OUGD505 Crystals

Crystals and their Healing Uses

Healing Crystals

Throughout the ages Crystals have been used for many different purposes and for many different reasons. Carrying and wearing crystals were used for protection and healing, today crystals are used in Feng Shui, Meditation, Messaging and Laying on Stoneswhich involves treating others by places stones on the body in relation to the Chakra.

http://www.shamanscrystal.co.uk/page/healinguse

Crystals and their Healing Uses! 

This is more a subjective question. The best crystal to use is more subjective and so it is best to go with intuition where possible. When reviewing Crystals, thinking of the person and then feeling with your gut for a response is one way; some use a pendulum . This being said there are often common solutions. 
The Crystal Table below has been compiled from such common solutions. These references should be taken as reliable guide, but not the final word.

For Further reading on the healing use of crystals we suggest reviewing books by the following Authors; 
Melody, Phil Permutt, Judy Hall, Hazel Raven. 

Level	Focus Area	Crystal
Environmental	Computer Radiation	Black Tourmaline, Quartz,
Environmental	Electromagnetic Pollution	Black Tourmaline, Rock Salt, Herkimer,
Environmental	Mobile Phone Radiation	Black Tourmaline,
Level	Focus Area	Crystal
Metaphysical	Balance Male & Female	Boji Stones, Green Tourmaline
Metaphysical	Grounding	Hematite, Black Tourmaline,
Metaphysical	Light Body	Merkaba Star, Petalite,
Metaphysical	Subtle Energy Pollution	Smoky Quartz, Obsidian, Tektite, Sulfur
Metaphysical	Meridians Align	Chaistolite, Staurolite,
Metaphysical	Meridians Blocked	Danburite, Fulgurite
Metaphysical	Meridians Harmonize	Aquamarine, Emerald
Metaphysical	Meridians Stimulate	Quartz, Fulgurite,
Metaphysical	Poltergeists	Chrysocolla, Black Tourmaline
Level	Focus Area	Crystal
Mental & Emotional	Addictions	Kunzite, Lepidolite
Mental & Emotional	Courage	Tigers Eye, Topaz,
Mental & Emotional	Forgetfulness	Unakite, Diopside, Green Moss
Mental & Emotional	Nightmares	Celestite, Jet, Ruby,
Mental & Emotional	Mental Stress	Amethyst, Sodalite, Celestite,
Mental & Emotional	Physical Stress	Rhodonite, Rhodacrosite, Ruby,
Mental & Emotional	Emotional Stress	Chrysocolla, Malachite, Peridot
Mental & Emotional	Abandonment	Smithsointe, Dioptase
Mental & Emotional	Anger	Ruby, Bloodstone, Sapphire
Mental & Emotional	Anxiety	Kunzite, Emerald, Smithsonite
Mental & Emotional	Apathy	Red Calcite, Garnet,
Mental & Emotional	Co Dependence	Chrysoprase, Iolite
Mental & Emotional	Compassion For Self	Chrysoprase, Malachite
Mental & Emotional	Compassion For Others	Kunzite, Rose Quartz
Mental & Emotional	Concentration	Green Tourmaline, Diopside,
Mental & Emotional	Confusion	Sapphire, Black Tourmaline,
Mental & Emotional	Creativity	Spinel, Red Japser, Ruby,
Mental & Emotional	Decision Making	Azurite, Black Tourmaline, Rutile,
Mental & Emotional	Depression	Kunzite, Sunstone, Jet,
Mental & Emotional	Education	Diopside
Mental & Emotional	Endurance	Jade
Mental & Emotional	Envy	Ruby
Mental & Emotional	Exhaustion	Fire Agate, Lepidolite
Mental & Emotional	Fear	Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz,
Mental & Emotional	Forgiveness	Rose Quartz, Kunzite,
Mental & Emotional	Grief	Apache Tear, Lapis Lazuli
Mental & Emotional	Guilt	Peridot, Rose Quartz,
Mental & Emotional	Happiness	Sunstone
Mental & Emotional	Jealousy	Amethyst, Peridot,
Mental & Emotional	Memory Improve	Amber, Green Moss, Diopside,
Mental & Emotional	Panic Attacks	Kunzite, Smithsonite
Mental & Emotional	Paranoia	Rhodochrosite,
Mental & Emotional	Shame	Rhodochrosite, Sunstone.

