Andor's Tome of Stuff : )

Crystals and Gemstones

Crystals and gemstones are like people, each one is unique and exudes a specific energy, a crystal or gemstone may be used for healing, magic, spell casting, to inspire, uplift, balance, calm and energise. Stone can enhance learning, alleviate stress, balance the energy fields in your home, activate your energy and promote lucid dreaming. Crystal energy can assist you in any area of your life and for any reason, each crystal or gem has a multitude of uses, and it will choose you, not the other way around. When purchasing a crystal or gemstone there will always be one that stands out from the rest, you will be attracted to the stone and be compelled to take it home with you. The crystal or gemstone that comes to you will be the one you need at that particular moment in your life.

Movement in the Earth's crust is the catalyst for the formation of a crystal, as superheated liquids and gases, filled with different elements, move rapidly towards the surface. As the liquids and Magic of Crystalsgases cool they crystallize, the temperature, pressure, surrounding rocks and other elements determine which minerals crystallize at a particular pace, crystals and rocks produced in this way are known as igneous. When crystals and rocks are exposed to the elements, they begin to erode and small particles are washed into the sea forming silt deposits. After extreme pressure for millions of years, these deposits become compressed, forming sedimentary crystals and rock.

Many ancient cultures believed that stones contained a life force and used them to conduct rituals and for healing. It is believed that the lost city of Atlantis used crystal power extensively. Stones have also played an integral role in various religions. The most ancient jewellery was found in Queen Pu-Abi's tomb at Ur in Sumeria, dating back to the third millennium BC. Ancient priests believed crystals to be a force that defied all evil. The Egyptians engraved an eye of lapis lazuli, symbolising Ra the sun god, and to the Cherokee Indians crystal is a sacred stone used for healing.

It is not necessary for a person to possess special abilities to work with crystals and gems, all you need is the intention and the desire to perform a particular type of magic to enhance your life, the work is done with the energy of the crystal or gem, and you are the conduit. Seen as a connecting force between earth and ether, crystals are used for crystal ball readings, scrying, spell casting and invoking.

Cleansing your Crystals

To cleanse your crystals they can be placed in a warm water bath with detergent added, use a soft toothbrush to clean well, then place your crystals in cold water and leave for at least one hour. After removing your crystals from the water place them outside in the sun, or inside near a window where they will receive the sun's rays. If the day is cloudy place them inside near a window and let them dry naturally. When night falls place the crystals outside, allowing them to absorb the moon's rays, or inside near a window where they can be charged by the light of the moon.

Becoming Attuned

You can attune to the energy of a crystal or gem, by touch, and moving the stone from hand to hand while you concentrate on the particular qualities of the individual stone. After a few minutes you will become aware of a pulsing or tingling in your hands. This is a signal of your conscious awareness of crystal energy, and a bonding between you and your crystal.

Energy and Intention

Each crystal has a pre-programmed energy for you to work with, and if you state your intention before working with a particular crystal, it will then resonate with energy and amplify the energy. While holding the crystal in both hands, breathe deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth and into the crystal, do this for approximately 3 minutes. By doing this you are connecting your intention with the inherent qualities of the crystal and activating the life energy within the crystal.