Choosing and Caring for Crystals
This page will tell you a little about how you can start to work with crystals for healing or therapeutic purposes. It will cover how crystals are thought to work; how to choose crystals; how to cleanse and maintain crystals and give some suggestions for selecting a basic healing collection. We at Inner Light (through our "School of Inner Light") teach a professional Diploma Course in Crystal Healing and Energy Work for those that would like to know or learn more. We also can teach shorter introductory courses for those that would like a taste of working with these fabulous minerals. Follow this link to see our Syllabus and to find out more.
WHAT IS A CRYSTAL? HOW DO THEY WORK?
Crystals, precious and semi-precious gemstones have the most orderly
structure in the natural world. They are formed of mathematically precise and
orderly lattice arrays of molecules. The perfect order of their lattices is
due to the individual atoms and molecules being packed together as tightly as
possible during their growth, partly because of strong electro-magnetic forces
and high pressures around them as they form. This stability ensures that they
react in characteristic, precise and predictable ways to a broad spectrum of
energies, including sound, light, heat and pressure - this is why they are of
use in the electronics industry. Esoterically they also respond to
bioelectricity and consciousness (i.e. to thought and emotion) and we believe
that they have a consciousness of their own. Crystals are highly evolved
within the Mineral Kingdom and are directed to work with humanity for the
Higher good and for the growth and advancement of all the Kingdoms on Earth,
including that of Humanity.
By applying the coherent, stable and focused energy of crystals to
dysfunctional energy systems within the human energy fields, stability and
optimum balance can be restored. Quartz crystals resonate with the liquid
crystals that are found to be within the physical body, and can transfer their
energies to the bloodstream for health and rejuvenation, as well as
transmuting unwanted information that may be locked within bodily tissues or
the mind and other etheric bodies. When crystals are used in geometrical
arrays they have an amplified effect, which can be put to different uses
depending on the nature of the stones chosen and their placements.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CRYSTAL:
We can select the crystals we need purely using LOGIC, by choosing specific
stones for a specific purpose or condition as shown in a crystal directory or
book. However we need to bear in mind that how a crystal's energies interact
with each of us will often vary subtly, for everybody is an individual with a
unique energy field that (to further complicate matters) fluctuates from day
to day and so we each may react in differing ways to a crystal's vibrations.
Additionally the symptoms we present with may not be the real root of the
problem - for example, we might have a headache / feel depressed, but WHY do
we have that headache / feel depressed?
Alternatively we may select our crystals using our INTUITION, by working
solely through instinct and innate inner guidance - what we might call our
"gut feeling". This means picking the crystal we are drawn to, which
is very often the first one we really notice or that we really want to pick
up! If selecting a crystal for a specific ailment or purpose, or to give to
another person, we need to have that ailment, purpose and / or person in mind
when starting our selection process, and try to focus on it throughout. Don't
forget that each person may feel and get different things from the same
crystal, for the vibrational interaction of each person's energy field with a
crystal’s energy field is always unique. We can ask someone else’s opinion
if we have to, but we should always go with our own gut reaction first.
As an optional method, we can choose our crystals through MECHANICS, by backing up our “gut feelings” with a tangible test such as dowsing or muscle testing (kinesiology). When using a dowser or muscle testing we need to be grounded, centred, clear and focused for the results to be accurate and reliable, but this can provide supportive input to our intuitive thoughts and feelings and can be a useful option until we have the confidence to trust fully in our intuition.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THIS IS THE RIGHT CRYSTAL?
What thoughts, feelings, or sensations do you get? Is the crystal talking
to you?
Look for signs such as a tingling or prickling sensation in your hands or
fingers; a “humming” sensation against your skin (like touching an
electric fence!); sensing an energy flow coming from the termination of a
crystal when directing it into your other palm, or feeling energy flowing
between the stone and your body as you hold it; a change in the temperature of
your skin as you hold the crystal (becoming colder or hotter); seeing or
sensing a glowing light, aura or energy field around the crystal; a feeling of
completeness or of “coming home” and being one with the stone as you hold
it.
