As a crystal therapist I am often asked how crystals ‘work‘. The simple answer is no-one is absolutely sure, but they do! The more complex answer is that crystals may be healing on several levels at once and we have some idea both scientifically and esoterically how this can be.

We’ll deal with some of the scientific possibilities first. The first and probably most up to date theory comes from the realms of quantum physics and is to do with vibrational energy and space. Science has now proven that everything in the Universe is in a constant state of vibration. Even apparently solid and inanimate objects are moving down at the atomic level. If you took an electron microscope and looked into anything, however solid to the naked eye, you would find lots of space within, much more space than matter in fact. It seems that really the world and everything in it is made of energy which is in vibration.

Because of their crystalline lattice structure crystals are very good at holding a stable vibration. We, on the other hand, are an incredibly complex mix of vibrations and they can get easily disturbed and go out of balance, which is when we get ill. Lots of things can affect our vibration, from external influences such as electromagnetic and geopathic stress, to internal ones such as constant negative thought patterns and suppressing emotions. When a crystal therapist places a crystal on a client or in their aura they are trying to find the right healing vibration for the client. When the right crystal is placed its steady vibration helps the body reset itself. Sometimes this comes along with an emotional or energetic release and there can be tears or shaking. This is a good sign!

Colour theory is closely allied to the model outlined above. Visible light can be refracted into a spectrum of rainbow colours. Each colour has its own vibrational frequency and wavelength. Colours can be used as a tool for rebalancing the energies of the client, introducing the client to a light frequency that brings their energy back into harmony. As crystals have colour they can be applied as colour healing tools. Quartz and other clear crystals can be viewed as like working with white light.

Another theory is based on the crystalline structure. There are seven crystal structures and each crystal forms according to its structure. Sometimes we can see the structure externally in the shape of the crystal, for example in the hexagonal structure of beryls such as aquamarine, or the cubic structure of iron pyrites or fluorite.

There are several theories about how different structures of crystals can be healing. Some link the structures to the chakras. Michael Gienger has probably evolved the most interesting theory which he explains in his book Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook. He argues that just as there are seven structures in crystals there are seven corresponding personality types in humans and we all have a dominant one. He then uses crystals on a ‘like heals like basis’. My students generally rather enjoy placing themselves and people they know into crystal structure types!

We are moving into rather more esoteric territory. Think of this. Crystals are part of Mother Earth and help connect us back into our Earth Mother. We tend to live lives that are rather divorced from Nature and using these beautiful stones can remind us that we are part of this planet. Many think that our disconnection from the natural realms is the underlying cause of many of our ailments whether they be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.

Most crystals formed millennia ago. They are stable and enduring whereas our lives are full of turmoil and brief in comparison. Our spirit however is eternal and most crystal healers believe we are reborn many times. Holding a crystal can remind us of our eternal nature and steady us. Crystals can also link us to ancient times and ancient wisdom. Healers are often drawn to healing with crystals because they have done so before. For many it is more a remembering than a learning when they start to use them as healing tools. Some crystals, such as record keeper quartzes are believed to hold secrets of ancient knowledge imprinted within them.

Many healers believe that crystals are co-creators with us. Although modern humanity may view crystals as ‘lifeless lumps of rock’ traditional peoples saw them as having their own form of consciousness. Native Americans refer to crystals as the ‘Stone people’. When you get to know your crystals at this level it is possible to communicate with them. They have lessons to teach us, and because crystals don’t run around with ‘to do’ lists they have never lost their contact with their inner wisdom. Some people ‘channel’ knowledge from their crystals. Stones Alive! (More Crystals and New Age) by Twintreess lets the crystals do all the talking.

Many crystal healers believe that crystals can have their own devas, spirits with their own consciousness that care for and enliven the crystal. Shamanic journeying techniques and meditations with crystals are the easiest ways to make contact with these spirits. Often they have wisdom to convey and will communicate or show you things, but sometimes they don’t want to be disturbed. Please be respectful, you are a visitor in their world.

So whether you are a dyed in the wool scientist or a mystic you can see that there are many possible ways that crystals can bring about a healing response. I know they do beyond any reasonable doubt and look forward to the day that they are accepted as a healing modality just as valid as herbalism or homeopathy.

For many ways to use your crystals for healing purchase my Touchstones: Manual for the Crystal Therapist