The Crystal Lore

Welcome to my electronic grimoire of crystal lore for Green Witches, Cottage Witches, Kitchen Witches, alchemists, folklorists, and others.

Here you will find information about individual stones, crystals, and metals.

Please note that the information given in these pages is in no way meant to take the place of the advice of a qualified health care professional. This information given is to provide an insight as to how many indigenous, classical and New Age magickal practitioners use crystals and stones in their workings.

The Basics:

• What is a Crystal?
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  Crystals, precious and semi-precious gemstones have the most orderly structure in the natural world. They are formed of mathematically precise and orderly lattice arrays of molecules. The perfect order of their lattices is due to the individual atoms and molecules being packed together as tightly as possible during their growth, partly because of strong electro-magnetic forces and high pressures around them as they form. This stability ensures that they react in characteristic, precise and predictable ways to a broad spectrum of energies, including sound, light, heat and pressure - this is why they are of use in the electronics industry.
  Esoterically they also respond to bioelectricity and consciousness (i.e. to thought and emotion) and we believe that they have a consciousness of their own. Crystals are highly evolved within the Mineral Kingdom and are directed to work with humanity for the Higher good and for the growth and advancement of all the Kingdoms on Earth, including that of Humanity.
  By applying the coherent, stable and focused energy of crystals to dysfunctional energy systems within the human energy fields, stability and optimum balance can be restored.
  Quartz crystals resonate with the liquid crystals that are found to be within the physical body, and can transfer their energies to the bloodstream for health and rejuvenation, as well as transmuting unwanted information that may be locked within bodily tissues or the mind and other etheric bodies. When crystals are used in geometrical arrays they have an amplified effect, which can be put to different uses depending on the nature of the stones chosen and their placements.
   
• Crystal Energy
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  Crystals and gemstones are living formations that have been growing in our earth since the beginning of time. Considered highly sacred and powerful, these beings have been used since the dawn of ancient civilization. 
  Crystals then and crystals now are used as aids in physical, emotional, spiritual healing, spirit contact, psychic development, holistic healing, and a vast array of much more.  
  In the Metaphysical world of gemstones, it is said that Crystals can transform us. 
  It is true that we can find some wonderful Natural healing properties among the stones we find. 
  But how can we determine what stones should be used for a particular ailment or condition?  Which gems are better for physical healing, and which are better used for Spiritual, vibrational and psychic situations?
  Some find it fairly easy to make this determination, by the use of color and type.  For example, green gems are primarily used for regeneration and healing, while white stones are more etheric in nature and can be beneficial for Spirit work.
  
  There are different types of stones, gems and crystals, and they all work in different ways. 
  Tumbled stones and small natural crystals are most often available to us. They can be found in a wide variety of minerals and are easy to carry and use. 
  Larger clusters of minerals are very useful for charging and cleansing of other gems and magical jewelry.  
  The larger single hand held Crystals and wands are wonderful for meditation and for directional healing of specific body parts and systems.
  Usually, we are drawn to a particular stone for our own personal reasons
  and they become vital to our healing practices. It is said each crystal you find yourself drawn to own had been waiting precisely just for you.  We may choose to wear a particular gem as an adornment in a piece of magical jewelry so that we may take advantage of it’s energies and healing power on a regular basis.
  
  Because all gemstones come from Mother Earth, each one is naturally
  fully charged with her powerful energies! 
  
  In the case of Crystals however, they can only form from a gas or liquid
  solution and therefore are different than stone and rock. For this reason, crystals heal in a more complex fashion than Natural stones.  
  They may have inclusions, crystals within crystals, shadows and light, and even
  other minerals growing inside of them.  Crystals are unique, in that they have extra electrons that are stored within them from the creation of their lattice, or structure.  It is these electrons that enable Crystals to become transducers, or in other words, they are able to change one form or energy into another!
  To demonstrate this electrical energy, you can rub two small pieces of Quartz together in a dark room and they will show what is called, ‘triboluminescence’.
  CRYSTALS ARE IN FACT ELECTRICALLY CHARGED!!!
  How Does Crystal Healing Work?
  Healing with crystals is something everyone can do. It's convenient, easy, and inexpensive.  
  In simple terms, here’s how it works:
  Energy is the essence of the human body.  Each type of crystal vibrates to its own specific type of energy.  When you work with crystals, the energy of the stone actually blends with your own energy, thereby transforming and/or amplifying your vibrational frequency or the energy within your body.  In turn, crystals help to rebalance and re-energize your body on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
  Each type of crystal radiates a certain type of energy, which corresponds to and works with the energies present in specific physical and/or emotional areas of your self.   
  To work with crystals, you simply need to be around them. That’s it!  
  Of course, there are techniques and exercises you can do to enhance the healing effects of your crystals, but it truly is as simple as holding one in your hand, or placing one on your nightstand. 
  The most important thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that, every now and then, your crystals should be cleansed. This is because, in addition to radiating healing energy, crystals also absorb our negative energies. Over time, and especially after a major healing session, your crystals can absorb so much negative energy that they actually become blocked. This blockage weakens the crystal’s natural healing effect.  
  Cleansing helps the crystal release the negative energy, thereby recharging the stone and increasing its healing power.
   