Level	Area	Focus Area	Crystals
Physical	Brain	Bi Polar Disorder	Charolite, Kunzite, Peridot
Physical	Brain	Blackouts	Lapis Lazuli, Lodestone
Physical	Brain	Headache	Amethyst, Dioptase
Physical	Brain	Migraine	Dioptase, Lapis, Topaz,
Physical	Ears	General	Green Tourmaline, Emerald
Physical	Eyes	General	Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald
Physical	Hair	Baldness	Aquamarine
Physical	Hair	Hair Growth	Chalcopyrite, Petrified Wood
Physical	Chest	Asthma	Amber, Amethyst, Topaz,
Physical	Chest	Bronchitis	Amber, Pyrite, Jet,
Physical	Chest	Lungs	Amber, Amethyst, Topaz,
Physical	Heart	Angina	Rhodonite, Emerald,
Physical	Heart	Heart Attack	Aventurine, Dioptase
Physical	Heart	Heart Disease	Ruby, Red Jasper,
Physical	Intestine	Bladder	Jade, Prehnite, Topaz
Physical	Intestine	Bowels	Blue Tigers Eye
Physical	Intestine	Colon	Obsidian, Garnet, Citrine,
Physical	Intestine	Gallbladder	Carnelian, Danburite,
Physical	Intestine	Hernia	Mookite
Physical	Intestine	Kidneys	Garnets, Fire Agate, Ruby,
Physical	Intestine	Liver	Yellow Jasper, Aquamarine, Beryl,
Physical	Intestine	Spleen	Aquamarine, Sunstone, Jade,
Physical	Stomach	Abdomen Pain	Fire Agate, Carnelian,
Physical	Stomach	Acidity	Peridot, Bronzite
Physical	Stomach	Belching	Beryl
Physical	Stomach	Digestion	Pyrite, Mahogany Obsidian,
Physical	Stomach	Gout	Chaistolite
Physical	Stomach	Indigestion	Citrine, Peridot,
Physical	Back	Back Pain	Malachite, Lapis, Hematite
Physical	Back	Sciatica	Sapphire, Kunzite,
Physical	Blood	Arteries Blocked	Obsidian
Physical	Blood	Arteries Strengthen	Bloodstone, Hematite,
Physical	Blood	Blood clots	Bloodstone, Hematite,
Physical	Blood	Cholesterol High	Aventurine, Fluorite
Physical	Blood	Circulation	Ruby, Bloodstone, Serefinite
Physical	Blood	Diabetes	Citrine, Emerald, Pink Opal,
Physical	Blood	High Blood Pressure	Amethyst, Bloodstone,
Physical	Blood	Leukaemia	Bloodstone,
Physical	Blood	Low Blood Pressure	Ruby, Carnelian, Red Calcite
Physical	Blood	Sugar Imbalance	Peridot
Physical	Bones	Aches & Pains	Lodestone, Spinel,
Physical	Bones	Arthritis	Fluorite, Apatite, Rhodonite,
Physical	Bones	Fix Broken	Malachite, Apatite,
Physical	Genital Area	Impotence	Carnelian, Ruby, Garnet
Physical	Genital Area	Menopause	Citrine, Moonstone, Ruby,
Physical	Genital Area	Menstruation	Garnet, Carnelian,
Physical	Genital Area	Menstruation Pains	Serpentine, Moonstone,
Physical	Genital Area	Pancreas	Charolite, Citrine, Topaz,
Physical	Skin	Acne	Amethyst
Physical	Skin	Blisters	Blue Lace Agate, Rose Quartz,
Physical	General	Addictions,	Selenite, Citrine, Herkimer
Physical	General	Cell Rejuvenation	Wavellite, Smithsonite, Rhodonite
Physical	General	Immune System	Bloodstone, Smithsonite
Physical	General	Lymphatic System	Green Moss Agate, Blue Chalcedony
Physical	General	Aches & Pains	Yellow Jasper, Rose Quartz
Physical	Conditions	Alzheimer’s	Kunzite, Lepidolite
Physical	Conditions	Anaemia	Bloodstone, Hematite,
Physical	Conditions	Anorexia	Topaz, Rhodochrosite
Physical	Conditions	Autism	Yellow Jasper, Rose Quartz
Physical	Conditions	Bacterial Infections	Green Tourmaline, Green Calcite
Physical	Conditions	Cancer	Petalite, Black Garnet, Amethyst
Physical	Conditions	Gall Stones	Carnelian, Rhyolite
Physical	Conditions	Hay Fever	Jet, Blue Lace Agate,
Physical	Conditions	Incontinence	Petrified Wood
Physical	Conditions	Parkinson’s	Celestite, Rose Quartz,
Physical	Conditions	Rheumatism	Azurite, Chrysocolla,
Physical	Conditions	Ulcers	Ametrine, Fluorite, Peridot

