Bringing crystal light into your life
Crystals have been used by humanity for healing and a variety of symbolic purposes for thousands of years. Recognizing the energetic properties of crystals, ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese incorporated them into rituals, ceremonies and medical treatments. Ancient Egyptians, for instance, used them in amulets, jewellery, and as part of the embalming process, a deeply significant part of Egyptian life. Chinese medicine integrated crystals like jade into acupuncture practices, emphasizing their ability to balance and harmonize the body’s energy.
The most ancient writings that mention crystals include those of the Roman historian Pliny the Elder, who described different precious stones, their origins and physical qualities. Medieval alchemists explored the mystical properties of crystals, focusing on their transformative powers and the transmutation of base metals into gold.
In Western Christianity, crystals were often mentioned in writings and used to decorate important religious objects. Crystals were used to manifest transcendence and the light of the heavens, symbolizing purity, faith and perfection, and describing the purity of the Virgin Mary.
With the advent of the New Age movement in the 20th century, and the drive to embrace holistic, alternative therapies alongside conventional medicine, crystal healing has experienced a resurgence. People have been seeking alternative approaches to healing and well-being, beyond the pill bottle.
Crystal healing is a holistic, alternative therapy that uses crystals to promote healing and wellbeing. Holistic therapies treat an individual as a complete entity, where the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of someone’s life are all interconnected. There are several different types of crystals, believed to have healing abilities for the mind, body, and soul.
Crystals in various forms, such as tumble stones, rough stones, pendulums, and jewellery, are used to promote the flow of good energy and to help rid the body and mind of negative energy for physical and emotional benefits. For instance, certain crystals are believed to benefit your sleep, whilst others help you to manifest your desires, to enhance confidence, and boost motivation.
Crystals are used alongside other holistic remedies, such as by adding an additional healing element to reiki, aromatherapy, and massage. They are used to facilitate relaxation and may provide other benefits to people experiencing anxiety and depression. Beneficial properties are also used by those managing symptoms related to a chronic condition.
“Crystals are made up of different elements or compounds, which our bodies react to in different ways. Crystals are minerals that hold energy, and as we as humans are made up of energy, we can exchange energy with the crystal when we work with it.” (Sonali Saujani, a crystal master healer.)
How to select your crystal
The first thing to do is to identify what you feel you’re missing, what help you feel you need. Once you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for, you can investigate what the stones can provide for you. This will help you determine what’s happening within yourself before depending on outside sources.
Do you need an array of crystals that will work together, or one stone that encompasses all your key requirements? Do you want a few crystals as a beginner’s set that cover the primary goals such as an overall healing stone and a motivational boost? Often, people feel drawn towards a particular colour, which ties in with chakra points, or towards a particular crystal that seems to stand out from the crowd.
How to use your crystals
Now that you have a crystal, or two, or 20 (we don’t judge) – how do you make use of them? This is mostly a matter of personal preference. Like any spiritual or energetic practice, crystals are best used in a way that feels supportive and healing for you. But to get you started, let’s look at some ways that you can use your crystals.
- Hold them when you need a little bit of support or reassurance
- Use them as part of your meditation and/or yoga practice
- Pop one in your bra for all-day support (just remember to take it out before throwing it in the wash!)
- Keep it in your wallet or purse – a good option for abundance crystals!
- Take a bath with them – you can put them in the water (check whether your crystal of choice is waterproof first), or simply put them on the edge of the bath along with a candle or two
- Decorate your space with them – have a couple on your desk, a pile in a favourite dish with your rings, or even use a large crystal or tower as a centrepiece on the mantel!
- Pop a calming crystal or two into the bottom side of your pillowcase
- Use them as an energy cleanser – this might be your own energy, or the energy of tools such as your oracle cards. They are a great alternative if you can’t light up a smudge stick all the time!
- Nestle them up with your plants – just make sure that you don’t accidentally water them if they aren’t water-safe crystals!
How to care for your crystals
When you first introduce your crystal into your home, crystal therapists advise you t to cleanse away any negativity that they may have accumulated. Depending on the kind of stone, you can:
- Hold it under cold, running water;
- Immerse it in sea salt;
- Place it in sunlight or moonlight;
- Smudge your crystal with sage, palo santo, or other herbs;
- Cleanse and recharge it with Selenite sticks or a Selenite bowl;
- Recharge your crystals with a tingsha.
It is important to treat crystals appropriately, as some may absorb or dissolve in water, especially acidic solutions. Always research the best way to care for each stone.
