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• Alchemy-June

The world of crystals
Crystals come not only in a variety of shapes and hues, but are laden with immense healing and rejuvenating properties says Rashmi Rawat

Mr. Rahul Bhatt, a senior manager in a big company was suddenly faced with the  challenge of replacing another employee who was fired for his corrupt behaviour. Mr Bhatt had sacrificed 30 years for the company and was unwilling take up a new post that was already in deep problems. Amit Raissoni, an events manager and a spiritual coach suggested that he wear a specific crystal to resolve this problem. Mr Bhatt took his advice. Soon after he had an amenable discussion with his boss following which he was able to retain his position. 

A couple used to have frequent fights, due to the pugnacious nature of the wife who would argue with her in-laws and husband over the smallest of issues. So much that her aunt who was a client of Amit Raissoni, asked him for a crystal to calm her tantrums. He gave her a rose quartz pendant which not only improved her health but also smoothened her marital life. Was it the energy of love in the rose quartz that helped the woman balance her behaviour? To find answers let us dig deep into the world of healing crystals.

What are crystals?
Geologically, crystals are natural solids made of minerals that are formed naturally inside the earth. Available in different shapes, colours and sizes, each crystal has a precise geometry of atoms or structured atomic arrangement. Crystals are formed  when the liquid present inside the earth consolidates at a very low temperature and also when the liquid makes its way through the clefts and dispenses minerals into the clefts. They have a precise vibration and pattern. Each type of crystal has its own unique mix of elements and specific properties. A lot of crystals are man-made in laboratories as they are extremely rare to find on earth. Their appearance depends upon the natural characteristics of their type and the condition in which they grow. Some take on strange shapes, some are very small, and others grow very large, developing over thousands of years.

Their usage dates back to Stone-Age when crystals were used as weapons and tools  to produce fire (example: Flint, a healing crystal). 

According to sources, the first historical references to crystals comes from the ancient Sumerians, who used crystals in their magic formulas. The Ancient Egyptians used crystals like Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Carnelian, Emerald and Clear Quartz in their jewellery. Crystals were not only popular amongst the Egyptians but  even among the Arabs, who vouched for the miraculous efficacy of ‘Hakik’ and ‘Firoza’ crystals, also known as Agates and Turquoise respectively. They were frequently used in the medieval period as amulets for healing, and protecting the individual from negative energies.

What makes them an ideal tool for healing?
Undoubtedly these beautiful rock formations have amazed us since time immemorial.   They are considered  portals for inner work, spiritual awakening and ascension. Crystals contain minerals that have healing properties. For example;  the copper in Malachite reduces swelling, the Lithium in Lithium Quartz helps in reducing stress, and the iron oxide in Hematite is good for blood circulation. There are modern medicines that are made from the same mineral content as that of crystals.

Jyotika Chhibber, a clinical therapist, clairvoyant, intuitive and psychic medium says, “The repeating chemical structure of crystals is said to invest them with a kind of memory. This means that crystals have the power to hold energies. You may hold a quartz crystal with the intention of filling it with your love. This is what is meant by programming a crystal. You do not need any wires or a special connection with God — all you need is intention and focus. The crystal will remember your love, which will then permeate any environment in which the crystal is placed. Crystals can remember negative as well as positive energies and so will sometimes need to be cleansed.” 

Effect of crystal on mental and physical health?
Talking about the effects of crystals on mental health, Amit Raissoni says, “Certain crystals like Amethyst, Rose quartz, Kunzite, and Selenite have a subtle, soothing and calming energy. They work directly on the senses, calming them, thus helping us relax mentally. Other crystals help in balancing different imbalances in the body and  heal the body gradually.”

Validating the healing effect of crystals on our physical health Dr. Chhibber says, “Crystal healing is an alternative medical technique in which crystals and other stones are used to cure ailments and protect against disease. Proponents of this technique believe that crystals act as conduits for healing — allowing positive and healing energy to flow into the body as the negative, disease-causing energy flows out. 

Providing historical reference, she adds,“Ancient Egyptians are considered as one of the first people to adorn themselves with crystals such as Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian and Turquoise to ward off illnesses and negative energy. The stones and their positioning are chosen on the basis of the symptoms reposted by the patient. All this is influenced by the healer’s skill, and the chakra philosophy of disease and energy imbalances.” 

Can I choose my own crystal?
Choosing a crystal on your own is perfectly fine and easy. The popular adage “Crystal chooses you” rightly fits here. Our subconscious gets attracted to a specific colour or vibration or maybe the crystal that fascinates or attracts us is the one meant for us. One must always go by one’s gut feeling or the first inner response.

Also, reading up the properties of a crystal to find if it matches your needs too is a great way of choosing a crystal. But they should be used only after following the proper procedure of cleaning or charging them as suggested by a crystal expert. Described below are few common crystals from the world of healing crystals.

