Understanding Crystals Written on behalf of Luna Holistics
In this guide you will learn more about crystals, how to choose the correct stones for you. What your birthstone is and its meaning, the oldest crystal found, uses of crystals and properties. Crystals have been used for healing since ancient times by many different cultures. It is a holistic therapy, which means that the focus is on the individual as a whole, rather than on physical symptoms alone. The aim of using crystals as a therapy is to restore wholeness, balance and health on levels of emotions, mind and spirit as well as the physical body. When a body is unwell or diseased it is usually because the natural balance or rhythm has been lost. Using crystals with their perfect atomic structure offers patterns for the body to follow to help self-healing. The very nature of crystals increases the levels of harmony in the immediate environment. Each stone has a colour vibration and function, it has to be in tune with your own vibrations in order to be of service to you. Therefore, different stones are in harmony with different people. A stone is able to reject you just as readily as you are able to reject it. A stone will only stay with you as long as its energy is needed, after which time it will remove itself. Many people report how they mysteriously lose a crystal or gemstone or piece of jewellery. Often, a gemstone is taken back to the sea or returns to the earth. Sometimes you will be unable to find the stone you wish to use and then it will turn up at a later date. This is because you are now in tune with its energy and are receptive to its healing power. Choosing Crystals and Stones When you do choose a stone, feel intuitively whether you are drawn to it. Often you may walk away or even leave the shop and yet feel compelled to return later to acquire the stone. You may also choose to place the stone in your palm. You may find that you feel sensations such as tingling, coldness or heat. Feel the vibrations coming from different crystals and be sensitive to which one links with your own vibrations most strongly.
BIRTHSTONES The first step in gem healing is to make use of your birthstones. Become aware of their powers. Hold them, wear them and keep them near you. You will get to recognise their energies and connect with their spiritual consciousness. If you are treating a patient, you can also recommend they obtain three stones related to their star sign. One stone should be a precious gem. This stone should be clear and bright, bringing with it high vibrations and qualities of inspiration, purity and clarity together with the highest love. The second stone should be a touchstone, one that brings harmony, peace and healing. The third stone is a talisman, a stone of protection. Now let us look at the signs of the Zodiac, the planetary forces that govern this age, some of the stones associated with those born under each sign of the Zodiac and which are of particular benefit: Zodiac Sign Planet Element Birthstones Capricorn Saturn Earth Black onyx, Garnet, Ruby Aquarius Uranus Air Moss agate, Amethyst, Charolite Pisces Neptune Water Amethyst, Aquamarine, Sapphire Aries Mars Fire Bloodstone, Citrine, Diamond Taurus Venus Earth Rose quartz, Turquoise, Emerald Gemini Mercury Air Blue Lace Agate, Chyrsoprase, Pearl Cancer Moon Water Moonstone, Labradodite, Peridot Leo Sun Fire Tigers Eye, Imperial Topaz, Diamond Virgo Mercury Earth Carnelian, Jade, Zircon Libra Venus Air Lapis Lazuli, Tourmaline, Opal Scorpio Pluto Water Obsidian, Beryl, Topaz Sagittarius Jupiter Fire Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli, Sugilite
The idea that every stone has special magical healing properties for crystal healing can be traced back through the European literature of the early Middle Ages right back to their sources in Greek Roman and Arabic philosophy, which in turn owe much to the Ayurvedic traditions of India. For many centuries, because the origin of disease was unknown, healing and in particular crystal healing as part of a healer s toolkit was linked with magic and superstition. Crystals have always been considered special, extraordinary, and even supernatural. The people who carried, wore or used crystals believed that the crystals would imbue them with some of the power belonging to these spiritual realms, which of course is viewed as a form of ethereal healing. In Egypt the Pharaoh and his priesthood, who prized turquoise as a symbol of fertility, life and joy, practiced ethereal healing. The oldest crystal that has been discovered, so far, has been dated to 4.4 billion years old. The age of this crystal has challenged all thought about how old the planet earth really was when it s cooling formed the Earth s crust and life began. This crystal was mined in northwestern Australia and is one of several tiny silicon specimens extracted from these mines. How a crystal or gem is cut can bring out its true nature. The lustrous cat s eye formation you find in gems such as yellow chrysoberyl or green alexandrite needs to be expertly cut into a dome shaped cabochon to display its effect to full advantage. The same applies to gems that have a six or twelve-rayed start, such as ruby, sapphire or flash opal with its constantly flickering rainbow of colour. Jewellery has been one of the most popular ways of showing off gems and crystals, and benefit from their magical empowering and healing properties directly through contact with the body, namely the skin. Traditionally, earrings have been thought to protect the mind from psychological harm; necklaces and pendants have been thought to protect the heart from emotional manipulation and attract love; bracelets or armbands reach out to attract abundance and opportunities to us. Belt buckles protect and empower the solar plexus and sacral energy centres of the body that control will-power, self confidence, needs and desires. A ring on any finger of the hand denotes lasting love, friendship and health continuing in an eternal cycle. The use of jewellery, amulets and talismans will be covered in more detail in part two of this course. Anniversary and birthstones are ways of using polished and faceted crystals and gems as tokens of profound devotion and affection or, if bought for yourself a symbol of self-worth, and invariably attracting luck.
