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Crystal FAQ
What is a crystal?
(A crystal is not only a quartz crystal, but any stone which has the
characteristics described below.)
Without going into an obscure explanation which few of us would
understand, a mineral is crystalline if the atoms or ions that
compose it are arranged in a geometrically precise pattern of atoms
which are held together by shared electrons.
If you didn't understand that don't worry about it. The important
thing to understand that this orderly pattern also ensures that the
energy emitted by a crystal is equally orderly and consistent. A
crystal's vibration and energy pattern is steady which is one of the
reasons that crystals can help to steady the often-erratic energy
patterns of humans.
How do crystals work??
(Please be aware that a book-length answer is possible.)
On a sensory level, the sight of them appeals to and reawakens our
senses, both physical awareness and a sense of wonder. Through our
awareness of its hidden treasures we become more appreciative of our
physical world.
On an energetic level crystals work in a subtle way to unblock
psychic and physical energy. Imagine for a moment how heavy you feel
when you're depressed or feeling tired or bored or just stuck.
All of us have areas in our lives where energy is blocked, such as
prosperity, love, general health, creativity. These blockages
express themselves in the physical body. When we place crystals on
these areas (i.e., the throat area for creativity), their high
vibration help to raise the vibration frequency in that area.
High vibration doesn't mean making you feel jittery. When people are
feeling hyper or want to calm their thoughts for the purpose of
meditation crystals can help to achieve quiet. The primary purpose
of crystals is to help restore energetic balance and to open energy
channels so that energy flows smoothly.
Is the interest in crystals a New Age thing?
Crystals have been found in Neolithic graves and barrows. They were
widely used in ancient Egypt, Mexico, Russia, and Africa, and among
Native American cultures. A Brief History of Crystals has more
information.
How do I choose crystals for myself?
There are many ways to choose crystals: for their beauty, because
you are drawn to a particular color, or because the description of a
crystal's energies appeal to you either intuitively or because its
characteristics correspond to an issue you are ready to work on.
How do I choose crystals for someone else?
You can refer to many of the guides above. You can also use your
intuition. If you notice that someone wears a particular color
frequently choose a crystal of that color.
If you know that someone is longing for change or growth in a
particular area give them a stone which relates to it, i.e., rose
quartz for love, citrine, emerald, or green tourmaline for
abundance. I have found it helpful not to say, "You really need this
crystal."
Why would I clear a crystal?
When you first get a crystal, in order to make it yours you want to
remove from it all energy which is neither yours or the crystal's.
After you've been working with it for a while you'll want to remove
any energy you may have released into it.
What does it mean to charge crystals?
When we charge a crystal we fill it with a particular kind of
energy. It could be the energy of the new or full moon, the energy
of an affirmation, or many other possibilities. Normally what I do
is spray it with filtered water and charge it under morning sun
light.
What is programming a crystal?
When you program a crystal you put the energy of chosen thoughts and
feelings into the energy pattern of a crystal.
How can I meditate with crystals?
There are many ways. You can simply sit with a crystal in your hand
and make feeling its energy part of the meditation. You can place
crystals on body areas which correspond to chakra points. You can
also meditate with crystals to which you are drawn, either holding
them or, again, placing them on your body.
Will crystals affect me even if I don't do anything with them?
We believe that they do. When we first got crystals it was almost
"accidental." We were selling blown-glass figures on amethyst,
agate, and pyrite. We discovered that that we were beginning to feel
differently, more calm and focused, but didn't know why until a
friend pointed out that we had a lot of crystals around. That was
the beginning of our fascination with the mineral kingdom.
In our experience and that of others a more beneficial and
harmonious atmosphere is created when one has crystals in one's
living and/or working environment. For particular ways to arrange
and place crystals according to the Chinese system of Feng Shui. Please see the article on Feng Shui.
Is it true that a crystal only works for you if someone gives it
to you?
No. However, when a crystal is a gift of love it can hold a special
kind of energy.
Which crystal is for good luck?
There is no particular crystal associated with good luck. However,
choosing crystals which relate to the particular challenges and
dreams in your life and making them your partners in creating the
life you want could lead to your feeling very lucky about the
results.
Don't some crystals bring bad luck?
The only crystal I know which is associated with bad luck in
folklore is the opal. Some people believe that you can only wear
opal if it's your birthstone, others that you can only wear it if
someone gives it to you.
Opal's connection to bad luck is believed to come from a reference
in a novel by Sir Walter Scott. The only caution I would give
regarding this stone would be to avoid wearing/using it if you're
going through an emotionally intense period, because opal
intensifies emotions.
Which are better, rough or tumbled stones?
There's no overall "better." When a stone forms into points and
clusters, I prefer to use them because their energy has not been
altered. Stones which don't usually appear in such formations, such
as chrysocolla, malachite, and rhodochrosite, are often enhanced by
being polished. Certainly, they are often more beautiful. When a
stone is carved into a shape with particular meaning, i.e., spheres,
eggs, pyramids, this can also heighten its power.
What are birth stones?
A birth stone is believed to have a connection with an individual's
astrological sun sign.
What are the chakras?
Chakra is the Sanskrit word for wheel. Chakras are spinning wheels
of light found in the aura, an electromagnetic force field which
surrounds every living being. The energy of the aura is that of our
thoughts and feelings, and the chakras concentrate and coordinate
the flow of these energies in and from the physical body.
Each chakra corresponds not only to a physical body point, but to
areas of life, e.g., first chakra - survival, fourth chakra - love.
When we have blockages, such as a fear about our ability to survive,
this may result in a blockage of energy flow through that chakra.
What do the shapes of crystals mean?
Whether a crystal's shape is natural or carved, there is usually
some significance to it. A crystal cluster signifies individuals
living in harmony. A sphere symbolizes perfection and completion;
while an egg represents something new being created.
What's the difference between natural crystals and Austrian
crystals?
Natural crystals are found in the earth, where they were formed
millions of years ago. They come in a variety of mineral
compositions, colors, and shapes. Austrian crystals are human-made,
and can also be called leaded glass. While they are not known (by
me) to have healing properties they can have a positive effect on
the energy balance in a space. If you are interested in these see
our collection of prisms.
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