Crystals and their Magic
Any magic, in my opinion, is simply a matter of finding a tool or method which helps one tap the power deep within oneself. I have found that, since childhood, two forces have drawn me, and now help me attune myself to the harmonies and energies of the earth: candles and crystals. While i often use them in combination, I thought I would share at least the crystal part of my magic, and hope you all will, in return, share how you use these incredible creations of nature

What is a Crystal?
For the purposes of this short course, we will define a crystal as a member of the stones and mineral family. Crystals are orderly and symmetrical creations of nature which radiate energy in an orderly pattern. That is why we are drawn to them, for stability, calmness and serenity, since we ourselves lack that symmetry and orderliness. There are hundreds of types of stones and realms full of information about which particular kind is appropriate for which healing, meditation, spell or whatever. In reading all of these incredibly long and occasionally conflicting lists, I learned that it was going to take some study to keep them all straight and fully utilize them. I will provide a reference below to some lists of the stones and their attributes. One of the most popular crystals is the quartz, made of silicon and oxygen, combined to form silicon dioxide. All societies have treasured this crystal for its clarity, and this is commonly the type of stone used for scrying or crystal balls. Many claims to its powers have been made throughout the years: enhances the body and the spirit, aids in glandular function, evens and balances the emotions, increases brain function, amplifies thought formation and dispels negativity, to name a few.The most common quartz is clear, sometimes called the mirror of the soul, but many other colors can be found, such as the smoky quartz, a grounding stone which helps an individual establish a gentle and loving connection with the body; the rose quartz, a stone for self love and acceptance. As for me personally, I have been drawn to the rainbow-faceted, or aurora borealis Austrian crystal since I can remember. From collecting old rhinestone jewelry in my youth, through displaying window prisms throughout my house, to wearing as a ring today’s newest gem, the tavalite topaz, I find the shafts of multicolors the key to unlocking myself.

How Crystals Work
The lore about crystals could fill pages and pages. Even if a skeptic doesn’t believe anything else about the stones, there is one truth about them that can never be denied: they are beautiful. Even simply experiencing their beauty is, in itself, a positive experience. Imagine such beauty given to us by nature! For those of us who can go further, crystals are a dense element with a high vibration. Despite having the tendency to be heavy , they can in fact impart a feeling of lightness. When we find the ability to become in tune with them, consciously or subconsciously, they can help lift depression by inspiring us to raise our own vibration level.

Choosing a Crystal
Crystals and gemstones each have their own individual signature or vibration, just as we do. And just as we humans “fall in love” with another, so we may find a perfect attachment with one of these manifestations of nature. There are many ways to “choose” a crystal, from 1) meditating for a few minutes, opening your eyes, and picking up the first stone to which your eye is drawn; 2) touching various stones, opening your intuition to sense for the vibrations, letting your eyes go “soft” and allow the crystal to call you; 3) paying attention to your environment, because a crystal in reality “chooses” you when you may not even be looking for a stone! 4) when mail order is the alternative for crystal buying, spend some moments meditating when filling out the order form, or before speaking to a salesperson, to allow the parts of your own energy to translate to the one who will choose your stone. At one point in my life, I was actually drawn to park in a parking lot, enter a store and wander the aisles of a regular gift shop to find the crystal which “called” me! A note on birthstones: I would like to print this quote I found on the net about them. “ We are constantly being asked - during the course of our workshops and seminars - to recommend an appropriate stone which corresponds to a particular birth sign. In all our experience the only accurate way in which to ascertain the correct birthstone for any individual is for that person to visit a properly qualified astrologist and for a detailed chart to be constructed based on the person's place of birth, date of birth and the exact time of birth. Any other method is too vague and generalized; and most certainly cannot possibly be considered seriously!”

Clearing your Crystals
It is said that crystals can easily attract different kinds of vibrations, both positive and negative, and that the stone you choose may have been in contact with many other personalities and energies. Thus it is recommended that you use some type of cleansing method to restore your stone to a pure state. One suggestion I saw is to hold the stone and repeat a short phrase, such as “I will that this stone be self cleansing” Another method requires immersing the stone in salt water for several hours. Or holding the stone under running water, then drying it with a soft towel. Whichever method suits you, I have found that my own crystals seem brighter and more vibrant after being laid in the rays of the sun for about 20 minutes or so after a quick cleaning with mild jewelry cleaner/ In addition, although I have never seen this in print, my own stones have been wrapped or somehow joined with gold, as gold is a power metal for me. I suspect that those of us who bond with silver might find the moonlight a better resource? One manner in which my stones help to heal my soul and strengthen my spirit is from the myriad of sparkles as they reflect the sunrays. The rainbow stabs of color are imprinted deep within me, and when I need to summon strength or ask for the loan of power, I allow the memories of that endless light and brilliance to enter my spirit and infuse me with the power of the sun. Then I visualize these rainbows of scintillation filling whomever or whatever is the object of my concern. There is no way to describe the result of this to anyone, nor do I cease to be amazed and humbled by the results I am granted!

