Crystals and Crystal Healing

Bringing a Metaphysical Subject Down to Earth

By Vicki Hadlock

More than five billion years ago, a star exploded in a fiery supernova. Over millions of years, the swirling, colliding cosmic debris produced larger and larger spatial bodies. Our solar system took shape, and as the red-hot molten rock cooled, water vapor condensed in the earth's atmosphere. Clouds formed. A deluge of rain created the primordial oceans; and crystals formed.

Crystals are highly structured units of energy in constant motion:

• they gestate deep within the earth and, metaphorically speaking, assist in uncovering individual buried reserves of power and strength
• they are structured according to precise mathematical rules and adhere to clearly defined geometric patterns
• they are forced to transmute under intense pressure, and are made exquisite by extremes of time and temperature

Every crystal is unique, with properties and characteristics as varied as their individual strengths. The study of crystals would consume years but a surprising number of benefits can be attributed to all crystals.

Each and every crystal can be programmed to receive, store, release, reflect, refract, magnify, transform, balance and harmonize, organize, amplify, focus and redirect energy. Thus, the understanding of their endless applications historically documented in virtually all cultures.

Ancient Egypt's Pharaohs were entombed with vast quantities of precious jewels, gemstones, and ornate golden statues to assure their enjoyment in the afterlife. These gold encrusted metals were ornamented with:

• carnelian - believed to ensure the soul's passage into the netherworld
• lapis lazuli - the ancient alchemist's stone of heaven; used by the royal morticians in cosmetizing and painting
• turquoise - believed to ward off the "evil eye"
• quartz - the mainstay of the crystal world, and the most versatile, multipurpose stone
• amber - believed to aid in discovering ancient wisdom and knowledge
• emeralds - favored by the Pharaohs for their breathtaking green color; symbolized life, growth, fertility, and creativity
• ruby - considered one of the most valuable gemstones of our earth; symbolizes power, passion, and desire
• sapphire - the stone of prosperity and the sister of the ruby
• topaz - once thought to be tinted with the golden glow of the Egyptian sun god Ra; believed to increase physical strength

Chinese jade, long believed to be a symbol of wealth and honor, has been treasured since 2950 B.C. The ancient Chinese used jade extensively in treating chronic disease, restoring energy balance, and strengthening spiritual healing power. Jade is incorporated in feng shui to help one improve life by receiving positive qi (energy).

The mysterious, enigmatic crystal skulls of Mexico, Central and South America, represent some of the most fascinating archaeological finds of the 20th century. Within the last ten years or so, there have been recently discovered crystal skulls, either excavated or held by private collectors. The mysteries of the Mayan Crystal Skulls have endured for millennia; most interestingly, the prophesied, parallel demise of our world as we know it, and the great cycle of the Mayan calendar on December 21st, 2012.

Individuals familiar with natural healing practices are all pretty well accepting of the universal laws of mind/body/spirit interface philosophies fundamental to Indian Ayurvedic and Native American systems.

Crystal healing teaches the basic principles and characteristics of the human energy field:

• barite - a sky-blue stone, is favored by many Native Americans, who use it to transform from physical to spiritual beings in their ceremonial practices; is also said to inspire lucid dreams and dream recall
• emeralds - the ancient Incas and Aztecs in South America believed emeralds were holy; the Vedas, the ancient sacred writings of Hinduism, teach that emeralds are lucky stones that enhance well-being
• nebula stone - black with nebula-like markings for access to cosmic wisdom and understanding
• pink manganocalcite - is sometimes called the Reiki stone; healers use it to magnify their healing energies
• serpentine - believed to guard against the bites and stings of venomous creatures; on a metaphysical level, it is thought to help with the rise of kundalini, or "serpent fire" energy through the chakras
• Shiva lingam stones - any Indiana Jones enthusiast is familiar with Indy's quest for the 3 sacred stones symbolizing the Hindu god, Lord Shiva; the markings symbolize yoni or female energy, for the perfect balance of masculine and feminine fertility
• sugilite - used by healers to dispel pain and instill peace of mind
• sunstone - used to dispel negativity and fear; radiate health, happiness, and good fortune

Practitioners of crystal healing develop and experience personal energy sensitivity and healing abilities. By "listening" and being " in tune" with their crystals, they can redirect unhealthy, negative energy patterns; rejuvenate, balance and align their energetic bodies.

