Crystal Therapy

The ancient Egyptians used them, as did the Mayans, Aztecs, American Indians and Celts. There is a lot of mystery surrounding crystals with many people unsure how to use them. Admittedly, before I started practicing Reiki, I was a little dubious about the effectiveness of these stones. These days, they are an essential part of my practice and I use them with every healing. Many clients have told me that they feel an upsurge of energy the moment I place crystals on their body. I have seen the results for myself and I wouldn’t use them if they were ineffective. So how do crystals actually work?

A crystal is a mineral that has crystallized. They formed deep under the earth using compression which affects their properties and the way they function. In effect, they are our earth’s DNA containing records of the development of the earth over millions of years. Each crystal has it’s own specific “note” or healing property. Their structure can absorb, focus and emit energy, especially on the electromagnetic waveband.

Think of crystals as conductors or conduits of energy, much the same as batteries. Just as batteries need charging in order to work, so do crystals. They work on a very subtle level, using resonance and vibration. When charged with energy they are very effective when used for healing.

Crystals are used today in medical practices. They are piezoelectric, which means they conduct electricity. They are used in ultrasound machines to produce sound waves. Sound is now being applied at the leading edge of surgery. A tightly focused beam of ultrasound can cauterize wounds deep within the body and blast tumours apart without the need for invasive procedures. I like the think of crystals as mother nature’s gift to us, she has provided us with the the tools we need to heal our bodies.

Clients frequently ask me how to charge and clean their crystals. I’ve heard a lot of weird and wonderful stories on how to do this, but it’s not as difficult or mysterious as you may think.

Choosing your Crystal

Crystals can be purchased at most new age shops or markets. You may need to do some research if you want a crystal for a specific purpose. The best way to choose a crystal is to let your intuition guide you. When making a selection, pick them up in your hand and allow yourself to be drawn to the right one. Find one that resonates with you.

Cleansing your Crystal

Most crystals can be held under running water or immersed in sea or salt water. As you rinse, hold the intention that all negativity will be washed away and the crystal will be reenergized. Place it in the light of the sun or moon for a few hours to allow it to “recharge”. I have seen many clients who come to me with “dead” crystals that need recharging. Remember, you are dealing with subtle energy so you need to do your cleansing and recharging on a regular basis.

Programming your Crystal

To focus the energy of your crystal, you will need to program it. Place it in your hand and allow yourself to open to higher guidance. You can do this while meditating. Consider the purpose you want to use it for and be specific. It may be to attract love or for healing. If you have an illness you want to heal, state the condition. Put the crystal in a place where you see it frequently or keep it with you. Crystals are highly responsive and will absorb whatever you program them to do.

As you become more aligned with the crystals you will begin to see and feel their energy. There are thousands of crystals available and each has it’s own specific purpose. In time you will have your own collection that you can draw on whenever you need them.

Tarot Card of the Month - The World

I have chosen to begin 2011 by looking at the World card. It is the last card of the Major Arcana and represents completion. Why begin the year with a card representing completion? Simply, with every ending there is always a new beginning!

The value of the World card is 21 and it is ruled by Saturn. The figures in each corner of the card represent the four fixed signs of the zodiac – Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio. They are also symbolic of the four elements, four compass points and four corners of the universe. The card shows a woman dancing within a laurel wreath with red ribbons wrapped at the crown and base. They are in the shape of the infinity symbol, representing continuation. The two batons in her hands indicate balance. They have also been noted as sacred scrolls of knowledge.

When the World card appears in a spread, it indicates that something has come to a successful conclusion. There is a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment with goals being realised. The end is in sight and with it will be celebration and success. It also indicates endings and change. Sometimes travel or a short trip is indicated.

Keywords of the World – conclusion, success, accomplishment and fulfillment.

Going Green

Essential oils are a great way to disinfect and freshen up your home naturally. Fill a spray bottle with warm water (not boiling), add a cap full of Eucalyptus oil and give it a shake.

Eucalyptus is an antiseptic and bactericide, which means it inhibits the growth of bacteria. Research has proven its anti-viral properties as well.

Use it to wipe down any surfaces or as an air freshener. It not only makes your environment smell lovely but it makes it safe as well.

