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Crystals For Chakras

What is a Chakra?

The word Chakra is Sanskrit for ‘wheel’. Chakras are often described as energetic wheels or vortexes that spin at various points of the body. As the wheels spin they draw ‘Universal Life Force’ (you may know this as ‘Chi’ or ‘Prana’) into and through the body. Eastern spiritual traditions tell us that there are 7 major chakras located along the spine in the human body. Chakras can become blocked, effecting the flow of energy through the body and creating imbalance.

Chakras and Crystals

There are many ways to work with your own chakras to bring balance to your being. You can use guided meditation CDs (there are some really great ones on the market), sound, vocal toning, colour, aromatherapy and endless other techniques. We always stress that the right method is the method that is right for you.

Using crystals on the body can be an excellent way to work with and balance your chakra system. Methods certainly vary from person to person and using your own intuition can be important. You may like to collect a small crystal for each chakra and lay them directly on the body where the chakras are located while you lay down to meditate. (Always make sure your crystals are cleansed before beginning and after use) You may simply rest crystals on the chakras while reading a book or resting and letting the crystals do their work without any conscious direction from you. Wearing crystals in the form of jewellery is another option- just customise chain length to sit pendants directly on chakras all day long.

If you are aware of a particular chakra you would like to work with, for example the Third-Eye Chakra, you can even gently massage a crystal at this point (between your eyebrows) for a short space of time. If massaging crystals and minerals directly on the body always do your homework to check for any toxicity- some pieces are best not used in this manner, cinnabar would be one example. Copper based minerals like malachite too are best avoided in massage like this.

Which Crystals Should I Use and Where?

As the chakras are located along the spine you can choose to lay crystals either on the front or the back of your body (it’s fine to remain dressed). Lying down on your stomach or your back is equally effective and entirely up to you and what’s comfortable for you. Using your own intuition is fantastic, so if you feel that you want to use a single crystal on all the chakras that’s fine. If you are particularly drawn to a crystal that’s listed as being, say a Throat Chakra stone on a different chakra entirely, that’s ok too. The below list is a guide to crystals and minerals often used to assist with specific chakras.

Base/Root Chakra (Base of the Spine):
Associated with Issues of Survival- Food, Money, Shelter, Sleep, Grounding
Red Jasper, Garnet, Hematite, Bloodstone, Smokey Quartz

Sacral Chakra (Pelvic Area): Associated with Passion, Physical Desires, Addiction
Amber, Carnelian, Citrine, Moonstone, Shungite

Solar Plexus Chakra (Between Navel & Solar Plexus): Associated with Power, Willpower, Identity, Control, Self-Esteem
Citrine, Prehnite, Tiger Eye, Honey Calcite

Heart Chakra (Centre of Chest): Associated with Love, Compassion, Kindness, Caring for Others
Moss Agate, Aventurine, Rose Quartz

Throat Chakra (Throat Area): Associated with Communication, Expression, Speaking Own Truth
Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, Lapis Lazuli

Third Eye Chakra (Between the Eyebrows): Associated with Clairvoyance, Inner Perception, Clear Thought
Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli, Chevron Amethyst, Blue Quartz

Crown Chakra (Crown of the Head): Associated with Divine Guidance, Pure Consciousness, Oneness
Amethyst, Selenite, Quartz, Peacock Ore

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Crystals By Colour – What Do They Do?

Each and every crystal and mineral is said to have their own unique healing properties. It can get overwhelming trying to decide which might be best for you. We’ve put together a general, easy to use list by crystal colour to make things a little easier. Here’s what each colour group may help with:

Red: Passion, Strength, Energy, Vitality, Courage. Relates to the Base Chakra.

Pink: Love, Self-Love, Nurturing, Calming. Relates to the Heart Chakra

Orange: Joy, Creativity, Sexuality. Relates to the Sacral Chakra.