IS IT REALLY YOURS?
Which one captivates you or attracts attention over and above all others?
Which one is leaping up and down and shouting ME, ME?
Which one do you feel possessive about if someone else picks it up?
Which one do you dream about, or can’t get off your mind when you get home
having NOT bought it!!
STARTING YOUR OWN HEALING COLLECTION.
It is useful to have the following as a starting point:
o A selection of coloured tumble stones – at least four different minerals
in each spectrum colour, plus a selection of multicoloured, clear, black,
metallic or white stones
o Six normal size clear quartz points with reasonably clean terminations
o Six normal size amethyst points (basic points from a bed / cluster are fine)
o Three normal size citrine points (preferably natural, but heat-treated
amethyst will do)
o Six small or normal size natural smoky quartz points
o A cut clear quartz or smoky quartz or amethyst crystal dowser (not
cut glass or leaded crystal) for questioning / personal use – storing it in
a pouch protects the point and keeps it safe
o A second crystal dowser (see above) reserved for therapeutic use
o One or two crystal guides / decent reference books with pictures or
illustrations
o Materials for energetically cleansing / charging your crystals (see below)
As soon as you can afford them it is also useful to acquire:
o Six herkimer diamonds – the genuine article if possible
o Six small black tourmaline crystals or tumbled stones
o A pair of boji stones (the BEST grounding stones!)
o A smallish cluster or bed of clear quartz or amethyst (about 4-6” / 10-15
cm wide)
What to look for when making your choices:
o Most importantly, does it resonate with you: is it “your” crystal?
o When considering the type of stone you need, bear in mind whether you want
cut or uncut, polished or rough stones and whether it is a sensible and
appropriate shape and size (is it comfortable to hold and work with; will it
roll off the body too easily; is it too heavy or large to comfortably place on
the body; is it unwieldy or heavy if you have to hold it for a long time etc.)
o For precise work clarity, purity and perfection are important, although
damage to faces, points etc. is not always a bad thing. Be prepared to give a
knocked about piece a good home - they can be very rewarding!
o Watch out for special crystals with inclusions, rainbows, unusual formations
and special features. Not all sellers are esoterically aware and you may find
a rarity (clear quartz crystals especially are often more interesting than
might first appear!) A good crystal reference book will help identify these.
CLEANSING CRYSTALS:
Once you have bought your crystal, cleansing it is VITAL. It will have travelled far and passed through many hands before getting to you, and will have picked up many energies that you don't want to have around you and in your energy field.
Additionally ALWAYS cleanse your crystals before and after use (whether in a healing situation or not), and at periodic intervals, depending on where they are kept and how they are used. You can dowse to see if / when this is needed if you are not sure. Crystals will pick up energies from their surroundings even when not being directly worked with and they are also working even when we are not aware of it. If they are not kept clear they can release any junk or negativity back into your space - often amplifying it in the process! This rule also applies to crystals kept for "decorative" or "aesthetic" purposes in living spaces.
“Physical” dirt should be looked after first. You can use water
to remove any physical dirt first, which will also discharge static
electricity. Place your crystal under a source of cold running water such as a
tap or ideally (!) in a stream. Obviously don’t do this with soluble
crystals or those with a low Mohs count, such as the softer calcites,
selenite, halite, talc and celestite (which tends to have a very delicate
groundmass). Good reference books should tell you the hardness and solubility
of most crystals. Harder crystals, such as clear quartz or amethyst, can take
a gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush, if you find that a cluster or crystal
has a lot if imbedded clay or dirt. A good wash and brush up can make an
amazing difference to a crystal’s energy.
“Energetic” dirt exists even if you cannot see it, and if you want
to use your crystal for healing work you MUST clear it, so that you
don't pick up other people's negativity or psychic junk.
