What To Know About Crystals

An assortment of rose quartz crystals, arranged on a bedside table to help open the heart chakra thus fueling higher self-love (Photo by Annabelle Stewart)

Isabella Cutean, Staff Writer

With the seemingly never-ending change that this pandemic has brought to individuals lives, everyone seems to be searching for an escape. Escapism is a tainted word but it doesn’t have to mean guilty pleasures, such as indulgence in alcohol or a favorite trashy reality TV show.  Relief and mental release can be found in the simple things activities such as yoga, meditation, exercise, or hobbies.When it comes to healing the mind and body simultaneously, there are constantly new trends that claim to work wonders. Some are new and have barely been explored, while others have been used for centuries. Healing crystals are one of these ancient methods that were first used by the Sumerians in 4500 to 4000 B.C.

Aren’t crystals just rocks? The answer to this question is in fact, yes, but they are much more than things you stumble upon in a playground. Crystals are healing stones that can help with physical, emotional, mental, and metaphysical needs. Each crystal has a unique vibration that can meet or help with a specific issue.. The structure and composition of crystals causes them to constantly emit one standard vibrational frequency. When these vibrations collide with the energy of individuals, it can add a much needed boost to whatever frequency they currently find themselves in. Many begin to have an interest in crystals when they begin to deepen their understanding and relationship with spirituality as a whole. Spirituality can be defined as the mindset that there is more to humans than just the body and the brain. This practice also involves bringing conscious awareness to the universe, and tuning into a personal inner sense of peace. Crystals can also be used to bring a normal meditation practice to the next level. Using crystals while in a meditative state can make it easier to reinforce original intentions for the practice, raise consciousness and awareness to the next level, and deepen intuition and insight.

These magical stones can be purchased at most metaphysical supply shops, simply known as crystal stores. Legends of Time in downtown Milford has a beautiful assortment along with explanations of the benefits. There are thousands of crystals that exist with different properties, which can all feel quite overwhelming. The kind of crystal you have decides the kind of potential energy you can garner from the stone. There are several that can be utilized for everyday needs, along with having the potential to be used in meditations or rituals. Rose Quartz – this pink colored stone is associated with romantic love, but is considered a universal love stone. This crystal can help open the heart chakra, and create a more receptive outlook to love. Black Tourmaline: this black stone is used to ward off low vibrational energy that could possibly affect your aura. It is useful for protection in all forms. Amethyst: his stone is a great crystal for beginners, because of its energetic calming properties. It can also be used to begin to strengthen intuition. Carnelian: this stone helps to connect to the sacral chakra, which is the energetic center of the body. This stone can help individuals reconnect to things and people that bring them pleasure or ignite some sort of passion within them. All of these crystals are great for beginners.

So how does one care for crystals? Crystals are very low maintenance, but you can put them in specific spots to conduct good energy. You can also charge and cleanse these little stones. Charging crystals gives these crystals extra energy, which can make them work with more vibrancy, and you can work with them longer before they need to be charged again. You can charge crystals in various ways, but working with the moon phases to charge crystals is a favorite of many. To charge or enhance the energy of crystals by moonlight, it is most common to put the stones in a spot where the moonlight can shine on them.  Each phase of the moon brings different energies. The full moon brings energies of release, and if using crystals is a way that individuals have been trying to move past a particular struggle or escape chronic stagnancy, it would be best to charge these crystals under a full moon. The new moon brings energies of growth, so if one is looking to move forward and attack new opportunities head on, then a new moon crystal charge would be perfect.

Another practice of caring for crystals is cleansing them. Common ways used to cleanse crystals include water, sound energy, smudging, etc. The simplest method is the water ritual. This is a simple practice of dipping the stones in water while simultaneously thinking of the intentions you have for this specific crystal. Water works best for polished stones, and should not be used with natural stones or geodes. Water can be known to dull the crystals over time, but if this is not a huge deal breaker, then this simple method is quite useful. A method that is great for all crystals is the sound method. This can be done through usage of a singing bowl, or simply chanting a mantra or affirmation to your crystals. Many frequencies can also be used to cleanse crystals with sound.

Whether these small stones peak your interest or not, the world of crystals, meditation, and spreading good energy resembles a hug for the soul. The world can be shrunk down to a never-ending cycle of various different vibrations existing simultaneously. Sending kind, genuine emotions and feelings into the world can be a huge contribution to the collective, and this takes zero time. Remember, it’s always important to be kind.