Crystals, once seen primarily in metaphysical shops or among stereotypical fortune tellers, are seeping into mainstream American culture. Crystals can now be found in various types of jewelry, room decorations and even as the stones themselves in stores like Walmart and TJ Maxx. What are their meanings and what do people use them for?
What are Crystals?
The word “crystal” comes from the Greek “krystallos,” meaning clear ice. The International Gem Society (IGS) defines a crystal as “a solid whose atoms are arranged in a ‘highly ordered’ repeating pattern.” Crystals form naturally through a variety of different processes such as when liquids cool and solidify slowly as well as through metamorphic processes like when heat and pressure inside the Earth causes existing minerals to recrystallize into new crystals. The U.S. Geological Survey also cites the cooling of magma or lava and the evaporation of water as additional processes that form crystals.
The History of Crystals
Crystals have been used throughout history for various reasons. In ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia, crystals such as lapis lazuli, emerald, turquoise, carnelian and clear quartz were often used in jewelry and amulets. Crystals were included in burial rituals and were thought to provide protection in the afterlife.
In ancient Greece and Rome, amethyst (which means “not intoxicated”) was thought to prevent drunkenness. Hematite (whose name comes from haima or “blood”) was used to protect soldiers on the battlefield.
In the Middle Ages, crystals took on medicinal, spiritual and astrological purposes. Many crystals were used for medical protection and prevention such as emerald for eye disease, sapphire to protect from poison and agate to prevent fevers. Gems such as emeralds and sapphires made an appearance in Christianity as symbols of heavenly virtue. During this time, crystals also became associated with astrological signs and planets.
Crystals have also been a big part of indigenous history. In Native American culture, obsidian, quartz and turquoise are prominent in rituals and spiritual practices. In Mayan and Aztec tribes, obsidian was used for scrying and divination while jade was used as a fertility symbol.
Crystal healing as we know it today evolved during the New Age time of the 1960’s and 1970’s and is often used as a method to tap into our intuition, enhance wellness and connect to our spiritual selves. Crystals help us focus our intentions and create a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe around us.
How Do I Pick a Crystal?
Caitlyn Adams, local Yoga & Meditation Instructor and founder of Heart Mind Healing recommends using your intuition to help guide you when selecting a crystal. “There are two elements to choosing a crystal: figuring out the type of crystal you want, and then choosing the exact piece. The key to both is to listen to your intuition! I recommend going to a crystal shop in person. Look at the stones, and see which ones are calling to you. Once you feel drawn to a stone, THEN read about its meaning. You can use this same technique for shopping online, it might just take more time to “connect” with the pictures of crystals. Take your time selecting the individual piece, maybe hold the stone in one hand with your other hand hovering over, noticing if you feel warmth or buzzing, or simply KNOW that this is the right piece for you. Everyone experiences this connection differently, so it’s a great exercise in listening to your intuition.”
How to “Work With” Crystals
Crystals can be used for many different reasons, including protection, energy, calm or grounding, to name a few. There are many ways to benefit from a crystal, depending on its intended purpose.
Before working with your crystals, some people recommend “cleansing” or “recharging” them first. There are many ways to cleanse or recharge crystals: water, salt, smudging, charging by the light of the sun or moon, sound cleansing or meditation. The best way to recharge depends on the type of crystal – some methods are not recommended for certain crystals because they will break down the composition of the crystal. Research specifics for your stone.
Once your crystal is cleansed, Adams says “you may want to put calming crystals under your pillow or on your nightstand. Crystals for focus might do well on your desk, perhaps you hold them while responding to emails or during Zoom calls. Many folks like to bring their crystals with them, tucked safely into a pocket, purse or even inside a bra!”
Crystals can also be used during meditation by being held in the hand, placed on the body or even nearby. Adams explains that “during meditation, you can hold a crystal in your hand, use it as a point of focus, place it on your body or put multiple crystals together to make a grid. By practicing meditation with your crystals, you can leave them in a safe space (like a shelf or your dresser) while still bringing the energy with you throughout your day.” Selecting a crystal with your desired intention can help you make the most of your meditation. The crystal can be helpful to bring attention back to the present moment if you feel your mind wandering.
Adams explains the only way to get it wrong when working with crystals is to ignore your intuition. She says, “there is a lot to learn about crystals, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I recommend starting small. Pick a couple crystals you are drawn to; learn about their meanings; meditate with them; see how you like working with them. Then when you are drawn to an additional crystal, you can add it to your ‘toolkit.’ No one knows everything about all crystals. Your intuition will guide you to the stones you are meant to work with.”
What Does the Science Say?
While science has not provided concrete evidence of the healing power of crystals, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any benefits. According to the Times of India, “crystals act as a power hold for healing, as they allow positive, fruitful energy to flow into the body and do away with the negative, toxic energy. Like other forms of alternative therapy, crystals work by channelizing your energy levels, thereby, focus on healing your body from the inside. Crystals also carry the power to induce a placebo effect in the body, which is scientifically proven to help medical treatment.” Whether crystals themselves physically benefit us or we just think they do, there is healing in the belief of their power.
If you’ve been curious about crystals but always thought they were a little too “woo woo,” this is your sign to explore. Open your mind, find some crystals you are drawn to, research their meaning, then play around with how you want to incorporate them. Follow your intuition and practice listening to what you feel — this has benefits far beyond crystals.
