Healing Crystals – Page 3 – Blog on Crystal Healing, Jewellery & Gemstones

Crystals for Beginners

The word crystal comes from the Greek word ‘Krystallos’, which means frozen light.

With their distinctive pattern, shape and composition, beautiful tones and flickers of sparkle in certain lights, there is something compellingly fascinating about crystals. From draping them around our neck to enhance an outfit to putting them pride of place on the mantle piece for all to see, or using them as a potent aid for crystal healing and meditation, these divine precious stones have a multitude of uses.

If you are keen to start utilising the unique powers of crystals but are unsure where to start take a look at the following guide to crystals for beginners.

The Different Type of Crystals

There are essentially seven different types of crystals. They are classified according to their shape, which are cubic, trigonal, hexagonal, tetragonal, orthorhombic, triclinic and monoclinic. The atoms of a mineral form the geometric shapes that make up the crystals. Minerals are defined by their chemicals that make them up and the way in which they crystallise.

When crystals are categorised by their physical/chemical properties there are four types of this precious stone: Covalent crystals, which has real chemical covalent between all of the atoms in the precious stone. Metallic crystals refer to gemstones that are made up of individual metal atoms that sit on lattice sites while outer electrons flow freely around the lattice. Ionic crystals are where the individual atoms are held together by electrostatic forces. Molecular crystals are held together by a chemical bond. These types of gemstones tend to be soft and have lower melting points.

The Different Uses of Crystals

When we think of crystals, beautiful jewellery such as stunning crystal pendants and exquisite crystal beads immediately spring to mind.

As well as buying ready made pieces of crystal jewellery to compliment and enhance an outfit for a special occasion, incorporating crystals into your jewellery can be a lot of fun.

With their stunning natural tones and striking patterns, agate beads are the perfect accessory to make your own unique and vibrant crystal beads. Agate
is one of the most attractive crystals that comes in a wide range of colours, from pale blue to black and white stripes.

Crystals & Feng Shui

Crystals are by no means just for wearing and are used as sacred objects in a number of healing activities.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese process that examines how people are affected by the environment in which they live. In Feng Shui, crystals are used to help create good energy in a home.

For example, rose quartz crystal is used in Feng Shui to attract romance and love or to help heal a broken heart. Citrine crystals help heal those with low self-esteem while black tourmaline has strong protective energies.

Crystals & Meditation

Meditating with crystals brings a whole new dimension to this ancient healing practice. You will need to choose what type of crystal you want to meditate with.

It is believed that if you choose a crystal with patterns or fault lines in it, you will ‘lose yourself’ within the crystal whilst meditating. For anyone interested in spirituality and crystals, meditation utilises both.

Using crystal balls can be a great way to radiate the energy of crystals in all directions while meditating. For example, beautiful calcite crystal balls are considered particularly spiritual and uplifting and have unique physical healing powers.

Best Crystals to Have in Your Crystal Healing Kit

Although we recommend you seek medical guidance for prolonged or severe pain or discomfort, we recommend the below healing stones as part of your home crystal healing kit. Each one has a unique, everyday healing property that is you will be glad to have at your fingertips as life’s little crises arise.

Emerald

Emerald, the precious birthstone for May, is said to enhance your ability to live life to the full and with several notable healing powers, this is an essential stone for your healing kit.

It has the ability to help fight off infection, ease rheumatic disorder and detoxify the liver. Emerald can also enhance memory and if worn as a ring on the small finger of the left hand, this gem will also soothe sore eyes.

Emerald is very balancing and is reputed to help us to recover from dramatic upheavals in our lives. It is said to bestow harmony, unity and cooperation.

Amethyst

A member of the Quartz family, this beautiful purple gem is useful for those who lead a stressful work or life balance.

February’s birthstone is known to alleviate many conditions of the mind such as a headache or depression; it does this by helping you to relax. For this reason, Amethyst can also assist in overcoming dependency on chemical substances, such as smoking.

Healing amethyst can be used to release tension and relieve physical and emotional pain, even combating addictions.