Yellow: Optimism, Happiness, Clarity. Relates to the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Green: Healing, Soothing, Growth, New Beginnings. Relates to the Heart Chakra.

Blue: Calming, Communication, Peace. Relates to the Throat Chakra.

Purple: Spirituality, Tranquility. Relates to both the Third- Eye and Crown Chakra.

Brown: Grounding, Earth Connection, Comforting. Relates to the Base Chakra.

Black: Grounding, Protection. Relates to the Base Chakra.

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Top 5 Ways To Cleanse Crystals & Minerals

We often get asked how to cleanse crystals and minerals. We are talking energetic cleansing here, as in removal of negativity rather than physically cleaning a rock. There are a lot of different ways a crystal can be cleansed and the option you choose needs to be suitable for the piece that you have. Some crystals and minerals for example, hate water. Selenite, a type of gypsum will actually dissolve if left in water so please NEVER use water to clean Selenite. Do your homework about the piece that you have to avoid possible damage- if you’re unsure play on the safe side. If you are using water in your cleansing it is best to never use water that is very hot, warm or very cold- some crystals will actually crack from the shock of sudden temperature changes. Room temperature is usually best.

Here are 5 popular and easy methods for cleansing:

1. Full Moon

A very popular method! The full moon is said to naturally recharge crystals when they are left outside overnight to soak up its rays. If the crystals are left on the Earth, in the garden etc, the earth itself is said to naturally cleanse the crystals/minerals of negativity.

2. Salt

Rock salt from the supermarket will do just fine. Said to naturally remove negativity. Simply cover your crystal in rock salt, (for smaller stones you can fill a cereal bowl or teacup) and leave for 10-20mins. Throw out the salt when you are finished and rinse off your crystal with room temperature water to remove any residue.

3. Salt Water

If you live near the ocean, immersing a crystal in ocean water is a great cleanse (ensure your crystal or mineral will tolerate this by doing your own research.. once again, no selenite in water). If you don’t have a handy ocean nearby you can put some rock salt from the supermarket in a container of water and leave the crystal submerged for 10-20 mins. Rinse the crystal off in room temperature water once you’re done and dispose of the salt and water.

4. Sound

One non-invasive way to cleanse crystals and minerals- as well as just clear energy in general is using sound. This might be a Tibetan Singing Bowl, Crystal Singing Bowl, Crystal Singing Pyramid, Tingshas or Bells. Whichever tool you have, a gentle way to cleanse is simply playing this instrument above or around the crystals that you have. This is very much an intuitive practice and your instincts should be followed as to how long you play for.

5. Amethyst

Amethyst is known to be a crystal that actually cleanses other crystals. A handy one to have around the house. To use this method you would need a decent sized cluster or amethyst cave. You can pop other (smaller and lighter) crystals or pieces of jewellery on top of your cluster or inside your cave and leave overnight. Use your own judgement here, don’t overload your amethyst and be conscious of the weight of crystals being cleansed.

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How To Pick A Crystal

How to Pick a Crystal is a VERY common query that we get in store all the time!! There really is no one, definitive answer either. Everyone is different in the way that they will pick their crystals and minerals. Many people will ‘feel’ for the energy of the stone by either holding it in their hand or placing a hand over it and waiting for a sensation of hot or cold or a sense of wellbeing. Some will pick visually, paying attention to what stands out the most to them. It may seem that you just can’t look away from one particular crystal. These methods are intuitive and often very effective. If picking for someone other than yourself using these methods, simply bring the person you are choosing for to mind while you look.

Some prefer to first consult books to see what the different stones are said to assist them with and make a selection based on what they feel they need the most help with. Once a book has been consulted in this way you may have a list of several crystals to choose from and can then decide which you are most attracted to.

If you frequently use pendulums you may even use a pendulum to assist in your decision.

Whichever way makes the most sense to you, what we do find is that crystals and minerals will play on your mind. If you can’t stop thinking about them they may just be a very good choice for you!