Part I - The Basics

For reasons as varied as the types of crystals themselves, humankind has had a long-standing fascination with these beautiful products of Nature's forces. We have been drawn by their beauty, their mathematical and scientific properties, their connection to our planet and the universe, and by how they affect energy. There are basically two types - natural and man-made. It is the healing properties of natural crystals that concerns us here.

Crystals can transmit and change energy quite dramatically and have been used throughout human history for healing. Based on the type of crystal, its physical proximity and how it is handled, it can have very mild or very profound effects on the user and those around them. Most people on wearing a crystal for the first time remark that they start to feel unwell. This is due to the crystal working on the spiritual body or the auric field; if a person's aura or spiritual energy is out of balance (and has been for a while) a crystal can affect their physical health while balance is being restored. This can take the form of feeling very tired, having headaches, or just feeling very sick or nauseous; a pre-existing condition can often get worse. But this is all temporary.

The crystal begins to clear all of the negative energy (thoughts, emotions, etc) that has accumulated in a person's aura. It also works on the chakras, restoring balance and supplying 'fresh' energy. Within a few weeks of wearing a crystal, people generally comment that they feel more positive, more energetic, and much improved in their physical health. The inner cleansing of the body and mind that the crystal provides can be quite dramatic in the beginning. If you are thinking of buying a crystal to wear, be prepared for the crystal to begin cleansing your system, especially if you have been bottling things up for a while. Often people start crying while some people feel no difference at all; it all depends on the person and their state of mind.

But the effects are not confined to just the human body. A quartz crystal placed in the home can bring fresh energy into a room and a more positive outlook to everyone in that room. One word of caution: I never advocate putting a clear quartz crystal where there are hyperactive children or in the bedroom when you are sleeping - it can generate an unwanted amount of very active energy!

Much has been said about programming and cleansing crystals, but I believe that if you ask a crystal to help you, that in itself is enough. I also believe that it is unnecessary to cleanse a crystal other than by running it under a tap. Clean water, as far as I am concerned, is the finest cleanser, and just running a crystal under the tap will cleanse it.

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Part II - Types and How to choose

Crystals come in so many varied shapes, colors, and sizes that often it can be confusing deciding which one to use or wear, especially if you are not aware of the chakra system or of the aura. It would take a book to cover every crystal in detail, but I have listed just a few of the most popular crystals and their uses.

Rose Quartz: This crystal is pink in color. A piece of rose quartz is ideal in the home on a table or bench top, especially where there are hyperactive children or people who have too much energy. The beautiful color pink soothes and heals, especially when a person has heartbreak or upset in their life. Wearing a rose quartz crystal brings peace where there is disharmony and help in healing a broken heart.

Smokey Quartz: This is a very powerful and spiritual stone. It is a grounding stone as it can ground excess energy. It is for meditation and is a very powerful healer.

Amethyst: The amethyst is a truly spiritual stone. It is a very powerful emotional balancer and a strong healer. It has been said that amethyst is the stone for people who have addictions. It is a wonderful stone to have at the side of the bed to help you sleep and marvelous for anyone with a headache. I have known people addicted to sleeping pills who gave them away once they discovered how the amethyst could help them to sleep.

Clear Quartz: This crystal is a very powerful healer. It works on all aspects of the mind and body and is very effective for giving you confidence and for removing negativity. It can increase your natural energy flow as well as work on all aspects of the auric body. People who have excess energy though may find that wearing a clear, quartz crystal can make them even more hyperactive. For these people a crystal of a different color would probably be better.

Tiger's Eye: Tiger's eye can be a brownish red, blue or brown, but all of the tiger's eye crystals are grounding stones, meaning that they have the ability to absorb excess energy. Often when I get a build-up of psychic energy, I hold two tiger's eye tumble stones, one in each hand, and can actually feel the excess energy from my body pouring into the stones. When I need energy, I can always hold the stones again and absorb energy from them. They also are very soothing to look at and are marvelous for children who are hyperactive.

As well as being worn, crystals can be used to help you meditate. The best kind of crystal for this is a small cluster of plain quartz or a large piece of quartz. I find that holding the crystal in the left hand is ideal for meditation but some people prefer the right hand. It really is what you feel best with. Instinct is what you should always follow with regard to crystals. If you feel you have to hold a certain crystal, then do so. If a crystal does not appeal to you and someone says it is for you, do not accept it. Always follow your instincts and you will not go wrong.

Crystals really are wonderful. Once you start to wear one or start to work with them, your whole life will change — and change for the better. There are many, many different stones and colors in the crystal family. I don’t have the space on this page to list them all. However, it is worth making a visit to your local crystal shop and asking to see the different kinds of crystals. Ask the assistant for details to help you decide which one would be best for you.

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