Sunstone & Moonstone

These two stones are symbolically linked, and if carried together they will bring the protection of Sunstone into harmony with the peace of Moonstone.

By placing a sunstone in front of a white candle, you will spread protective energy, promote self healing, increase energy levels and improve organ functionality.

Wearing moonstone as a pendent is the most effective, and peaks during a full moon. It eases emotional stress and brings tranquillity to the wearer.

Citrine

A cousin of Amethyst, Citrine has many distinct healing properties and is particularly effective in conjunction with meditation and yoga, either by holding it in your palm or in contact with the body somewhere.

Citrine will assist with pain reduction with digestive or urinal ailments. If this stunning crystal is kept under a pillow, it will help you sleep sound by eliminating any nightmares you may have.

This crystal is also believed to raise one’s self-esteem, combatting tendencies toward self-destruction. Citrine is good for overall emotional well-being.

Bloodstone

The green, red spotted bloodstone is considered throughout history to represent the blood of Christ falling onto the green earth.

Aptly, it is a stone that aids circulation, reduces blood clots and can stop a nosebleed. The stone’s effects are said to be most effective when you lie on your stomach, with the stone on your back.

Bloodstone is calming and aids self-protection. In some crystal healing systems it is also considered a fertility aid.

Lapis Lazuli

Mined for over 4000 years, this powerful stone is one of the highest prized in Egypt, even appearing on the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun.

It’s healing properties relate to the sinus channels of the body, reducing lymph node swelling and boosting the endocrine system. For these reasons, Lapis Lazuli is great for treating throat and ear pain and infections.

Heated in warm water or sunlight, and gently rubbed across skin, Lapis Lazuli will also help to heal sties, insect bites and bruising.

All About Crystal Balls & Scrying

We’ve all seen images and films depicting witches and sorcerers gazing into gleaming crystal balls, peering into the future. From ancient times, crystal spheres have been considered by mystics to be of the perfect shape and material – often clear quartz – to access hidden information as well as for crystal healing. This practice of gazing into crystal balls is also known as ‘scrying’ and, as we’ll see, can often involve the use of elements other than spheres.

Why A Crystal Ball?

The spherical shape of a crystal ball is said to have the energy of harmony and perfection, radiating the energy of crystals equally in all directions. The properties of quartz crystal also play a large part in this, being one of the most important healing crystals available. Quartz crystal is reputed to channel energy through its helical spiral crystalline form. Even the most subtle healing energy can be channelled by a crystal ball into any space, neutralising many negative emotions.

What is Scrying?

Diviners and fortune tellers have used crystal balls as a way of looking into the future or simply for specific revelations. Scrying can be practiced using diverse elements such as water, fire, leaves, smoke, or polished scrying mirrors. In fact, any smooth surface may be used, such as a bowl of liquid, a pond, or a crystal (especially crystal balls). In the past, the visions that resulted from staring into these elements were believed to have come from the spirit world. Today, any images that emerge are thought to come from the subconscious. When using crystal balls for scrying, a person focuses their attention on the sphere, discarding unwanted thoughts and going into a trance. Any images that appear are then are acknowledged and this leads to an even deeper trance state. The scryer then interprets the flow of images like a movie.

Scrying throughout History

Throughout history, spiritual visions have been sought through the practice of scrying – which uses not only crystal spheres but other objects as well.

According to the Shahnameh, a late 10^th century Persian epic work, the Cup of Jamshid – a cup of divination – was used by wizards as a way of looking at the seven layers of the universe.
Joseph Smith, prophet of the Mormon religion, claimed to have used ‘seeing stones’ in order to translate an ancient text he had discovered.
Nostradamus was perhaps the most famous scryer, using a bowl of water to see into the future while in trance.

Which Crystal Ball Should I Choose?

For scrying, choose a crystal ball that appeals to you the most and whose properties correspond with your needs. Clear quartz, smoky quartz, and amethyst are the most popular of the crystal spheres. Remember, a crystal ball need not be for divination – they make wonderful display pieces and unique additions to home décor.