 

 Crystals and Starsigns

Gemstone Birthstones for Aries

 

 These are the two main gemstones crystals for Aries the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type

Birthstones for Aries

Red Jasper	Bloodstone
Red Jasper - Represents the cardinal aspect of the sign of Aries, Strength, Fire, Regal, Power and creation, a perfect complement to Arians.	Bloodstone - Represents for the power of life, the red bursting through the green. New life, creation and beginning tasks a new. Business success stone for Arians. -

Symbol: The Ram, Element: Fire Ruling Planet: Mars - Action 
Tarot Card: The Emperor - Power 
Time of Aries: Spring time, Initiation, Beginning, Creation, sowing the seed

Gemstone Birthstones for Gemini

 

 These are the two main gemstones crystals for Gemini the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type

Birthstones for Gemini

Pink Botswana Agate	Blue Lace Agate
Pink Agate - Brings kindness and joy to the Gemini, whilst concentrating the mind on practical matters. This stones encourages growth and friendships.	Blue Lace Agate - represents the signs duality and communication, both active and passive communication. The stone brings tact and patience and grace

Symbol: The Twins, Element: Air 
Ruling Planet: Mercury - Communication 
Tarot card: The Lovers - Choices 
Time of Gemini: The Seed springs forth, Roots and sprout, Duality growing in many directions, choices, youth, connections earth to air. 

Gemstone Birthstones for Leo

 

These are the two main gemstones crystals for Leo, the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type.  

Birthstones for Leo

Tigers Eye	Topaz
Tiger Eye - he Spirit of the sign, Strength, protection, vibrant energy. Strengthened instincts, Bold and the power of presence!	Topaz - Golden, vital, virile and cleansing. Topaz removes obstacles for the Leo and provides renewed energy and passion.

Symbol: The Lion, Element: Fire 
Ruling planets: The Sun - Joy 
Tarot card: Strength - Passion/Zeal 
Time of Leo: Flowering, Unashamed presentation, collecting, Glory, the strength to be open, Pollination, 

Gemstone Birthstones for Libra

These are the two main gemstones crystals for Libra, the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type. 

Birthstones For Libra

Green Aventurine	Lapis Lazuli
Green Aventurine - Helps to Balance the sensitive emotions of the Libran, enabling them to use their good judgement with clearer logical thinking.	Lapis Lazuli - Stimulates the intelect and focuses the mind of the Libran, to provide a link to the higher self, connection to ancient wisdom and psychic awareness.

More Information for Librans

Symbol: The Scales 
Element: Air, Ruling Planet: Venus - Love 
Tarot Card: Justice - Law 
Time of Libra: The fall of fruit, The fate of growth, the result of the growth cycle, dividing the harvest. judgement of Fruits and labours.

Gemstone Birthstones for Aquarius

 

These are the two main gemstones crystals for Aquarius, the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type.

Birthstones for Aquarius

Quartz Crystal	Amethyst
Quartz Represents the unlimited potential of the Aquarian spirit and outlook. Eternally optimistic, and all encompassing. If ever an Aquarian feels a lack of there qualities then this crystal will restore your natural positive outlook	Amethyst - Connects the Aquarian to the wisdom that drives them. Their limitless vision comes from a higher place and the Aquarian can lack the ability to implement their ideas. Amethyst for this sign, helps to nurture insight and guide it into reality.

