by Roxianne Moore

Created on: March 07, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

Crystal Healing goes far beyond carrying a few rocks in your pocket or placing them on your nightstand. Those are great ways to start out, but there's so much more you can do with crystals. As a massage therapist and Reiki Master, I have been using crystals in sessions with my clients for several years.

A good book such as "Love is in the Earth" by Melody, or "Healing with Gemstones and Crystals" by Diane Stein will help you choose the crystals you need for your personal healing.

For a basic starter set, I recommend choosing a few clear quartz crystals. Then you can add crystals for each of the chakras: amethyst for the crown, lapis lazuli for the third eye, sodalite for the throat, green aventurine and/ or rose quartz for the heart, tiger eye or citrine for the solar plexus, carnelian for the sacral, and garnet for the root. Others may recommend different crystals for the chakras, but these are the ones I use most often when working with my clients.

As others have mentioned, you need to take care of your crystals and keep them clear of negative energy. Some crystals, like quartz, absorb energy - both Light and Dark, positive and negative. One simple way to cleanse your crystals is to use another crystal: amethyst clusters are excellent for cleansing other crystals and preparing them for healing. As a bonus, they don't pick up energies or require cleansing themselves, though it does help to place them in the light of a full moon once in a while. To use an amethyst cluster to cleanse your crystals, simply place the crystals on the cluster (so a fairly large one is needed), and allow them to stay in place for at least 24 hours. DO NOT place them in direct sunlight, as some crystals will lose their brilliant color if exposed to too much sun.

You should cleanse your crystals when you first buy or receive them, then periodically depending on how much you use them. Pocket crystals that are with you all the time should be cleansed at least once a month, more if you're stressed or sick.

Okay, so now you have clean crystals for healing. What can you do with them?

The basic chakra set is excellent for an all-over healing layout. You may lie down, placing the crystals on your body. The crystal for the root chakra can be placed between your legs before you lie down. Then place the others according the location of the chakras (use a chart if needed for reference). Lie quietly, breathing gently, for 10 to 20 minutes. Do this daily for a week and see how much better you feel overall.

You may also place clear quartz and other crystals on the floor or a massage table in a specific pattern, then lie down in the midst of the crystals. Again, there are many books to help with layouts and suggestions for specific ailments or emotional issues.

Crystal healing is a journey. Choosing your first set of crystals is just the first step that may lead you to a higher place.

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