Crystals are naturally occurring minerals that are found inside the earth. They vary widely in their appearance and size which depends on its natural characteristics and to the conditions it’s exposed. They occur in three-dimensional repeating patterns which enables them to have memories. These memories are stored in the form of energy-information. Since each crystal is formed underground, under certain conditions, they will contain the energy from that space and time. This makes them extremely powerful tools for meditation, healing and other lofty spiritual advancement.
[pullquote]If you’re new to using crystals, start off with one crystal and start developing a loving relationship and carry it with you, if possible.[/pullquote]
Crystal energies can permeate any environment or person that it’s placed in, one doesn’t have to have a certain religious inclination or even belief in the crystal, to be able to feel its energy. They can receive and reflect both positive and negative energies. These energies can get accumulated when it’s not cleansed often. For instance, an amethyst can help clear negative energies, but once the cleansing of the room is done, the crystal itself must be cleared. Due to their memory retaining capacity, they will retain negative memories from that cleansing. If cleansing is not done for a long time, the crystal can become toxic to you and the people around you.
Types of Crystal Shapes
The shape of crystal can vary from small to very large. The physical make-up will tell you a lot about the crystal. There a number of aspects to consider- from the number of facets, to the shape and sharpness. Listed below are the most common shapes and their meaning.
1. Single terminated wands
These wands are so called because they have a long tapering sharp or round end to it, just like a wand. They are used to direct energy from one crystal to another and make good pendants. They naturally occur in this shape and must not be confused with cut crystals in the shape of a wand.
2. Chunks
Chunks are crystals without any facets on them. They can enrich a room’s atmosphere, and are great for meditation. They can also be good pocket-crystals as they’re easy to carry around.
3. Clusters
Clusters are group of small crystals that have grown together, naturally. They are suitable to be placed at work or office places to cleanse, invigorate or calm the atmosphere.
4. Cut crystals
Cut crystals are crystals that have been cut and polished into shapes such as pyramids, wands or spheres. If they are well-cut the energy of the stone can be maintained and even amplified at times.
5. Tumble stones
Tumble stones are small stones, rocks or crystals that have tumbled over each other many times until they have become smooth. Many people like to carry a crystal tumble stone around in their pocket to keep the energy of the stone with them throughout the day.
How to Choose a Crystal?
There are two ways you can choose your crystal, either online or a physical store.
Buying at a physical store
Pick up a few stones that you’re drawn to (if they’re small) and walk around the store, with crystals in your hand. If you feel the following sensations, pick it up:
-Warm or Cool sensations
-Some people are able to feel a pulse (akin to a human pulse)
-Sticks to your palm
-If you feel small electric shock like sensations
-Skin tingles, throb or prickles
-Feelings of peace or calmness
Some people may feel tingling in a particular area/chakra, this will usually indicate that the crystal can cause healing for you in that area or will be able to advance your spiritually by clearing that area. Even if you don’t feel any of these sensations, just pick up the one’s you’re most drawn to, and stay with it.
There are often descriptions that come with the crystals highlighting their healing power and other details. Don’t look at them to decide the crystal you want to pick up (if you’re a first time crystal buyer), often the one that you think you need is not necessarily the one that is necessary for your healing. Let your emotional intuition guide through your senses.
If, you’re buying crystals for healing another person or if you’re a practitioner, then you can look out for specific crystals that are known to give relief to that pain. However, it’s important to impress the fact that often what we think we need, or some else needs, is not always the most accurate. Sometimes the crystals communicate saying that they would be helpful to heal a particular person, especially for practitioners and that would be a good one to pick up even though you might not understand it at that point . Accept the divine knowledge and respect their wishes; there are many possibilities to what a crystal can cure and humans have not explored all of them. Be open to receiving knowledge and guidance.
Buying Online
There are many websites that sell crystals these days. Get testimonials from people who have purchased from the same website/buyer previously and their experiences. Since, you won’t have the advantage of your senses guiding you, let your intuition guide you. Browse through pictures and buy the one that resonates most with you. It might be the color, texture, shape or simply the name that resonates, remember there is always a good reason for this to happen. Make sure, the website you purchase from has a flexible return policy, in case you feel the crystal is not for you.
Conclusion
Crystals are powerful tools that can heal, cleanse and have various uses and applicability. If you’re new to using crystals, start off with one crystal and start developing a loving relationship and carry it with you, if possible. This is a first of a series about crystals, the next article on this series will talk about healing with crystals.