Are Crystal Skulls Real?

There is a legend of thirteen ancient crystal skulls from the Mayans lost civilization, that when united will bring universal knowledge. There are today real crystal skulls in existence that range from a few inches in diameter to life size. They are in the possession of various owners, the remainder on exhibition in the British Museum, the Smithsonian, and the Musee de l’Homme in Paris.

Believers in the supernatural consider crystal skulls to be much more than simply interesting artefacts. They look to the skulls as objects of divination, that can be used similarly to crystal balls for scrying and seeing into the future.

There is still great controversy amongst believers and sceptics as to the origins of the skulls. Believers will say that they are thousands of years old, possibly relics of lost civilizations like Atlantis. Sceptics say they are fakes, carved not much longer than a few hundred years ago.

Famous Crystal Skulls

The most famous of the skulls is the The Mitchell-Hedges Skull. This skull was discovered in the 1920s by British adventurer Anna Mitchel Hedges, allegedly beneath a Mayan temple in Belize. According to Anna, the Mayans told her that this quartz skull was used to ‘will death’. Anna has also claimed that she has used this skull for healing.

Art restorer Frank Dorland studied the skull for six years, claiming the sound of a choir singing coming from its structure. Dorland also said while gazing into the skull, he was able to see shifting images. Dorland took the skull to Hewlett-Packard researchers who determined that it was carved from a single piece of crystal.

Made from cloudy quartz, the British Museum crystal skull is of similar size to the Mitchell-Hedges skull though less detailed. The museum acquired it from Tiffany & co in 1898. The skull is supposedly from Mexico, of Aztec origin.

The skull kept in the Musée de l’Homme in Paris is half the size of the previously mentioned skulls, and was also thought to be Aztec, donated to the museum in 1878 by Alphonse Pinart.

Larger than any of these is the 9 inch high, 8 inch long skull now in the Smithsonian Institution in the USA. The museum received the skull in the mail in 1992 with an anonymous note stating that it was an ‘Aztec crystal skull’ and ‘purchased in Mexico City in 1960’. Several other, smaller skulls also exist in museums. These include the clear quartz ‘Texas Crystal Skull,’ the ‘ET’ skull made from smoky quartz and found by a Central American family.

Crystal Skulls – Ancient Wisdom?

Those who believe in the supernatural qualities of crystal skulls point to the piezoelectric properties of quartz crystal as evidence of the skulls’ power. Devotees assert that the skulls hold the history of the earth in their structure, rather like computer chips. All that is needed is the correct method of reading this information. Today, crystal skulls are very popular as ornaments and, depending on what crystal they are carved from, are said to be useful for scrying and divination.

Are the thirteen skulls true supernatural objects or are they recent fakes? It is a fact that skulls figure prominently in Mexican and Central American culture, therefore some of the skulls could indeed be ancient artefacts. Are they doorways into the past or future? Until their complex codes can be deciphered, we can only speculate.

Jade -The Luck Crystal

Jade has been highly prized as a good luck stone for thousands of years. The Chinese have had great regard for precious jade crystals since at least 1950 BC, using it to strengthen the body, increase longevity, and cleanse the blood. Not only that, they have always considered it a symbol of purity and wisdom. Ceremonial jade was once mined from deposits within the Yangtze River Delta.

Ancient cultures of the Americas, such as the Maya, have used it in carvings and as a kidney healing stone.

The Olmec and the Maya could only find jade in the Motagua River valley in Guatemala, reserving it for the elite. Hieroglyphs were often inscribed on to jade, which were highly symbolic, involving elaborate rituals.

Known mainly for its translucent emerald green colour, Jade is actually the gemstone name for two different mineral forms, Nephrite (green, cream, or white) and Jadeite (yellow, red, black, green, white, and purple). Deeper coloured stones are more valuable, and the most valuable form is called Imperial Jade, which is translucent and emerald-green in colour.

Gifts Made with Jade!

