As a young child, I was fascinated by stones. I collected ordinary rocks found in my backyard or at the pond, looking for specific-colored stones or ones that had rings around them. Some stones seemed more “friendly” to me than others and these would come home with me. When my family went to the ocean for vacation, the occasional trips to curio shops on rainy days would end with purchases of tumbled stones and geodes to add to my collection. I loved looking at my stones and holding them but I had no inkling of their innate vibrations or qualities. They were objects of beauty.
More than 45 years ago, the first time I went to Sedona and the surrounding red rock areas, I began to experience some of the vibrancy and aliveness of the cliffs, formations, and geologic layers that surrounded me. Camping in the national parks of the southwest intensified my sense that there was more to the rock formations around me than pure beauty. These giant stones seemed to speak to me, but not by using words. There was an ancient mystery that seemed contained in the rocks that would offer up secrets if I could learn to decipher the code.
These days I am much more versed in stone lore, having spent many hours listening and sensing the unique properties that each variety, and, in fact, each individual stone contains. I enjoy playing with my stones and crystals with my grandchildren as well as utilizing the connections that the stones can make for the benefit of my energy medicine clients.
Crystals have been used world wide for thousands of years by societies small and large. Their uses have included their purely esthetic qualities by being fashioned into jewelry, forms of currency, art pieces, demonstrations of religious or spiritual authority and power, and badges of political hierarchy. Additionally, crystals and stones have been considered as healing and protective devices in many of these same societies. In the past, obsidian was shaped into knives and cutting instruments; lapis lazuli was pulverized to create eye make-up; and clear quartz was considered to be alive and able to assist with the production of rain. Nowadays, diamonds are used for cutting metals and glass, in lasers, for heat dissipation, and as the preferred stone for an engagement ring.
Some stones have retained the same uses for humankind throughout centuries while others have changed in how they are utilized and what meanings they are given. The late Judy Hall described one crystal whose meaning changed in her book, The Encyclopedia of Crystals. “In Germany, for instance, miners in the Middle Ages called Cobalto-calcite kobald because they believed a goblin lived in the stone. Nowadays, Cobalto-calcite is considered a beneficent stone that opens the heart and fills it with love.”
There has been a resurgence in the attention that stones and crystals have received regarding their healing abilities in the last several decades. While there are many crystals that the majority of people agree upon concerning their qualities and how they can affect human conditions and moods, I have found that individual variations are common. This is why I encourage clients to choose their own stones by touching the actual stones and sensing which seem more in tune with their individual selves. It’s almost as if when it is the right stone, the crystal will lock into a tight fit with a person’s palm.
This is far too short a blog to delve deeply into which stones are beneficial for which purpose for all of the many varieties of crystals that have been discovered so far. However, I would like to mention a few stones in particular that I often use and recommend in my practice. I have relied on the work of Judy Hall, Robert Simmons, and Naisha Ahsian for the interpretations found below while adding my own impressions.
Black Tourmaline works like a sponge, soaking up all the negative energy that surrounds it. Like a daily disinfectant for the soul, Black Tourmaline cleanses the aura of negative thought patterns keeping one up at night. Black Tourmaline is also associated with the root chakra, the energy center that keeps us feeling grounded and secure.
Lepidolite, a purple and whitish stone, assists in the release and reorganization of old behavioral and psychological patterns, gently inducing change. It brings deep emotional healing and soothing and reduces stress, worry, and depression. It is useful for hyperactivity, attention deficit, and electromagnetic pollution and can be an excellent stone for children.
Selenite, a translucent whitish stone, is associated with the moon and therefore brings in the energies of the unconscious, instinct, subconscious, and emotional well-being. This stone also aids in mental clarity thus enhancing mental flexibility and enabling strong decision-making abilities. Selenite removes energy blocks or patterns and can be used to cleanse other crystals or physical spaces. Do not get selenite wet or it will dissolve. If your selenite feels “heavy” to you, place in direct sunlight or moonlight for a day or two to enhance its properties.
Rose Quartz, a pale pink stone, is the quintessential stone of love. It can heal the heart of its aches and wounds, reawaken trust, stimulate and open the heart chakra, clear out negative emotions from the heart, and assist in the integration and resolution of old emotional patterns. It is a humble but very powerful stone. It turns one towards love and compassion in all forms. It is said to be an excellent stone for midlife crisis, as it strengthens empathy and sensitivity towards oneself, aiding in accepting the changes that occur as we evolve.
Amethyst, a purple stone, has been prized for its beauty for thousands of years. This stone is known for opening up multidimensional awareness, enhancing metaphysical abilities, and assisting meditation practices. Amethyst’s ability to activate the higher mind allows one to gain a clearer understanding of the dynamics and causes of life experiences. Hence it can be useful when trying to change addictive or unhealthy behavior. It creates a “bubble of light”, shielding against emotion-based decision making, allowing one to take action based on higher guidance and spiritual understanding.
There are so many other wonderful and useful stones and crystals. If you would like to learn more or would like to purchase crystals, please contact me for more information. I have a large number of different stones available for sale and love to find the right fit for each person and crystal.
