Crystal gazing is extremely rich in its historical context; though we do not know the exact date or place where this practice originated, it is reasonable to say that crystal gazing in some form has been with mankind since antiquity.

Early practitioners were largely medicine men and seers for their communities; Nostradamus, a highly educated healer, physician, astrologer, philosopher, and psychic, was a “secret scryer,” as were many early prophets. Crystals and their many uses were among many of the first forms of divination and healing – man first realized they were able to discern, manipulate, and heal from many reflective surfaces, such as a pool of water, a stone, a slate of glass, and even fire and smoke.

However, the history of crystals is not confined to southern Europe and the Middle East; cultures all over the world have used the properties of crystals as a means of divining the past, present, or future, and for healing. Depending on the culture and practice, crystal gazers of yesterday and today will usually see visions, use the crystals to clear the “etheric energy” around the body, and apply crystals to certain “power points” on the body in order to heal a specific ailment.

Crystal balls, composed of the same elements of “raw” crystals cut from rock and various gems, became popular in 18^th and 19^th century Europe, with the rise of Spiritualism. Many practitioners still use crystal balls to perform healing and divination; it varies largely with each person and his or her individual choice, but in broad terms, the rather roughly cut, yet elegantly mysterious mirage that one can see inside a crystal cut from a natural rock or gemstone is the most popular because, unlike a crystal ball, there is nothing “static” or “fixed” about a crystal – which can come in every size, shape, color, and with any accessory imaginable.

Those new to the practice of crystal healing and its many other properties are best advised to choose the crystals that “call out” to them; it is often said that the shaman, or psychic, in everyone reaches for that which just “feels right” to them. When entering a metaphysical shop or even while perusing pages of a catalog or on the Internet, though you may have certain ideas or preferences regarding the colors, shapes, and even the sizes of the crystals you’d like to use, you may be surprised at what you end up taking home! The unconscious mind is always at work, ruminating just beneath the surface, to lead you exactly to the source – in this case, the crystals – that you need. Just like people, snowflakes, and teardrops, crystals are all unique – and each is meant for only one person. Keep your body and mind in an open, receptive state when looking for your special crystals – they will become your very own “charms” – especially once you have taken them home and truly made them yours.

Now that you have your crystals, cleanse them to de-program and clear them of any unwanted influence. An easy way to do this is to wash them under running water.

Next create an alter for want of a better description, in an area that will not be in the way of day to day activities. An easy means to do this is to use a small round display table or a card table and cover it with an appealing cloth. You can also use a section of the floor if a table or similar is not available.

On top of this area, set a circle with your crystals. The diameter is largely determined by the space available, but about 15” or 35cms is OK. Place the 12 points evenly around the circumference with the points facing inwards.

For manifesting, it is now time to write out a description of the desired item or outcome on a piece of paper and place it in the centre, or a photograph may be employed. Now take the generator between your hands in prayer position and activate it for your purpose. This is done by stating words similar to these; “I ask that I be granted my desire for (and here state your written request or as represented by your photograph) and that it is manifested by (here state your date for achievement). My request is accompanied by my desire for the highest good for all and the understanding that this or better will be delivered. Amen.”

Now place it over your request and wait for the outcome. Of course keep this area clean and remember to dismantle when your desire is manifest.

For healing the process is the same, just the details are different.

Ron Windred

One that I find most exhilarating is a Hematite and Clear Quartz bath. Fill your bath with water at your desired temperature and add 6 to 10 Hematite tumbles and 3 to 6 Clear Quartz tumbles. Hop in and lay back and relax, making sure of course that you aren’t laying on top of one or more of the crystals. This can be a bit uncomfortable. I find this bath especially invigorating after a hard day of physical labor or to re-energize when I am feeling down. Often the energy playing in the bath feels like thousands of little air bubbles coming through the water: A most delightful sensation.