Introduction to Aromatherapy

I was fortunate enough to have the knowledge of Aromatherapy passed down to me by the matriarchal members of my family. Over the years, I have built up my own collection of essential oils and I use it everyday for one purpose or another.

Aromatherapy is a mixture of aromas, massage and medicine. I consider it fundamental when doing Reiki treatments as each oil has its own medicinal and healing properties.

Basically, Aromatherapy means ‘a therapy using aromas’. The aromas come from the plant kingdom – flowers, trees, bushes and herbs. The relevant part of the plant is put through a distillation process to make the essential oil.

Essential oils have many uses. Our sense of smell is linked to our emotions and this plays a big part in healing. For example, certain essences have the power to lift depression or have a calming influence on our emotions. Some of the medicinal properties of the oils include anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, sedative, digestive, analgesic and much more.

When purchasing an essential oil, make sure you buy it from a reputable supplier. Check the label to make sure it is 100% pure essential oil. There are many fragrant oils on the market and they should be avoided. The best way to use essential oils is by external application or inhalation. An oil burner is indispensible and one of the best ways to use the oils. Try to shop around for one that is of good quality, keeping in mind that it's worth spending that bit extra. Oil blends are another alternative and a great way to use two or more essences. I always make my own blends but there are plenty of pre-made options available on the market.

The first oil I would like to introduce is one of my favorites, Lavender Oil. Every home should have a bottle of Lavender if nothing else. Lavender Oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-depressant and sedative. It is very effective in the treatment of burns and promotes healing and prevents scarring. It is a wonderful mood tonic and anti depressant and helps with the psychological shock of injury.

Uses

For insomnia or for general relaxation, put 4 drops of oil in the bath or put 10 drops in an oil burner with hot water. It’s also great for relieving stress and burn out. Try sprinkling a few drops on your pillow before you go to bed at night. When faced with a stressful situation, inhaling a few drops of oil sprinkled on a handkerchief can help calm the nerves. Because of it’s anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, a few drops in an oil burner can work wonders on conditions affecting the respiratory tract or to help relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Tarot Card of the Month - The Empress

This series begins with one of my favorite tarot cards, The Empress. The value of The Empress is number three (which was the Universal Year number for 2010) and her astrological ruler is Venus.

The symbols on the card are a gown decorated with pomegranates, a crown of stars, a rod, a heart-shaped shield with the symbol for Venus and a field of ripe wheat.

The Empress represents the fertile, life-giving Mother. She is associated with abundance, harmony, unison, creativity and nature. In a spread, she signifies physical and emotional well-being, families and relationships. The card may point to the birth of a child and/or artistic creativity and inspiration.

The Empress encourages us to strengthen our connections with the natural world, the creation of life and its sustenance through loving care and attention. She asks us to embrace the principle of life and enjoy its bountiful goodness.

Keywords of The Empress – family, pregnancy, nature, abundance, artistic expression

Numerology for 2011

In 2011 we move into Universal Year Four (2+0+1+1=4).

A four year is associated with hard work and building foundations. It is a practical year as the four demands that we stabilise all areas of our life by being organised and efficient. This is an excellent year to make plans for the future. If you’re planning on renovating or building, this is a great time to tackle such projects. As the focus is on hard work and routine, you can expect increased responsibility on the career front.

Not a great year for relationships (because the focus will be elsewhere) but the good news is that any new relationships formed in 2011 have a good chance of lasting the distance.

Use this year to reevaluate your goals. Under this vibration, you can expect many changes in your life that will bring an end to what no longer serves you. Any old thought patterns need to be altered and old ideas swept away to make room for new and better ones.

The downside of a four year is that with all the hard work things can get a little boring – so make sure you take time out to have some fun.

Go Herbal

Next time you reach for a teabag, try brewing your own instead by infusing leaves or plants from your garden. Simply place a few leaves of your favourite herb in a cup of hot water or pot and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. Some suggestions are:

- mint leaves
- spearmint/peppermint leaves
- a small knob of ginger (infused in a pot)
- a slice of lemon

It tastes great and your body will thank you for it.