Although many sources say to use salt or salt water to cleanse crystals, we DO
NOT recommend this. Salt is itself a crystalline material and can become
embedded in the crystal’s matrix, so we prefer not to use it. There are many
other much gentler ways to cleanse crystals, which can be quick and easy to
use:
o Use flower essences such as Pennyroyal or the Bach flower remedy Crab Apple (*see
below for method)
o Use "Crystal Clear" essence from Petaltone – (* see below for
method)
o Use sound – play a singing bowl, bells, tingshas, rattle or drum over or
around your crystals, or place the crystals on a cloth in the base of a metal
singing bowl and strike the bowl until the sound clarifies
o Use smudge sticks or incense - pass the crystals through the smoke, or waft
smoke over your crystals using your hand or a fan / feathers
o Use Essential Oils especially cleansing oils such as juniper, pine or sage.
Pass the crystals through the vapour given off when heating them in a burner
or vaporiser.
o Use Aura-soma essences such as the White Pomander or the St. Germain
Quintessence
o Reiki healers can use the Power / Harmony / Master symbols as appropriate
All the above methods may be used singly or in appropriate combinations, depending on the extent and nature of the energetic cleansing required. We tend to use primarily "Crystal Clear" essence in a mister, combined with sound using a Tibetan Singing Bowl and with the Reiki symbols. If we come across "stubborn" dirt, we will also smudge the crystals with white sage.
* METHOD: When using flower etc. essences you can either place a few drops in a bowl of water and soak or wash your crystals in it (watch out for soft / soluble crystals!) OR spray your crystals using a solution of water plus 7 drops of the essence in a small spray bottle or plant mister. You can also use essences without dilution, but this uses more essence and is not really necessary - less IS more!
DEDICATING YOUR CRYSTAL
It is good and responsible to dedicate your crystal to the Light after
cleansing it, to show your own commitment to looking after it and to reinforce
your intentions regarding its positive use. Three suggestions follow, but you
may choose to make you own up, which should be phrased as concisely and
positively as possible:
o “I cleanse this crystal in the Light and Love of God and of Mother Earth.
May only that which is of its own consciousness remain, and may all else be
transformed into the Light.” (see the crystal being surrounded by an intense
white or golden Light as you say or think this)
o “I ask and intend that this crystal work with (me/myself and x/my healing
group etc.) for (healing myself/absent healing/healing
others/meditation/protection). I will keep it safe and well to the best of my
abilities, for the period of time that I am honoured to be its earth-keeper.”
o “It is my pure intent that from this moment on this crystal may only be
used in the name of love and compassion, and always for the Universal Highest
Good of all”.
A FEW FINAL HINTS AND TIPS
o Do not let other people handle or touch any crystals reserved for your
personal use. This will affect the energies you have built up and interfere
with your connection with the crystal. Likewise, "Crystal Etiquette"
demands that if visiting others who keep crystals always ASK before touching
their crystals!
o Some crystals may lose their colour if exposed to excess sunlight – e.g.
amethyst, rose quartz and celestite, so you may not want to keep them on sunny
windowsills. Also be aware that sunlight can be focused through clear
crystals, and you do not want to set your curtains alight!
o If you wear crystal jewellery you must cleanse it often - preferably daily.
As the crystals work and absorb negativity they can become "full up"
and will start to spill out energies you do not want in your field. The same
principle applies with second-hand items. You should also take crystal
jewellery off at night to give your body a rest from their energy - this will
also allow the crystals time and space to recharge themselves.
o Charging crystals to energise them is part of their aftercare. Rest
them in sunlight or moonlight; place them on quartz or amethyst clusters;
spray them with charging essences (such as Petaltone "Soul Star;
"White Spring" or "Golden Light"), or Reiki healers can
use any of the Reiki symbols for charging them up.
o You can charge crystals using specific energies if you wish to. Focus your
thoughts and ask Angels, Archangels / Archaeon, Masters or other Light Beings
you are drawn to to place their energy within the crystal.
We tend to charge our crystals with moonlight or sunlight; the Reiki symbols or give them a soak in the bath with some Petaltone essences!
"Midnight Skies" Photo © Mark Brittain 2006