Symbol: The Water Bearer, Element: Air 
Ruling planet: Uranus - The Fool 
Tarot Card: The Star - Destiny 
Time of Aquarius: still fresh air of the new year, the promise of renewed life, the unity and completion of the cycle can be seen, Faith. 

Gemstone Birthstones for Sagittarius

These are the two main gemstones crystals for Sagittarius, the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type.

Birthstones for Sagittarius

Sodalite	Sugilite
Sodalite - Calms the vibrant mind of the Sagittarius, and allows them to see more clearly which of their many thoughts is the best one to use. In addition it allows this sign to be more in touch with their own feelings.	Sugilite - A Stone of wisdom and guidance resembles the sagittarin mind and spirit. This stone helps this sign to reach its deep potential and guide its self through life, as well as helping others,

Symbol - The Archer, Element Fire

Ruling Planet - Jupiter

Tarot Card: Temperance - Adjustment 
Time of Sagittarius: The seed adjusts. The Spiral Imprint, A design for the future, Internal Balance, Lessons lernt, Setting new targets, Required Adjustment

Gemstone Birthstones for Taurus

 

 These are the two main Birhtstone crystals for Taurus the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type

Birthstones for Taurus

Rose Quartz	Turquoise
Rose Quartz - Is Love, the soul of Taurus. Its Love that drives growth and stability, promoting order and security. This stone helps this sign tune into their natural strengths and remain open and accepting.	Turquoise - Strength, growth, building and re-building are the traits of this stones, which are very much linked to the traits of the stone. Turquoise has the added benefit of being physically protective.

Symbol: The Bull, Element: Earth 
Ruling Planet: Venus - Love 
Tarot Card: The High Priest - Order 
Time of Taurus: Germination of the seed, family, Growth force, Security, Momentum, Stability,  

Gemstone Birthstones for Cancer

 

These are the two main gemstones crystals for Cancer, the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type 

Birthstones for Cancer

Moonstones	Peridot
Moonstone - Represents the spirit of the sign, the shimmering colours and light reflecting in the stone resemble the nature of water and the light of the moon. The life string within,	Peridot - is the spirit of the sign looking at the rest of the world. Naive and innocent, seeing the world un-jaded. A purity of vision and possibilities and with this opportunity

Symbol: The Crab, Element: Water 
Ruling Planets: The Moon - Intuition 
Tarot card: The Chariot - Duality 
Time of Cancer: The plants shoot becomes a stem, firm on the outside - fluid within. Firm transportation of life force. Exposed, being first, becoming visible, a state of Being.

Gemstone Birthstones for Virgo

 

These are the two main gemstones crystals for Virgo the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type

Birthstones for Virgo

Carnelian	Jade
Carnelian - Resembles The spirit of the sign of Virgo, fertile earth, Youthful refreshing and mentally alert. Positive outlook and good health. Enjoy life gracefully. Confidence is allure.	Jade -  Like Virgo, Earth in cardinal form, fertile, bursting with life, jade includes the wisdom of virgo, and does not over expel energy, but prepares for changes to come. Wealth is knowing when not to spend.

Symbol: The Virgin, Element: Earth 
Ruling Planet: Mercury - Communication 
Tarot card: The Hermit - Wisdom 
Time of Virgo: The Ripening of fruit, Rejuvenation - Refreshing the seed, reflection, the womb, Gentle Retreat to solitude. Consolidation.  

Gemstone Birthstones for Scorpio

These are the two main gemstones crystals for Scorpio, the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type.

Birthstones for Scorpio

Citrine	Topaz
Citrine - A Positive stone that helps the scorpion deal with their profound skill on introspection and renewal, balancing how see they see themselves and how they are seen. Citrine helps bring to the fore their deep talents.	Topaz - Imperial Topaz provides a positive self perception and projection to others. In addition it connects the scorpion to their higher self, improving their connection with their great internal wisdom.

