How to Meditate with Crystals: A Beginner’s Guide

From the desert plains of Mesopotamia to the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, ancient civilizations understood the healing properties of crystals. They used them as protection amulets and for emotional, physical and spiritual balance.

It takes a calm, receptive mind to harness the power of these beautiful natural gemstones. The timeline for results can vary, depending on the type of crystal you choose, your healing intent, and your level of openness.

History

From the arid desert plains of Mesopotamia to the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, crystal healing has been practiced in many different cultures throughout history. These ancient civilizations, with their unique beliefs and practices, laid the foundation for the modern practice of crystal healing we know today.

Crystals are believed to emit steady vibrational frequencies that can interact with our energy fields, also known as auras. When crystals are placed near the body, it is thought that the vibrational frequencies can amplify and balance our energies, thereby promoting health on physical, mental, and emotional levels. Various crystals are thought to possess specific healing properties and can be selected depending on your individual needs and intentions.

In ancient Greece, philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle pondered the nature of crystals, while Greek physicians, including Hippocrates, utilized them in their medicinal practices. In Hinduism, crystals are associated with deities and planetary influences and used in rituals and astrological practices, while Buddhism incorporates gemstones as offerings on altars and in meditation techniques and Taoism uses crystals to represent the five elements of the natural world.

The popularity of crystal healing today is attributed to a combination of factors, such as its tangible beauty and sense of mystery combined with the power of belief. Its connection to ancient traditions also helps give it a timeless appeal. Many individuals have also experienced anecdotal evidence of the benefits of crystal healing, from stress reduction to enhanced creativity and physical pain relief. It is important to note, however, that the timeline of healing depends on the individual’s intent and openness to the process. Those who are more open to believing in the therapeutic powers of crystals tend to experience positive outcomes faster than those who are more skeptical.

Benefits

Crystal healing proponents believe that certain stones carry vibrational frequencies that align with the body’s energy fields, promoting holistic wellness. Each gemstone is said to have different properties; lapis lazuli was used by ancient Egyptians to encourage self-awareness and reveal inner truth, while carnelians were believed to help balance the endocrine system, as described by Greek physician Dioscorides. The practice also draws on ideas borrowed from Indian Ayurvedic practices, as well as the Hindu or Buddhist concept of chakras, which are swirling vortices of life-energy said to connect the physical and spiritual elements of the body.

Despite this rich history, there’s no scientific evidence that crystals can actually heal the body. However, some of the perceived benefits attributed to crystals may have something to do with the placebo effect. For example, a study by British psychologists in 2001 found that people who held fake crystals reported feeling better than those who held real ones—and this had nothing to do with the actual stone itself.

The good news is that crystals can be incorporated into any meditation practice, which is already known to have positive effects on the brain and mood. In fact, adding crystals to your regular meditation routine can be a great way to enhance the experience, such as with amethyst and its calming effects. Plus, as natural elements, crystals can serve as a reminder of our connection to the earth and to each other. For many, this is the most compelling reason to include them in our daily rituals.

Techniques

Crystal healing is a form of alternative medicine that involves the use of gemstones and crystals to purge the body of negative energy. It is based on ancient customs borrowed from Asian cultures, most notably the Chinese concept of chi or life energy and the Hindu or Buddhist concept of chakras, which are vortices of this energy said to connect the physical and supernatural elements of the body. The practice is associated with the New-Age movement, though it has roots that reach back thousands of years.

Crystals are unique among minerals in that they contain repeated, symmetrical structures at the molecular level, which give them a crystalline lattice structure and a specific vibration or frequency. It is this resonance that is believed to give crystals their healing properties. Crystal healers believe that when a stone is attracted to a part of the body that is out of balance, the pattern or frequencies of the crystal force the affected area into vibrational motion until it returns to its original state.

The idea that crystals have healing properties is associated with various mystical and spiritual beliefs, including the New Age movement. It is also believed that each type of crystal has its own unique vibration or frequency that can interact with the human energy field or aura, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

These ideas are rooted in long-held traditions, and many of them can be traced to the Middle Ages. People wore gemstones and crystals as amulets to protect them from illness, demons, and other malevolent forces. In the 11th century, the church banned these types of amulets, but they remained popular with the upper classes and royalty. They are even mentioned in the Bible, as in the legendary breastplate of Aaron that included twelve gems.

Materials

Crystal healing is a superstitious practice that utilizes gemstones, minerals and crystals to balance the body, mind and energy. Though not scientifically proven, this holistic therapy has been used throughout history by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Whether you’re looking for crystals to help with focus, emotional processing or anxiety, it’s important to choose a stone that resonates with your intention.

Crystals have unique piezoelectric properties that generate voltage when pressed or handled. This unique ability is harnessed in everything from quartz watches to ultrasound machines. The energy generated by a crystal can be used to promote physical and emotional healing through pattern or frequency resonance, allowing the affected part of your body to vibrate until it returns to its natural state of unbroken wholeness and oneness with the universe.

The use of crystals to heal was also prevalent among Native American tribes and Australian Aboriginals. Despite the Middle Ages’ shift in religious beliefs, some ancient spiritual practices continued, and crystal healing was re-introduced in the 1980s with the rise of New Age culture. This new wave of healing focused on channeling and resurrecting old traditions, while also offering guidance for self-healing through crystals.

During this period, many crystals experienced a rise in popularity, including turquoise and lapis lazuli. These stones are said to encourage inner calm and protect the wearer, while helping with mental clarity and communication. Similarly, jade is commonly known for its healing properties and can be found in many tools of traditional Chinese medicine, such as the gua sha stone. Today, crystals are more often associated with the metaphysical than with the physical. However, as recent research on the placebo effect has revealed, mindset may play a role in promoting healing, so don’t be afraid to give your stones a good squeeze!

Shop

Since ancient times, stones and crystals have been venerated for their healing properties. While many people have dismissed this practice as pseudoscience, the use of crystals has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with individuals looking to balance their energy. Crystals are believed to promote the flow of positive energy throughout the body, helping with mental and emotional well-being. Individuals may choose to wear them as jewelry, use them during meditation or place them in specific areas of the home to encourage a harmonious space.

The popularity of this trend has spurred the creation of numerous shops that specialize in crystals, offering everything from raw and tumbled stones to polished and carved pieces. These retailers, from established rock emporiums to small Etsy sellers, go the extra mile with their inventory, often thoughtfully and ethically sourcing their stones and working directly with suppliers to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions.

For those seeking a more personalized touch, House of Intuition offers crystals in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. The brand has been around for more than 50 years and specializes in crystals, herbs and other items related to alternative medicine. Its crystals are said to be sourced from the planet’s most abundant sources and are paired with descriptions that explain their healing abilities.

The Bronx superstore carries a wide selection of crystals, incense, sacred herbs and dream catchers. It is the only store of its kind in New York City and is a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual healing and guidance. It also sells a variety of crystal-infused beauty products, which include oils and sprays that promote good health. The store is a family owned and operated business that dates back to 1959, offering an extensive inventory of crystals and other spiritual tools.