Crystals are minerals in which the atoms are arranged in precise geometrical patterns. Thus, the energy emitted from crystals is also orderly and consistent in nature. Human energy patterns can often fluctuate and be irregular. The steady vibrations of crystals are therefore often used to balance human energies.

How Does Crystal Therapy Work?

Crystal therapy works on two basic facts. The first is that the human body is made up of energy fields and energy centres or chakras. The physical body is tangible and visible to all while the aura is invisible and fluid. The second is that crystals emit vibrations that can influence the energy flow.

Crystal therapists use the subtle vibrations that are released by crystals to clean, reorder and re-energise the body's energy fields. It is important to go to an experienced or knowledgeable therapist to get the maximum benefits from crystal therapy. An experienced crystal therapist works intuitively and figures out where exactly in the patient's body the energy has been disturbed. Based on where the blockages are, the therapist carefully selects crystals that will suit the patient.

It is thus necessary that the crystal therapist should also have an in depth knowledge of crystals, their vibrations and the effect they have on the energy fields and the human body. A therapist will generally use crystals to first cleanse the energy field, then revitalize it and finally ground the energies to ensure that the client receives maximum benefit from the therapy.

Properties Of Different Crystals

As each individual has his or her own aura, every crystal too has its own energy fields and vibrations. Individual stones have their own characteristics. If you know anything at all about colours and crystals it is possible for one to make an educated guess about the application of some common crystals. A red crystal for example is likely to energise and invigorate. A blue crystal on the other hand soothes and calms. However, all crystals are not so easy to decipher. It requires a fair amount of learning to become a crystal expert.

Here is a list of some crystals and their properties.

Shape Of The Crystal

In addition to the energies of the crystal, its shape also has meaning.  

• Terminated Crystals: A naturally terminated or pointed crystal has the most intensive direct energy. The point helps to break energy blockages as well as acts as a focus for your intention.
   

• Pyramids: These draw energies through the point and ground them at the base. Pyramids are used to merge spiritual and physical energies.
   

• Eggs: These are more rounded and generate a feeling of comfort. Eggs are often seen as the first step towards realizing your aims and goals.
   

• Spheres: These represent completion, fullness. Spheres are the most harmonious form possible.
   

Choosing Your Crystal

Whilst choosing the type of crystal and its shape can be determined based on the situation you are trying to affect or the energies you wish to draw into your body, getting the actual crystal will require more from you.

Choosing the right crystal means you must get in touch with your inner self. Let your subconscious tell you which is the 'right' crystal for you. Even if you have decided that you want to buy a ruby or a period, you may need to look at tens of rubies before you find the one that is meant for you.

It is important that you let the crystal 'talk' to you. When you find a crystal that you cannot stop looking at or that makes you want to touch it again and again, buy it. If you buy a crystal just because you set out to buy one, you'll end up with a rock. There's nothing wrong with buying rocks either! However, if you want your crystal to act as a healer, then it is better to buy one that you have established an emotional connection to.

Clearing Your Crystal

Crystals absorb energies just as they radiate energy. Often a crystal is handled by many people before you buy it. Also it may absorb the vibrations and energies of its surroundings. Whilst this is not necessarily bad, to make your crystal belong solely to you it is generally recommended that you clear the crystal.

There are several methods of clearing crystals. You can soak the crystal in a solution of sea salt for 1 to 3 days. Some people find this method too harsh and prefer simply to pass the crystal through the smoke generated by burning cedar and sage leaves. A more gentle method is to focus all your thoughts on clearing the crystal, take a deep breath and breathe out in harsh gusts on the crystal.

Whatever method you use to clear your crystal, you must do it with the clear intention of making the crystal yours.

Charging A Crystal

You can actually charge your crystal with the energy you wish to gain from it. A crystal charged on a new moon night is full of optimism and hope while one charged on a full moon night is abundant with love.

Working With Crystals

Crystals can be used passively and actively. Passive use of crystals is the placement of the crystal in our home or work place. Just the presence of the crystal alters our environment in subtle ways.

You can also choose to work with crystals actively which, crystal therapists do. Crystals can be charged with the desired energies, they can be programmed and you can work with affirmations. Meditating with crystals is also highly beneficial.

Thus, crystal therapy is gaining much popularity. However, it works in a subtle fashion and can be used with other more aggressive treatments or lifestyle changes. If you are engaging in crystal therapy expecting miracles, they simply won't happen!