Symbol: The Scorpion, Element: Water 

Ruling planet: Pluto- The Last Judgement 

Tarot Card: Death - Transformation 
Time of Scorpio: The falling leaf, preparation for renewal, understanding re-birth, working with the great cycle, triumph over apparent death.

Birthstone for Scorpio	Scorpio Greetings Card

Scorpio, the eighth sign of the zodiac, Scorpios are interested in what lies beneath, and look beyond the surface of people and events. They are probing, and insight full, looking for the base motivations behind actions. Scorpios concern themselves with beginnings and endings and are unafraid of either, so change for them is second nature. Where other signs would cling to a situation, the scorpion is more likely to end it and accept the new unknown path.

The Scorpion those born under this sign are in ultimate control of their destiny. It is life on the Scorpion's terms, too. Fearless Scorpios rarely lose; they just keep on going, since they are stubborn and determined to succeed Scorpios love competition in both work and play.  Extreme sports are right up Scorpio's alley, as is most anything that will test their mettle. They've got to have an adversary, since it makes the game that much more fun. Scorpio's colors? Powerful red and serious black. When it comes to love, though, Scorpios soften up a bit and are caring and devoted with their lovers, even if they do hold on a bit tight. Scorpios are also lusty in the extreme.

The great strength of the Scorpio-born is in their determination, passion and motivation. Scorpios don't know the word quit, which is why they usually get the job done. A powerhouse? Like no other.

Gemstone Birthstones for Capricorn

These are the two main gemstones crystals for Capricorn, the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type.

Birthstones for Capricorn

Onyx	Garnets
Black Onyx - Represents the depth of the sign, the darkest part of the year and the time of Capricorn. Onyx is generous, peaceful, kind and practical. This stones keeps the Capricorn grounded.	Garnets - Represent the spirit of the sign, insightful and knowing, generous and fun loving. This crystal helps with creativity, resourcefulness, strength and wealth and health of the sign.

Symbol: The Goat, Element - Earth

Ruling Planet - Saturn, Tarot card - The Devil

Time of Capricorn: Depth of winter knowing only needs, the desires for more builds, fueled with the needs of now. Instinctive intelligence, practical wisdom.

Birthstone for Capricorn	Capricorn Greetings Card

Typical Capricorns are self-confident, strong willed and calm, often hardworking, unemotional, practical, responsible, persevering, and cautious and capable of persisting for as long as is necessary to accomplish a goal they have set. 
The planet Saturn rules Capricorn and it’s image is very conservative and not a lot of fun in astrological circles and this is why Capricorn’s are associated with stiffness, stuffiness, and rigidity and with a reputation for coldness, materialism and perfectionism. A powerful need to be in control and consequently the need to control others, as to ensure the vision of the perfect world where nothing out of control ever happens. But since we all know that "life" happens to the best of our intentions it’s the Capricorn who can suffer the most because of their stiffer expectations. So the answer is too simply learn the ways of the willow tree and bend with the breeze rather being the old oak that will try to survive all storms while it’s branches keep breaking off.

Gemstone Birthstones for Pisces

 

 These are the two main gemstones crystals for Pisces, the images are examples of the stones, click on the images of the crystals, to see the complete range of items of that crystal type.

Birthstones for Pisces

Amethyst	Aquamarine
Amethyst - At the time of Pisces, there is new life and innate knowledge that comes with birth, to Pisces this takes the from of knowing the cycle, spirit life and then life. Amethyst heightens this knowledge in this sign.	Aquamarine -  Simple and Gentle, sensitive and seeing life as a discovery. Aquamarine is the return to innocence for this sign. Being, as light as a feather, and treating life as a dance. Awakened with Aquamarine

Symbol: The Fish, Element: Water 
Ruling planet: Neptune - The Hanged Man, 
Tarot Card: The Moon - Birth 
Time of Pisces: New Life suspended above the seed, Life falls into the shell waiting to be born. Discovery, Excitement, Fear and birth.  

