A Beginner’s Guide to Crystal Healing Using alternative practices such as meditation, aromatherapy and acupuncture to enhance our wellbeing has become increasingly popular over the last few decades, but one that has gained particular momentum in recent years is the practice of crystal healing. This alternative therapy technique involves using crystals to rebalance energies and heal the body and soul.
When you consider that 87% of the Earth’s crust is made up of crystal quartz compounds – that we are essentially living on a giant crystal ball – it’s not surprising that our association with crystals dates back thousands of years, when our ancestors used them in divination and spiritual practices.
I am fascinated with the potentially powerful properties that these ancient stones hold, each gemstone beautiful and filled with their individual rejuvenating and protection abilities, harnessing the flow of positive energy. If you’re intrigued by the array of benefits crystal healing has to offer, here’s a brief guide on where to begin and how to choose the right stones for you.
Firstly, I think a good place to start is to determine what concerns or issues you may be facing, and then there are plenty of resources available that detail the benefits of each crystal to help you choose the perfect stone to suit your needs. A favourite of mine, and a book that I highly recommend, is ‘Crystals for Beginners’ by Karen Frazier.
However, you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy crystals, and sometimes it pays to be guided by your own intuition. It’s worth visiting a crystal shop or even looking at online photographs to see which stones particularly stand out. If you find one that speaks to you, take this as a sign! Here are three suggestions to help you on your journey into crystal healing.
Clear Crystal Quartz
This is the perfect all-rounder. A beautiful white stone that’s considered to be a ‘master healer’, it was regularly used in ancient South American cultures as a vessel for the spirits of ancestors. It’s thought to have a number of metaphysical properties, including the power to amplify and transmit energy, thoughts and emotions, as well as an ability to aid memory, hone concentration and help stimulate the immune system.
Rose Quartz
Otherwise known as the ‘love stone’, this is a particular favourite for women. It was revered by the ancient Egyptians who believed it could prevent ageing, and the Romans also used this stone as a seal to signify ownership. Often referred to as the ‘stone of universal love’, it’s believed to restore trust and promote self-love, as well as generating a sense of comfort and calm during times of grief.
Amethyst
If you are looking for calm, rest and relaxation, this is the crystal you need. Amethyst is a member of the quartz family of minerals found in volcanic rock and believed to have a number of healing properties, including alleviating anxiety, aiding sleep and soothing headaches and migraines.
Any crystals you consider buying will be either raw or polished. The raw stones are crystals in their natural and untreated form, whereas the polished stones have undergone a process to ensure that their edges and surfaces are smooth, and there are benefits to both. Where the unpolished stones are generally cheaper than their polished counterparts, the smooth surfaces of polished crystals can be more beautiful to touch. It’s also worth mentioning here that the energy contained in a crystal does not vary depending on its size, and the individual potential will be the same no matter how big or small.
There are various ways to use crystals, and there is no specific rule of thumb, but a popular technique is to place them on the seven key chakra lines of the body, which are the specific points where our body transmits and receives physical, emotional and spiritual energy. This is a method that can help balance our emotions.
Another powerful use for crystals is to always keep them on or near you. The beauty of these stones makes stunning jewellery, or you can place them close to where you’re going to be for a substantial amount time – perhaps on your desk if you work, a place in the home you use the most, or keep them on your bedside table to harness their energy as you sleep.
A more advanced technique as you develop the practice of crystal healing is to create a crystals grid where you follow a distinct and intentional pattern – patterns of sacred geometry – to give their power and energy a boost. There are many grid kits available on the market, but it is fairly easy to design and create your own grid. The concept is that your grid is activated through meditation and should be left in place for anywhere between 48 hours and 40 days. If you want to learn more about the incredible power within crystal grids and chakra healing, Ethen Lazzerini’s books are a particularly good source of information.
Personally, I think that crystals are stunningly beautiful and powerful stones. Each one has a fascinating history, and they all have the potential to harness our positive energy and the capacity to provide endless healing benefits for our overall wellbeing.
So go on – why not give them a try?
Love,
Jane x