• Taking care of Crystals
• When one first acquires a crystal one should cleanse the crystal to remove any unwanted energies that have become attached to the crystal. And it should be cleansed often with regular use.
  Methods for cleansing your crystals:
• To cleanse your crystal you use your energy to work directly with the crystals’. This is done through your intention – a focused mind. While holding your crystal in your hands, visualise it immersed in white light, clearing it of any unwanted energies and re-energising it. Hold it for several minutes or as long as you feel inclined. Ask “that all the energies within the crystal are transformed into divine light and love, and that it is clear and activated to its full potential”.
• Most crystals love running water. Hold your crystal under the tap and allow cold water to flow over it. As you do so, visualise all negative energies dissolving and washing away, transforming into positive healing energy
• Visualise a flow of clear, pure mountain water going through the crystal, washing away all impurities and seeing them transformed into positive healing energy.
• Rinse or bathe your crystals in rain-water, water from a spring, a stream, the beach, a river or sacred source, even in a waterfall (make sure you hold on to them or they can get swept away). Dry them naturally in gentle sunlight.
• Morning sunlight gently cleanses your crystals and moonlight is a softer way to let light filter through your crystals and cleanse them. The best time for this is a full moon.
• Using the smoke of sacred herbs such as sage, cedar, and lavender to smudge and cleanse the energetic matrix of crystals. Smudging with white sage removes negative energy from crystals and rooms in your house. (Smudging is to light the herbs and burn them, when the flame dies the embers burn creating smoke. You then pass your crystal through the smoke while asking it to be cleansed and purified.)
• Place your crystals on a bed of rock salt for 24- 48 hours to purify the crystal’s energetic matrix.
• Bury them in the earth, soil or clay for 2 –7 days as this provides a slow and gentle form of cleansing. The longer you leave it the deeper the cleansing. (Make sure you the spot where you buried your crystal as they wriggle away and can get lost in the earth).

After cleansing, the crystal will need to be charged and dedicated. Charging a crystal fills it with energy. Dedicating the crystal gives it a positive power.

There are many ways to recharging your crystals:

• Placing your crystals in sunlight for an hour or so, will charge most crystals. After a sunbath on your windowsill, your crystals will be noticeably brighter. You can also place your crystals on the earth for an additional charge while recharging them under the Sun, Moon or Stars.
• Placing your crystals out under Moonlight is a gentle and penetrating method for recharging your crystals. The full moons’ light is the brightest in its cycle, thus giving a greater charge to your crystals.
• Placing them out in any dynamic weather conditions such as a thunderstorm provides an awesome electromagnetic charge to your crystals.
• Placing your crystals on an amethyst cluster is great for recharging jewellery and smaller crystals. You can also place your crystals on a clear quartz cluster that you have programmed to recharge any crystals you put on it.

Methods for dedicating your crystals:

•  “I cleanse this crystal in the Light and Love of God and of Mother Earth. May only that which is of its own consciousness remain, and may all else be transformed into the Light.” (see the crystal being surrounded by an intense white or golden Light as you say or think this)
•  “I ask and intend that this crystal work with (me/myself and x/my healing group etc.) for (healing myself/absent healing/healing others/meditation/protection). I will keep it safe and well to the best of my abilities, for the period of time that I am honoured to be its earth-keeper.”
•  “It is my pure intent that from this moment on this crystal may only be used in the name of love and compassion, and always for the Universal Highest Good of all”.

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• Toxic Crystals and Minerals 
• Crystals are one of the most beautiful gifts that we have been given by Mother Earth and metals in their various forms can also delight the senses. However, just like Mother Earth herself, some crystals can be just as dangerous as they are beautiful. Many of these stones are perfectly safe to handle or wear as jewelry, but present a danger when they are used to create anything that will be consumed.
  No matter what you are intending to do with your crystals, you should always be aware of base minerals they contain as a very good chunk of them can contain poisonous elements, such as copper, lead, zinc and arsenic. This can be a problem if you plan on using your crystals for Gem Elixirs, Crystal Infused Oil for massaging into the skin, if you are cutting or engraving them to make talismans, which can release the chemicals into the air and even if you handle them often.
  As is true with many insects and animals, it is often the brightest and most beautiful crystals that are the most dangerous. As a general note, almost all blue and green stones, especially brightly colored ones, contain copper/or arsenic.

  Some Safety Precautions

  To play it safe, always make sure you wash your hands before and after working with your crystals. This will help keep you safe and your crystals clean, both physically and energetically. Use a mask, gloves, eye protection and good ventilation when you are engraving, polishing or sanding stones for jewelry. Wetting them before you begin will cut down on the dust. Tumbled stones are less likely to leak toxins and dangerous materials, rough stones are more likely to dissolve or break off and leak these toxins.

