Crystals and gemstones may be used to uplift, heal, protect, receive and transmit loving, healing energies. If you choose and treat your crystals with love and respect, bless them and program them with care, they can enhance and energise healing.
When looking to purchase gemstones from a dealer or shop these things are worth asking and looking out for.
Are the stones dyed? This is a very common treatment of gemstones. A tell-tale sign, especially on clear stones, is that cracks often appear darker than other areas of the stone. Almost all lapis are dyed. Amethyst and citrine are often dyed. As a result, dyed stones are often much weaker.
There are many fake stones on the market. Always ask the dealer what type of stone something is if you are not certain. As a general guide - if a stone looks too perfect it may be fake, irradiated or dyed. Irradiation treatment brings out the colour and removes imperfections. An irradiated stone has no therapeutic properties. Try feeling the energy from a stone. No energy will be felt from an irradiated stone. If in doubt, ask the dealer. The best way to choose your stone is to let it choose you!
All crystals and gemstones vibrate on their own frequency, the same way as a human's energy fields. You will be attracted in different ways to different stones, but above all, go with your natural instincts. Your body knows which stone to choose instinctively. Run your hand over the stones. You will soon discover the one that 'sticks' to your hand.
This is your stone.
Here are a few tips for 'feeling' for the right stone: Close your eyes, then open them quickly and pick up the first stone you are drawn to. If you are a competent dowser, you can use this method to choose your stones.
Once you have your collection of crystals for healing and have been using them over a period of time they can become less effective. There are many ways to clear crystals of negative energy. Here are some suggestions.
Keeping your crystals clean is very important since they work by both absorbing and giving out energy.
Place in sunlight, moonlight or rain for up to a day. Nature cleansing is the best way, but if you don't have anywhere outside to cleanse your stones, leave them in a bowl of filtered water overnight and then rinse them. Since there are chemicals in most tap water you may prefer to use distilled water.
Place stones under alternating hot and cold running water for five minutes. This is quick and easy but has drawbacks. Some stones lose their coatings under running water. Lapis, malachite and sodalight may get damaged faster to try to cleanse these in the sunlight or moonlight.
Sea salt is an excellent cleanser. Use 1 cup of sea salt to 2 cups of natural spring water. Place stones in the salt, and let them soak for the day.
Try burying your stones in soil for a few days. Don't forget they're there! This re-energises them for further use.
Crystals are a valuable healing tool direct from the earth, and if well looked after can enhance and focus your healing energies. Look after them and they will look after you.