THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES
Readers have asked for information on crystals and gemstones. What you will find here is a condensed version from my notes over the years on crystals and gemstones.Crystals and gemstones are living, vibrating pieces of our Mother Earth. They can survive in all the physical elements, and so, contain much knowledge. I heard somewhere years ago, that crystals, rocks, etc, all move and speak, but they do it so slowly that we never hear, because we won't slow down. I believe this to be true, my bond with the crystals that I use did not happen overnight. Incidentally, for the sake of brevity, I will just refer to everything as "crystals" from now on.
It doesn't take long to cleanse, consecrate, and charge your crystals, but truly gaining insight into the wisdom of the spirits within is a lifelong journey. I have read many books that speak of gaining "instant health, wealth, and whatever..." by using crystals -- this is not the case (shaking head sadly). Such things rarely manifest overnight, and putting a green crystal in your pocket is not going to cause it to become brimming with cash. Were that the case I would be shopping right now instead of typing this.
There are many positive uses for crystals. Yes, they do affect change, but it is subtle, not usually drastic and rapid. Of course, for every rule there is the exception, and I have had some dramatic things happen to me just as I'm sure that others have as well.
There will be crystals that you are really drawn to. Understand what their energies are, and why you are attracted to them before you start to use them. The easiest one to start off with is a clear quartz crystal since it is considered to contain all properties within itself. Another one to try working with is your birthstone.
DIVINATION
The method that I started using is taken from DJ Conway's book "Celtic Magic", Llewellyn Publishing, 1990. This is not exactly the system that I use now, but what I do evolved from this.
Another method is the pendulum. This can be a quartz point, although I have seen seashells, pine cones, among other things used as well. The crystal is suspended from a length of string or chain, and its movement is used to interpret an answer. Generally, back and forth is yes, side to side is no, and twirling in circles means that an answer is not determined -- or that your hand is not steady.
HEALING
Let me say first, that I think that crystal healing is great. Secondly, let me also say that I don't think that it will ever cure cancer; not the way that we use it at home, anyway.
Before anyone jumps on me, let me say that while I am a great fan of alternative healing, I am also a great fan of Western medicine also. Alternative healing is fabulous for small ailments and preventive or complimentary medicine. Western medicine is great for emergencies, infectious diseases and chronic acute conditions. Neither way is perfect, but together they make a good combination.
The easiest way to heal with crystals is to form a crystal circle around the person being treated, and then perform whatever other healing you had in mind, within the circle. Another way is using crystal massage, which is taking a smooth piece of quartz and running it in small strokes on someone's body, much the same way as you would if you were massaging with your hands. Another simple method is to have a person hold two single terminating crystals, one in each hand, one pointed inward, and one pointed outwards. Have them focus on positive energy entering the point that is toward them, and have them visualize the ailment (such as a headache) flowing out of the crystal facing away from them.
CLEANSING
Crystals must be cleaned after each use. There are many different ways to do this, my favorite is to pass it through some incense and see the excess energy being carried away on the smoke. Cleaning a crystal removes any buildup of energy that may not be beneficial to your work. This should be done after purchasing them, especially, since you don't know how many people had their mitts all over them at the store.
Another way is letting the crystal "sleep" on a bed of salt overnight, preferably sea salt.
PROGRAMMING/CHARGING
This is the same thing as dedicating and charging. The minute you pick something up, you are charging it with your energy. The type of energy depends on what your mood, state of health, etc are like at the time, so be careful, and don't use anything if you are having a truly rotten day. Most Wicca 101 books contain at least one ritual format for charging/dedicating tools, so I won't print one here. If there is anything that anyone would like me to expand on, though, ask in comment, and I will be happy to do so.
USES OF CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES IN MAGIC
* Directing energy, as in the proverbial magic wand. The type of stone used will modify the energy sent through it.
* To concentrate power prior to its release.
* To concentrate power, and act like a beacon for attraction, as in talismans.
* To open up and conduct user's own innate psychic abilities, as in pendulums.
* To alter the energy vibrations in a room, to facilitate a harmonious environment; feng shui masters often employ amethyst for this purpose.
* Placed on a pillow, or on the head, to affect neural energy fields and thus, dreaming.
* Placing in spring water, to leave an energy signature, producing a gem elixir.
* To potentize oils, sachets, perfumes, baths, etc., similar to the previous use.
* To carve sigils and scripts into candles, clay, etc. This embeds crystal energy into an object.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, this is a condensed version. However, you can take the information here and mix it with further insight from your own journey as well as from the vast variety of books out there.
