or moon light and allowing them to absorb the energies and vibrations from the earth. 

How is crystal healing supposed to work?

Clear Quartz

The ideas of crystal healing, although many people claim date back to the Mesopotamian era, most of the ideas of modern crystal healers are borrowed from Asian cultures, like the Chinese concepts of Chi and the Hindu and Buddhist concepts of chakras. It is important here that I note that no matter if matter is hard or soft, solid, liquid or gas, the matter we see in front of us are never perfectly still, but are always moving. Theories in quantum physics state that the atoms in matter are moving so fast that they appear solid (that is a horribly elementary explanation, I know. I'm not a science major) Many crystals, for example quartz, have piezoelectric qualities, which means that under mechanical stress they produce a certain voltage. This works because inside the structure of the crystal the negative and positive charges are separate and when the pressure is applied, the symmetry is destroyed. This quality allows crystals to not only receive energy, but also to process and transmit it in precise patterns. Crystals are the most orderly structure that exists in nature, therefore having the lowest amount of disorder (makes sense, right?) which cause them to be able to respond to the energies around them, causing them to oscillate. In fact electrically charged and emit specific vibratory frequencies. Because the lattice shape I mentioned earlier is so balanced, the energy emitted by the crystal is always balanced, even when unbalanced energy goes in, it comes out in harmony. For this reason, crystals are often used in many of the things we use each day in computer and cell phone processors, display screens, etc. Quartz is used in watches and wall clocks to help them tell the time because it helps to regulate the flow of energy. There have been studies and reports done, one of which you can read about here, about how a singular piece of clear quartz crystal can be used to store energy for millions of years! So, metaphysically, crystals act as 'tuning forks', absorbing specific energies and transmitting them back to you in new ways, for example absorbing anxious energies and transmitting them as calm and ordered vibrations. A way to explain this is to explain how a crystal would function in a watch. Put simply; the electronics of a watch amplifies the 'noise' or 'pressure' being added to the crystal, inducing the piezoelectric effect. This causes the atoms to oscillate which gets transmitted to all of the circuits of the watch. The battery in the watch constantly sends a charge to the crystal and the crystal releases the energy back at such a precise rate that it keeps the watch at a precise time. So by interacting with crystals, the electromagnetic energy released by your being interacts with the crystal. How the healing is supposed to work is all based off of the concepts of energy, frequency, and vibration, three things that Nikola Tesla advocated, are absolutely essential to understanding the universe!

How I personally think crystal healing works 

Now, the following few sentences are grounded in absolutely no fact, but rather my own opinion. I figured you would probably gather that by the subheading, but I wanted to make sure I reiterated it and made it perfectly clear that it is just my opinion, as I don't desire to offend anyone, crystal enthusiast or not. When I first learnt of crystal healing, I probably had the same reaction that many of you will have upon reading this; how in the hell could a rock help anyone to heal? I thought it was absolutely ridiculous. However, after learning more about the science behind crystals and crystal formation, as well as the metaphysical properties and beliefs regarding them, and the more I've learned and researched about things such as meditation and people going on their own personal journeys toward a more enlightened state of mind, I have come to feel a bit differently. I believe that everything and anything has the potential to be a healer or have healing qualities--as far as the spirit or soul goes. I think the experience that surrounds your spirit and your subconscious can be easily shaped and molded and, while the world around you can be your tool, why not use something as beautiful and ordered as crystals? Especially with the scientific backing behind the electric qualities, it does make sense that they were chosen. I think that we are made from energy and electricity that presents itself in varying patterns, and that our minds and bodies are connected (I'll probably be posting more about this at some point in the future as well, but if you're interested in the meantime, google "Plato's Healthy Mind, Healthy Body" theory and read about it) and when our spirit becomes disoriented or unbalanced it can affect us in physical ways. When the patterns of our spiritual, energy become disrupted it's important to try and restore order and I think anything that has inherent harmony (weather it be a physical structure, like crystals, or an activity that brings harmony to one's life like yoga or meditation) can help. I think anything can work to heal our spirit as long as we are open to it and receptive. However I do not believe that crystals on their own can open your mind, make you become enlightened, or make you into a better person. I think they can resonate with the energy of your being and can potentially, if you are receptive and ONLY if you are receptive, can help you see better what is going on inside yourself and to help you in personal growth. While I don't believe that crystals are magical in any way, I think they can strengthen you and help you to grow. 

