Using Crystals to Heal and Balance Your Life

The earth is alive, everything around us is a mass of vibrational energy, the same energy that we ourselves are made of and it is this subtle life flowing force which the human race is now reawakening to. Once our ancestors knew what it was like to live in harmony with their surroundings to let their lives flow with the seasons of change and use the natural energy of the planet to provide for them not only physically but to sustain and nourish them spiritually too.

We live in times of change the emergence of an understanding that we are primarily spiritual beings and not just physical ones has begun and people are seeking long forgotten knowledge to bring back the mysteries from times gone by, we as a human race are ready to integrate lost secrets back into our lives.

Crystal healing is one of those ancient esoteric practices which is once again gaining popularity; from building complex crystal grids to possessing little worry stones for keeping in a pocket people are rediscovering the benefits these delightful little gems of the earth can bring. Evidence that crystals have been used for healing purposes has been uncovered in ancient Egypt, Greece and the ayurevedic traditions of India, as well as appearing in conventional Chinese medicines, ancient Tibet and the north Americas. Each culture developed their own unique way of utilizing crystals such as grinding them up into a powder to be mixed with liquid and drank which was a widespread procedure in India or combining them with the sound healing of singing bowls which was often practised in Tibet. However diverse the methods the fundamental belief remains, that crystals held healing properties and could aid the physical and emotional body

Modern crystal therapy uses a vast array of crystals each attributed with specific healing properties and purposes, they can be used individually or more commonly in combination with other crystals to complement and enhance the healing process The versatility of crystals means they can be used in conjunction with alternative therapies such as reflexology, colour therapy and reiki as well as standing alone as a therapy in itself. In a typical crystal healing session crystals are selected dependent on the requirements of the client, all crystals have healing properties dictated by their structure, their inclusions i.e. iron or copper etc and their colours. They are placed either around the client to create an energy field or directly on the body where a particular need may be, this treatment is done fully clothed and the recipient would lie relaxed. A basic structure would be to use six crystals commonly clear quartz is used at this point, a crystal is placed at the crown pointing downwards and one is placed at the feet pointing upwards, then one at each shoulder facing inwards and one at each knee facing inwards. Other crystals are then placed, usually directly on the body and dependant on the need or ailment. As a Reiki Master I often combine this sort of treatment with reiki healing and I know many reiki healers use crystal grids in this manner. Clear quartz is often used for this starter grid as it has amplifying effects, it enhances any other healing going on, it boosts the benefits and properties of other crystals being used and is an excellent general health and well being crystal. If the building of crystal grids sounds complex or to long winded then don’t worry the beauty of using crystals for healing purposes in your life is that it can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be or as your life style allows.

Wear gem jewellery to promote general health or ease pain, keep a crystal in your pocket or bag and touch it regularly throughout the day. Place them around the home, as well as helping your physical body placing crystals in the home promotes harmony and eases tensions as they release their precious vibrations into your surroundings

A little note on caring for your crystals, as well as giving off energy crystals also absorb it so they need to be cleansed regularly, this can be as simple as holding them under running water tap water, although some crystals are known as soft crystals and do eventually break down with constant washing so be careful not to hold them for too long under the water. This doesn’t have to be done all the time, once every few weeks is sufficient however if a crystal begins to look dull and loses its lustre then that is a clear sign it needs cleansing so keep an eye on the appearance of your crystals. Placing crystals on the window sill on a clear moonlit night is good for recharging them, the moon has profound effects on the earth and those who use moonlight to enhance the power of their crystals swear by the positive effects it has on them.

Apart from the multifunctional clear quartz another crystal I often use is Aventurine, believed by many to be one of the best all purpose healing crystals Aventurine is translucent to opaque and contains minute inclusions of various minerals which can often give it a sparkle effect. Primarily used by therapists to heal the heart area, lungs and adrenal system it is also known to be beneficial for numerous disorders including migraines, blood pressure, hypertension and fever to name a few. Green Aventurine is used to cleanse and purify the organs of the body, it is a very powerful healing stone and if I am ever asked to recommend to a first time buyer of crystals on which stones to purchase, clear quartz and Aventurine are the two that would cover almost everything that could be wrong with not only their body but with their life as a whole.

On a deeper level Aventurine calms and sooths the emotions, aids mental clarity and thought processes and relaxes the entire emotional body, it is said to be the crystal of leaders as it inspires and motivates always have an Aventurine nearby when anxious or when making important decisions. Used for the 4th chakra which is the heart it’s benefits reverberate throughout the entire body on many levels as well as connecting the user with their spirituality Aventurine and in particular green Aventurine is one of my favourite and most used crystals.

Take time to get to know your crystals handle them and feel a connection, I recommend sitting with each new crystal and meditating for a few minutes, think of the earth and feel the energy surrounding you, in your own words dedicate the crystal for whatever purpose you intend to use it for, for example to bring harmony or for healing and always think positive thoughts remember crystals absorb energy make sure when you hold them they are absorbing love.

The availability of crystals is widespread and small tumble stones can be purchased in gift shops everywhere for less than a pound, using them is simple and the results can be astounding. I believe the past has a place not only in our present but in our future too, combining modern medicine with past knowledge will bring about the realization that the body can never be truly healthy until we have inner harmony, we can never be completely fulfilled until mind body and spirit work in union, and we will never have peace on this planet until each man becomes aware of his own spirituality.

© Joanne Taylor