Stones and crystals are growing in popularity as decorative pieces which add a rustic touch to the home interiors. There’s also an increase in the desire to use crystals to serve more esoteric functions.
The world’s cultures have utilized crystals for meditation and healing practices for hundreds of years. Are crystals able to heal? power?
How To Meditate With Crystals?
According to the crystal healer, certified meditation instructor Carol Boote, it is indeed true.
“There’s a long history stretching over thousands of years of the use of crystals for healing and protection, and many forms of meditation for focus and achieving a higher state of consciousness,” says Boote.
Her belief is that the crystals exert the ability to alter consciousness.
“The use of crystals in meditation practice can deepen your meditation, provide a focus object, and raise your consciousness and awareness of your higher self,” Boote states.
What does science say about crystals?
There’s no evidence scientifically proven that crystals are beneficial in healing or meditation or other spiritual activities. There’s actually very little evidence for crystals in any way.
The most often cited source of information supporting the idea that crystals can only provide an effect of placebo was the research carried out by Christopher French, Lyn Williams, and Hayley O’Donnell.
The research was showcased at two international conferences in 2001 and 1999 but was never published in an academic journal.
A few studies, like an earlier review published in 2009, called Trusted Source claim the effect of the placebo can provide its own type of healing through interpersonal relationships that differs from traditional or natural healing. Some crystal enthusiasts are in agreement with this view.
There is also evidence that was cited in an article in review in the year 2011 of Trusted Source that suggests that placebos have the potential to alter the brain.
A 2008 study by Trusted Source found that the use of placebos is a routine by health medical professionals.
Pen-named, All Natural Spirit claims to be a scientist, with a doctorate in biology. She can also be a certified crystal healer.
As per The All Natural Spirit blog, “There are actually no reliable scientific studies on crystal healing, probably because of the stigma associated with it and there is no scientific authority to say what crystal healing actually is or could achieve.”
Although the research is nearly inaccessible and more research has to be conducted but there is historical evidence the use of crystals for healing and spiritual practices for a long time.
How To Meditate With Crystals
Getting started
To begin your journey with your crystal meditation practice, you’ll require the crystal you choose and the desire to learn in particular when meditation is a new concept to you.
“The key issue for meditation is to be able to practice at least once a week and include it in the self-care regimen. If you are feeling like you’re lacking time or are tired or sick or sick, you’ll need this more now than you ever did before,” says Boote.
When you’re ready to start, you must create the right tone. Find a location that is quiet and not arousing and set the thermostat to a relaxing temperature, and then adjust the lighting to create a relaxing and soft feeling.
If you’re already an experienced meditator, you’ll be able to incorporate the crystal into your daily routine.
You can also include tools such as:
- candles
- essential oils
- Incense
- pictures of our ancestors’
- pictures of inspirational figures, such as Buddha, for instance. Buddha
- sacred objects
Then, you’ll need the crystals that you’ll utilize on hand.
You may want to know about Meditation using Crystal Pyramid
Cleaning
You’ll need to wash your crystals prior to starting. It’s as easy as:
- using incense to guide your crystal by passing it through incense, particularly incense containing sage smoke
- by using sound, such as singing bowls, chanting
- expose your crystal to the sun or moonlight for a few hours
- setting your crystal under running water
- soaking your crystal in saltwater
- placing your crystal in the dish of brown rice
Certain techniques for cleansing are suitable only for specific crystals, so be sure to research your options before you begin.
Grounding
The next step as stated by Boote is to connect with your innermost self.
“Ground yourself and ask your highest self and highest beings to help you in this session,” she suggests. “Set your intention that any information or actions are for the highest good to humanity.”
In the next step, you can ask your crystals permission to make use of their vibrations. Connect to your intuition and listen to hear if you get an answer.
“Connect to your breath and the crystal vibrations, keep your breath relaxed, and see where the energies take you,” Boote states. “Some people like to shut their eyes — but to keep a level of alertness, I find it better to keep them half open.”
If your mind is wandering, don’t worry.
“Any distracting thoughts are normal,” Boote suggests. “Acknowledge and then let them go. You might feel experiences from crystals like visions, vibrations or even thoughts.”
Watch your timing
According to Boote, the crystals shouldn’t be left within your body for longer than 20 minutes.
“If you feel uncomfortable with the crystals before then, take them down immediately and drink water,” she suggests.
The practice should be closed
Once the meditation has ended, slowly take note of your surroundings. the space.
“You might want to stretch and wiggle fingers and toes,” Boote suggests. Boote. “Don’t rush, take a drink of water to detoxify, and be aware of your experience and feelings.”
If you are a regular meditator, Boote recommends you add crystals only every week.
“You’re working with some powerful energies,” Boote says. “You need time to assimilate and get rid of any negative vibrations.”
Then, Boote says to remember that meditation is a long journey that spans many years. Do not rush!
Techniques for meditation using crystals
Once you’ve mastered all the fundamentals, you may want to try out which method of crystal meditation is most effective for you. Here are some suggestions Boote suggestions for those just getting started.
The crystal grid, also known as circles or grids
You don’t wish the crystals touching your body when you’re meditating You can design circles or a grid of crystals. Set the crystals in an organized form around you or directly in your face.
“Crystal grids are often beneficial and used by setting crystals upon sacred geometry shapes to focus on during mediation,” Boote says.
“These can be created by focusing on a particular concern in mind and then allowed to carry on their work. These could be personal problems or even an issue for the entire community or even global.”
In the bath
If you’re having difficulty relaxing and calming down, it might be beneficial to relax with crystals in a warm bath.
