A Comprehensive Healing Crystal Guide
Have you ever found yourself feeling a little … blah? Nearly everyone has, but don’t worry; we know some great ways to combat that annoying feeling! Healing crystals have been around for generations and are known to have properties that can elevate you both emotionally and physically.
With so many options out there, it’s tough to know where to start on your healing crystal journey. Whether you are looking for a beautiful new gemstone just for looks or you have questions about the power of healing stones, Whaler’s Locker is here to help!
Historical Healing Crystals
The use of healing crystals dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese. These cultures believed that healing crystals possessed special powers that could be harnessed for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
In the Middle Ages, healing crystals were often used by alchemists and healers to cure various ailments. During the Renaissance, the use of healing stones fell out of favor as science and Western medicine began to gain traction.
However, in the 20th century, the popularity of healing stones resurged with the rise of the New Age movement. Many people began to explore alternative forms of medicine and spirituality, and healing crystals became a popular tool for healing and meditation. The most popular use for healing stones is to align your chakras.
The History of Chakras
The concept of chakras and their alignment is an integral part of several ancient spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The term chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word for “wheel” and refers to the seven energy centers in the body that are believed to affect a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The origins of the chakra system can be traced back to the Vedas, a collection of ancient texts that form the basis of Hinduism. The chakras were first mentioned in the Vedas as a way to understand the connection between the body and the universe. They were seen as gateways through which divine energy could flow into the body and were thought to be responsible for a person’s health and spiritual development.
If you’re experiencing physical or emotional distress, perhaps one of your chakras is misaligned! Misaligned chakras can certainly wreak havoc on your body, but it’s nothing a healing stone can’t help!
What are the 7 Chakras?
The chakras are said to be aligned along the spine, with each one corresponding to a specific part of the body. These parts of the body can be healed using various chakra crystals. The seven chakras, and their original Hindu names, are as follows:
- Muladhara, the root chakra
- Svadhisthana, the sacral chakra
- Manipura, the solar plexus chakra
- Anahata, the heart chakra
- Vishuddha, the throat chakra
- Anja, the third eye chakra
- Sahasrara, the crown chakra
Intro to the Root Chakra and its Healing Stones
The root chakra is located at the base of the spine. Think of the word “root” just as you would a tree – the root chakra is responsible for a person’s sense of security and stability. It is also associated with the earth element, which makes earthy healing stones perfect for aligning it.
Consider trying a Jasper Heart Stone for healing and aligning your root chakra. Poppy jasper is made of several materials, with the most notable being hematite. Hematite is a type of iron compound which is associated with strength and stability. Incorporating one of these healing crystals into your routine is a surefire way to address any root chakra issues.
The Sacral Chakra and Stones that Help Align It
This chakra is located just below the navel and is associated with the water element. It is said to be responsible for a person’s creativity and emotions. The connection between water and the sacral chakra is easy to remember because water ebbs and flows just as emotions and creativity do.
Our favorite healing crystal for aligning the sacral chakra is Tiger Eye. Tiger eye is both beautiful and powerful, taking chaos and turning it into action. If you’re experiencing a creative block or your emotions are feeling a tad off the wall, try some breathing exercises while holding tiger eye. You’ll be amazed at how your thoughts and feelings fall into place!
All About the Solar Plexus Chakra
Moving up the body, we have our ever-important solar plexus chakra located in the abdomen. As the phrase “fire in your belly” may give away, this chakra is associated with the fire element. Thus, the solar plexus chakra holds a person’s power and self-esteem. If it’s misaligned, you may find yourself feeling sad or unsuccessful, and that is no way to live!
For the solar plexus, we highly recommend a good piece of agate or hematoid quartz. Agate is a beautiful healing crystal known for turning bad emotions, like those that cause low self-esteem, into self-love and acceptance. Hematoid quartz is a gorgeous light and airy pink, which truly symbolizes its powers. Hematoid quartz will let the light into your soul, banishing negative thoughts about yourself.
The Heart Chakra and Healing Crystals for Love
The heart chakra is located in the chest and, you guessed it, is responsible for love! It’s closely connected with air elements; think of that light and airy feeling of love! A balanced heart chakra improves more than just romantic relationships. Your heart chakra is responsible for compassion and forgiveness, making it equally as important in friendships, parent-child relationships, and more.
Balancing such an important chakra can seem daunting, but healing stones for the heart make it simple for beginners and healing crystal veterans alike! There are several great healing crystals for love, but two of our favorites are selenite and rose quartz. If you’re having trouble connecting with a friend or you have a new love interest, try putting a few Tiny Selenite Hearts somewhere on your person, and watch the magic begin!
The Throat Chakra and its Healing Stones
Do you ever feel like you just can’t quite articulate what you’re trying to say? A misaligned throat chakra may be to blame. The throat chakra is connected with a person’s ability to communicate and express themselves. It’s also associated with truthfulness, both with yourself and others.