Carved from beautiful green Nephrite jade, our double-twist Jade Pendant makes an enthralling gift. The double twist represents not only the path of love but also the coming together of two people for life, sharing a life as one.

Connect with your own guardian angel with the help of the sweet Jade Angel! This beautiful carving makes a wonderfully inspirational and calming ornament. Look to your celestial angel for cleansing and detoxifying your own energy. The angel form is very appropriate as jade is said to alleviate pain and heal illness.

Bring light and the gentle touch of jade to your living space with our marvellous jade Tea Light Holder! Jade is known for its healing energy and, combined with the gentle flicker of a small candle, makes for an extremely relaxing effect.

Stonehenge & Preseli Bluestone

Home of Preseli Crystals — Carn Edward with View to Cerrig Lladron, Preseli.

Preseli Bluestone is a uniquely British stone, native to the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire, Wales. In 1923, petrologist Herbert Henry Thomas identified that bluestone from the hills corresponded to that used to build the inner circle of Stonehenge. Recently, geologists have identified Carn Menyn, a grouping of craggy rock outcrops in the Preseli Hills, as one of the bluestone sources. Another theory is that bluestone from the area was deposited near to Stonehenge by glaciations.

Perhaps the reason that the ancients used Preseli Bluestone in their sacred monument was because they recognised the stone’s strong connections with the electrical impulses produced by the human body, improving electrical communication throughout the body. Preseli is now generally regarded as having a strong connection with the heart. Preseli, it is believed, serves to balance and strengthen the immune system.

Bluestone Healing

Britain’s Geoffrey Wainwright, president of the London Society of Antiquaries, speculated that Stonehenge may have been an ancient healing site – the primeval equivalent of Lourdes. “It was the magical qualities of these stones which transformed the monument,” he says, “and made it a place of pilgrimage for the sick and injured of the Neolithic world.”

Chakra practitioners look to Bluestone as a way of clearing the Throat Chakra, which is said to help in matters of communication and the body’s regulatory process.

Preseli Crystal Gifts

CrystalAge has produced some stunning products from a new find of Preseli Bluestone! If you love crystals, you are bound to enjoy this granite-like stone which is full of ‘night sky’ inclusions of grey feldspar that give it a striking appearance. Among our enthralling collection of Preseli stones, which include smooth palmstones and collectible tumblestones both perfect for crystal healing.

We’re proud to offer possibly the biggest Preseli Crystal Sphere in the world (with more sizes available)! The sphere shape of this crystal ball is said to radiate the crystal’s energy in all directions, creating a warm and positive mood in any room.

Another great new item is the Preseli Bluestone Power Bead Bracelet! Take advantage of of Bluestone by wearing this stylish bracelet. By keeping powerful Preseli close to your skin, you can benefit from the stone’s healing properties, especially the benefit it is said to have to your immune system.

A handy way to keep Bluestone with you is with a flat tumblestone such as the 40mm Preseli Bluestone. These polished stones fit right in the palm of the hand and are great for meditation or simply to get the most out of the stone’s properties. Tumblestones make a great gift for any crystal enthusiast!

So, if you are looking for Preseli pyramids, pendants, or palmstones, we’re sure you will find the perfect gift on CrystalAge.com!

Crystals for Protection against Nightmares

Everybody dreams, even if we don’t remember them all. The reason we dream is still a matter of scientific speculation. In the Greek and Roman periods, the people believed that dreams were direct messages from the gods or from the dead and that they predicted the future.

What about nightmares? These are thankfully less common, but unfortunately much harder to forget. In crystal healing, crystals for relief of nightmares are often used under the pillow, under the bed, or on a nearby beside table. They can be loose or in a pouch.

What are the best crystals for combating nightmares and encouraging pleasant dreams?

Crystal Healing & Dreams

Mangano Calcite Tumblestones are a lovely, soft pink heart stone said to prevent nightmares. Mangano Calcite is believed to give support after emotional trauma and to help us deal with grief. Tumblestones are a very handy way to take advantage of a stone’s properties, as you can have one by your bedside or keep one with you in your handbag or briefcase at all times.

