A HISTORY OF CRYSTAL HEALING
By Anna Guggenberger
For centuries, minerals and crystals have been used for their metaphysical properties and healing powers. Worn as talismans or amulets, certain stones were believed to shield and protect the owner from enemies, help them to find the right path, and provide clarity in moments of doubt.
The word ‘crystal’ derives from the Greek word ‘krustallos’ meaning ‘ice’ and ‘rock crystal’. The Greeks probably referred to clear quartz that looks almost like an ice crystal. Amethyst derives from ‘amethustos’ and means not drunken, because the purple crystal was believed to prevent intoxication.
Various crystals are named after their place of origin. Moldavite, for example, is named after the Moldau River region in the Czech Republic and Topaz derives from Τοπαζος, an old name for St. John’s Island in the Red Sea.
Most of today’s knowledge about crystal healing stems from old traditions and practices by the ancient Chinese, Egyptian, Aztec and Mayan cultures. Next to Tarot cards, crystals have become the most popular resource for spiritual guidance and energy balancing.
Our life force or ‘energy’ (called ‘chi’ in Japan, and ‘prana’ in India) is the source of our health and vitality and should be protected at all costs.
The Crown Chakra
‘Sahasrara’ is believed to be the purest and most powerful of all seven chakras. It establishes our connection to the spiritual world, transcending all elements, colours and sounds. Opening our crown chakra is opening ourselves to the realization that we are pure awareness, pure consciousness and pure love.
The name ‘sahasrara’ is Sanskrit for ‘lotus flower with 1,000 petals’, a symbol for the purity of our bodies and minds. Like the lotus flower, we are surrounded by muddy waters, but we do not have to adhere to them. Through meditation and spiritual practice, we rise above the dirt and mud around us and bloom. This is our enlightenment.
Amethyst is a stone of spirituality. It purifies our aura, stimulates the crown chakra, and enhances the benefits of meditation. Often called an ‘all-healer’ it can even be used to improve plant growth. Just stick it into the soil about two fingers away from the stem.
To cleanse your crown chakra with an amethyst, place it on your head and meditate with the following affirmations:
I am complete.
I am light and I am love.
I am connected and open to the divine wisdom.
Quartz is one of the most common crystals and encompasses a whole family of quartz varieties from Rose Quartz to Rainbow Crystals. Of all the Quartz varieties, Clear Quartz is the most universal stone. It corresponds to all chakras and is an energy source in itself, which is why it can be used to charge other crystals. Clear Quartz is an excellent meditation stone, bringing balance and harmony to our soul.
Selenite is a form of gypsum and can be found in various states, most notably in Oklahoma, where Selenite often occurs in an hourglass shape. Named after the Greek goddess of the moon Selene, the crystal has impressive metaphysical properties. Holding the energy of the moon goddess, Selenite helps to stabilise our emotions and cleanse our aura from negative energies.
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About Anna
Anna is a thinker, dreamer, and raconteur. She grew up in the Austrian countryside surrounded by mountains, forests, and meadows, where her creative spirit and vivid imagination were cultivated. The aspiring writer seeks to inspire and spark conversations about topics ranging from mental health and body positivity to mindfulness and living in alignment with the energies of nature.