For centuries Native American healers and Spiritual Leaders have used crystals and gemstones for healing and bringing the mind, body and spirit back into harmaony and balance. An experienced and well trained healer knows the specific energies and powers of each stone. Some stones are placed directly on the body, some are waved over a certain part of the body and some are used by the healer to summon spiritual guides for aid, praying to the Four Directions and to the Great Spirit.

As we have noted before, the clear quartz crystal is helpful in expanding the mind and opening us up to the spiritual world and to help us face our fears and conquer them. Agates are of many colors. There are so many agates it would take more space here than is possible to list all of them. Basically, agates are for love, truth, courage, bravery, and strength. Their colors are green, red, orange, yellow and brown. Green is generally for healing and hope, brown is for stability and grounding (Earth). Agates are very helpful for letting go of bitterness and learning to forgive and improving self-esteem.

The amethyst can be used to drive out evil spirits and if worn around the neck on a chain or cord affords protection against them. It also protects against snakebites, and can ease stomach acid. Rose quartz is for love and opens the heart chakra. Obsidian, or Apache Tears, is for protection, insight and change. Bloodstone is for courage and also balances the heart chakra. Peridot is the healer of emotions and enables one to be able to forgive.

Turquoise is for awakening and sacred knowledge. To wear turquoise jewelry is not only pretty but gives us a spiritual and peaceful feeling within. It is a peaceful stone and imparts good feelings to the wearer.

It was discovered that the stones the Incas used to build Machu Picchu contain a high percentage of quartz crystal and there is also an area of imported obsidian pebbles. Machu Picchu is an ancient city in Peru with numerous pueblos and sacred worship or ritualistic ceremonial sites. The presence of the crystal would greatly enhance any meditation or sacred rituals.

You can surround yourself with crystals, carefully chosen by you for the particular needs in your life. One way to do this is to create a Crystal Wheel, or Grid, which is similar to a Medicine Wheel used by Native Americans. You will find that the crystals become your teachers. Communicate with the spirits within them to promote harmonic symmetry and they will help you decide which ones to use for your Wheel.

To make your Wheel, choose a level surface on a table or stand where it will not be disturbed. You can use rubber cement or other non-permanent adhesive to keep the stones in place. After choosing your crystals and deciding on the purpose of the crystals, take some notes on paper to express your intentions for this Wheel, be specific. Smudge this area of the table with sage to purify it. You can also place bowls of sea salt, flowers, incense and candles in this area that will add peace and ambience to you sacred space. Charge (appoint) the Master Crystal and place it in the center with other crystals surrounding it in a circle, or you can choose to create another design, like a butterfly, with the Master Crystal always in the center.

When you have your space purified and ready, then relax. Smudge and center yourself with prayer. Do not forget to say a prayer of gratitude for your crystals and the reasons they came to you. Focus on the crystals as you meditate with the intention of this ritual on your mind. Each time you use this Wheel, purify the crystals and your space before you begin your prayers and requests.

Years ago I had a quartz crystal I carried with me at all times. One day I was driving my son to the SeaTac airport during a terrific storm. Storms energize and thrill me - but they terrified my son. I held my crystal in my right hand for several minutes while praying for courage for my son, then gave it to him to hold in his left hand. Within minutes he was calm and no longer had any fear. He flew out of SeaTac with the crystal and a lot more courage.

Crystals can give us so much. Respect them and take good care of them. Sometimes, a crystal may let you know that someone else needs it more than you do, like mine did. Do not be afraid to let it go and give it to someone who needs it. Just give it to them with blessings.

Note from author: The information in this article is not intended as medical advice, and should not be used solely as a substitute for consultation with your doctor who is familiar with your health history.

To learn more about crystals and their powers, you can purchase books I recommend by clicking on the Amazon links below.

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