Dalmatian Jasper is also considered good protection against negativity and nightmares. Speckled with dark spots, it is no wonder that this form of Jasper has been named after the famous spotty dog. It is one of the more nurturing stones, believed to protect the body from injury. Wear the Dalmatian Jasper Gemstone Chip Necklace to keep negativity away and bring a sense of fun into your life.

Holding a Flint Palm Stone before going to bed is regarded to be an excellent way of protecting yourself against bad dreams. Palm stones fit right into the palm of the hand and useful for focussing energy.

An excellent healing crystal, the Champagne Aura Quartz Healing Crystal is known for its golden glow and is said to cleanse the mind and aura, helping us to focus on specific ideas. For this reason it is said to help make unformed dreams a reality. The colour and positive energy of this amazing crystal makes this an ideal gift.

If you are a generally happy dreamer and wish to recall your dreams, the Red Jasper Massage Wand could help you achieve your goal! Red Jasper is part of the mineral species quartz and is known for calming emotions. Crystal wands have been associated with power and magic.

One of the most popular stones used to invite pleasant dreams and to help insomnia is amethyst. Ancient Egyptians used amethyst to guard against fearful feelings and as protection against witchcraft. Put a piece of amethyst under your pillow at night or wear an amethyst pendant during the day, such as the Amethyst & Silver Pendant.

Citrine, the Stone of Joy

Citrine is one of the most popular of crystals – not just because of its sunshine sheen but because of its association with joy and happiness.

What exactly is citrine? Part of the quartz family, natural citrines are rare and are found at the base of amethyst mines where the heat from volcanic caves transmute it into orange or golden coloured citrine. Brazil is the leading producer of citrine, with much of its production coming from the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Citrine can also be made artificially by heating amethyst in a kiln, producing a brighter orange colour than can be achieved naturally.

Citrine for Crystal Healing

The metaphysical properties of citrine include optimism, happiness and self-esteem; these very positive attributes are what makes this mineral so popular. Crystal healers say that citrine aligns us with our spiritual self and allows our bottom three chakras (that is, the physical chakras, below the heart) to line up. This is purported to affect everything tangible in one’s life – family, home, car, bank account, etc. – to align into safe balance so that we can activate the highest chakra, the Crown chakra, which deals with all things spiritual.

When using citrine for healing you can use it to cleanse your body of toxins, energizing the body in the same way as the sun. Citrine has a great affinity with the sun and its power. Due to its golden colour, citrine is also said to attract wealth. It is the birthstone of Gemini (21st May – 21st June) and secondary birthstone for Aries, Leo, Libra and Scorpio.

CrystalAge has a remarkable range of citrine crystal gifts for you to explore and add to your collection!

Citrine Crystal Gifts

A wonderful way to start your citrine collection is with our citrine Crystal Beads. Each bead radiates a rich golden colour and possesses a unique shape. Bring the positive qualities of citrine with you wherever you go with these beautiful beads – supplied on a temporary 16” string.

Enhance your outfit with the energy of the sun! By adding our faceted Citrine Pendant to your collection you have not only a gorgeous golden gemstone to light up your style but a gemstone known to encourage wealth and abundance as well. Set in solid silver, this citrine pendant is perfect to spoil yourself, or as a thoughtful gift.

For the real crystal enthusiast, the Citrine Crystal polished point is not only a beautiful show-piece but a superb healing crystal as well. Measuring 7.5cm by 4cm, this honey-coloured polished point is perfect for meditation or simply for home décor (try placing it on a window sill where the sun can shine through it). The positive healing energy of this citrine crystal gift will be welcomed in any home.

What is Crystal Therapy?

Crystal therapy utilises the natural energy present in healing crystals, matching their individual qualities to the corresponding body part or ailment which requires healing.

The molecules in every crystal constantly vibrate in their place due to the earth’s enormous physical and electromagnetic pressure that created them, rather than moving around freely as they do in other less condensed articles. It is these often intense vibrations which create the natural energy which provide the healing crystals used in crystal therapy with their healing properties.