  A List of Potentially Toxic Minerals

  Some minerals are more toxic than others and there are many different types of toxicity. You must use your own judgement when choosing what crystals to work with and how to use them.
  This is NOT a comprehensive list of all toxic minerals.
  Please be safe, and do extensive research on your crystals before using them, especially if you are making a Gem Elixir and the crystal will be ingested.
  Adamite- Zinc arsenate, may also contain iron or copper
  Actinolite - a fibrous form of asbestos
  Ajoite - contains aluminum and copper
  Alexandrite - contains aluminum
  Aluminum - Aluminum toxicity can impair growth, cause bone deformities and weakness, confusion, speech problems and seizures. Especially dangerous for people with impaired kidney function.
  Amazonite - The color is from copper or lead, but it is considered stable.
  Angelite or Anhydrate - Calcium sulfate, may also contain lead
  Antimony - Ingesting or inhaling antimony results in poisoning similar to arsenic
  Aragonite - a type of calcium carbonite (aka chalk). Reactive to certain other minerals, releases toxic chemicals if burned. Irritating to eyes and mucus membranes.
  Arsenic - A particularly potent poison popular with assassins during the 15th and 16th centuries.
  Aspestos - causes respiratory irritation. A well-documented cancer-causing agent.
  Atacamite - contains copper
  Aurichalcite - a carbonate mineral containing zinc and copper
  Azurite - contains copper
  Barium - Affects the nervous system… explosive.
  Beryl Group - beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate. Beryllium is a carcinogen
  Boji-stones These are trademarked. Who knows what’s in them. Rumored to contain sulfur.
  Brochantite - A copper sulfate
  Cavansite - calcium vanadium silicate, All vanadium compounds should be considered toxic.
  Celestite - strontium sulfate
  Cerussite - lead carbonate aka white lead ore
  Chalcanthite - contains copper and sulfur and is water soluble
  Chalcopyrite (Peacock Stone, Peacock Ore) - a copper iron sulfide mineral Chrysocolla - a copper silicate
  Cinnabar - this is where mercury comes from
  Conichalcite - contains both copper and arsenic
  Copper - Has been linked to cirrhosis of the liver and Alzheimer’s Disease, among other things
  Covellite - a copper sulfide mineral
  Cuprite - copper
  Dioptase - a copper cyclosilicate mineral
  Eilat Stone – copper
  Emerald – a type of beryl
  Eudialyte - Mildly radioactive, soluble in an acid solution
  Flourite - corrosive, may irritate skin or eyes.
  Gem Silica - copper
  Galena - lead sulfide
  Garnierite (Genthite) - nickel ore
  Iolite aka Cordierite - a magnesium iron aluminium cyclosilicate
  Iron - While iron is necessary to body function, excess iron intake through ingestion or inhalation can lead to intestinal distress and liver failure.
  Kansas Pop Rocks - concretions of iron sulfide
  Kyanite - contains aluminum
  Labradorite - contains aluminum
  Lapis Lazuli - contains sulfur.
  Lead - Lead interferes with many body processes and is particularly dangerous to children
  Marcasite - an iron sulfide
  Magnetite (Lodestone) - an iron oxide
  Malachite - a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral
  Meteorite - These come from space. There’s no end to the possibilities.
  Mohawkite - contains copper and arsenic
  Moldavite - this naturally occurring glass may contain a variety of minerals
  Moonstone - a sodium potassium aluminium silicate
  Nickel - Builds up in the body, a carcinogen, causes an allergic response in some
  Orpiment - an arsenic sulfide mineral
  Psilomelane - contains barium
  Pyrite (Fool’s Gold, Inca Gold) - iron sulfide
  Realgar - also known as ruby of arsenic. Also contains sulfur. Was once used to poison rats and for fireworks.
  Ruby -aluminum oxide
  Sapphire - aluminum oxide
  Sodalite - contains aluminum
  Spinel - contains aluminum
  Stibnite - an antimony sulfide
  Strontium - exists in both stable and radioactive forms. Stable forms can cause poor bone growth in children if inhaled or ingested in large quantities
  Smithsonite (Galmei, Zinc spar)- zinc carbonate
  Sulfur - Extremely irritant if inhaled. Dangerous to mucus membranes. Ingestion causes vomiting & diarrhea
  Topaz - contains aluminum and flourine
  Tourmaline - a crystal boron silicate that may contain aluminum, iron or other minerals
  Turquoise - an hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium
  Uranium - radioactive mineral
  Vanadinite - Vanadium ore, also a source of lead
  Vanadium - Toxic in high levels, however, it is not easily absorbed through ingestion
  Variscite - aluminum
  Wulfenite - a lead molybdate mineral
  Zinc - Although some zinc is necessary to body function, excess zinc can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.
  
  
  
  
  The Crystals:
• Main Crystals & Their Uses
• Azurite
• Agate
• Amber
• Amethyst
• Aquamarine
• Bloodstone
• Citrine
• Carnelian
• Diamond
• Emerald
• Fluorite
• Geode
• Halite
• Jasper
• Jasper (red)
• Jet
• Lapis Lazuli
• Malachite
• Moonstone
• Obsidian
• Opal
• Oxide
• Pearl
• Peridot
• Quartz
• Quartz (rose)
• Quartz (smoky)
• Sapphire
• Tektite
• Tiger’s eye
• Turquoise

Divination:

• Lithomancy

DIY:

• Gem Elixir

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