WELLNESS: Crystals for better shamanic energy

When chatting about alternative therapies the use of gemstones to treat various ailments and improve your mental disposition sits at the top of the list. Whether you’ve been dabbling in the mystical practice for years or just getting started, Byron is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in crystal culture!

But first, let’s quickly discuss the theory behind the practice with a throwback to high school physics. Here we learnt every single thing from the chair you that you’re sitting on, to the water in your glass, to the air that you breathe, is made up of atoms vibrating against each other in various frequencies

Just like everything else in the universe, we each have our own unique vibrational frequency, but our frequencies are unstable and easily influenced by the world around us. Crystals on the other hand are made up of a perfect geometric pattern of molecules and are able to maintain their stability with no effort- the exact opposite of our constantly changing, non-stable human nature.

Now, this is where science and spirituality intersect. It is said that the stable energy which arises from the molecular composition of each crystal has the ability to influence the energies around it. It’s this energy that’s theorised to interact with your body’s energy field or chakra. You can read more about chakra HERE.

Okay, now that we’ve got the science lesson out of the way let’s get to the fun part. Choosing your crystal! Many crystal experts will advise that you don’t actually choose the crystal, the crystal chooses you. If you find your hand reaching out to touch a crystal, don’t fight it – that crystal is for you! However, if you’re shopping online or seeking a crystal to assist in various areas of your life, here are some popular go-to gems.

Citrine

If summer was a stone it would be Citrine. Bright and uplifting this gorgeous gem is brimming with warm bursts of positive energy harnessing personal power, ambition, self-confidence and resilience. Ideal for catapulting your career in an upwards trajectory, embracing leadership and harnessing creativity. It’s also said to help with money. Cha-ching!

How to use: place the stone on your solar plexus to remove feelings associated with lack of purpose, powerlessness, low self-esteem, and indecisiveness.

Rose Quartz

Often referred to as the stone of love, Rose Quartz is directly connected to your heart chakra. Rebalancing this area can awaken a lot more love for yourself and the people around you.

How to use: keep it in the bedroom for obvious reasons, or wear it in a pendant so the crystal sits close to your heart.

Black Tourmaline

Darker stones such as Black Tourmaline connect to your root chakra to help you feel grounded. They also help to ease anxiety, rebalance the body and remove negative or disruptive energy. The Black Tourmaline is particularly great for the last point as it absorbs negative energy.

How to use: place the stone near your bed or in the corner of a room, for amplified protection for you and your space from negative energy of all kinds.

Amethyst

This beautiful purple stone resonates with your crown chakra to bring forth all kinds of spiritual healing, calmness, and wisdom. Ideal for those seeking solace after a busy day or for anyone needing to regain a sense of control in their life.

How to use: Drop amethyst into your water bottle to help you tap into your intuition and connection with others. Amethyst is absolutely safe to drink (some crystals are NOT so please check with a reliable source before ingesting gem water). Make sure to clean your amethyst using sage, sunlight, moonlight, or saltwater first.

Moss Agate

The stone of healing and new beginnings. Unlock the powers of your heart chakra to make sense of chaotic times, refresh the soul and boost your immune system. These little ROCKstars (see what we did there) are said to aid in recovery from illness with anti-inflammatory qualities and the ability to cleanse the circulatory and elimination systems.

How to use: place the stone with a wilting plant to see it bloom, or bring one to work to re-order your thoughts into a more productive manner. The Moss Agate has always been celebrated as a lucky amulet, why not carry one with you and see the abundance of good tidings flow towards you.

Clear Quartz

Known as the master healer, the clear quartz is used to harmonises all the chakra. This stone is able to amplify energy as well as the effects of other crystals and even clear stagnant energy. It is often also used to cleanse other crystals.

How to use: build clusters around your home to assist with patience, focus, positive perspective and an overall sense of peace. Make sure it’s not too close to your bed as the high vibrations of the cluster may be overstimulating.

Right, let’s hit the shops for some healing rocks!

As mentioned Byron is very supportive of Crystal culture. Crystal Castle, located in Byron Bay’s hinterland, is home to some of the largest crystals in the world. There is a magnificent amethyst cave, a pair of smoky quartz geodes measuring at a staggering 5.5 metres, tables and chairs made of rose quartz and countless other larger than life crystals. Even if you’re not the slightest bit intrigued in their healing powers it’s well worth the trip to Mullumbimby to see these mind-blowing natural wonders. Crystal Castle also has an online shop, and a tri-monthly subscription service which comes complete with guided audio meditations together with new crystals.

In town, you’ll find Soulife, Bay Gems, Taiga Rose and Sweetness Skulls and Light just to name a few crystal traders. Even the gift shops tend to stock a comprehensive collection of these beautiful shiny little things! Out in Byron’s industrial estate is Heart of the Bay, The Stonery and Cosmic Crystals.

So, c’mon get your rocks off with some shamanic vibrations!

Majority of photos from the incredible Unearthed Crystals.