There are many variations of crystal therapy, from the simple wearing of the right healing crystal (an ornament with benefits beyond the aesthetic), to crystal therapies involving the matching up of crystals with their corresponding Chakras (nerve centres along the spinal chord and other parts of the body).

Crystal Therapy & The Chakras

There are seven main Chakras running along the spinal chord from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and each is associated with different energies. For example, the Third Chakra is located at the solar plexus and is connected to the digestive system – the area most likely affected by stress – and also associated with the creativity of the mind. Apatite, Amber and Imperial Topaz are just three of the several healing crystals which positively impact upon the Third Chakra.

Each Chakra is associated with a specific colour and has a variety of similarly coloured crystals whose energy positively influences the associated physical and spiritual attributes of the corresponding Chakra. Crystal therapy works on a similar level to colour therapy, a very basic healing therapy which involves total immersion in the colour of the targeted Chakra.

Crystal therapy, however, involves a more specific approach. For example, the Fifth Chakra’s colour is blue and is located in the throat area near the base of the neck and is linked with the thyroid function and the body’s metabolic rate. Thus, healing issues with these particular bodily functions will require blue crystals such as Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli or Blue Lace Agate. The Fifth Chakra is also linked with communication and creativity, so blue coloured crystals applied to this Chakra will also positively influence these more spiritual aspects of the being human experience.

Energy Flow

Crystal therapy also involves healing between the Chakras, should there be a blockage of the flow of energy. This is an important distinction because blockages in the flow of energy through the Chakras and the whole body itself can hinder the crystal healing process, should the crystals be applied directly to a specific Chakra without first addressing the energy flow blockage.

The science behind the energy vibrations of the crystals and their relationship with the body’s Chakras is incredibly interesting. It’s a spiritual science which has been discussed by the likes of Plato and has been known to us as a species for many, many centuries, perhaps even as much as sixty thousand years according to certain archaeological evidence. Fads and trends come and go, but crystal therapy has remained with us throughout all this time as it is the very earth itself which offers us these healing energies that benefit both our bodies and our minds.

The Higher Powers of Celestite

With the soft hue of a clear morning sky, celestite definitely lives up to its name. It is a mineral that is found worldwide; many pale blue specimens are found in Madagascar. Celestite is the principal source of the element strontium, commonly used in fireworks and in various metal alloys.

Celestite & Crystal Healing

Said to align with the higher realms, celestite is reputed to attune to the higher realms whilst simultaneously keeping you grounded. It is among the Celestial Communication Stones, along with moonstone and blue calcite. It is also said to be good for calming those with a fear of heights or of air travel.

You will find celestite crystals in some geodes. The world’s largest geode is a celestite geode that measured 35 feet in diameter at its widest point. It is located near the village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, on South Bass Island in Lake Erie.

CrystalAge has a shimmering selection of carefully selected celestite specimens that will stun you with their soft blue multi-faceted surfaces. To help you achieve peace of mind or to align with higher states of consciousness, celestite is an excellent addition to any collection. It is also used in crystal healing.

Celestite Crystal Gifts

The Celestite 8cm Crystal Cluster is regarded as one of the best crystals for aligning with higher states of consciousness – excellent to have in your meditation room or at your beside when you want to achieve those higher states of mind. The relaxing icy-blue of this stunning cluster makes for a beautiful crystal in its own right, ideal for home décor or an inspiring gift.

The Celestite Gift Box is a superb way to introduce celestite to a friend or loved one. Aligned with the higher chakras, celestite is said to exude tranquil vibrations which create a calming atmosphere in any space. Perfect for the office or any high-stress environment, this specimen is presented in a handsome matte black gift box with black satin interior.

Appreciate the calming blue beauty of celestite with the Celestite Tumble Stones. These tumble stones are a smoothened version of the multi-faceted celestite crystal. Polished stones are excellent for displaying in bowls, plant pots, or gardens and are of the perfect size and shape for holding while meditating.