SpiritNetwork Insights
What makes one crystal different from another?
How do I identify a male from a female crystal?
How does shape effect the energy flow?
Once I've chosen my crystal or gem, how do I make it work?
What is dowsing?
How do I program my crystals and stones?
What makes one crystal different from another?If you stand at the crystal counter deciding which rose quartz to purchase out of a box of twenty, it can all seem confusing. Once you know more about crystals in general, you will know exactly what you are attracted to depending on your intentions for it. Many people will put their hand in the box and let the crystal choose them. It really does work!
Like people, each crystal is unique and may have many different characteristics. There are female and male crystals. There are single pointed and double terminated crystals as well as different shapes. These all can effect their energy flow as well as their purpose.
How do I identify a male from a female crystal?Male crystals are usually clear and crisp, while females are almost opaque or cloudy. You may find that many crystals will have parts that are of both male and female energy which can be a perfect Yin and Yang balance. This combination is very common in clusters.
How does shape effect the energy flow?The energy of crystals with a single point at one end usually flows in the direction of the point. This is also true of double terminated (two pointed) crystals, but because the energy is attracted to both ends, the flow is almost a circular motion. Some people don't care to work with cut and polished crystals or gemstones as opposed to them in their natural state. Others, especially gem healers, primarily use cut and polished gems and stones in their work and some gem literature suggests that certain stones be cut, faceted or polished to intensify their healing properties.
Once I've chosen my crystal or gem, how do I make it work?At the risk of sounding like you've chosen a pet, the next steps are "waking it up" by cleansing it and getting to know it. The result is a clear energy exchange between you and the crystal. Cleansing a crystal is not meant to be done by the process of soap and water. In fact, unless your crystal is really dirty, keep it away from water for any length of time because some colorful crystals such as citrine and amethyst will bleed out their colors. But don't worry, this does not mean the crystal was dyed.
The act of cleansing is purely ritualistic. Some of the common ways to cleanse is to leave your crystals or stones in the sunlight during peak hours (10am-2pm), soak in a water and sea salt solution for 24 hours (not recommended for delicate stones), smudge them with dried sage or simply run them under cool tap water for a minute or two (also not recommended for delicate stones).
Okay, now you need to get comfortable with your stone. The best way to do this is to hold it and meditate. Carry it with you, sleep with it, bond with it! All of these will help you decide what each one will be best used for.
What is dowsing?Crystals are used for many purposes. It is believed that certain crystals are destined to be used for certain tasks. Aside from intuitively feeling what it is best suited for, many people also dowse their crystals. Dowsing is a method used to determine what category a crystal falls under. The procedure is usually done with a pendulum. It is not complicated and there are several good books on the market about crystals and gemstones with complete dowsing instructions.
How do I program my crystals and stones?Once you have determined what you would like a particular crystal or stone to focus on, you need to program it. This is simply done by meditating with it and using creative visualization techniques. See it's energy working in your mind's eye on the task at hand. Be sure it is what you want and it is recommended that you ask it be done for the best and highest good.