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Seeds for Change Wellness
Subtle Energies of Stones & Crystals                From Reiki Happenings,  June 2006
Subtle Energy given off by Stones
Each type of stone gives off its own unique form of subtle energy.  The
particular energy given off by a stone is determined by its internal crystalline
structure, and by the atomic vibrations that are specific to that structure.

Certain stones, including most of the stones normally thought of as healing
stones, vibrate in a way that resonates with and strengthens particular
energies inside each person.  These are the energies of the inner self, the
energies that make up the attitudes and human qualities of a person.  
This resonance can occur because the inner self operates by using a type of
subtle energy that is similar to the subtle energy of crystals and stones.  
The reason this type of energy is called "subtle energy" is because, although
it is physical, it is less physical in nature than normal types of energy such
as heat, electricity or mechanical energy.

Subtle energy is what puts the "meta" in metaphysical.  It is subtle because
it is hard to measure.  Science hasn't figured out how to measure it yet, and
what science can't measure, it doesn't believe in.  In spite of its many great
achievements, science would not even know where to begin to measure
your personal energy in order to find out how much subtle energy you
are putting out in the form of human qualities such as patience or
acceptance at any given time.

Because of its somewhat less physical nature, subtle energy reveals
itself in a quieter, often slower and more gentle way than the more physical
types of energy.  For example, if you put a stone or quartz crystal in your
pocket and carry it around with you, it may take some time, perhaps a day,
before you notice the effect from it.

The Difference between Crystals and Stones
Both quartz crystals and certain types of stones strengthen the energies
of the inner self, but each does it in a slightly different way.  A stone gives
off a very specific narrow (in bandwidth) type of subtle energy vibration
because of its crystalline structure and chemical makeup, and it is the stone
itself that is the source of this vibration.

In contrast, quartz crystals are called the "master stone" because they
operate in a much broader way that amplifies all the subtle energy frequencies.  
This happens because quartz crystals, unlike stones, are not the actual source
of the subtle energy vibration, but instead they amplify and then reflect back
those subtle energy vibrations that exist in their immediate environment.  For
this reason, a quartz crystal is able to strengthen all the energies of the inner
self at once.  For example, if you feel loving toward someone, and you are
carrying a quartz crystal in your pocket at the time, that crystal will amplify
and intensify the love energy you put out by resonating with it and making
it stronger.

Although stones and quartz crystals operate somewhat differently, each
has its purpose.  Because of its narrow focus, a stone is somewhat stronger
than a quartz crystal, but it only works in its own specific area, that is, each
stone only strengthens the particular energy or human quality it resonates
with.  This makes stones ideal for concentrating on your growth by working
on one energy at a time, or working on several energies at once by using
several stones.  Because of its broad and more general way of operating,
a quartz crystal works to strengthen all areas of the inner self at the same time.

Because a quartz crystal strengthens everything at once, it doesn't usually
change the balance of the energies.  And balance in the energies is
extremely important, sometimes even more important than growth itself.  
This is why stones are so important.  They can not only strengthen the
energies, but, if chosen properly, they can bring the weaker energies up
closer in strength to the stronger energies, and produce an internal
balance that gives you a serenity and peacefulness that comes from
being of one mind (not of divided opinion) in all areas of your life.

The Effect of Distance
The effect that stones and crystals have on the inner self falls off with
distance.  The larger a stone is, the more energy it puts out, and the farther
that energy radiates from it.  Although a small stone vibrates in the same
way as a large stone of the same type, it affects a smaller area with its
energy than a large stone.

For example, if you wear a small quartz crystal around your neck, it essentially
puts out personal energy, in that the energy doesn't affect others much, but stays
very close to you.  Its sphere of influence is just around you, with an effective
radius of about a foot.  Hand held crystals of about 3/4 inch diameter have a larger
sphere of influence, with an effective radius of perhaps two to four feet.  And a
three inch diameter crystal will fill a large room or small apartment with energy that
will have a positive impact on everyone in that area.

Crystals, Stones and Personal Growth
By themselves, crystals and stones do not make you a better person or a different
person from what you are.  But they do resonate with the subtle energy of your
inner self, your attitudes or human qualities, to make them stronger and more
intense, so it becomes more obvious to you what is going on inside.  This makes
it easier for you to see who you are and what you want to change about yourself
in order to become a better person.  But keep in mind that your attitudes don't
change unless you want them to, and that you are the one responsible for any
growth you do.  A stone can only amplify an aspect of who you already are.  
To grow as a person you must do the work yourself.

Crystals and stones can be of really good help in personal growth, but keep in mind
that they are not magic.  What they do is give you an edge in growth because
of how the vibrations of their crystalline structure interact with the inner self.  
Crystals and stones have the ability to resonate with the different energies of
the inner self, thereby strengthening those energies.  This additional strength
gives you the internal boost your energies need to make it easier to take steps
towards growth.  It gives you the extra insight and determination you need to
take the leap of faith that is necessary in adopting a new attitude.  It also gives
you the strength to not be afraid to change something about yourself.  But in
spite of all this, you must still do the actual learning and growing.

The magical qualities of crystals and stones lies in the effect they have on people.  
Because of how they work, crystals and stones have the ability to make
someone feel more positive, feel better about life.  Among other things,
the way they interact with a person's inner self enhances the human qualities
of loving and caring, which are often considered rather magical in themselves.  
Crystals and stones are really considered magical only because they enhance
the magic that already exists in people's lives.

Some Common Stones/Crystals & Their Properties:
Amber: balance
Amethyst: spiritual awareness, transmutation, healing
Aquamarine: purification, healing, calming
Bloodstone: courage, physical energy
Calcite: balance, peaceful meditation
Carnelian: sex, self-esteem, creativity
Copper: purification, inspiring love, making peace
Fluorite: healing, releasing unwanted energies
Gold: courage, self-awareness, self-confidence, wealth, and virtue
Hematite: encouraging willpowr, concentration
Herkimer Diamond: dream recall
Jade: fertility, wisdom, and tranquility
Lapis Lazuli: communication, healing
Malachite: protection, money
Moonstone: love, psychic awareness, feminine principle
Nickel: youth, beauty, growth, and adaptation
Obsidian: inner growth, psychic development
Opal: passion, love, and emotional expression
Pearl: purity, integrity, focus, wisdom
Quartz: change, focus
Red Jasper: compassion
Rhodolite: love
Rose Quartz: love, compassion
Silver: fertility, nourishment, and growth
Tiger’s Eye: empowerment, willpower, courage, and clarity
Tin; flexibility
Topaz: new beginnings
Tourmaline: healing, balance
Turquoise: balance, friendship, positive thinking

Source: Reiki Happenings, June 2006
On-Line Monthly Newsletter by Susan Anderson