Day 18 of 365 - The Pleasure and Power of Crystals
First of all, I do not claim to be any kind of expert on crystals. However, my awareness and enjoyment of them has increased quite a lot in the past several years. My understanding of crystals in my younger years was limited to hearing or reading about those designated as birth stones or gemstones.
I own very little in the way of valuable jewelry and my purchase in the past of what would be called costume jewelry was mostly synthetic. In the last ten years or so that has changed quite a bit, as I explored in metaphysical stores or attended sales of handcrafted jewelry along with friends. What began more as an interest to find attractive and affordable necklaces and bracelets expanded to learning about just what gemstones, crystals and minerals made up these pieces.
Some friends have been well versed in crystal knowledge, and they would identify stones and properties to me. Shops and sales often have books on hand to look up the source and meaning of particular gems or stones. For quite awhile, I soon forgot those descriptions or even the names of the crystals in my jewelry unless they were ones which were widely known, such as amethyst or rose quartz.
In more recent years, after acquiring quite a bit of this jewelry, I took it upon myself to pay more attention to the qualities other than color, such as the particular energy associated, when making new purchases. I also began purchasing crystals as individual cut or polished stones to display for a particular purpose. There were a couple of strong influences on this.
As mentioned in a previous post I have an interest in astrology. One of the astrologers, whose monthly newsletter I receive, includes recommendations of crystals to wear or display for each zodiac sign period. For example, for the phase of Libra which we are in now, she suggests twin point crystals for balance in relationships and partnerships, watermelon tourmaline for healing the heart chakra and rose quartz for heart opening.
The second strong influence towards learning more about the energy of crystals came from being trained in Reiki. I received some crystals energized with Reiki from my teacher at each level of my training. Additionally, in more advanced training, I learned how to use a Reiki grid (a particular arrangement and charging of crystals with Reiki energy) as a way of sending continuous energy to those who requested it. This is not a practice exclusive to those who are trained in Reiki.
The ancient practice of laying on of stones for healing and transmitting energy has existed for centuries. In modern times those who avail themselves of hot stone massage would receive one form of such an arrangement placed at each chakra level on the body. Additionally various energy or body work healers may use crystals as ways to amplify their practice for benefit of both the practitioner and the client. Books which describe and illustrate specific crystals, placement patterns and purposes are readily available.
On my recent mini-vacation, another of the places we visited was the Whetung Ojibwa gift shop. Although we went for the purpose of purchasing a pair of moccasin slippers for my husband, I was delighted to see that they sold a variety of crystals and crystal jewelry. So, I picked up some more individual stones to add to my collection.
I like to think of the crystals I now own, display and wear, as visual and energetic reminders. The earth has provided us with these gems for both their pleasure and their power. I am grateful to have learned more about them as yet another tool to enhance my health and vitality.
I own very little in the way of valuable jewelry and my purchase in the past of what would be called costume jewelry was mostly synthetic. In the last ten years or so that has changed quite a bit, as I explored in metaphysical stores or attended sales of handcrafted jewelry along with friends. What began more as an interest to find attractive and affordable necklaces and bracelets expanded to learning about just what gemstones, crystals and minerals made up these pieces.
Some friends have been well versed in crystal knowledge, and they would identify stones and properties to me. Shops and sales often have books on hand to look up the source and meaning of particular gems or stones. For quite awhile, I soon forgot those descriptions or even the names of the crystals in my jewelry unless they were ones which were widely known, such as amethyst or rose quartz.
In more recent years, after acquiring quite a bit of this jewelry, I took it upon myself to pay more attention to the qualities other than color, such as the particular energy associated, when making new purchases. I also began purchasing crystals as individual cut or polished stones to display for a particular purpose. There were a couple of strong influences on this.
As mentioned in a previous post I have an interest in astrology. One of the astrologers, whose monthly newsletter I receive, includes recommendations of crystals to wear or display for each zodiac sign period. For example, for the phase of Libra which we are in now, she suggests twin point crystals for balance in relationships and partnerships, watermelon tourmaline for healing the heart chakra and rose quartz for heart opening.
The second strong influence towards learning more about the energy of crystals came from being trained in Reiki. I received some crystals energized with Reiki from my teacher at each level of my training. Additionally, in more advanced training, I learned how to use a Reiki grid (a particular arrangement and charging of crystals with Reiki energy) as a way of sending continuous energy to those who requested it. This is not a practice exclusive to those who are trained in Reiki.
The ancient practice of laying on of stones for healing and transmitting energy has existed for centuries. In modern times those who avail themselves of hot stone massage would receive one form of such an arrangement placed at each chakra level on the body. Additionally various energy or body work healers may use crystals as ways to amplify their practice for benefit of both the practitioner and the client. Books which describe and illustrate specific crystals, placement patterns and purposes are readily available.
On my recent mini-vacation, another of the places we visited was the Whetung Ojibwa gift shop. Although we went for the purpose of purchasing a pair of moccasin slippers for my husband, I was delighted to see that they sold a variety of crystals and crystal jewelry. So, I picked up some more individual stones to add to my collection.
I like to think of the crystals I now own, display and wear, as visual and energetic reminders. The earth has provided us with these gems for both their pleasure and their power. I am grateful to have learned more about them as yet another tool to enhance my health and vitality.
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