The beauty and unexpected order of crystals have long fascinated people and there are many artifacts from cultures around the world that contain crystals. Crystals have long been associated with magical powers. Ancient civilizations used crystals for healing. They believed they understood how the energies of crystals amplify healing. The ancient Mayans, Hebrew, Vedic and Native American cultures used crystals and gemstones both in spiritual rituals and as aids to physical healing. Those who practice the ways of the ancient cultures continue to use crystals as healing tools. Crystals were used in the earliest shamanic rites as tools for initiation and healing, for talismans, for prophesy and for meditation.

In recent years, particularly with the rise of the New Age movement, myths concerning the metaphysical and healing powers of crystals have been reintroduced to society. Proponents claim that the healing properties of crystals rely on 'energy' that crystals are supposed to give off and that this energy exerts subtle influences on the body, realigning the bodies 'energy' into more harmonious, natural and healthy patterns.

The problem with this is that, despite countless detailed studies, science has not identified any energies that could possibly be the healing energy proposed by the crystal healers. Some crystal healers claim that the Piezoelectric Effect, known to science, is the energy responsible. This claim does not hold up to examination on at least two counts: this effect can only be generated under very specific conditions (the crystal has to be cut into thin slices at particular orientations to the crystal axes) and most types of crystals that crystals healers use cannot generate a piezoelectric effect anyway.

Crystal healing's may offer some assistance to some ailments, particularly emotional or psychological disturbances, but these healing's are achieved as psychosomatic responses rather than through any direct effects from the properties of a crystal.

Healing with Crystals:

When using crystals to heal you must understand the properties of the crystals you are using. Crystals vibrate to at different rates enabling them to heal different areas of the body. Some people believe that quartz crystals have excellent healing properties. Quartz also has the ability to transform an imbalanced energy field. When you feel stressed the crystal can balance your energies and revitalize you. Other minerals besides quartz crystals display healing properties. Small quartz crystals left in water will ionize the water and is a good drink for healing. You can use crystals yourself to heal or find a qualified healer. Most crystal healing is guided to the healer by spirit. Spirit will tell the healer which crystals will be most effective and in what patterns the crystals should be placed on or around the person's body. The length of time used with the crystals will vary with each patient and healer. The healer must determine the patient's frequency and attune it to the crystals that will place it in balance. All healing is about placing the body in balance. Treatments will vary in length and number of times required. They may not always work. Owning a crystal that you carry with you or keep in the area you spend most of your time is believed to enhance the healing after you work with the healer. Many people believe it's a good idea to keep several quartz crystals around your home to balance the energies before you need the healing.

When self-healing, place the crystal on the part of the body where it is needed. For chakra work, choose crystals of the appropriate color and properties. Place the stone on the afflicted area and allow it's energies work as it draws the sickness or pain out. You can hold the stone in your receptive hand to absorb the healing energies. At the end of the process, the stone will be depleted of much of it's energy. Thank the crystal and then cleanse it. Most stones will retain negative energies if not cleansed.

A common technique for meditation is to hold the crystal in a hand, or both hands and concentrating on being open to allow the energies within the crystal to gently enter your being. Repeating the original intention over and over from earlier programming will facilitate this process.

Aura:

The color energy that surrounds us are ever changing based on how we are "inside ourselves." Physical, mental, and emotional situations show through the colors of our Aura. The word "aura" is but another name for "force field" or "radiation." Every substance in the universe has a radiation or aura and the auras of minerals, plants and animals as well as human bodies have special characteristics.

In it's basic form, it embodies seven major layers powered through seven major energy centers called Chakra and is energized by the Kundalini which is the storehouse of Vital energy situated at the base of the spine. Vital energy should flow naturally up the spine with some energy radiating out of each Chakra with most rising through the Crown Chakra at the top of the head.

The colors of the aura provide a guide in understanding our emotions, consciousness, energy processes and centers. Although not all people are aware of their aura-seeing ability, all of us sense auras through a combination of perceptions at the subconscious, instinctual level.

Shape Of The Aura:

Many people connect the color frequency of a specific chakra with that of the stone being used. For example - if one were healing the throat chakra - one would use one or more blue stones placed on the throat chakra alone - or in patterns. The person needing the healing would lay down - the blue crystals being placed on the throat chakra.

The success of crystal healing varies with the person being healed. Remember that in all healing, one must first address the emotional issues linked to the healing process before the physical illness can be cured.