Let's Get Metaphysical: Crystal Therapy and Crystal Lore (Part I)

The dictionary defines metaphysics as a philosophy that address the nature of reality and perception. Following that thought, metaphysical is anything associated with metaphysics. Metaphysical studies involve concepts of mind over matter, and sometimes matter over mind!

New Age, often used interchangeably with the words metaphysics (or metaphysical,) is a somewhat misleading turn of phrase. In fact, most New Age practices and beliefs originated in ancient cultures. The New Age movement merely rejuvenated the concepts, restoring them to popular favor. Whether you refer to the revival as metaphysics or as New Age, the concept is the same: that we are a part of the universe, and the universe is a part of us. (And it's about time we learned to get along.)

This article is the first in a series on crystal therapy and crystal lore. Each subsequent installment will address metaphysical aspects, physical characteristics and history of various precious metals, gemstones, and other stones.

Aficionados vary in their views of how crystals influence our lives. Some followers are convinced that stones are ancient souls, freely offering time-won wisdom to anyone who goes to the trouble of listening. As an extension of that, some deem that rocks are not disembodied souls at all, just Earth-born life forms of extreme age. In their view, stones are just shy of immortality but still benevolent and willing to teach those willing to learn. Still other gem holders are concerned only with mystical powers attributed to specific species of gems, without associating any life force to them. And of course, some only value a diamond because it's worth a lot of money!

Most women (and many men) have an affinity for some type of precious stone or mineral - whether it be ruby, sapphire or emerald; the southwestern staple turquoise or the less-known charoite; silver vs. gold; or semiprecious varieties like amethyst or peridot. And let's not forget the diamond anniversary, the sterling reputation, the Platinum Card, and the fact that most world currency systems are based on the Gold Standard. Our modern society has quite a fixation on the earth's mineral and rock wealth, when you think about it. In that, nothing has really changed so much in the past three thousand years.

Crystals and precious metals have long been symbols of wealth and prosperity. Throughout recorded history jewels were the privilege of royalty. The ancient Egyptians favored lapis lazuli, a deep blue stone flecked with golden pyrite. The ancient Israelites worked gemstones into the breastplates of their high priests, employing a different type of stone to represent each of the twelve legendary tribes. Centuries later, royals in Europe embedded rubies, emeralds and amethysts into gold, forming crowns, scepters and items of spectacular personal jewelry.

Beyond monetary value and its associated prestige, though, some stones are thought to conduct certain mystical properties to those who wear or touch them. Those properties can range from attracting or enhancing love to drawing financial gain to one's self or one's business; from protection against evil spirits or against one's physical enemy to enhancing spirituality.

The ancient Romans pulverized amethysts and mixed the powder into wine, believing that it would prevent drunkenness. The legendary Egyptian queen Cleopatra was said to grind pearls and add to her guests' drinks. The premise behind the pearl-spiked beverages was that pearls, a symbol of innocence and honesty, would generate a sense of security in her guests.

A few famous stones have the reputation for being cursed, such as the brilliant blue Hope Diamond. Some say tanzanites, blue-violet gemstones discovered only within the past half-century, are cursed on the whole. Whether or not you believe in curses, there's a certain logic to that claim. Smuggled tanzanites have reputedly helped to fund terrorism, and greed associated with the mining industry has brought death and degradation to local tribes.

Crystal purveyors today can be divided into two groups. There are jewelers, whose interest is generally related to aesthetic values, without concern to the metaphysical properties of the stones they set. And there are the metaphysical practitioners and believers. The latter group may appreciate the appearance of a fine gemstone, but their primary concern is with what it represents in terms of healing and other intangibles.

This series of articles is aimed at addressing the mystical powers and properties of crystals, stones, and metals - their metaphysical values. Stones will be discussed categorically by color family, since color is significant to classifying both species and general use and benefits in terms of healing.

Are you drawn to a certain type or color of gem or other stone? Have you ever found a fairly common rock by the side of the road (or in a stream bed, polished to a shine by centuries of natural tumbling?) Crystal healing proponents avow that when we obtain something mineral or crystal, by purchase or discovery, it's not an accident. Fate brings us what we need, when we need it.

It may not matter whether or not a piece of the earth actually can directly invoke changes to your body or your life. Perhaps the true power of stones is the power of suggestion. If you believe that your love life will improve by carrying a carnelian in your pocket or wearing a ruby necklace, your mind has already established a trajectory. If you believe that your citrine-and-peridot ring will attract and help you retain wealth, you'll consciously work toward that goal. Maybe you carry a stone as a key chain or good luck charm, or just love what those amethyst-lined geodes look like on your bookcase. Whatever your personal views on the matter, if you want change in your life, crystal therapy might just be the catalyst to get you started.

Look at it this way: with very few exceptions, owning and holding (or wearing) a stone isn't going to harm you in any way. At worst, it's a benign and fascinating hobby. On the other hand, if the legends and lores are true, look at what you stand to gain!