Recently, I was asked to put together a series of resources on crystals, and specifically within the energy work category, so this article is the beginning of many resources to come.
What are crystals?
An overview of crystals
When we hear the word "crystals," we usually think of pretty colored minerals. But those are not the only types of crystals. Graphite in pencils, table salt, and snow are crystals, too. What all crystals have in common, though, is an extremely well-organized molecular structure.
Believe it or not, we rely on crystals every single day of our lives. We use crystals to write, keep time, season our food, operate our phones and laptops, build our homes, and tons more. Throughout history, people have used crystals in ancient medicine and spiritual practices, believing they could balance the body’s energy centers or chakras, and they are also used in magickal ways to this day beyond their mundane uses.
Scientifically speaking, all matter, including crystals and the human body, is composed of atoms vibrating at specific frequencies. These vibrations, often referred to as Dominant Oscillatory Rates (DORs), determine the energetic signature of each entity. In the case of humans, our bodies consist of trillions of cells, each vibrating at its own unique frequency, collectively contributing to our overall vibrational state.
This intricate interplay of cellular vibrations represents the biological processes essential for life. In contrast, crystals exhibit a remarkable simplicity in their vibrational makeup, typically resonating at a single dominant frequency. This uniformity in DORs allows crystals to maintain a stable energetic signature, making them potent tools for harnessing and amplifying specific energies within their environment.
The molecules in a crystal are arranged in a fixed repeating pattern. Unlike humans, this structure makes crystal energy highly stable allowing them to easily maintain their DOR. When we bring crystals into our energy field the process of entrainment begins. Entrainment is when the rhythm of a more stable energy causes another to gradually synchronize with it. This is the Universe’s way of bringing energies into balance.
Crystals, with their stable molecular structures and precise vibrational frequencies, serve as incredible resonators and transducers of electromagnetic energies. But what exactly does that mean?
A resonator is like a tuning fork for energy. It vibrates at a specific frequency when energy is applied to it. This helps to amplify or enhance that energy. Imagine them as organized blocks vibrating in harmony, creating stability. When introduced to our energy field, they synchronize vibrations, a process called entrainment. This alignment mirrors the balance and harmony in nature.
A transducer is a device that converts one form of energy into another. In the case of electromagnetic energies, a transducer can take electromagnetic waves and convert them into another form of energy, such as sound or mechanical movement, or vice versa. Essentially, it's like a translator between different types of energy.
Because of their stability, crystals are used in various everyday technologies, from timekeeping in watches to transmitting data via radio waves and powering solar panels. They're essential as resonators and transducers of electromagnetic energies in numerous applications.
So, how do you get started with crystals?
Research the energetic and magickal properties of the crystal AND use your intuition
There are many ways to use crystals. Many people choose to carry them or wear them to keep the energetic frequency of the crystal near their energy field to embrace its metaphysical properties. Others may choose to meditate with them or use them in their home or sacred spaces to create a certain atmosphere that aligns with their intentions and craft. For example, someone who wants to embrace a greater degree of self-love or attract love into their life may choose to wear or work with rose quartz. Here are a few quick reference guides for crystals and some of their metaphysical benefits.
Ways to use your crystals
A lot of this comes down to personal preference. Like any spiritual or energetic practice, crystals are best used in a way that feels supportive and healing for you. Here are some ideas:
- Nestle them up with your plants
- Hold them when you feel you need to
- Use them as part of your meditation practice
- Wear your crystals as jewelry or keep them in your pocket during the day
- Take a bath with them (check if your crystal of choice is waterproof first) or keep them on the edge of the bath along with a candle or two
- Decorate your space with them
- Keep a couple calming crystals under your pillow
- Store them with your other metaphysical tools (such as tarot cards)
Cleansing your crystals
There are countless ways to cleanse your crystals (and none of them are "right" or "wrong" but the main piece of advice we have is checking if your crystals are water safe so they don't deteriorate).
- Use a cleansing crystal. For example, you can lay your crystals on a selenite plate, and the selenite can clear the energy of the other crystals. Selenite itself is also self cleansing.
- Put your crystal(s) outside or on a windowsill on a full moon to recharge.
- Use the rain as a way to cleanse them with water, or soak them in a bowl of salt water.
- Smoke cleanse them with your preferred sacred herbs.
- Sound cleanse them using a crystal singing bowl.
- Bury them underground for 24 hours. This allows the earth to absorb any unwanted energy and refresh the crystals.
May you walk your path with wisdom and prudence. Blessed be on your journey of spiritual growth and healing.