There are many other combinations to try. Why not experiment and come up with your own! Of course, make sure that you only use hard crystals that won’t be affected by immersion in water.  When you have finished be sure to rinse your crystals off and dry them thoroughly.

Ron Windred

The use of crystals and stones to see into the future and to determine the answers to questions has a long history within many cultures. Many methods of divination have been used over the centuries to discover answers to questions about life and the future, for example, Pendulum Divination, Rune Divination, Oracle Card Divination and Rune Divination.

Following are some ways you can use crystals or gemstones for divination.

Try this quick divination method where a yes or no answer to your question will suffice.

1. Put 13 stones in a bag – hold and gently shake the bag while thinking of the question.
2. When you are ready close your eyes open the bag and quickly pull out some stones.
3. Open your eyes. If you have an odd number of stones in your hand the answer is ‘no’. If you have an even number of stones in your hand the answer is ‘yes’.

Another quick method is to place the stones below into a bag. Concentrate on your question – and then pick out a stone at random; then look at the meaning associated with it to find your answer. Should two or three crystals fall into your hand, read all the meanings together to get your answer.

A Three stone reading for a question that needs more than a yes or no answer.

Take one of each of the stones below, cleanse them and place them in a bag (preferably linen or felt). With all stones in the bag, shuffle them around a bit, close your eyes, and think of the question you want answered and take out three stones, one at a time.

1. Take out the first stone and place it in front of you.
2. Take out the second stone and place it to the right of the first stone.
3. Take out the third stone and place it to the right of the second stone.
4. The first stone is your recent past, the second stone is the present, and the third stone is the near future.
5. Think about the three stones together.

It is often a good idea to keep a written record of the questions, chosen stones, and the interpretation and answers, and review this in a few weeks.

Gemstone meanings applied in divination.

Amethyst is connected with magic, mysticism, spiritual &/or past lives.

Apache Tear is connected with transformation, such as releasing negative energy.

Blue Lace Agate is connected with peace, understanding &/or patience.

Carnelian is connected with personal power and growth.

Citrine is connected with travel, communication &/or success.

Clear Quartz crystal connected with your health. Crystal is related to your Guardian Angels.

Garnet is connected with anger, confrontations, change, passion &/or sexual energy.

Green Aventurine is connected with money, prosperity, growth, personal goals &/or career.

Hematite is connected with wisdom, knowledge &/or simplicity.

Moonstone is connected with innocence &/or clear thinking.

Rose quartz is connected with love, friendship, relationships, joy &/or family.

Smoky Quartz is connected with stability, personal responsibility &/or inner resources.

Sodalite is connected with protection, sleep, healing, fidelity, dreaming &/or intuition.

Ron Windred

Stress seems to be a fact of life for many of us in today’s busy society. Modern technology, societal expectations and      modern work-life along with financial and family concerns all take their toll on our physical and emotional selves. A little too much so, some would say!

Crystals can provide a gentle, natural and effective way to deal with these stresses and cope better in our daily lives.

While it is true that there are many crystals that will do the job, I thought we could look at what may be considered the top six.

All round stress relief; Amethyst

Physical stress relief; Clear Quartz

Financial stress; Citrine

Emotional stress; Lepidolite

Nervous stress; Muscovite

Relationship stress; Rose Quartz

Amethyst

Amethyst has a great calming and comforting influence. It is very protective and inspirational, radiates divine love and promotes emotional centering. Amethyst will also help you think and act at your highest level. An Amethyst cluster in the home or at your workplace is ideal to transmute negative energy, or carry a tumble stone in your pocket. Wear an Amethyst pendant to prevent migraine and to reduce tension headaches.

Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz is the most powerful all-round healing and energy amplifier on the planet. It strengthens your personal power helping to deflect depleting negative energies. Clear Quartz can be worn as a crystal pendant to help fortify your energy and it will also deflect radiation from your body. Clear Quartz is an excellent general physical system fortifier and protector. It also increases mental clarity. Try holding a clear crystal at your solar plexus and breathe evenly for a few minutes to calm your emotions, relax the body, clear the mind, and to refresh your energy. Clusters placed in your environment are also very beneficial as well as carrying a tumble stone in your pocket.

