Crystal Allies: The Ancient Use of Crystals in Shamanic Healing - Ashley Brothers
Introduction:
For centuries, crystals have woven their shimmering threads into the fabric of shamanic practices, casting radiant light upon the realms of healing, transformation, and spiritual connection. As conduits of Earth's energy and stewards of ancient wisdom, crystals hold a profound significance in shamanic healing. In this exploration, we embark on a journey through the historical origins, the deep spiritual resonance, and the multifaceted usage of crystals in shamanic healing practices.
Historical Origins: A Tapestry Across Cultures
The roots of crystal usage in shamanic healing run deep, spanning cultures and continents. Indigenous communities worldwide have utilized crystals for their metaphysical properties, recognizing their ability to harmonize energy, enhance intuition, and facilitate communication with the spirit world. From Native American tribes to Aboriginal cultures, ancient Egyptians to South American shamans, crystals have adorned the rituals and ceremonies of diverse societies.
Spiritual Significance: Crystals as Emissaries of Earth's Wisdom
Crystals are believed to embody the profound energy of the Earth, containing the memories and vibrations of eons. In shamanic traditions, they are seen as allies and bridges between the physical and spiritual realms. Their unique vibrational patterns resonate with different chakras, energy centers, and subtle bodies, fostering alignment, balance, and holistic healing.
Amplifiers of Intention: Crystals act as amplifiers, intensifying the intentions and energies of the shaman and the individual seeking healing. They create a focused channel for intention manifestation.
Energetic Cleansing: Crystals possess the ability to absorb and transmute negative energies, clearing blockages and facilitating emotional release during shamanic rituals.
Connection with Ancestors: Many cultures believe that crystals have the power to connect with ancestral spirits, opening pathways for guidance, wisdom, and healing messages.
Spiritual Protection: Crystals are often used to create protective barriers, shielding shamans and their clients from intrusive or harmful energies during healing sessions.
Facilitators of Journeying: Crystals can enhance shamanic journeying, assisting in altered states of consciousness, astral travel, and communication with spirit guides.
Usage of Crystals in Shamanic Healing: A Multifaceted Approach
Crystal Grids: Shamans create intricate crystal grids, placing crystals in specific patterns to magnify their combined energies. These grids act as portals for focused intention and healing.
Chakra Alignment: Crystals are placed on or around the body to balance and align the chakras, promoting the free flow of vital energy and emotional well-being.
Divination Tools: Crystals such as quartz crystals and obsidian mirrors are used for scrying and divination, allowing shamans to receive insights from the spirit world.
Aura Cleansing: Crystal wands or clusters are gently waved over the body to cleanse and realign the aura, dissipating stagnant energies.
Ancestral Communication: Shamans use crystals to create bridges to the ancestral realm, facilitating communication with ancestors and receiving guidance.
Protection and Space Clearing: Crystals like black tourmaline or smoky quartz are employed to clear negative energies from spaces and provide protection during ceremonies.
Programming Crystals for Intentional Healing
Crystals are not only beautiful but also hold powerful energies that can be harnessed for various purposes, including healing, manifestation, and spiritual growth. Programming a crystal involves setting a specific intention or task for the crystal to amplify and radiate. In this guide, you'll learn the step-by-step process to effectively program your crystal with your desired intention.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Programming Your Crystal
Choose the Right Crystal: Select a crystal that resonates with the intention you want to program. Each crystal carries unique properties, and choosing the right one enhances the synergy between your intention and the crystal's energy.
Cleansing and Clearing: Before programming, ensure the crystal is cleansed of any residual energies. You can achieve this through smudging, placing the crystal under running water, or using sound vibrations (such as a singing bowl).
a. Set a Clear Intention: Take a few moments to center yourself and clarify your intention. Whether it's healing, protection, manifestation, or any other goal, be specific and concise in your wording.
b. Create a Sacred Space: Find a quiet and serene space where you won't be disturbed. You can light a candle, play soothing music, or perform a brief meditation to elevate your energy.
c. Connect with the Crystal: Hold the crystal in your hands and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths to connect with its energy. Visualize a white or golden light surrounding the crystal, purifying and aligning its energy.
d. Speak Your Intention: In a confident and clear voice, state your intention for the crystal. Use affirmative language, such as "This crystal is programmed to amplify healing energy" or "I program this crystal to attract abundance.”
