to think that crystals really do heal the mind?!

[woodentop123]

This is intended as a fun/interesting discussion!

I have a friend who is very spiritual and loves crystals. I've always been open minded (to most things!) and thought I'd have a look at purchasing some myself.

I think crystals are incredibly beautiful so I'm naturally drawn to them and I do feel like they're working when I meditate with them. Does anybody else use crystals... if so may I ask which ones and what for? Or has anybody had negative experiences?!

Would love to hear your stories and especially your suggestions!

If you don't believe in healing crystals I completely understand! If we were all the same we'd be boring! Please still feel free to comment but without hate or prejudice!

If you think it will heal the mind, then it will.

I don't believe that any crystal has any magical powers though

I love crystals, I have a little collection of spheres, but agree I worry about the ethics of the mining of them now.

It's seen as a bit 'woo' to believe they can heal, but maybe they can heal, or maybe it's placebo? Each, happily, to their own. :)

well X-ray crystallography is a key technique in drug discovery (I study crystals for a living, in a research lab).

You could grow your own crystals of salt if you're worried about the ethics. Might be a bit small though.

Enta

Completely agree! I can understand why people are so quick to shut it down, I just happen to be a bit more open minded about things.

CrystalQueen, what a fascinating job!

There's no way a sherbert dib dab has good energy.

I don't think you are being unreasonable. Whilst I may not believe that crystals do anything, I do think they are beautiful and I do like holding them. Labradorite is a personal favourite of mine. I love the colours. I have a fair bit of jewellery with labradorite in. It makes me happy. Maybe there's something in that, maybe not.

I don't have strong feelings either way, but I wonder why a belief in a god is seen as normal, but a belief in crystals is absurd? What makes one acceptable and another crazy?

My dd loves them, she has autism and I find when we go into a shop with crystals (we have a local crystal shop) she is really chilled out, not sure it’s the actual crystals but more likely that dd finds them so interesting with all their different colours and textures.

Bombardier25966 Love this point!

FaFoutis I am not the expert here. I watched her do it and that is watch she said. My mum had sent them over. Sherbet isn't a thing here in Sweden.

My daughter has grown some crystals from a science kit. I'm normally keen on fair trade / ethical production but it hadn't crossed my mind when buying crystals from a museum gift shop. Is anyone knowledgeable about whether these are ethically sourced?

@woodentop123. Unless you collect the crystals yourself (which is possible. I’ve picked up some lovely ones myself) it is pretty much impossible to be sure whether they were produced ethically or not. Most retailers don’t know or care about the source of their pretty stock.

Some countries have worse reputations than others. Madagascar is one of the worst but most of the non Western countries leave a lot to be desired. Google will throw up quite a few links showing what lies below the surface of the crystal industry. I know more than a few crystal lovers who have never bought another stone after doing a little background research.

I'm not convinced that crystals specifically have any healing properties, but the placebo effect does actually heal, even if you know it is a placebo - so I think spending time focusing on yourself and destressing is likely to have positive effects regardless of what method you use.

This thread just made me remember this sketch, m.youtube.com/watch?v=HMGIbOGu8q0

I think they work just as much as you expect them to work, which isn't really a criticism. When you're talking about them helping with subjective things like mood, relaxation, well-being etc. then I don't think there's a problem with people using things that work because they think they'll work if you see what I mean.

Up to 80% of the painkilling effect of morphine is placebo effect.

So yes, crystals 'work' but really it's your mind working. I'm much more astounded by the human mind than lumps of rock.

They look nice, so that may lift your spirit, healing is very much about attitude and feelings.
I once bought a spell from a shaman and was told that it cannot do good or harm but it helps concentrate your mind and energy to find a resolution or accommodation to a problem

Have them if you like them. personally I dont belive they have any powers

I don’t believe they actually have healing powers but the mind is very powerful and psychosomatically they may well make a difference to some people. I can see how they could be valuable tools in meditation or mindfulness, for example.

I can’t abide people recommending things like crystal healing as a treatment in place of verifiable, tested medicine - but I think that’s slightly different to what you’re talking about.

@Love51. No guarantee at all that they will be ethical. In fact I’d put money on them not being. They’ll have been bought from some wholesaler and could come from anywhere. Very few (haven’t found one yet) retailers can tell you which mine produced their stones.

A woman i know is a healer and gave me a small crystal (amythist I think) years ago i thought it was all rubbish mumbo jumbo but i love holding it and playing with it I feel relaxed and a bit zen It is more to do with focus than healing powers imo but it isn't doing me any harm.

MrsJayy I love amethyst!

I think they look nice and the placebo effect is very strong. On the other hand as long as people aren't claiming them as an alternative to actual medical treatment it's fine.

I used to work with a Wiccan who swore by them. He said in the crystal glass section of any department store you see people come in and while they're there they're always giggling and laughing. He swears this is the crystals.

I brought my DD one once when she was having a hard time, and she liked it.

And agree that if it feels good for you then that's a positive.

But.... No, I don't put any belief in them.