Crystals
Often described as the flowers of the mineral kingdom, crystals have fascinated humans from the earliest times. Crystals have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and temples. References to the magickal powers of crystals are found throughout Greek mythology. Crystals were mined and used extensively throughout the Middle Ages where they were often considered to possess magickal powers and healing energies. Native Americans used at least 80 different stones before European settlement. Many of the stones were used in healing and spiritual ceremonies or carried as talismans. The book of 'Exodus' in the Bible tells of the breastplate of the high priest as being embedded with 12 stones , each with special properties to provide the priest with wisdom and knowledge. A crystal is a mineral or combination of minerals that has formed as a regular, geometric shape. Some crystals are formed when lava from the earth's core pushes its way through the rock, cooling slowly. Some are the result of the fusion of minerals on the surface of the earth, while others are formed when a mineral is placed under enormous pressure and exposed to heat deep within the Earth's crust.
Choosing Your Crystals Often when you first see a range of crystals, one stone will catch your eye and continue to draw attention. This is most likely to be the stone that will benefit you mostly. At this point in time, trust your intuition and purchase the crystal. If you feel overwhelmed by choice, or you are just a little unsure of which crystal you saw first, try standing for a bit with your eyes closed and try to remember your reason for wanting to purchase a crystal. When you open your eyes you may find that one stone in particular is shining a little brighter than all the others, this is the one to choose. All crystals vibrate at their own frequency and some are sensitive enough to feel these vibrations. Sometimes a crystal may give off a steady pulse of energy, some will feel cold, some warm and others may just tingle in your hand. A crystal will feel right to you even though you may not be able to describe the sensations it creates.
Caring for your Crystals Crystals should always be treated with care as, although hard to the touch, they are often quite fragile and are prone to chipping and breaking. When moving or storing crystals they should be carefully wrapped or placed in a pouch made from a natural fibre. Too much exposure to direct sunlight will fade some cystals colour. Cleansing the stones of negative energy when you first acquire them will keep crystals energized and maintain their lustre.There are many ways to cleanse crystals, choose the method you feel most comfortable with. 1 - Place the crystals in a glass bowl, fill with cold water and place under the full moon overnight. (not recommended for Turquoise) 2 - Rinse the stones under running water, then place in a position th catch the sun's rays as it reaches its peak. Leave for an hour or so. 3 - Use a simple meditation to visualize all negative energy flowing from the crystal with each outward breath you make. After a few minutes, imagine the crystal full of brilliant clean, clear light. 4 - Sage has been traditionally used as a purifying herbe. Burn some loose sage in a small dish and move the crystal slowly through the smoke so that every side of the crystal is exposed to the smoke.
Colour in Crystals Red and Orange - are warming and stimulating. The colour of fire can be used when the body is sluggish or the need for warmth is needed.They are said to encourage fertility and connect us with our sexual energy. They can also inflame our emotions if anger and fear is present. They then should be balanced with a green stone. Yellow - reflect the energy of the sun and can lift anxieties and mild depression, much the same way as a sunny day does.They are warm and stimulating.(but not as hot as red crystals). Yellow stones should be balanced with violet or deep blue stones if you are suffering nervous exhaustion or vague anxieties. Pink - is the colour of love in all its forms. It is nuturing, calming, restful and comforting. Pink inspires creativity and self-acceptance, it encourages self-esteem and softens the grieving process. Pink stones can be balanced with those of a pale green colour. Violet - is the colour of spirituality and awareness, is is both energizing and calming. Violet stones are useful for those who suffer from anxiety, nervous exhaustion and the effects of stress.This colour is said to awaken the third eye, providing us with psychic sight, The intensity of violet stones may be softened by yellow stones. Black - crystals powerfully connect us with the earth. They steady us and help us maintain our center, stabilizing our emotions. Deflecting negativity and dispelling fear and confusion, black crystals are considered to be stones of protection. White - is the colour of spiritual strength, of purity and inspiration. It is the colour of inner peace and of the connection we have with the universe. Green - is the colour of new life, regeneration and healing. It is a cool, soothing colour that works with harmony. It can relieve nervous tension and assist wherever physical healing of tissue is needed. Green stones can be balanced with red crystals. Blue - is the colour of the heavens, it too is cooling and can help reduce high temperatures and draw heat from burns and infections. It can have a calming and balancing effect on the mind and emotions. Blue stones can be balanced with orange crystals. Many stones will contain both blue and green , thus the properties are a blend of the two.
Types of Crystals Single Terminated Crystals - These are also called generator crystals. All faces of this crystal meet in a point at one end in what is known as a terminated apex. The other end was once joined to the base of a crystal cluster and may have other smaller crystals attached to it. Energy flows from the crystal out through the apex. Double Terminated Crystals - These crystals have a terminated apex at each end of the crystal. This shows they were formed in an environment such as soft clay, where they were able to fully develop their natural shape. Double terminated crystals are considered powerful because their shape allows them to release energy from both ends. Clusters - A large number of crystals will often form together, joined to a single base. Once removed from their environment, these crystals may break into smaller clusters or individual stones. Phantom Crystals - These crystals can display stunning gardens of mineral traces within a quartz crystal of there may be a smaller, ghostly image of the crystal at its center. A wide variety of colours may be displayed, depending on the mineral content. Masses - Some crystals do not form individual, terminated crystals but form in veins and are found in chunks and masses. Other stones that are called crystals may not, in the strict, geological sense of the word, be crystals. Amber for example is the fossilized sap of trees.