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Everything you need to know about healing with crystals

From promoting emotional balance to fostering healthier relationships, crystals can help you in your life whatever emotional pain or situation you may be facing; this guide will serve as a gentle introduction to healing crystals and what they can achieve for you.

The history of Crystal healing

Crystals are well known for having amazing healing abilities, not so well known however is the history behind them and the scientific evidence that backs them up.

Crystals are used through a wide variety of forms: through meditation, quantum touch healing, reiki and finally chakra clearing and chakra balancing.

For those who may not be aware, Quartz crystals have what is known as piezoelectric properties, which means that they produce electric potential when used in processes that create mechanical stress. One of the most notable and earliest uses of quartz crystals was in phonograph pickups. Today such properties are used most commonly in clocks, which feature crystal oscillators.

The benefits of healing with crystals

Millions of people throughout the world find balance through crystal healing, with one of the primary benefits of crystal healing being that it offers a natural and holistic alternative to medicines, however many more people use crystals as a way of optimising their health, rather than curing an ailment.

A quick overview of effective and easy to obtain healing crystals

There are hundreds of crystals that have varying healing properties and qualities, here we touch upon just seven, each of which are readily available.

Rose quartz

This crystal is associated with high energy which is commonly used to enhance love, whether this be platonic, family or lover related.

Red Jasper

The energy of the Red Jasper crystal is known for its stabilising effect; this crystal helps centre your energy and is used to promote a more balanced life.

Aventurine

The Aventurine crystal is very much associated with areas of creativity such as imagination, intellectual freedom and clarity of thought.

Amethyst

The Amethyst style is frequently used in meditative processes and is well known as a calming stone. The Amethyst stone is associated with your emotions and physical planes, producing feelings of calm, balance, patience, and peace. In particular this stone may be beneficial when experiencing legal or monetary issues.

Sodalite

This crystal is overwhelming a stone of rationality, efficiency and logical thought. As this is the stone of truth and communications the Sodalite is currently used in group mediation and in situations where thought must be stimulated.

Quartz

The Quartz stone is one of the most used stones of all, utilised in all manner of situations. Looking back in history we know that Crystal skulls were produced by Atlanteans and were thought to be living beings, whereas the Ancient Japanese believed the stone represented the breath of a white dragon; this, they thought, was a representation of perfection.

Fluorite

The Fluorite stone comes in a number of colour forms, which each having different healing qualities. The blue fluorite stone is thought to protect one’s emotions and is used to restore one’s balance and the green fluorite stone is regarded as a well-rounded, all-purpose stone that produces healing properties on all fronts in addition to love of one’s self.

Lady Morrigan is a well-known crystal healer who practices as a White Witch. Throughout her blog she’ll be teaching you all about the healing powers of crystals as well as other crystal and Wicca related topics.

Wicca, Paganism and Reiki, oh my!

Wicca, witchcraft, Paganism, magic, Reiki. Everyone thinks they have a basic knowledge about these things, but what is Wicca? What’s the difference between Wicca and Paganism? Are Wiccans witches? And how does Reiki healing fit into Wiccan beliefs? Let’s have a look at the definitions and backgrounds and see if we can clear up any misunderstandings.

Are Paganism and Wicca the same thing?

Paganism and Wiccan are both very similar and very different, but they are certainly not the same thing. Paganism is an umbrella term to describe any religion that is not Christianity or Judaism. Originally meaning rustic villager, the term Pagan was later adopted into Christian Latin.

Wicca, on the other hand, is a religion and falls under the term Paganism. Wicca is just one of the branches of witchcraft, therefore all Wiccan are Pagan but not all Wiccan are witches, just as all Pagans aren’t Wiccan

There are variations on the definition of Paganism, as well as witchcraft and Wicca, but it is generally felt that Pagans believe in and work with nature, which is something that is echoed through witchcraft and Wicca. Pagans, witches and those following the Wiccan faith base their lives on the ethics of respecting and honouring all things in the world, living and non-living, including accepting others for their differences and being non-judgemental as long as no one and nothing is harmed.

So what is Wicca?