To facilitate clear communication, try meditating with an Apatite Heart Stone. Apatite is a wildly popular healing crystal, and for a good reason! It’s a high-vibration healing stone, meaning it is especially helpful when trying to raise one’s own energy levels. It’s a great healing stone for focusing on yourself and your own spiritual journey.
The Third Eye Chakra and Crystals that Aid in its Alignment
If you’re finding yourself feeling confused, unimaginative, and a little foggy overall, try aligning your third eye chakra. Located in between the eyebrows, it’s responsible for clarity and perception. It can also be linked to emotional balance, so it’s a very important chakra to keep aligned!
Pyrite, also known as fool’s gold, is a beautiful and effective healing stone that can be used to help balance your third eye chakra. It works on negative energy in all forms, making it a multifunctional healing crystal, too! Pyrite is especially powerful for stimulating memory and intellect, helping you with that foggy feeling.
A Pyrite Heart Stone is a great way to incorporate this healing crystal into your life. Pyrite is a great option for a decorative healing stone in your home because its presence is enough to work its magic. As a bonus, it’s shimmery and eye-catching, making it a great conversation piece for guests.
The Crown Chakra and Moonstones
Finally, at the very top of your head, you have the crown chakra. Think of it as your chakra that’s responsible for connection to the divine and higher powers since it’s at the top! The crown chakra is a great one to focus on for beginners because it is responsible for ultimate connection and will help open up other chakras if aligned correctly.
Black moonstone is connected to the divine and is known to strengthen connections and banish depression and anxiety. It’s the perfect healing stone for a peaceful connection with your higher power. Try using Black Moonstone Polished Pebble in your morning routine. Stick it on your bathroom counter to work its magic while you’re getting ready; you’ll start the day feeling clear and connected!
How Do I Align my Chakras?
The practice of aligning the chakras using chakra stones involves a variety of techniques. Some people use essential oils and other tools to help balance and activate their chakras.
Our favorite ways to incorporate chakra stones into your routine are:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Breathing exercises
The chakra system was initiated into yoga in India over 5,000 years ago. Yoga is a holistic practice that involves physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation and is aimed at achieving spiritual and physical well-being. Try keeping some healing stones by your yoga mat when it’s being stored so it soaks up all the positive energy and is ready when you are!
Similarly, in meditation and breathing exercises, healing stones can be used as a tool for focusing the mind and calming the body. Some people find that holding or placing a healing stone around them during meditation deepens their practice and helps connect them with inner peace and tranquility.
Other Uses of Healing Crystals
We love healing stones for meditation and yoga, but they are multifunctional! Some of our other favorite uses are:
- Home décor
- Jewelry
- Gift giving
Healing Crystals as Décor
Outside of spiritual practices, healing stones have become quite popular as a decorative element in homes. Healing crystals in the home are often used in the form of geodes, clusters, or single stones and can add a natural, earthy element to a space. Many people believe that the placement of certain healing stones in the house promotes positive energy flow, making your home feel peaceful and calm.
Healing stones as home décor can take lots of different forms! You can choose a statement piece, like this Large Smoky Quartz Crystal Point, to display with pride. Another great idea is to make a bowl of smaller healing stones, like small Black Tourmaline Pebbles. A dish with small healing stones allows guests to pick them up and reap all their benefits.
Accessorizing with Healing Stone Jewelry
With so many healing stones that shine and sparkle, what better way to use them than in jewelry? Not only do healing crystals make gorgeous statement pieces, but wearing them as jewelry will pass on all their powerful qualities to the wearer. This Nepalese Turquoise Drop Pendant is one of our favorite necklaces that will add flair to any outfit.
Baltic amber is also a popular healing stone for accessorizing. Baltic amber jewelry can help decrease inflammation and pain due to its natural healing properties. Baltic amber contains succinic acid, a resource found in nature. When heated, succinic acid releases its anti-inflammatory properties, making Baltic amber jewelry a great choice for anyone with aches and pains.
Healing Crystals for Gifts
With so many options when birthdays and holidays come around, it can be quite overwhelming to select the perfect present for your loved one. Healing crystals are the perfect, thoughtful gift for a variety of people. Gifting a healing stone shows someone you care; not only is it beautiful, but it seeks to improve that person’s life.
Try gifting a healing stone to the young science lover in your life on their next birthday. Kids are avid learners, so starting them on their healing crystal journey early in life is a great idea! They can learn all about how healing crystals are formed, their historical meaning, and how they can use them to understand their emotions. It’s a multifunctional gift that sparks creativity and the thirst to learn!
Jewelry fanatics are another group that will love receiving a healing crystal as a gift. With gorgeous healing stone rings and pendants, any fashionista in your life will be thrilled to receive a new statement piece for their collection.
Getting Started on Your Healing Crystal Journey
Starting your collection and reaping the benefits of healing stones does not have to be hard. If any of it feels overwhelming, try doing it slowly but steadily! Give yourself a new piece on your birthday each year, and have that healing crystal help you set the intention for the upcoming year. However you choose to start your healing stone journey, Whaler’s Locker provides high-quality pieces that will last a lifetime.