I'm often asked do crystals work? Well, you are at this very moment utilizing crystal energy via the silicon chip - so what do you think? If even their beauty and touch lift your spirits - doesn't that mean they have served one of their purposes?
HOW DO CRYSTALS WORK?
Everything has a vibrational energy and crystals are no exception. Crystals work by transmitting and amplifying electro-magnetic energy. Few homes do not utilize crystals in clocks, watches and computers and it is this same source of energy we tap into when we use crystals in a more conscious manner. Working with people the crystals try to bring their own and their owner's vibrational energy into balance. We can, however, programme a path for the crystal to follow. Crystals largely work through our subtle energy body, specifically the chakra and auric fields which are in turn connected to the physical body, particularly the endocrine system.
CHOOSING A CRYSTAL
The best advice in choosing crystals is to trust your own instinct. We have a much greater store of knowledge than we give ourselves credit for. If you let go of logic in choosing a crystal and trust your own body to choose its helper you will seldom go far wrong. Do remember though that just as our physical body and mood is always changing so too do our needs for any particular crystal. In other words, the crystal you are using today may not be the one you need tomorrow.
When this happens the crystals have a way of moving on to where they are needed more so don't be surprised if one day you find yourself giving away or losing an old favorite. Often the crystal for you is the first one your eyes or your fingers are drawn to. If you want to use a crystal for a specific purpose e.g. for healing or meditation, have this in mind when you come to choose one.
It is perfectly OK to choose a crystal for someone else - simply have that person in your mind while you choose. Crystals are lovely thoughtful gifts to give.
CLEANSING A CRYSTAL
The most important aspect in cleansing a crystal is your intention. Simply allowing clear water to run over it while you are still and thinking only of the positive aspects of the crystal is as effective as all the complicated procedures outlined in books. I never recommend using salt water as it can ruin the properties or damage a crystal with an unseen flaw.
I do not recommend using the sea or most rivers simple due to the huge amount of pollution around these days. If you do not have a virgin spring or mountain runnel, don't chance it. Leaving it in sunlight and moonlight for 24 hours will charge the crystal with energy.
For a crystal which is exhausted - bury it in a bowl of DRY sea-salt crystals for three days. Cleanse it very well under flowing water ensuring all the salt deposits are gone then leave it outside for three days. Remember to throw out this sea-salt, don't use it for anything else. Returning the crystal to the earth is also an excellent way to cleanse and recharge a crystal. Bury it near a tree but remember where you put it, they have a fondness for returning to the earth.
PROGRAMMING A CRYSTAL
All crystals & gems respond to the intent of will. Programming is the process of instructing it to use its unique abilities to balance and harmonize energy. All that is necessary is to hold the crystal in your hand and direct the thought of your purpose to it.
THE USE OF CRYSTALS
Most commonly crystals are worn as jewelery and even on this simple level they are playing their part in bringing you into harmony. The sphere of influence is roughly 3ft. Earrings are especially good as they "surround" the person with the sphere of influence from each ear creating a circle of energy.
Many people like to keep a touchstone in their pocket - great for relieving stress. Crystals can also be used to energies plants, water and food. By making an elixir (soaking a crystal in a glass of mineral water on a window sill for 24 hours) you can contain the energy of the crystal and this can be used as a cleansing tonic. Not every crystal is suitable for use as an elixir so do check before you go ahead.
Creating an atmosphere and space clearing: crystals scattered around a home will bring positive energies into the room. Particularly effective are clear quartz clusters set on top of TV sets to scatter the minute radio active waves and amethyst clusters to clear negativity. Try moving them around until you find the place where they feel most effective. To clear a room or space - use a well cleansed clear quartz crystal to charge a bowl of dry salt crystals for 24 hours. Sprinkle the charged salt in the corners of the room then along each wall. Pay particular attention to any doorways or windows. Leave for 24 hours then vacuum.
Dowsing with crystal pendulums. Pendulums can be used in many ways including in finding negative spots in your home which would benefit from the addition of a crystal. You can also use a pendulum to choose a crystal for daily use or meditation or to see how often you need to drink a particular elixir.
Crystals can also be used consciously in healing either with a trained therapist or by yourself in caring for yourself. One can use crystals specifically for an ailment or for general well being. There are many charts and books for reference and guidance.
One of the most accessible uses for crystals which can be used for health or inner work is through meditation. By using the crystals in a state of meditation one allows the crystal to work at its most effective simply due to the fact that you are in a more receptive state.
There are numerous methods and crystal layouts but to get started, simply sit with a chosen crystal held in the palm of your hand. Empty your mind, allow your breathing to settle. Shift your awareness (your attention) to the crystal in your hand and let yourself feel the effect. When you finish remember to close the crown chakra to protect yourself from absorbing unwanted energies. This can be done by visualizing a shining disc on the top of your head with another six inches above.
It is also important that you ground yourself particularly before carrying out any task such as driving. Simply use the power of your mind to imagine your feet grounded to Mother Earth.
There is a joy and a magic in using crystals and however you personally use them, consciously or not, enjoy them.