e. Feel the Energy: As you speak your intention, imagine the energy of your intention flowing from your heart into the crystal. Visualize the crystal absorbing this energy and becoming a vessel of your desired outcome.
f. Visualize and Feel: Spend a few minutes visualizing your intention manifesting with the crystal's energy. Feel the positive emotions associated with your intention as if it's already happening.
g. Seal the Programming: Gently tap the crystal or blow a breath onto it as a symbolic gesture to seal the programming. You can also hold the crystal to your forehead, connecting your third eye chakra with its energy.
h. Thank the Crystal: Express gratitude to the crystal for becoming a conduit for your intention. This appreciation reinforces the energy exchange between you and the crystal.
i. Placement and Use: Keep the programmed crystal in a place where you'll see it regularly or where it's needed. You can hold or meditate with the crystal to reinforce its energy and intention. If you are using a crystal specifically for healing, keep it wrapped in cloth or leather hide and stored in a medicine bundle.
Cleansing and Charging Your Crystals Between Uses
The Energetic Maintenance of Crystals
Crystals are exquisite conduits of energy, but over time, they can absorb unwanted energies and lose their vibrancy. Cleansing and charging your crystals between uses is crucial to ensure they remain pure, potent, and ready to support your intentions. In this guide, you'll find detailed instructions on how to cleanse and charge your crystals effectively.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cleansing and Charging Your Crystals
1. Choose a Cleansing Method: Select a method that resonates with you and the crystal's properties. Common cleansing methods include smudging, water cleansing, salt cleansing, sunlight or moonlight exposure, sound cleansing, and using other cleansing crystals.
Cleansing Your Crystals - Gently hold your crystal in your hand and set the intention to cleanse it. Apply your chosen cleansing method:
Smudging: Pass the crystal through the smoke of sage, palo santo, or other cleansing herbs. Visualize the smoke purifying the crystal's energy.
Water Cleansing: Immerse the crystal in a bowl of purified water. You can add a pinch of sea salt to the water for added cleansing power. Be cautious with water-sensitive crystals.
Sunlight or Moonlight: Place the crystal under direct sunlight (preferably in the morning) or moonlight (preferably during a full moon) for several hours. Visualize the light purifying the crystal.
Sound Cleansing: Use sound vibrations from singing bowls, bells, or tuning forks. Gently sound the instrument near the crystal, allowing the vibrations to clear its energy.
A. Intent and Visualization: While cleansing, hold the intention that any negative or stagnant energies are being released from the crystal. Visualize the crystal being surrounded by pure, cleansing energy.
B. Drying the Crystal (If Applicable): If you used water cleansing, gently pat the crystal dry using a soft cloth. Be cautious with water-sensitive crystals, as some may be damaged by water.
2. Choose a Charging Method:
Select a method to recharge the crystal's energy. Charging methods include sunlight, moonlight, earth charging, using other charging crystals, and setting positive intentions. Hold the crystal in your hand and set the intention to charge it. Apply your chosen charging method:
Sunlight or Moonlight: Place the crystal under direct sunlight (preferably in the afternoon) or moonlight (preferably during a full moon) for several hours. Visualize the crystal absorbing the light's energy.
Earth Charging: Bury the crystal in a patch of clean soil or natural sand for a day or more. The Earth's energy will infuse the crystal with vitality.
Self-Cleaning Or Charging Crystals: Place your crystal on a larger quartz cluster, selenite, or amethyst geode for several hours. These crystals have natural charging properties.
A. Setting Intentions: Hold the crystal and focus on positive intentions, imagining the crystal's energy aligning with your desired outcome.
B. Gratitude and Connection: As you cleanse and charge your crystals, express gratitude for their support and energy. Develop a deeper connection with your crystals through mindfulness and intention.
Conclusion: Sustaining the Crystal's Radiance
Cleansing and charging your crystals between uses is an act of nurturing and respect. By purifying them from any unwanted energies and infusing them with fresh life force, you ensure that your crystals remain vibrant allies on your journey. Remember that the process of cleansing and charging is also an opportunity for you to connect with your crystals on a deeper level, forming a harmonious bond between your intentions and the innate wisdom of these beautiful gems.
Ashley Brothers - Institute of Conscious Evolution LLC, Bend OR
Author of A Living Prayer Blog, public speaker, holistic practitioner, and teacher of energy medicine, shamanic healing, and psychic channeling
https://www.bonesoftheearth.org
206-550-6292