When crystal’s not so clear

Dr Satish K Kapoor

Crystals and gem stones have been regarded as symbols of beauty, grace, power and good luck since ancient times. They resonate with and reflect many forms of the earth, and are used as an adornment, or for magical, mystical and healing purposes. Each crystal has atoms, molecules or ions, arranged with geometric exactness. Having been molded inside the earth over an infinite period of time, some crystals come to have magnetic properties that are employed to amplify sound waves and light waves. Electronic products like radio receivers, television sets, digital cameras, computers, phones and quartz watches, need crystals to make them work. 

The qualities attributed to crystals by psychics, like, creativity to carnelian,  charisma to imperial topaz, purity to jade, intuition to moonstone, vitality  to bloodstone and passion to ruby, provide a colourful spectrum to the art of self healing. Used as a focal point in Meditation, crystals may awaken facets of the psychic self.   

Crystals and chakras               

Wearing crystals and gem stones of different colours, having vibrations ranging from the terrestrial to the cosmic, impact the human energy-field called the aura, as also chakra-s, corresponding to various parts and systems of the human body. It is believed that physical or mental ailments appear in chakra-s, long before they can be  diagnosed with medical instruments. Crystals invigorate and balance the body’s energy centres. 

 Root chakra is associated with garnet, jasper, ruby and onyx; sacral chakra with carnelian, moonstone and hematite; solar plexus chakra with citrine, topaz and amber; heart chakra with jade, emerald and malachite; throat chakra with blue sapphire, turquoise and aquamarine; and, brow chakra with opal, lapis lazuli and amethyst. Diamond is related to crown chakra. Quartz crystals can energize all the chakra-s due to their ‘simple atomic make-up’.  

Crystals and colours

Crystals reflect colours that have a therapeutic effect on the body and the mind. Red crystals are best used for increasing vitality; red restores balance and deepen spirituality. Yellow and golden crystals help in emotional wellbeing, and develop an integrated self. Green crystals restore health and hope by improving blood circulation. Sky blue crystals have a calming effect; blue-green (turquoise) expedite healing. Purple, violet or white crystals help in meditation. 

How to use crystals?

Crystals and gem stones that are compatible with one’s zodiac sign, or are chosen due to personal preference or need, must be cleaned with water or sacred ash (vibhuti), energized with appropriate mantra-s (or with right intention), and used with faith, preferably, on an auspicious day. Crystals may be used as an ornament, placed on specific parts of the body associated with chakra — points, put under pillow before sleep, or carried in pocket, for good luck or healing.

Crystals as medicine

Experts in Rasa Shastra, triturate and process crystals in herbal juices before reducing them to ash by calcination, for oral use in various diseases. Crystal-water prepared under the rays of the sun, or the Full moon, is considered to be a panacea for many ills. Emerald, white pearl, ruby, carnelian, and green aventurine, are used for heart diseases; citrine and pink opal for diabetes, blue sapphire for throat; amethyst for insomnia and intestinal problems, turquoise for toxicity, gold for  strength, yellow topaz for mental clarity, and so on. Crystals are Mother Nature’s multi-coloured gift to mankind.  

(Dr Kapoor is a noted educationist, historian and spiritualist)