| Using Your Crystals
by Stephanie Pflumm ©Copyright 2007
How do I use my stones? This is easily one of the most asked questions I receive. Fortunately the answer is really simple. However you would like to use them.
Working with gemstones and crystals is a very intuitive and personal process. One set of rules could never apply to all the creative possibilities available to us. If you are uncertain as to how to begin or what methods work best for you, experiment, use your imagination, ask others how they have worked successfully with their stones.
Here are some ways that I have used crystals:
Companion Stone: This is how I began working with stones, carrying a companion crystal. Somewhere along my reading path, I came across a Native American practice of carrying a stone as a constant reminder of our intricate connections. The idea really appealed to me and it proved to be the beginning of a very magical connection for me with the Creator and the Universe.
Carrying a companion stone is very simple. If it is your first one, choose it using your instincts. Do you like the color, or the shape, or does something about the crystal touch you. Don't worry about what the spiritual properties of the stone are suppose to be, look with your heart not your mind. Then carry the stone with you, in a pocket, in a pouch around your neck or tied at the waist. If you are handy with needle and thread, you may even be able to sew a small hidden pouch along the waist band of your clothing. Dreaming Stone: I began sleeping with my crystals about two years ago. Now, I find I can't sleep without someone under my pillow.
While certain stones allow for prophetic dreams and can allay nightmares, they are not the only stones that are good to sleep with. If you are trying to learn about a stone, I highly recommend taking the gem to bed with you. Knowledge tends to sink in on a very subconscious level.
This is also an excellent way to introduce yourself to a new crystal companion, since in your sleep, you are your most vulnerable and honest self. If a stone is to help you manifest change, it needs to know your weaknesses as well as your strengths.
Power Pouches or Medicine Bags: By far, this is my favorite way to utilize gems and crystals. I am constantly preparing a pouch for this or that. One of the reasons I like this method is it gives me new opportunities to learn about stones working together.
Normally I begin by choosing the number of stones to be included. Because I feel closely connected to the elements, most often, I will use four stones. Thereby incorporating Earth, Air, Fire and Water. However, other numbers may vibrate stronger for you, use your imagination and don't be afraid to experiment.
Next, decide what energy or outcome you'd like to manifest with your pouch. What are some key elements that will bring about your desired outcome. For instance, in putting together the Abundance Stone Power Prayer Pouch, I knew that Abundance is the result of many things. Being able to think clearly and make appropriate decisions - Fluorite; attracting wealth in the form of money - Tiger Eye; stimulating opportunity and courage - Aventurine and finally to ensure success - Amazonite.
It's very easy to expect too much from one crystal. Using a medicine bag allows you to work on a complicated concept by combining critical energies from a variety of sources.
Consider adding other materials to your pouch. I have found the new millennium quarters to be quite magical - especially the quarter with the large tree on the back. I have utilized that coin in several abundance and growth workings. Sorry, I don't remember the state it came from. Altar Stones: If you have a sacred place in your home, crystals make not only a beautiful addition, but can attract some wonderful energies into your spiritual space. Again, in choosing stones for your Altar, forget what has been written or what you've learned. Choose from your heart, if you truly desire to make a spiritual connection with your stones, your heart is the best sensory device you can use.
My personal altar has a variety of stones that I change out as the Wheel turns - though - there are a few that are constants in my life. At least until I'm told to pass them on.
Meditation Stone: While, traditionally, Quartz is considered the master gem for meditation, you should never limit yourself by the opinions of others. Quartz does make a perfect meditation tool for connecting with the Universal All. However, for a novice, it can be a very intense experience. Milky Quartz offers a softer meditation, and can open a connection with the Angelic realms.
Any of the Quartz composites also make wonderful meditation tools: Tiger Eye, Agates, Obsidian, Amethyst, Citrine etc. Experiment with a variety of crystals that appeal to you and compare your results. Who worked best?
When I meditate with a stone, I normally hold it with both hands. However, some references recommend holding it in your dominant hand to receive (the one your write with). It is suppose to be your receptive hand. Again, experiment with different holding techniques, and trust the answers your receive.
Laying On Of Stones: I am completely unqualified to address the laying on of stones for healing. At this point in my journey, I have not explored nor researched the various methodologies in laying stones. From my brief glimpses into the practice, it appears to be fairly complicated and disciplined. So any in depth review of this will have to wait for a later article.
What little information I can confidently share is that placing the recommended stone directly on the affected area works. I have gotten relief from migraines simply by placing an Amethyst (I store it in Lavender) on the area of pain in my forehead. Other subscribers have shared similar results with fevers and other minor complaints, again by simply placing the stone on the area of the body where the illness or pain is located. |
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