Tumblestones are a relatively inexpensive way to collect a variety of stones and they can be used as worry stones, put on show around the home or cast in divination. Geodes of yellow citrine or purple amethyst with lots of tiny, sparkling crystals crammed inside are natural decoration, as are large pieces of dendritic limestone, which are viewed by some as the abstract paintings of nature. Different stones, such as soapstone and green verdite, are often used to make carvings of animals and statues. These act as power symbols of the qualities we want to attract, for example, the focus of a hunting eagle or the courage of a lion. LIST OF CRYSTALS AND PROPERTIES AGATE - Comes in many colours and many types. Works well on the colon, and is good for people suffering from I.B.S. Helps to increase energy. ANGELITE - A beautiful blue crystal, which is ideal when working with your Guides and Angels. This stone is ideal to use during meditation. AMBER - Not so much a crystal, but it is actually fossilized tree resin. Good for breathing problems such as asthma, bronchitis and chest infections. Also helps us to face up to emotional issues. AMETHYST - A wonderful crystal to help with our immune system, Tumours and cancers. Excellent for headaches, migraines and hangovers! Helps with meditation and psychic development. This crystal can be used to re-charge your other crystal by laying them on a rough bed of Amethyst. APACHE TEAR (Obsidian) - Works well for people coming to terms with the loss of a loved one or loss of job, home etc... APATITE - Comes in a selection of colours and is helpful with weight loss and eating issues. APOPHYLLITE - Known as the Reiki Stone, as it has a high vibration.
AQUA MARINE - Good stone for anyone suffering from nerves as this will help to bring inner peace and serenity. Good for water retention and to help cleanse the body. AVENTURINE (Green) -This green form of quartz, works well on heart conditions such as angina, heart murmurs and heart disease. It helps to bring balance with either high or low blood pressure. CALCITE - Comes in all the chakra colours Blue Calcite- good for pain and inflammations Orange Calcite - Good for acid reflux and indigestion. Optical Calcite - Helps with reasons to "see" behind actions and outlooks Pink Calcite - Wonderful for the heart chakra, good for shock and trauma CELESTITE - This is a beautiful pale blue crystal, which is surprisingly heavy for a stone that has such a high vibration. Wonderful for Angelic Realms connections and ideal for angel therapy CARNELIAN - Works well to detox the body, good for kidneys, liver and spleen. Good stone for teenage problems and issues. CITRINE - Good for digestive problems, tiredness and brings positive outlook and abundance. Place in your purse or wealth corner to bring luck in finances KAYNITE - A fantastic crystal to balance and align the chakras. Brings protection from physical and psychic attacks. Put in the home to protect from break-ins. protects the aura
LAPIS LAZULI - A wonderful spiritual stone for meditation. Works well on the thyroid area. MOULDAVITE - This is a rare and amazing life transforming crystal. Make sure you are ready and prepared if working with this stone. MOONSTONE - Good for P.M.T period pains and hormone problems and quite often referred to as the "ladies stone". Helps with hot flushes, morning sickness and mood swings. TIGERS EYE BROWN - Works on the digestion system and brings courage. TIGERS EYE RED - helps with intimate relationships and is also good for post abusive healing. TIGERS EYE BLUE (hawks eye) - Helps during "vision quests" TOPAZ BLUE - Detoxifies the whole body, this is a soothing stone and help to bring tranquillity. TOPAZ YELLOW - Brings optimism and positive energies into life. Attracts prosperity. TOURMALINE BLACK - Good for grounding and protection, dispels negative and electromagnetic smog. Place close to the door at home. Also grid the garden to protect from intruders. Helps to cleanse the aura. TOURMALINE GREEN - Brings patience and understanding. Attracts abundance and prosperity.
TOURMALINE PINK - Help us to deal with emotional pain, attracts love and confidence in self. TOURMALINE IN QUARTZ - Any of the above tourmalines can be found in quartz, in this case the quartz property is added and this also amplifies the energy of the tourmaline. TANZINITE - This wonderful crystal combines the heart and mind, bringing the wearer compassion and up-liftment. Mixes well with Mouldavite and or Herkimer Diamond for meditation. Will have a very strong affect. TURQUOISE - A blue to blue green stone, helps the body absorb vitamins and minerals. Also helpful for spiritual development. EMERALD - This is known as the unconditional love stone. Strengthens the heart and helps to boos the immune system. Good for M.E sufferers. FLOURITE - Use for bad backs, strengthens bones and teeth. Wonderful stone for meditation and to aid sleep. Comes in many colours. GARNET - Use for depression. heavy periods and lack of sex drive. Helps to regenerate the whole body and brings warmth and comfort. HEMATITE - Good grounding stone, helps for people with wandering minds. Also good for anemia and helps to oxygenate the blood. JADE - Although mostly recognised as green this stone comes in many colours. Use green jade for eyesight problems, eye infections or swollen eyes, brings inspiration and wisdom.
JASPER - Comes in many forms and colours. There are hundreds of jaspers. Red Jasper - Brings courage when facing difficult situations. Green Jasper - A powerful healer and help to release disease from the body. Yellow Jasper - Works well for bowels and digestive problems, Promotes physical energy PERIDOT - Good for epilepsy and brain wave disturbances, reduces lethargy and laziness. PETALITE (Angel Stone) - Offers a fresh and clearing vibration. Will help you to reveal your highest potential. Physically works on the immune system and cancers. If you are interested in becoming a professional crystal practitioner then take a look at our Crystal Healing Diploma Courses and Advanced Crystal Therapy Magic diploma course. Visit our website for a full list of courses, download a course prospectus or get more free guides at http://