Dear Soul Arcanum:
I am intrigued by crystal healing, and am wondering about its history. Can you tell me where and how this practice originated? Many thanks!
– Glenn
Dear Glenn:
Crystals and gemstones have been used for spiritual and healing purposes since ancient times. In fact, it is only within the past couple of hundred years of “modern science” that their metaphysical properties have been largely disregarded.
Of course, whenever we reach back beyond recorded history, we have only myth to rely on, but it is widely believed that crystals were central to the civilization of Atlantis, and that Atlanteans used them for all sorts of purposes, including healing and spirit communication. Rumor even has it that Atlantis was ultimately destroyed because some of its inhabitants abused crystals’ power, much as we might fear the potential global catastrophe that could occur if we were to abuse nuclear power.
It is also believed that some people survived the destruction of Atlantis, and that these people dispersed throughout the ancient world and carried their knowledge of crystals and other spiritual matters into India, Egypt, the Far East, the Mediterranean and beyond. In the Americas, turquoise and other stones and crystals were highly treasured, and their use by native North and South Americans in jewelry, healing, and other spiritual arts dates back to prehistory.
Archeologists have found lots of evidence that Neolithic man treasured gems and crystals and used them for various purposes. Often crystals are found in ancient graves, and as a rule, they are found in abundance in the tombs of ancient rulers.
Our oldest written records of crystals being used in healing are probably from ancient Egypt, and there are also records from some 5,000 years ago of them being used in India and China. Even the Bible references gemstones and crystals. For example, in the Old Testament, each of the twelve tribes of Israel is associated with a particular stone. (Exodus 28:17-21)
While we can’t know which came first, or even if one use predated the other, the use of gemstones and crystals in jewelry is closely related to their use in healing, for jewelry was originally less about beauty and more about spiritual and worldly power. It’s easy to see how if a stone was chosen to be worn as jewelry because it was said to protect the wearer from evil spirits, then if someone was thought to be plagued by evil spirits, people would use that same gemstone or crystal to affect a “cure.”
Royal crowns have always been adorned with jewels, for gems and crystals were believed to enhance rulers’ personal power and wisdom and protect them from harm. Early Egyptians believed that crystals like amethyst and stones like turquoise possessed great powers, so they put them in the tombs of the pharaohs.
Throughout history, crystals and gemstones have been used for all sorts of spiritual purposes like divining the future, spirit communication, ritual initiations, psychic enhancement, altering one’s state of consciousness and maintaining the willpower to resist temptation.
They were used by warriors for protection from physical violence. For example, breastplates and swords were set with jewels to give warriors strength, power and protection, and to ensure victory in battle. Crystals and gems were also frequently used for protection against evil spirits.
In terms of healing, various crystals were believed to help cure everything from depression to fevers to mortal wounds. People used crystals to improve their eye sight, sharpen their minds, get a good night’s sleep, conceive a child, stop bleeding, remain sober, keep their hearts strong, protect against infection and diagnose myriad physical and metaphysical problems.
As for how they were used in physical healing work, most commonly they were worn against the skin as jewelry or placed in a pouch, which was then worn or carried on one’s person. They were also frequently powdered and mixed into potions and medicines, which were then either imbibed or applied to the skin. Ancient Celts would also carve small stones to resemble different parts of the body, and then someone who was sick would rub whatever ailed them with the appropriate stone.
Crystals and gemstones were also used as diagnostic tools in various ways. For example, it was believed at various times and in various places that if the color of a stone paled or faded, its wearer was becoming ill. Similarly, when the color was bright, the wearer was in good health. If jewelry was given by a husband to ensure his wife’s fidelity and the stone changed color or darkened, it was believed to be a sign that she had been unfaithful.
I think it’s fascinating to note that modern science has discovered all sorts of uses for crystals as well. Many minerals are now known for their therapeutic properties. For example, copper is known to reduce swelling and inflammation, zinc boosts the immune system, potassium is essential to the functioning of the nervous system, calcium strengthens our bones, magnesium lowers blood pressure and eases stress and depression, etc. If these minerals have therapeutic properties, odds are good that all crystals and gemstones have special properties of their own.
Beyond medicinal uses, crystals play a very important role in modern life. They are used in all sorts of medical equipment like ultrasound machines and laser surgery instruments, as well as other tools like clocks, radios, cell phones and other wireless technologies, etc. To me, the power they lend to modern computers is as mind boggling as anything else they’re purported to be able to do!
As for why crystals are so useful in healing work, one reason is because health equals balance, and crystals are the embodiment of perfect symmetry in nature. By tuning in to the perfect balance, form and symmetry of a crystal, we can align with perfect balance ourselves. When we consciously use crystals in healing work, the crystals help us to align all levels of our being in balance with each other and the universe around us.
Further, quartz can store and conduct energy, so if we program a crystal for healing, it will hold and carry healing energy. Quartz can also amplify energy, so if we use it while we focus on sending healing energy to someone, we can amplify the power of that healing energy.
Unlike some New Agey folks, I don’t think crystals have “magical” powers, and I don’t view them as conscious entities that “want” to serve us in some way, but I can see how their properties as holders, conductors and amplifiers of energy can help us in healing work, or for that matter with any aim. If regular energy healing is like shining light with a flashlight, using crystals is like focusing that light through a laser: it can be far more powerful and effective.
I also think it’s worth noting that throughout history and around the world, every culture known to man developed the belief that gems and crystals have special powers beyond their ascetic value. While we don’t need crystals to heal, I do believe they can enhance our lives in many ways, whether we’re using them in healing or spiritual work or simply appreciating their beauty.
– Soul Arcanum
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