Although it refers back to witchcraft before Christianity came to the British Isles, Wicca was actually founded in the early 1950s by Gerald Gardner, a retired civil servant and amateur anthropologist with an interest in witchcraft and the occult. Of course, witchcraft had been practiced for many years prior to this but Gardner wrote the guidelines for Wicca and made it public after the law prohibiting the practice of witchcraft was lifted. He created coverns throughout England and branched out to America before his death in 1964.

There is some debate on the definition of Wicca, some suggesting that it means something like “Craft of the Wise”. Female witches practising Wicca are called Wicce, while male witches are called Wicca.

The term Warlock should never be used as this actually means “oath-breaker”.

While Wicca is quite modern, it is based on the methods and beliefs of witchcraft that we all know at least a little about. But remember, not every modern witch is a Wiccan.

It’s a complex religion, but also a fairly open one in that as long as you abide by a certain set of rules to live with nature, respect everything and everyone around you and do no harm, you can follow whichever path you feel is right for you, which may mean taking pieces from various faiths of witchcraft.

Wiccans believe in living in harmony with all things, from nature to other people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, colour and size, similar to the Pagan belief system. Many follow the Wiccan Rede, an ethical statement counselling how Wiccans should live.

There is no variation of a Wiccan Bible, instead most modern Wiccans keep a Book of Shadows, which is a form of a journal, where a witch can keep their rituals, spells, discoveries, herb lore, spells and anything else of significance to their faith.

While Wicca is based on witchcraft, the practice of magic is not necessary and, in fact, many Wiccans feel that if you’re in it for the magic alone, you’re not a true Wiccan or witch. This is a spiritual religion and magic only has the desired effects if you are connected to nature. You can find spells and supplies listed on this website, as well as books about Wiccan rituals, magic and information about the incense, oils, herbs and candles that may be required.

How does Reiki fit into this?

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that relaxes and reduces stress. Based on the idea of “life force energy”, known as ki, chi or prana, flowing through us and giving us life. Reiki is administered from certificated attuned masters by “laying on hands”.

While not technically connected to Wicca at all, Reiki is surprisingly similar. While Wicca draws on the energy from the earth, air, wind, fire and spirits, Reiki is about manipulating your life force energy. Reiki is not a religion but it does follow a set of values and is described as the “secret art of inviting happiness”. So it’s no surprise that many who practice Wicca or witchcraft are also Reiki masters.

Reiki is working its way through the western world, with some hospitals now practicing the art alongside other treatments to aid healing. People have said that a Reiki treatment can leave you feeling a “wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you”.

It has many benefits, including:

• Helping to heal physical and emotional wounds.
• Relieving pain and side effects.
• Reducing stress (which we all need these days).
• Soothing grief.
• Improving spiritual awareness, leaving you with a feeling a peace and security.

So there are a lot of benefits, and with very few risks. Although please do not undergo Reiki treatment in place of medical assistance, and please make sure you feel comfortable with the person performing the Reiki, so that you can truly relax.

To learn more about Wicca, try our bookstore where you can find the Wicca Bible and To Ride a Silver Broomstick. Have a look around our site for supplies and you can also find some exquisite Wiccan jewellery, a perfect gift for the Wiccan in your life

Why you should give crystal therapy a go

Crystal Therapy is an ancient, gentle, non-invasive process that promotes relaxation and healing through the use of various crystals and gemstones. Let’s have a look at the background to this treatment, the benefits and how our palm and thumb crystals can help you to give it a go

What is it?

While there has been very little scientific research into the merits of crystal therapy, the practice dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used crystals for jewellery, cosmetics, protection and health. Crystals can be found in cultures across the globe before worldwide travel, when these cultures would have been isolated and unable to communicate with one another. For example ancient Chinese and Aztec civilisations both used Jade for healing the kidney.

Crystals also play a part in a number of religions and have been cited in various religious texts including a Buddhist text that tells of a diamond throne near to the Tree of Knowledge.

Crystal therapy uses the energy produced and held by crystals to manipulate the energy fields, or aura (the emotional, mental and spiritual bodies) of the person receiving treatment. This is done by placing them singularly or in patterns on places where the person is experiencing pain, on acupuncture points or on the seven energy vortexes on the body called chakras. Crystals may also be swept over the body using a pendulum or crystal wand. The crystals can focus and absorb energy to enable the person’s body to balance and harmonise.