Birthstone for Pisces	Pisces Greetings Card

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Stone Types

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

A

Aegirine	Agate	Ajoite	Alexandrite	Amazonite
Amber	Amblygonite	Amethyst	Amethyst - Chevron	Amethyst - Green
Amethyst - Red	Amethyst - Vera Cruz	Ametrine	Anatase	Andalusite
Angelite	Anhydrite	Anthracite	Apache Tears	Apatite
Apophyllite	Aquamarine	Aragonite	Astrophyllite	Atacamite
Atlantisite	Aura Quartz	Aventurine	Axinite - Ferro	Azurite

B

Baryte	Benitoite	Beryl	Bismuth	Bloodstone
Bornite	Brazilianite	Bronzite	Brucite	Bytownite

C

Calcite	Calcite - Angel Wing	Calcite - Blue	Calcite - Cobaltoan	Calcite - Green
Calcite - Honey	Calcite - Manganoan	Calcite - Optical	Calcite - Orange	Cancrinite
Carborundum	Carnelian	Cassiterite	Cats Eye	Cavansite
Celestite	Celestobarite	Cerussite	Chalcedony	Charoite
Chiastolite	Chrysoberyl	Chrysocolla	Chrysoprase	Chrysotile
Cinnabar	Citrine	Clinoclase	Colemanite

D

Danburite	Desert Rose	Diamond	Diopside	Dioptase
Dumortierite

E

Emerald	Enstatite	Enstatite - Golden	Epidote	Eudialyte

F

Flower Stone	Fluorite	Fluorite - Blue Sky	Fluorite - Venus	Fuchsite
Fulgurite

G

Galaxyite	Galena	Garnet	Garnet - Almandine	Garnet - Grossularite
Garnet - Hessonite	Garnet - Melanite	Garnet - Raspberry	Garnet - Spessartine	Garnet - Uvarovite
Girasol	Glass	Gold	Goldstone	Goshenite

H

Hematite	Hemimorphite	Herkimer Diamond	Heulandite	Hiddenite
Howlite	Hureaulite	Hypersthene

I

Iolite

J

Jade

Jasper

Jet

K

Karibibite

Kunzite

Kyanite

L

Labradorite	Lapis Lazuli	Larimar	Lava	Lepidolite
Lollingite

M

Magnetite	Malachite	Mariposite	Merlinite	Mica
Moldavite	Mookaite	Moonstone	Moqui Marbles	Morganite
Muscovite

N

New Jade

Nuumite

O

Obsidian	Okenite	Oligoclase	Onyx	Opal
Opalite

P

Peacock Ore	Pearl	Peridot	Petalite	Phenakite
Pietersite	Prasiolite	Prehnite	Preseli Bluestone	Pyrite

Q

Quartz	Quartz - Blades of Light	Quartz - Brandberg	Quartz - Elestial Quartz	Quartz - Faden Quartz
Quartz - Harlequin Quartz	Quartz - Lazulite Quartz	Quartz - Lithium	Quartz - Rainbow Quartz	Quartz - Rutilated Quartz
Quartz - Silver Quartz	Quartz - Smoky Quartz	Quartz - Starburst Quartz	Quartz - Tangerine	Quartz - Tibetan Quartz

R

Rhodochrosite	Rhodonite	Rhyolite	Rose Quartz	Ruby
Ruby Fuchsite	Ruby Zoisite

S

Sapphire	Sapphirine	Sardonyx	Scapolite	Scheelite
Scolecite	Selenite	Septarian	Seraphinite	Serpentine
Shattuckite	Shell	Shungite	Sodalite	Sphalerite
Staurolite	Stibnite	Stilbite	Stromatolite	Sugilite
Sulphur	Sunstone	Super Six

T

Talc	Tanzanite	Tektite	Thulite	Tiger Eye
Tiger Iron	Titanite	Topaz	Topaz - Blue	Topaz - Clear
Topaz - Imperial	Tourmaline	Tourmaline - Black	Tourmaline - Brown	Tourmaline - Green
Tourmaline - Pink	Tourmaline - Watermelon	Tremolite	Triphylite	Tsavorite
Tugtupite	Tunellite	Turquoise

U

Unakite

V

Vanadinite

Variscite

Vesuvianite

Vivianite

W

Wavellite

X

Xenotime

Y

Z

Zincite

Zircon

Zoisite

A Brief History of Crystals and Healing

Introduction

It is fair to say that as long as we have existed as a species, we have had an affinity with stones and crystals. The use of talismansand amulets dates back to the beginnings of humankind, although we have no way of knowing how the earliest of these objects were viewed or used. Many early pieces were organic in origin. Beads carved of mammoth ivory have been excavated from a grave in Sungir, Russia, dating back 60,000 years (Upper Palaeolithic period), as well contemporary beads made from shell and fossil shark's teeth.

