Crystal Healing: Empowering Yourself with Jewelry

Crystal healing, the belief that specific gemstones and crystals have natural properties which either enhance or suppress conditions, physical ailments and attributes, and even personality elements, has become an increasingly popular trend over the last three decades. Many people in the New Age lifestyle use crystals and gemstones for their believed properties; specific Zodiac Signs "rule" certain stones, and different gems have associations with parts of the body, making crystal jewelry a means to empower oneself while enjoying fashionable feel-good accessories.

According to the book The New Guide to Remedies by Parragon Publishing,crystal healing has been used for countless eras. In ancient Egypt, healers chose ingredients for patients based on the "color" of the problem. For example, red was used for blood, purple for bruises, and yellow for jaundice. Using jewelry featuring a certain color or crystal was considered a preventative measure.

The Chakra system was developed centuries ago in India; the world originates from the Sanskrit word "cakra," which has a rough translation of "wheel" or "turning." This method of crystal healing power utilizes individual crystals to enhance the natural properties of seven specific points of the body. Each of these Chakras of the body has a coordinating color and specific crystal(s) attributed to that zone, which are believed to be the most empowering and beneficial. Internet vendors such as Chakra Gemstonesprovide a fountain of information regarding the different crystal healing theories, gemstone and Chakra associations, in addition to providing a vast array of jewelry options custom tailored to these principles.

Here is a basic example of the Chakras and the correct color and crystal associations:

• Crown Chakra: Top of Head; purple or violet, and the crystal Amethyst.

• Third Eye Chakra: Mid-Forehead; indigo, and the crystal Lapis Lazuli.

• Throat Chakra: The Throat; blue, and the crystal Sodalite. Occasionally Blue Turquoise is used.

• Heart Chakra: Center of Chest; green or pink, and the crystal Jade. Tourmaline is often used.

• Solar Plexus Chakra: Below the Breastbone; yellow, and the crystal Citrine.

• Sacrum Chakra: Below the Navel; orange, and the crystal Carnelian.

• Root Chakra: Base of the Spine; red or black, and the crystal Obsidian. Hematite is often used.

Many cultures throughout the world have believed in crystal healing power. In the middle ages, Carnelian crystals were added to water as a remedy for the Plague. In modern times, Carnelian is believed to ease depression and promote stability in individuals when carried or worn in jewelry. The Romans associated Garnets with blood and circulation, and believed them to be the stones of Mars, the God of War. To this day, it is considered unlucky for the January born-whose crystal is Garnet-to neglect to wear them everyday. Many modern Pagans believe that each individual has certain crystals which attune to their personal vibrations, which can either enhance or strength their abilities. Amethyst, for example, is believed to be universally beneficial for most practitioners.

No matter which theories you decide to experiment with, it is difficult to question that with centuries and countless generations of believers in the crystal healing power that there isn't something there worth exploring. As an added bonus, crystal and gemstone jewelry is available in countless styles, prices, and materials-only the wearer need know that their garnet bracelet is worn to improve circulation and heart function, rather than being just a beautiful fashion accessory.

Sources:
ChakraGemstones, "Chakra Gemstone Jewelry"
The New Guide to Remedies, Parragon Publishing