“A way to relax is to take a relaxing bath and soak the crystals floating in the water. However, this isn’t appropriate for calcite or selenite since they can disintegrate,” says Boote.
Crystals are a good addition to your chakras.
Chakras are believed to be energy transducers within the energy body. Each symbolizes a specific aspect of your spiritual and physical being.
While meditating, put a crystal on your chakra that is aligned with your purpose.
“Laying crystals on your body allows the healing properties to activate those areas and rebalance energies,” Boote says. “Chakra balancing is commonly and effectively used by placing the corresponding colored crystals as you meditate.”
Crystals in various forms and their advantages
You don’t require a collection of crystals according to Boote however she suggests some to get going.
“There there are 2 crystals that I highly recommend using for meditation.
The first one is crystal clear quartz” Boote says.
Boote. “[It] allows for altered states of consciousness and balancing the chakras, which are energy centers within the body.”
The second option for Boote’s newcomers is selenite.
“It’s a gypsum crystal which can be beneficial for communicating with your higher self and higher realms. When you meditate, it aids in recalling previous lives, and also contains all the sacred knowledge,” Boote explains.
“Selenite is a high-vibration rock and helps activate the chakra of the crown. It provides illumination and healing to every cell of your body.”
Whatever crystal you decide to use, Boote says it’s essential that you choose your crystal with a sense of intuition. That is choose the one you are attracted to.
How to Pick Crystals
Here are a few of the more common kinds:
Amethyst
Amethyst is believed to be:
- are blessed with a powerful healing energy
- help you to sleep
- help to maintain blood circulation.
- Balance chakras
Garnet
According to crystal healers, garnet is beneficial in providing energy and regenerating the body. It’s regarded as a wise option when you’re recovering from illness.
Quartz
There are various types of quartz crystals, which include:
- Clear
- rose
- smoky
It is thought that clear quartz helps to enhance awareness and decrease stress.
Rose quartz is considered the stone for unconditional love. It is believed to increase feelings of self-love as well as foster affectionate relationships with others.
Smoky quartz is thought to be a stone of grounding and can aid in feeling more connected to the earth. It is believed to boost moods and can be used to protect.
Black Tourmaline
This stone is believed to shield against radiation from cell phones However, there’s no proof to support this. It is believed that tourmaline can shield against harmful energy.
Selenite
Selenite is often used in meditation. It’s believed to help the person meditating connect with an inner world of higher consciousness.
Citrine
The stone that is known by its name as the stone of happiness citrine is believed to bring happiness and prosperity.
Sodalite
Sodalite is believed by many to bring calm and order to your thoughts.
Lapis Lazuli
It is believed to enhance spiritual growth This stone is believed to enhance your intuition and help you resolve conflicts.
Tiger’s Eye
Tiger’s Eye is known as a stone that can be a source of support during periods of transition. It is believed that it can provide strength and confidence as well as an ability to stand up for your voice and to find the clarity you need to make your decisions.
Meditation stones vs. crystals
As you begin your journey of crystal meditation, you’ll observe that the words “crystal” and “stone” are frequently used in a similar way.
“In the context of crystal healing, both can be used with good effect,” says Boote.
“In terms of the definition of a stone, it is a solid, non-metallic substance. Crystals are solid materials composed of molecules and atoms with a repeating pattern, referred to as crystallized lattices. Both are made of minerals.”
Boote clarifies that crystals and stones are often confused, however, both are beneficial for mediation.
“Although amber, jet, and obsidian are commonly referred to as crystals, they aren’t real crystals.
They do not possess a crystal structure. They are all resins, but they can be extremely effective as healing agents,” she says.
“A powerful healer is also the Shaman Stone, sometimes known as Boji Stones, which do not have a crystal system but are used for grounding and bringing stability.”
Criticism
There are many who practice crystal meditation however, there are some who aren’t in support of this particular practice. Let’s look at the main reasons.
Cultural Appropriation
They have also been utilized in healing for centuries before they were widely used throughout their use in the Western world. They were utilized in practices that were performed in Buddhism, and Judaism, by Native Americans and Egyptians. In many cases, these groups were targeted for their usage of these rituals.
If you decide to engage in any kind of ritual, such as crystal healing, you must be sure to be respectful of its past and history and apply cultural appreciation instead of the practice of cultural appropriation.
A study has revealed that many crystals are mined in a way that is not responsible, 4 so ensure that you inquire where your crystals are from when you purchase them. Also, buy from indigenous people when you are able to.
It’s difficult to know whether using crystals Really Works
But, there is not much research to prove that crystals can actually aid in healing. However, studies have revealed the power of the placebo effect as well as the healing of others.
While this phenomenon has often been criticized as proof that a particular medicine isn’t working, scientists are beginning to examine it as proof of how powerful the brain-body connection is.
Also, let’s imagine that you take a drug designed to lessen the severity of migraines.
But it’s considered a placebo, meaning it does not contain any ingredient that can decrease the severity of your headache.
After you’ve taken it, you begin feeling better over time.
If you feel better might indicate that, although the medication itself doesn’t work it is the way your mind is convinced that it is working and is responding accordingly is a sign of how strong the brain-body link is. 6
It’s possible that crystals don’t help however when a placebo effect takes place and you start to see signs of healing then it’s likely that the use of crystals can help you.
An Opinion From Verywell
While modern-day research hasn’t yet proved that crystals can benefit our well-being and health, they are a great tool to help you connect to the earth and to your own intuition.
Crystals can be used to enhance your practice, as a way to aid your journey.
It’s possible to find that using crystals during meditation will bring more concentration and peace to your life even if it turns out to be a placebo.