Amulets

Top

The oldest amulets are of Baltic amber, some from as long as 30,000 years ago and amber beads were discovered in Britain from 10,000 years ago, the end of the last ice age. The distance they travelled to reach Britain shows their value to the people of that time. Jet was also popular and jet beads, bracelets andnecklaces have been discovered in Palaeolithic gravesites in Switzerland and Belgium. There have been malachite mines in Sinai since 4000 BC.

Amulets were banned by the Christian church in 355 AD, but gemstones continued to play an important role, with sapphire being the favoured gem for ecclesiastical rings in the 12th century. Marbodus, the Bishop of Rennes in the 11th century, claimed that agate would make the wearer more agreeable, persuasive and in favour of God. There were also many symbolic references, such as the carbuncle representing Christ's sacrifice.

Historical References

Top

The first historical references to the use of crystals come from ancient the Ancient Sumerians, who included crystals in magic formulas. The Ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, emerald and clear quartz in their jewellery. They also carved grave amulets of the same gems. The Ancient Egyptians used stones primarily for protection and health. Chrysolite (later translated as both topaz and peridot) was used to combat night terrors and purge evil spirits. Egyptians also used crystals cosmetically. Galena (lead ore) was ground to a powder and used as the eye shadow known as kohl. Malachite was used in a similar manner. Green stones in general were used to signify the heart of the deceased and were included in burials. Green stones were used in a similar way at a later period in Ancient Mexico.

The Ancient Greeks attributed a number of properties to crystals and many names we use today are of Greek origin. The word 'crystal' comes from the Greek word for ice, as it was believed that clear quartz was water that had frozen so deeply that it would always remain solid. The wordamethyst means 'not drunken' and was worn as an amulet to prevent both drunkenness and hangovers. Hematite comes from the word for blood, because of the red colouration produced when it oxidises. Hematite is an iron ore and the ancient Greeks associated iron with Aries, the god of war. Greek soldiers would rub hematite over their bodies before battle, perportedly to make themselves invulnerable. Greek sailors also wore a variety of amulets to keep them safe at sea.

Jade was highly valued in ancient China and some Chinese written characters represent jade beads. Musical instruments in the form of chimes were made from jade and around 1000 years ago Chinese emperors were sometimes buried in jade armour. There are burials with jade masks from around the same period in Mexico. Jade was recognised as a kidney healing stone both in China and South America. More recently - dating from around 250 years ago - the Maoris of New Zealand wore jade pendants representing the ancestor spirits, which were passed down many generations through the male line. The tradition of green stones being lucky continues in parts of New Zealand to this day.

Crystals in Religion

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Crystals and gemstones have played a part in all religions. They are mentioned throughout the Bible, in the Koran and many other religious texts. The origin of birthstones is the breastplate of Aaron, or the "High Priest's Breastplate", as mentioned in the book of Exodus. In the Koran, the 4th Heaven is composed of carbuncle (garnet). The Kalpa Tree, which represents an offering to the gods in Hinduism, is said to be made entirely of precious stone and a Buddhist text from the 7th century describes a diamond throne situated near the Tree of Knowledge (the neem tree under which Siddhartha meditated). On this throne a thousand Kalpa Buddhas reposed. The Kalpa Sutra, in Jainism, speaks of Harinegamesi the divine commander of the foot troops who seized 14 precious stones, cleansed them of their lesser qualities and retained only their finest essence to aid his transformations.