Programming Crystals
Before I did some study for this course, I closed-mindedly assumed that "programming" was for “higher tech” crystal magick. Now, however, I am willing to admit that, like anything else, programming your crystal is simply a way to ask it to be your partner for as long as the “relationship” can work. Programming a crystal involves a putting the energy of our chosen thoughts and feelings into a crystal so that it can intensify them and be a constant reminder of them for us. Programming may be done by holding the crystal with both hands, gazing into it, richly visualizing your goal, breathing deeply and concentrating on infusing the vibrations into the crystal. Or one can use a more complicated ritual with verbal affirmations if desired. The stone is then worn on the body, and broadcasts its program continually as it is in contact with you.

Meditation with Crystals
During meditation, waves from the brain are supposed to actually trigger a crystal into activity, in turn stimulating the subconscious into deeper awareness and healing. This type of meditation is, again, a personal choice, but the methods range from a very peaceful holding of the crystal in one’s hand as one gently meditates, to more complex rituals involving the placement of octahedron crystals on the forehead, eyebrows, throat and junctures of the legs. Yet another meditation references a “chakra” layout which overlaps with crystal healing in that the use of colored stones can help to heal the chakras and enable better meditation and a healthier soul. I have not tried any complicated ritual using my crystals. One of my most powerful ways to meditate, one which has allowed me to experience an out of body journey, is to place a candle flame between my eyes and my crystal, and allow myself to see every nuance of reflection of the flame in the facets of the crystal. The crystal and I are warmed by the flame, my spirit is bathed in the light. Each time I do this, it is as though I am seeing some detail or truth for the first time. I allow myself all the time in the world... often I become entranced and that is when the most meaningful revelations occur.

Crystal Healing
Once again, the list of gemstones and their properties of healing can be found in other resources such as the ones I listed at the beginning. Basically, healing with crystals seems to be oriented toward the use of colors. Different color s of stones are assigned to various complaints. Rather than itemize the stones and what they are reputed to heal, I would rather look further into the psychology behind why the stones seem to work. But here is a reference for those who can memorize better than I can: http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~asclepus/gemstone_healing.htm One basic theme throughout the articles about healing with crystals is that color seems to hold the key. Indeed, one newer prescription for therapy is the prism or light box, which uses quartz and color gels. This therapy with color is simply modern man’s attempt to imitate nature’s palette of light. Color has a strong influence on our human spirits, as is illustrated by our obsession with interior design, make up and choice of clothing. Therefore, as color is an important tool to “manage” our environment, crystals, as nature’s creations of pure color, are tools as well. Again, each stone vibrates with its own color frequency. By sensing the stone’s properties, we might attune ourselves to the vibration which will best heal us, but only if we are sensitive enough to be able to feel what makes us better. I would say that healing with crystals would be something that one acquires with time and empathy, growing the senses for crystals’ properties and simultaneously empathizing with patients’ needs. Emeralds are said to improve intellect and memory; rose quartz enhances love and relationships. There are dozens of books and courses that offer to familiarize the would-be healer with the characteristics and uses of crystals in healing. Use of the recommended stone is to have it programmed and then wear it as close to the skin as possible. The most favored way is on a chain about the neck, but also it can be hidden in pockets, held in the hand while watching TV, or placed under the pillow at night. In the past, yellow beryls, for example, were used to cure jaundice; bloodstones treated hemorrhages and disorders of the blood . In my opinion, perfect health of the body is facilitated by meeting the needs of the body for color and light, through the chakras and the soul. Color is everywhere, and we seem to need it for our health and welfare. Our aura, another sign of color, reflects to those who can see it, the condition of our body and soul. The brightness of the aura is said to be a symbol of the degree of evolution. I suspect that this is the reason for my own preference for the rainbow stones: a constant supply of the brilliant colors I seem to need on a regular basis. I wear a crystal every day, and frequently find myself gazing into its rainbow depths when I become stressed or agitated.

For those who would like to study crystals in depth -- and believe me, you will easily find 20 times this much information on the internet -- I have a place to go next::Rainbow Crystals
They offer a free newsletter; just subscribe by going to their page. You can also purchase crystals through them. I have yet to explore the entire site. Also take the questionnaire about which crystals can help you right now. You may find that carnelian can help improve your memory and labrodorite/spectralite encourages the wise use of psychic power! I want to thank the email list for allowing me to present these ideas. I found a wealth of new information when researching this lesson, and was renewed in my personal goals and self power. I hope at least a few of you will explore a new relationship with crystals