Let me start by stating that my personal philosophy toward any energetic or healing art is that there is no right or wrong way. The most important thing is to hone your own intuition through practice. Now, practice can mean so many things, not necessarily a regime or routine. What I mean by practice is consistent, conscious interaction with your crystals. This series is not too concerned with the whys and wherefores of stones and energetics, although I may go off on a tangent regarding my own insights. This information is intuitively gained through my own consistent, conscious interactions that continue to this day and that I intend to continue throughout my life. Any conclusions I come to existentially or philosophically are prone to shift and that is how I like it.
Always feel free to add your own voice! The methods and approaches I write of here are open to expansion and interpretation. I also welcome your own experiences and ideas, which I hope might differ from mine, as they will only benefit myself and readers. Through challenge, questions and sharing we can all deepen our own personal practices.
Today I would like to start with a simple exercise, one that opened up my eyes to the difference between tumbled and raw stones. I also believe this exercise a basic starting point when procuring and getting to know the stones that have come into our lives.
In the spirit of GTD (a now legendary organisational book by David Allen), I encourage you to get all of your crystals and stones together in one place. Sit with them all in front of you so you can get a sense of how many you have altogether. Some people go to crystal stores, others pick up stones on their travels, still others have bought or been given jewelry with stones in them; many of us have a collection due to all three actions. Go ahead and get every last stone and piece of jewelry that isn't glass or plastic, unless it "calls to you" (see Entry 3); you may find you already have quite a range at your disposal.
Now, take up each stone in turn and examine it. Turn it over, look at it from all angles, get to know its shape and size, colour, texture and individual nuances. Gently, and without expectation, cast your mind over how and when you found or purchased it, from whom you got it, things of that ilk. Let thoughts about the stone come to you, whatever pops up is right; and if nothing comes it may not be time for that insight as of yet. Don't feel pressure during this exercise, there is no right or wrong way or thought. I keep a journal where I take notes about my current energy work insights. If you would like to dedicate a notebook especially to this, do so; it is always illuminating to look back on previous entries.
Next is the step is so simple, yet truly awe-inspiring:
Sit in a quiet place where you can be physically comfortable and will remain undisturbed. Take the stone or crystal in your hand and feel the sensations that come up in your body. You can try a few different ways of holding the stone: envelop it fully, hold it with space between it and your fingers or in perch it on your open palm.
What do you feel and where?
Depending on the stone, I have felt cascading vibrations, aches, warmth, pin-like pricks and pain, among other sensations. These occur all over my body, sometimes in specific areas, other times in whole limbs. Really, there is no end to the variety. Each stone is different, and depending upon my mood or what I am going through at the time, it may differ widely.
One thing I am certain of, however, is the difference in strength between raw and tumbled stones. There are exceptions, some crystals are very strong, even though they are shaped. For example, I have recently been working with a spherical rutilated quartz that I find to be very powerful. For the most part, though, a raw stone will be felt more distinctly.
The first time I really noted this was when I held the stone from the photograph above, a very effecting piece of raw Amazonite. I am still waiting to be ready for this transformative stone and there is a space in my collection for it. I have two smaller pieces of tumbled Amazonite, and it is my feeling that it may be a large piece. This kind of insight can sometimes reveal itself a little at a time (my writing this brought up the image of a larger stone and I have been puzzling over the question of this Amazonite for a while now). Stay aware of the thoughts and feelings you have about your crystals, and of how they progress.
I suggest using a reference book or online source to identify your crystals and stones, and to research their metaphysical properties. You will be surprised at how apt each crystal is, whether it is in connection to the person who gave it to you, the time at which you found or purchased it, or even the location within your house where you had been keeping it.
You have your assignment. Give this a go! Think of it as a first introduction, as over time you will find that you can get to know your stones very deeply indeed.