How are you supposed to choose a crystal? 

Amazonite

So if, after reading all of this, you're curious and want to give crystals a try you might be wondering how to choose your first one. Or maybe you have a few and you're wondering how to decide what to get next. Everyone I have asked and all of the research I have personally done on the subject point to one answer; just pick one! It is important to keep an open mind and
be receptive, and allow yourself to be drawn to a crystal that you are drawn to. They do warn against buying crystals purely to by them because they may end up lacking meaning and if you are unable to 'program' or 'charge' them, it is more like starting a rock collection than using them to assist with personal and spiritual development. While there is nothing wrong with that, this article is mainly focused on the use of crystals as healing and spiritual tools. Instead, it is suggested that you look at the crystals available to you, either online, in a metaphysical bookstore or crystal store, or another shop that may sell these kinds of things, quiet your mind and allow a crystal to capture your attention. Others suggest that you will be able to sense what crystal will be most beneficial to your life. If you hold the crystal it may pulse energy that some people are sensitive enough to be able to feel even if you can't quite put a name to the specific sensation. Basically, though, it is not as important to know the exact name or healing properties of a crystal before you buy it, and it's more important to be able to listen to your energy and choose what is resonating with you or capturing your attention. However if you're really at a loss of what to buy to start out, you could always consider beginning with a clear quartz crystal, which is one of the most sacred crystals and is believed to be one of the most powerful, known as a 'master crystal' or amethyst which is not only beautiful but also aids in reaching higher levels of spirituality. Amethyst is believed to hold the violet flame which can be used to transmute negativity. I, personally, feel like one of those would be great for getting started. 

So different crystals have different healing properties?

Yes! Each crystal vibrates at a very specific frequency because they all have specific colors, shapes and densities which create different signature energies. Crystals that are the colors of the rainbow, red through violet, are each associated with one of the chakras, and specific crystals are believed to have specific benefits. If you click here, I have included a link to a website that has an alphabetical list of crystals and their meanings and properties that includes photographs of the crystals to help with identification. Below I have also included a photograph of a few crystals and their meanings that I found online, because I felt that it would probably be more interesting to look at than if I typed out a list. 

How scientists believe crystal healing works

Many scientists and most of the general population considers crystal healing to be a pseudoscience and do not consider it an effective way to heal. While the number of studies on crystal healing is very limited, there is one study done that suggests that this type of healing merely induces a placebo effect in the patients and that any results are from the placebo and are not directly due to the crystals themselves. The study gave participants a real crystal and one made of glass and they reported the same effects with the fake one and the real one, leading them to come to the conclusion that it is a placebo (however some argue that because quartz is an ingredient in glass, the study is null). This is believed because although some people may feel much better after a crystal healing session, there is no actual scientific proof that it is a direct result of the crystals themselves. Some people feel that crystal healing is just people trying to make money off the "New age obsession with holistic healing and other things of that nature," playing on gullibility. Others suggest that the effects people have from crystals may be a result of "priming" which is basically when someone has been psychologically set up to expect a certain effect, for example researching and reading about the crystals could prime someone to expect certain results. Others argue that even if the healing is "all in the mind", that, that is exactly what this type of healing is all about and that without good visualization techniques the crystals would be just as useless as a rock. Others say that just because you cannot prove something exists or works, doesn't mean that it's been disprove either, and that if you can "prime" yourself or placebo yourself into believing a crystal works, that those work in reverse as well and you can prime yourself into believing that they don't work. Society conditions people into not wanting to believe in things that are 'weird', and puts us into a box. Because crystal healing would fall outside of that 'box' maybe most people are just conditioned into believing so strongly that it doesn't work, that it cannot work for them until they become more receptive. At the end of the day, though, even if the crystals are just a placebo effect, if the uses are getting benefits from using them then there really isn't a problem- as long as they are being used for mental and spiritual ailments rather than physical ones (in which case the use of a placebo rather than treatment from a physician could be dangerous and even a death sentence in some cases). 