Each crystal has a unique structure, causing it to produce different frequencies, so different crystals can have different effects, depending on its structure, colour and shape. A pointed crystal, with the point facing away from the problem can move the energy away, while pointing it towards a certain area can recharge the energy.

Often the cause of the ailment will dictate what crystal is needed to bring relief, rather than the ailment itself. So a tension headache can be eased by using amethyst or amber, while a headache brought on by stress, can be relieved by using citrine or moonstone.

What can crystal therapy do for you?

Despite the lack of scientific research into this ancient art, many benefits are attributed to crystal therapy. These include:

• Better sleep.
• Reducing blood pressure.
• Deep relaxation.
• Reducing stress.
• Speeding up the healing process for wounds, post-surgery and afflictions.
• Helping relieve pain.
• Supporting the breaking of addictions.
• Reducing depression.
• Reducing some drug side effects and helping the body to recover from drug therapy.
• Supporting the immune system.
• Allowing for spiritual cleansing and growth.
• Leaving the person with a feeling a wellbeing.

You can do your own crystal therapy, either by placing crystals on yourself during meditation or by wearing crystal necklaces. The results will be slower, but this can be a good way to keep your energy cleansed and balanced throughout your day. Thumb and palm crystals are also available for you to try out crystal therapy. These small crystals and gemstones can help you find the right crystals to suit you, and can be placed on your body during meditation, under your pillow or you can simply hold them to feel the benefit.

Although it should be noted that for serious ailments, crystal healing is not a substitute for seeking medical advice and should be done alongside treatment.

Are there any risks?

Due to the lack of scientific research, it cannot be said whether there are any risks to crystal therapy. There are no known risks or harmful side effects, but as always make sure you are comfortable with the person carrying out the therapy.

While there are no regulations for qualified crystal healing practitioners, the Affiliation of Crystal Healing Organisations represents the Crystal Therapy Council, a member of the General Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapies, and information on courses and registered practitioners can be found on their website

For more information on crystal healing, take a look at Crystal Therapy by Doreen Virtue

“An it harm none, do what thou wilt”

Like any practitioner in the arts of healing or energy manipulation, Wiccans shoulder their responsibilities and adhere to certain principles.

We at Morrigans uphold these values because we understand fully that the connections we make with the earth and the universe make us accountable for our actions.

Live and love in harmony with the world and the universe

To mark the flow of the earth’s natural cycles, we create rites that honour the equal polarity of the Creative Power of masculine and feminine forces. We live by the understanding of this polarity, that there is no absolute evil; no Satan, and no Devil.

Instead, we believe that joy and sorrow, life and death, good and bad, are each two sides of the same coin.
As intelligent beings, it is our responsibility to live in harmony with nature and the environment, which is why all Morrigans’ materials and Craft paraphernalia are derived from natural herbs and fallen woodland and coastal items, and other environmentally sound origins.

While we acknowledge the great depth of what is known as supernatural power, we recognise both outer and inner worlds of consciousness, because both are
necessary for our fulfilment. We do not seek to gain from the suffering of others, but instead seek from nature the things that contribute to our health and wellbeing.
The spells we offer are enveloped in these simple principles. We ensure they are safe for you and those around you; they manipulate energy, not people. We offer beautiful workings that focus on prosperity, love, success and attraction, with the aim of spreading more love, peace and harmony around the world.

The Wiccan Rede

The Wiccan Rede is a special poem that encompasses our principles and values in a series of rhyming couplets, and finishes with the moral rule: ‘an it harm none, do what thou wilt. As long as whatever we do harms no other, there is no reason why we should not do it.
Harm can refer to physical, mental or psychic wounds, so living by this rule requires caring consideration and thought. This, in turn, helps us evolve and develop our consciousness, so that we can fully understand the Universe and our roles within it.

Wiccan principles and values are the basis of Morrigans ethos and are key to our promotion of a peaceful and loving way of life.
Blessed be.