Citrine

Citrine is known as an Abundance and Wealth Stone and also as a Success Stone; it encourages a bright attitude as it attracts wealth and joy. Keep a piece in your wallet or cash tin to enrich your holdings. Citrine is joyous, warm and energizing. Raises self esteem, stimulates mental focus. It can help stabilize your emotions and soothe family problems. Absorbs, transmutes, dissipates and grounds negative energy.

Lepidolite

Lepidolite is a gentle, loving, soothing stone that calms the heart and mind. It eases the emotions and relieves anxiety, stress and worry and dissipates negativity. Balances the nervous system and wards off depression. Lepidolite is uplifting and balancing Inducing love, self-love and trust.

Muscovite

Muscovite can lessen insecurities and self-doubt and help you to look to the future with optimism. It can also increase self-confidence and reduce nervous stress and physical tension. It is, therefore, a good stone to have close by you when you are dealing with life changes. Muscovite heals any condition resulting from distress. It can help you to accept imperfections in yourself and others and to identify that what irritates you in another is often what you don’t like in yourself, frequently a cause of nervous tension.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz known as The Love Stone is very protective and soothing for many issues.  It balances, heals and rejuvenates the emotions, cools hot tempers, clears stored anger, guilt and jealousies. Rose Quartz encourages compassion and harmony and allows you to become more receptive and open to challenges. Place a piece at your Heart centre for 10 minutes or so to relax after a stressful day.

Ron Windred

Here are eight ways to cleanse your crystals:

1.    Breath

When you first buy your crystal, one of the simplest methods of instant cleansing is to hold your crystal in your hands and then with the intention of cleansing it, gently blow your breath on the crystal. As you are doing this, you are adding your life-force energy or prana onto the crystal and this will remove or negate all the energy left by other people; of course this will not remove physical dirt and dust.

2.    Water

Most crystal can be washed in running water. A word of caution, there are crystals that can dissolve in water, a few examples are Selenite, Kyanite and Azurite, or any of the soft crystals. For these you can use a damp cloth to wipe off the physical dirt. Some books will tell you that you need to use sea water or spring water, but sometimes this is not possible, so use the purest water you can, with little to no chemicals in it. It is also recommended that you regularly wash the physical dirt from all your crystals. Sometimes this is forgotten if you use the sunlight or moonlight option of cleansing.

3.    Sunlight

Place your crystals in the early morning sun to energize and cleanse your crystals. A word of caution, crystals such as amethyst and fluorite will fade if left in the sun too often for too long. It is also a good idea to cover your crystals with a piece of net so the birds will not take them.

4.    Moonlight

Place your crystal outside on a full moon to infuse them with moon energy. Moon energy is a soft feminine energy so this is a very gentle way of cleansing. It is also a good idea to cover them with a piece of net so the night animals will not take them.

5.    Earth Cleansing

Another popular method is to bury your crystal in the earth. Some say this is the only way. There are a few precautions with this method, remember where you bury them and don’t bury them too deep. Sometimes you will never find them again as Mother Earth will reclaim them. A good way is to bury them in a pot so you will be able to find them easily.  You will need to rinse them off when you dig them up as they will have dirt on them.

6.    Smudging

White sage has been used for cleansing by native cultures for many years and is a very effective method of cleaning many crystals at once. If you have a large collection it would take you all night to put them out in the moonlight. You can smudge them using a white sage smudge stick or white sage incense. Light your incense or smudge stick and waft the smoke over your crystals. Sandalwood incense is also a good cleanser. If you don’t like these fragrances, almost any incense will help to cleanse your crystals. You can also use resin on a charcoal block, frankincense, myrrh or a special crystal cleansing blend are good options. By using resin and charcoal blocks you can close the door to a room and do the whole room at once.

