Having problems sleeping? Got too many issues to solve and it’s stressing you out? Wear an Amethyst or better still, place a cluster of these beautiful purple crystals right next to your bedside. And if you’re feeling stuck in your career or feeling strapped for cash, invest in a gem from the yellow family – Citrine, Yellow Sapphire, Imperial Topaz. Considered the stones of Jupiter, they help draw good fortune to those who wear it, and those who believe.

Whether you believe in the power of gems or crystals or not to change our lives to some degree, be it benefiting our health, wealth, state of mind or relationships, these beautifully cut and coloured pieces of Nature’s treasures have been revered for centuries by civilizations across the globe.. In fact, Crystals have been found in Neolithic graves and barrows. They were widely used in ancient Egypt, Mexico, Russia, and Africa, and among Native American cultures.

In the past 20 years or so, the interest in crystal healing has been revived in almost every part of the planet. Today you’ll find amulets, talismans, bracelets, objects made of crystal designed for a particular use.

Crystals and gems  are highly powerful and effective tools for healing as they contain a number of special properties and interact with us in many different ways. One of these properties is the unique vibration of each crystal. Crystals and gems can be used for healing, stress, or stress related disorders, arthritis, and pain management, spiritual growth, intuitive growth, and relaxation.

Healers believe that gems and crystals can focus and enhance natural healing energy. They work electromagnetically by strengthening each person’s natural abilities to heal themselves and to send, receive and store information and healing energy. They are excellent personal growth tools that conduct universal energy, light, intentionally and electrical energy for healing. They have the ability to amplify, store, transmute, focus, and radiate high vibratory frequencies including healing light, color, sound, image, and electromagnetic waves into our body’s chakras and energy fields. Gems helps to reduce blocks, bringing our mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical vibratory frequencies into alignment.

There are 7 major chakra’s focused on during a healing session. Chakra are energy points in the body that correspond with the Endocrine glands. These need to be balanced and aligned to experience and maintain vibrant health and well being.

• Root Chakra: Jasper, Garnet, Onyx, Rubies
• Sacral Chakra: Carnelian, Hematite, Moonstone
• Solar Plexus Chakra: Citrine, Amber, Topaz
• Heart Chakra: Rose Quartz
• Throat Chakra: Aquamarine, Turquoise
• Third Eye Chakra: Amethyst, Sapphire
• Crown Chakra: Clear Quartz, Amethyst

Crystal healing concentrates on the person as a whole being – emotions, body, spirit – not just the area of the physical body that needs healed.

Choosing Your Crystals

Cystals can be chosen to aid in specific ailments but many people find that they don’t choose their crystal, it chooses them. While casually perusing gems and crystals you may find that a particular item draws you to it. Follow your instincts. Your body needs all 7 color rays: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet; and you may unconsciously be drawn to the gems or crystals that is most appropriate for you.

Crystal Cleansing & Energizing

Because Crystals are so sensitive they tend to pick up negative and positive vibrations from their surroundings and whosoever holds them. After buying your crystal it is recommended to cleanse your crystals thoroughly, by soaking them overnight in water, or leaving them on the window sill to absorb sunlight or moonlight (be careful as some crystals fade in the sun) or to hold them under running water and then to clean them with a soft cloth.

The most common question I am asked about crystals is do they work? The answer has to be “Yes”, but they do need to be cleansed and charged correctly.

Because crystals store energy (and, when needed, release energy) it is important that the correct energy is stored within the crystal as they tend to absorb all energy, be it negative or positive.

After cleansing it is useful to energize  crystals with healing energy so if you’re an energy worker, all it takes is a few minutes of concentrated energy and concentration of sending love and positive energy, and removing all negativity.

By energizing your gem or crystal with Reiki, affirmations, moonlight or mantras, you enhance the power of the crystal and focus it to your exclusive needs.

Take for example a young woman who was working in a BPO. When she came for a reading she was scattered, tired, irritable and felt she was doing too much for others and little for herself. As a result she was exhausted. After discussions, I chose a Red Agate for her – one of its properties being balancing emotions, health and helping the wearer focus on their own needs. Within a few weeks she felt a change in her energies. The next time she came to meet me she was distinctly calmer, with her priorities in place.

How effective are crystals?” This is a question I am constantly asked and I give my 33% theory. According to the Ancient Chinese, we come with 3 kinds of luck, Heaven Luck, Our own man made Luck and the Luck of the earth, crystals, gems etc. Hence, crystals and gems do work, but by about 33%. The rest of it is upto God and to us, on how we can change our lives for the better. Another thing to remember, is that will all modes of alternative healing, crystals and gems do take time. If you’re going to buy a crystal for yourself, do remember to cleanse it, energise and wait for a week before you feel results.