Citrine
Also known as Merchant’s Stone, this pale yellow to brownish shade crystal is a transparent quartz composed of silicon oxide. Carrying the power of sun, this stone  emanates positivity and joy, and stimulates the chakras, thus clearing the mind and stirring the soul to action. The property of attracting wealth and abundance are some of the most well-known of Citrine. If seeking abundance in financial or business ventures, this stone aids in its manifestation. Citrine is an excellent crystal for interpersonal relationships. It smoothens family or group relations by promoting solutions and cohesiveness. It also helps in understanding and dealing with absorbed impressions from those around us. Citrine is also useful in meditation as it opens the doors to inner thought. When meditating with Citrine, one feels a glowing warmth both within and without. 

Tiger’s eye
If you find yourself in the doldrums of negative emotions like fear, anxiety, self-doubt or any other unfriendly thought, then Tiger’s eye is the right crystal for you.   As the name itself explains; ‘The eye of a tiger,’ this crystal will help you balance toxic emotions by keeping the mind sharply focussed on your true desires. A crystal with lovely bands of golden yellow etched on it, Tiger’s eye fuels the energies of boldness, courage and mental strength in a person to make them  emerge a winner. It deflects unwanted energies,  raises your vibration, and attracts success and good fortune, empowering you to become successful in life. 

Carnelian
Member of the quartz family, this glassy, translucent crystal comes in shades of red and brown and is used for its incredible healing powers. This vibrant crystal helps you to get rid of difficult situations in life. It holds the energy that lends courage and stability to a person who has lost liveliness and motivation. Carnelian helps you break through creative blocks so that you can show the best version of yourself. Spiritually it resonates well with the solar plexus or power chakra, and the base or the root chakra. This healing crystal in its beautiful shades of orange, floods you with inspiration, confidence, and motivation, making it perfect for anyone looking for a rush of creative energy. 

So, wear Carnelian and be creative!

Pyrite
Are you stuck in the loop of scarcity? Do you lack abundance? Go for Pyrite. A very easy to find gemstone in any crystal store, it helps in attracting abundance. Also known as fool’s gold because of its glittery hue and metallic lustre, this crystal is highly recommended for your workspace to attract wealth and good luck. It brings a revitalising energy to your workplace helping you overcome laziness, procrastination and lack of discipline. This crystal is a concentration-booster and enables you to think new thoughts. It helps you get rid of old ideas by shifting your mindset. Eventually, working with this crystal will help you manifest luck and abundance in reality.

Obsidian
This shiny black stone which is formed by the cooling of  lava, absorbs negativity, and deep cleanses your body of psychic ailments. Guardian of the soul, this crystal is highly recommended for those areas of your home or office where you might host negative people. This stone has a great ability to break negative attachments to people who are close but are at the same time negative. Obsidian also aids in releasing feelings of resentment, fear, anger and stress that drain your energy. It resonates with the base or the root chakra and grounds, blocking out psychic attacks and any evil eye completely. Laden with metaphysical properties, the energy of this stone may also stimulate the gift of prophecy.

Amazonite
Our mental chaos can be our biggest foe that never lets us stay in peace. If this is the case with you, then you must go for Amazonite – a beautiful blue-green crystal that holds the property of pacification. Amazonite soothes and calms the maelstrom of thoughts caused by negative energies around us. It works as a great pacifier for the ones suffering from nervous disorders and fiery temperament. This anti- anxiety medication of the crystal world provides harmony and balances the masculine and feminine qualities in an individual. Meditating with Amazonite with the intention of bringing clarity and transparency to the purpose of life rejuvenates an individual. It is a powerful heart and throat chakra stone that helps one release toxic emotions and express oneself fearlessly and clearly.

Jade
Jade, a crystal that occurs in lovely shades of olive green, is laden with healing properties. Illuminating various aspects of life like health, wealth and love, this crystal aids you in experiencing a sense of happiness and satisfaction that you have been waiting for. In terms of career, Jade helps you to realise your full potential at work. Also known as the stone of eternal youth, Jade is used in various beauty modalities. It is known to promote wisdom, balance and peace. Meditating with Green Jade, which is known as the crystal of immortality helps you to open your heart chakra, making you develop a sense of gratitude for the things you have in life. It lifts self-imposed limitations and assists a feeling of joy in one’s ideas and desires.

Selenite
Selenite occur in several hues of white and belongs to the family of gypsum crystals. This self-cleansing crystal helps raise our vibrations and shine more of our unique light onto the world. Our aura accumulates certain negative energies and these energies gets stuck in us in the form of emotions like anger, sadness, depression, fear and even anxiety. Selenite acts as a magical wand that cleanses all the negativity in our aura, making it vibrant and filling it with colours of positivity. Softer than any other crystal, Selenite is an ideal stone which can be placed in the living area to fill it with positivity and purity. Also, meditating with this crystal is a great way to align the chakras since it clears energy blockages and heightens our psychic abilities.