Decoding crystals for love, health, and good fortune

What are those shiny, luminous, and sometimes colorful stones I see on women that were bought from bead and feng shui shops along Quiapo and Ongpin in Binondo? 

 

I would later learn that they're crystals -- objects bought in hopes of gaining supposed wealth, love, good health, protection from enemies and negative influences. I was urged to consult two of my favorite sources of crystal lore for their recommendations and suggestions for beginner crystal enthusiasts or collectors.

 

Having lived for the past 10 years or so in various countries in Indochina, it was natural and opportune for my fascination with all sorts of semi-precious stones to be developed. It was only when I got back to Manila that my interest in the metaphysical qualities of these objects of “frozen light” (as Uma Silbey of the “Complete Crystal Guidebook” defined them) started in earnest. 

 

More than just pretty stones

 

What makes them so endearing aside from their aesthetic beauty?

 

“Our bodies resonate with crystals,” said Julius Nequia, a long-time crystal enthusiast and co-founder of CHARMS (Crystal Healing Arts, Research and Magick Society) – currently a Facebook-based group of crystal enthusiasts and crystal healers. 

 

What does it actually mean when we say that human bodies resonate to crystals? 

 

Nequia explains, “Our DNA molecules have a crystalline structure, which powerfully stores the 'codes of life' that give each organism its form and character, and are carried by it through billions of years of evolution. Biophysicists also say that the human body and other organisms are 'liquid crystals.' Organisms are so similar at the molecular level that we appear to be 'crystalline.'”

 

The crystalline property of both humans and the stones makes the interaction between the two possible. 

 

Crystals as talismans

 

There are also many kinds of crystals. 

 

“Cubic crystals, so-called because of their chemical composition which is shaped like a cube under a microscope, are what we call 'arrangers.' These crystals are used to logically fix everything for you," said Nequia. Pyrite, lapis lazuli and garnet are all cubic crystals. This is why pyrite is so popular among students taking exams.  

Meanwhile, tetragonal crystals are “attractors”. This means they magnetize something, whether it's wealth, love, or anything else you desire. An example of a tetragonal crystal is golden rutilated quartz. 

 

Other crystals include trigonal, hexagonal, monoclinic, triclinic, and orthorhombic ones. Some of the recommended book for getting more information on the topic are Henry Mason’s “Crystal Talismans” and Michael Geinger’s book “Crystal Power, Crystal Healing.”

 

“Once you get your crystal, it is most important to cleanse it of any previous negative energies,” said Nequia. This is usually done through smudging with incense, exposure to the sun, cleansing with salt, burying in the ground for a certain period of time, or exposure to your breath. However, he cautions that not all crystals can be exposed to the sun or cleansed with water. Amethyst and rose quartz are crystals whose color tend to fade under the sun and some calcites might melt in water.

 

For wealth and health

 

Desiree Carlos is the founder of the Love & Light Forum, another Facebook-based group that delves deep into healing modalities. She said a great number of their members -- myself included -- are using crystals for healing, as well as to facilitate the search for wealth, health, and happiness.

 

Desiree is a long-time user and trainer of crystals and crystal healing. She explained that crystals can be used to amplify our thoughts – and those thoughts, the members believe, can be positive thoughts on healing, love, prosperity, or just the challenge of passing an exam. 

 

“Thoughts 'create' and thus we help each other think and feel love and light as often as we can,” she said, referring to the group’s name.

 

Among her favorites are the following recommended crystals:

 

Larimar: for protection against elementals (entities we average humans don’t see) and to help express one’s thoughts and feelings; 

 

Pink Kunzite: to get in touch with the love deep inside of us, love ourself and not depend on another to feel loved;

 

Ametrine: to calm and ensure harmony in all relationships, to attract wealth, and to protect oneself from psychic attacks;

 

Green Tourmaline: to protect the auric shield.

 

All of these stones are worn by Carlos in one single necklace. 

 

For bracelets, she wears serpentine to help boost the immune system, picture jasper to help calm and ground her, green aventurine to heal the body, citrine for wealth, and rose quartz to generate love (this can also be combined with pink kunzite). 

 

Beginner's guide

 

For beginners, Carlos recommends “gentle energy” stones like rose quartz, pink kunzite, pink calcite, and pink tourmaline for love; and golden or yellow quartz, golden rutilated quartz, green aventurine, citrine, peridot, prehnite, and ametrine, among others, for prosperity.

 

Nequia favors clear quartz for beginners because it has multiple uses (it is normally used to clear and heal our “chakras”, a Sanskrit term for “spinning energy centers”) and is an energy generator. Fluorite is also recommended because of its bright colors and as a quick remedy for colds and flu.

 

Both Carlos and Nequia suggested black tourmaline for protection against enemies, negative influences, and elementals. Both also use kyanite for aligning their chakras to produce sound health, since the stone automatically does this without any pre-programming.

 

Crystals that are not recommended for beginners include witches’ finger, and the so-called “high vibration” stones like angel aura quartz, moldavite, auralite 23, and super seven. Only advanced users should employ them, since it takes time for the body to get used to the energy generated by these stones. 

 

Where to buy in the metro

 

There are bead shops along Villalobos Street, and a particular favorite is Wellmanson’s which offers some crystal or stone bangles and occasionally, rough stones. Also check out the stalls behind Quiapo Church, and those selling candles, frankincense and anting-antings, on Evangelista Street. 

 

You may also go to the big stores like Minex Mining in Manila or NHS (Nature’s Healing Crystals), which occasionally organizes tours; however, this is only by invitation - you can secure one by joining a crystal group.

 

Try the feng shui shops along Ongpin and Quiapo (those under the LRT Carriedo station) as well, but don’t go there during the Chinese New Year season when the prices go ballistic!

 

As a caveat, it is better to go on your first crystal buying trip with someone who is familiar with crystals. The variety is there but there are also a lot of fakes. Sometimes, even the sellers do not know that their stones are fake. – KDM/YA, GMA News