There is also an ancient sacred lapidary treatise, the Ratnapariksha of Buddhabhatta. Some sources state that it is Hindu but it is most likely Buddhist. The date is uncertain, but it is probably from the 6th Century. In this treatise diamonds figure highly, as the king of gemstones and are ranked according to caste. The Sanskrit word for diamond, vajra, is also the word for the Hindu goddess Indra's thunderbolt and diamonds are often associated with thunder. The ruby was also highly revered. It represented an inextinguishable flame, and was purported to preserve both the physical and mental health of the wearer. The treatise lists many other gemstones and their properties.

The Renaissance

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In Europe, from the 11th century through the Renaissance a number of medical treatises appeared extolling the virtues of precious and semi-precious stones in the treatment of certain ailments. Typically stones were used alongside herbal remedies. Authors included Hildegard von Binghen, Arnoldus Saxo, and John Mandeville. There are also references to stones with particular qualities of strength or protection. In 1232 Hubert de Burgh, the chief justicular of Henry III, was accused of stealing a gem from the king's treasury which would make the wearer invincible and giving it to Llewellyn, the King of Wales and Henry's enemy. It was also believed that gemstones were corrupted by the original sins of Adam, could possibly be inhabited by demons, or if handled by a sinner, their virtues would depart. Therefore, they should be sanctified and consecrated before wearing. There is an echo of this belief today in the cleansing and programming of crystals before use in crystal healing.

During the Renaissance the tradition of using precious stones in healing was still accepted, but the enquiring minds of the period sought to find out how the process actually worked and give it a more scientific explanation.

The Begining of Crystal Healing

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In 1609 Anselmus de Boot, court physician to Rudolf II of Germany, suggested that any virtue a gemstone has is due to the presence of good or bad angels. The good angels would confer a special grace to the gems, but the bad angels would tempt people into believing in the stone itself, and not in God's gifts bestowed on it. He goes on to name certain stones as helpful, and put other's qualities down simply to superstition. Later in the same century, Thomas Nicols expressed in his 'Faithful Lapidary' that gems, as inanimate objects, could not possess the effects claimed in the past. Thus, in the Age of Enlightenment, the use of precious stones for healing and protection began to fall from favour in Europe.

In the early part of the 19th century, a number of interesting experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effects of stones on subjects who believed themselves to be clairvoyant. In one case, the subject claimed to feel not only physical and emotional changes when touched with various stones, but also to experience smells and tastes.

Crystal and Gemstone Meaning

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Although no longer in use medicinally, gemstones continued to hold meaning. Until recently, jet was popularly worn by those in mourning, and garnet was often worn in times of war. There is a tradition in a local family here in southwest England: every female descendent wears an antique moonstone necklace for her wedding, which has been in the family for generations. It was only recently that one family member realised this was a fertility symbol.

Many tribal cultures have continued the use of gemstones in healing until very recently, if not through to the present day. The Zuni tribe in New Mexico make stone fetishes, which represent animal spirits. These were ceremonially 'fed' on powdered turquoise and ground maize. Beautiful inlaid fetishes are still made to sell, and are very collectable artefacts or sculptures, although the spiritual practise surrounding them is no longer much in use. Other Native American tribes still hold precious stones, especially turquoise, sacred. Both Aborigines and Maoris have traditions regarding stones and healing or spiritual practise, some of which they share with the rest of the world, while some knowledge still kept private within their communities.

It is interesting to note that there are many examples of gemstones meaning similar things to different cultures, even when there has been absolutely no interaction between these cultures, and no opportunity for crossover. Jade was considered to be a kidney healing stone by the ancient Chinese, and also Aztec and Mayan civilisations, turquoise has been worn to give strength and health all over the world, and jaspers have almost always conferred both strength and calm.

A New Age Dawns

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In the 1980s, with the advent of the New Age culture, the use of crystals and gemstones began to re-emerge as a healing method. Much of the practise was drawn from old traditions, with more information gained by experimentation and channelling. Books by Katrina Rafaell in the 80s, and Melody and Michael Gienger in the 90s, helped to popularise the use of crystals.

These days there are a large number of books available on the subject, and crystals frequently feature in magazine and newspaper articles. Crystal therapy crosses the boundaries of religious and spiritual beliefs. It is no longer viewed as the domain of alternative culture, but as an acceptable and more mainstream complimentary therapy, and many colleges now offer it as a qualification subject.