My personal experience with crystals 

The earliest experience I can remember with a real crystal is from when I was about six years old. I remember going with my parents to Laurel Caverns, which is a cave that you can visit and take a tour through in Pennsylvania, the state where I was born. At the end of the tour there is a little gift shop and I was allowed to pick out a souvenir. Being such a young child you would think I would've wanted a toy of some sort but instead I remember that I just had to have this tiny bag of little pieces of tiger's eye, which is used for protection and grounding and can also enhance willpower, confidence and practicality. I remember being really, really excited about the little stones and fascinated with how pretty, though small, they were. It's actually quite amazing that I was able to actually keep not only one, but two of those tiny pieces for about 14 years, through moving several times, and actually came across it the other day which sparked the inspiration for this post! At the time, I had no idea what crystal healing even was, nor did I think my little stones would ever hold any significance, however I remember being in a way, drawn to them in the fact that I picked them out, out of ANY other item. I didn't have any more experiences with crystals, really, until my 20th birthday which was a night full of experience and the acquisition of knowledge. My friend Mychel had wrapped a piece of rhodochrosite, which the Incas believed was the blood of their former kings and queens turned into stone. Rhodochrosite is a self confidence booster and is often used to aid one in coping with problems in life in a graceful manner. It also enhances love and helps to balance emotions and calm excessive passions. At the time it was given to me, I didn't know much about crystals at all and didn't know anything about the effect of it however I thought the necklace was neat and pretty and would often times wear it to my job where I work as a server, and I actually did notice that I found myself touching and holding the crystal a lot when I wore it, and that I actually did feel a bit more confident when talking to my tables, as well as a bit less agitated when they would be rude to me. Maybe it's just the comfort of having a piece of jewelry on that was made for me by a close friend, the comfort of having an object to fidget with when I became uncomfortable, or maybe it really is the crystal! Along with the pendant necklace, Mychel also gave me a tiny vial of little bity pieces of peridoot, a crystal typically associated with increase and abundance known for boosting confidence and assertiveness. Peridoot also is good for prosperity and happiness, and has a friendly energy that is supposed to enhance harmony. Honestly, I haven't felt much affect from this stone, however I do think it may be because the pieces in the tiny jar are so small that the area their frequency resonates out to is so small. The vibrations could also potentially be obstructed from the glass they're in, but I do intend to spend a bit more time closer to the crystal pieces, at at time when it feels natural and see what happens. I also have a piece of rose quartz, a crystal believed to be the 'love stone'. Rose quartz opens the heart chakra and is a stone of unconditional love- of the self, of family, friends, and romantic love. It is believed to bring love in any situation and lowers stress and soothes those around it. My very first experience with rose quartz was when my friend Mychel handed me a piece while I was sitting on the floor and immediately, my thoughts went straight to someone whom I had formed a very close spiritual bond with in the past, and I felt very happy inside. I remember me smiling and her asking me why I was smiling, but not quite being able to place my finger on a reason until I reflected on the moment later. My second experience with it was while I was getting tattooed. This particular session was especially painful, as it was in a sensitive area of my thigh. Mychel had come with me to get it done and offered to let me hold a crystal, pulling the rose quartz out of her bag and handing it to me, and I do remember it being vaguely soothing. This was before any of it's meaning or believed powers were explained to me at all.  After learning more about the believed 'powers' behind rose quartz, I have tried to incorporate it in new ways. I struggle with confidence in my body and my appearance and with loving myself, so I have tried to keep the rose quartz in my bedroom near the mirror, so I can see it each morning while I'm getting dressed for the day and try to use it, if nothing else, as a reminder to have love for myself. And finally, I have a piece of amethyst, which, as I stated earlier, is a stone that helps to increase spirituality and aid in opening the third eye.  I honestly don't even remember acquiring this crystal, nor do I have any idea where it came from or how it got in my possession, and I can't really recall my first experience with it either. My piece is rather small, however I have just recently began using the amethyst, in the way that I've been placing the piece on my yoga mat while I'm practicing and I have noticed that I'm able to clear my mind more quickly and easily. Again, this may be a placebo effect, or may be just from practicing yoga more often, that these habits become easier. I've also noticed that since putting the amethyst in the bedroom, I have remembered more of my dreams upon waking which, after moving out, is something I hadn't been doing much of. I have also been doing meditating lately and when meditating with the amethyst 

Although I am personally not 100% sold on the healing powers of crystals, I am completely open to the power of objects to be used to help balance energy and am so excited to continue to learn more about them and hopefully to acquire more! I've never been one to put something down before I've tried or experienced it for myself. I've yet to feel anything truly magical or otherworldly from a crystal, however the more I learn I'm beginning to feel that, that may not be what crystal healing is all about but rather that it is about using them as a catalyst for change and growth.  

I hope this has been helpful and interesting for you to read as it was for me to write!