Civilized societies depend on quartz as the key component in advanced technologies. The discovery of solid-state silicon radar crystals and transistors turned the tide for the Allies in WW II, and generated new concepts for electronics in oceanographic and atmospheric research. You will never again look at your computer, digital camera, cell phone, crystal watch, cd or dvd player; or even an xray machine; without thinking about the quartz powering these.

Crystals, in and of themselves, do not heal. Instead, they can be used as a focal point for inspiration and enlightenment; they can prompt practitioners to think and live in healthier ways; and they can be used as conduits for healing energy. This knowledge will awaken intuitions to guide you through the science and the superstition.

Good Health!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vicki_Hadlock

Healing Energy In Crystals?

By David Riffey

A high school friend asked me a question regarding rocks and crystals. She had recently heard about the "metaphysical" properties that are claimed for different stones and crystals. I have been researching new age and metaphysical philosophy for years. Her question prompted me to put my thoughts and experiences together into words.

When I was in high school, I had a interest in gems. I had lapidary equipment for grinding and polishing cabochons. A cabochon is the dome shaped stones that are typically made out of semi-precious gemstones. Rubies and Star Sapphires are classic examples. My parents and I were taking classes at the Tomlison Adult Education Center in St Pete. I even started learning faceting. I had a really nice yellow citrine I started working on. Then we had the car accident up on Highway 19 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. My mom was badly injured and was recovering for months. We stopped going to the classes and somehow lost interest. And I found that I did not have the kind of patience needed to sit in one place for long and do that kind of work. (At least back then.) When the "gas crunch" happened a few years later the cost of lapidary equipment went up exponentially.

So, yes I have had a long interest in rock and gems. I read things about the supposed properties of various stones. I had not noticed anything about them personally that would convince me that any of it was true. I was interested but skeptical.

I had an experience that has changed my mind a little.

Some years later I began exploring the area of self-development. I was aware of the concept of "subtle energy" from yoga and martial arts. Yoga calls it prana. Karate calls it Chi or Ki. I was reading Yoga Magazine and read an article on a device called a "biocircuit". A biocircuit is a set of copper screens with wires linked to copper handles. The screens are placed underneath the tail bone and the head. The handles are held in the hands. During a state of relaxation the user will go into a deep trance.

The life force energy in the body travels through the circuits and creates a state of restorative balance.

The thing about subtle energy is that it is subtle. Usually it is never noticed unless in a state of aware relaxation. Muscle tension and chaotic mental self talk will block the sensation.

About 30 minutes later, the session ends spontaneously. It is like a power nap that balances the energy in the body. Many times about 15-20mins into the session, there is a tingling sensation in the hands. The energy flowing through the hands can be felt. I have used biocircuits for years and found that they healed many things for me both physically and emotionally. This was my introduction to the personal knowledge of life force energy. About a month after getting my first set of biocircuits, I went into the back shed and found my old rock collection. I had some quartz crystals. I set up the biocircuit with a couple 2" crystals stuck into the handles of the circuits. That time there was a very pleasant tingling sensation in the crown of my head. I went into the session will neutral expectations regarding what would happen. So I doubt there was much of a placebo effect in this experience. And since then I have tried to duplicate the experience with little effect.

Bottom line - do stones have healing qualities. Yes, in limited ways. I think they can supplement what a person does in meditation and energy healing. The most important factor is your own mind and connection to healing energy. The body and mind are a self healing system. They are designed to take care of themselves if given the support they need.

These days I think of myself as an open minded skeptic. Many things are possible. There are a lot of people in the "new age" area that are claim many things. Some of those people are just trying to make money. Some are "whack jobs" . Many are sincere but deluded. And there are some people who have a real gift of insight. So the challenge is to sort through and figure out what is true, what is just someone's imagination, and what is a money making con.

David Riffey is a Freelance Copywriter in St Petersburg Florida.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Riffey