7.    Reiki

If you have been attuned to Reiki you can use Reiki energy for cleansing crystals. If you are a Reiki level 1, just hold the crystals in your hands and with intention send Reiki healing to your crystals. For level 2 practitioners, use your Reiki symbols over your crystals and then send Reiki to them.

8.    Other Crystals

Amethyst flat clusters are great for putting other crystal upon; just by leaving your crystals upon the amethyst for a few hours they will be energetically cleansed. Geodes and Clear Quartz clusters are also excellent to use.
It doesn’t matter which method you use the important thing to remember is to do something, and to both physically and energetically cleanse all your crystals regularly. Always cleanse them after a healing or after you have been using them on yourself.

Crystals

When looking at crystals, a lot of us see things of natural beauty and innate power. Then there are those among us who see nothing but a rock, it may look pretty but has no further value. They will then scoff at and deride the knowledge of those of us who believe in the power and magic of Crystals and use their physical and metaphysical properties to our advantage, These are the same people who blindly extol the virtues and benefits of our modern day technologies, with little to no thought of natures role in making these technologies possible.

Yet, many of the wonders of our daily lives that we take for granted owe their existence in some way to crystals and the mineralogical kingdom. Here are just a few examples:-

Keeping Time. In order to keep our lives on time and punctual we have come to depend very heavily on accurate time pieces. To do this most of our clocks and watches use Quartz movements. Until recently the world clock kept its time using a Quartz movement. Today it uses Atomic decay as the measuring device.

Our Computers. Imagine trying to operate in your modern lifestyle without one of these. Yet the main driving component of your computer is the silicon chip. Admittedly these are synthesized these days for uniformity and consistency, as Mother Nature doesn’t make identical duplicates. But the very first one used in the prototypes were natural pieces of silicon dioxide; Quartz.

Lasers. At the core of our modern day miracle tools are Crystals, the two most commonly used are Ruby and Emerald. The medical fraternity has come to depend on these devises; which are used predominately in eye and cosmetic surgery.

Imagine the modern day builder without his laser level, or the speaker without his laser pointer.

Precision Bearings. Very fine tolerance technical tools depend on the crystal world to provide extremely durable bearings. At the cheaper end of the scale are Quartz and Garnet through to the more expensive Ruby, Emerald, and Diamond.

There are a great many other examples that can be used to demonstrate the use of crystals in our technologies and industry, but the short list above will be satisfactory for this article.

Let’s look at some other uses; Mica is crushed up finely and provides the shine in the best brands of lipstick. Lapis Lazuli is still used (ground up of course) in some exclusive brands of eye shadow. It provides that deep blue/purple colour, very popular in Egyptian times.

And of course a variety of stones are crushed and included in many of today’s orthodox ointments, tinctures and creams.

So why should it be surprising to these people when we talk of the Healing and magical properties of these same crystals, as we use them in our day to day life. If we go back to Biblical times, the Breast Plate of the High Priest was adorned with crystals selected for their peculiar energies and properties.

The Crown and Scepter of Royalty are decorated with crystals chosen, not for their beauty (as beautiful as they are), but for the energy and power they would afford.

A very interesting carry over from times past is in our use of jewellery. For example, Diamonds (known as a girl’s best friend) are the most popular stone for engagement rings. These were originally used because of their power or property to join or bind one to the other. Gold bands were chosen as wedding rings as Gold carries the energy of and is a symbol for fidelity.

With just these few examples you can see that Crystals play a vital role in our daily lives, with more going on behind the scenes with crystals and gemstones than may first be realized. So if we can utilize them so well in our technologies, why shouldn’t we be able to use them to enhance our spiritual and healing powers?

Of course, a lot of us already realize that these are powerful allies, to augment our spiritual lives and to assist in our healing.

Ron Windred