Lessons in Metaphysics

CRYSTALS

Part 1 - The Basics

For reasons as varied as the types of crystals themselves, humankind has had a long-standing fascination with these beautiful products of Nature's forces. We have been drawn by their beauty, their mathematical and scientific properties, their connection to our planet and the universe, and by how they affect energy. There are basically two types - natural and man-made. It is the healing properties of natural crystals that concerns us here.

Crystals can transmit and change energy quite dramatically and have been used throughout human history for healing. Based on the type of crystal, its physical proximity and how it is handled, it can have very mild or very profound effects on the user and those around them. Most people on wearing a crystal for the first time remark that they start to feel unwell. This is due to the crystal working on the spiritual body or the auric field; if a person's aura or spiritual energy is out of balance (and has been for a while) a crystal can affect their physical health while balance is being restored. This can take the form of feeling very tired, having headaches, or just feeling very sick or nauseous; a pre-existing condition can often get worse. But this is all temporary.

The crystal begins to clear all of the negative energy (thoughts, emotions, etc) that has accumulated in a person's aura. It also works on the chakras, restoring balance and supplying 'fresh' energy. Within a few weeks of wearing a crystal, people generally comment that they feel more positive, more energetic, and much improved in their physical health. The inner cleansing of the body and mind that the crystal provides can be quite dramatic in the beginning. If you are thinking of buying a crystal to wear, be prepared for the crystal to begin cleansing your system, especially if you have been bottling things up for a while. Often people start crying while some people feel no difference at all; it all depends on the person and their state of mind.

But the effects are not confined to just the human body. A quartz crystal placed in the home can bring fresh energy into a room and a more positive outlook to everyone in that room. One word of caution: I never advocate putting a clear quartz crystal where there are hyperactive children or in the bedroom when you are sleeping - it can generate an unwanted amount of very active energy!

Much has been said about programming and cleansing crystals, but I believe that if you ask a crystal to help you, that in itself is enough. I also believe that it is unnecessary to cleanse a crystal other than by running it under a tap. Clean water, as far as I am concerned, is the finest cleanser, and just running a crystal under the tap will cleanse it.

Part II  - 'Types and How to Choose'  - coming soon!