Crystals and Chakras

The Third Eye Chakra is one of seven major energy centres in our body. Located on your forehead between both eyes, it is also commonly referred to as the Brow Chakra. This chakra tends to receive more attention than most because it is where the third eye, or psychic eye, resides in the body. Often people work on this chakra hoping to almost magically become a psychic, medium, or tarot reader. At the risk of giving false hope to viewers I have to inform you that opening up your Third Eye Chakra does not guarantee you will become a psychic, medium, or tarot reader. It may not bring about any overt or obvious change at all.

What opening up your Brow Chakra will do is broaden your perceptions so you can more easily see the truth. Suddenly an association with a family member, friend, business associate, or new person in your life will seem “off” for seemingly no explanation. Or, you could be traveling on a highway towards your house and have a strange “feeling” that you should get off sooner and take the backroads home. What is actually happening in these types of situations is that your third eye is perceiving what the five human senses of touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound cannot; that you are not receiving the full truth of the situation. Perhaps that person is hiding something from you, or you will be caught in traffic if you continue to take the highway home. Your Third Eye can act as an alarm and warn you of these situations and more if you tune into it and exercise it regularly. This is what using your intuition is all about: using not medically recognized senses to help you throughout your daily life.

For those more psychically and spiritually inclined, working on the Brow Chakra opens up your third eye to sights beyond this realm to recognizing the sight of energy in our world, higher dimensions, spiritual beings, past lives, guided meditations, and more. When you broaden your third eye with psychic or spiritual intent you are opening yourself up to learning more about the universe and your place in it. Sometimes this means helping others as a psychic, medium, tarot reader, etc. More often, it is a means to help yourself with your soul’s own spiritual growth. This path should not be travelled lightly because it will change your understanding of the world and bring up truths you may not want to face.

Apophyllite: For those with a serious interest in psychic and spiritual work this Apophyllite is a must have. It strengthens the connection between the physical and spiritual allowing you to access clairvoyance, astral travel, even the Akashic Records, with more ease.

Covellite: Another crystal for spiritual work, Covellite aids your journey for spiritual progress. It opens you up to your higher self, which in turn enables you to further your soul’s progress by recognizing past lives, understanding karmic challenges, and integrating shadow work into this life time.

Dumortierite: This crystal is excellent for aligning your conscious thoughts and actions with your higher self’s. This connection to your innate wisdom and inner truth supports you, leaving you feeling more confident and patient with the human world and more receptive to the spiritual world.

Indicolite: Also known as Blue Tourmaline, this crystal is wonderful for using psychic abilities to better understand the universe. It can help you access past life memories, even your soul plan, with some time, patience, and effort.

Iolite: Iolite is fantastic for opening up your third eye. Not only does it strengthen the connection to your intuition and inner knowing, but it is a powerful tool for astral travel, shamanic visions, guided meditations, essentially any form of visualization.

Lapis Lazuli: A very calming stone, Lapis enables you to relax because it harmonizes the bond between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Its balancing effect on yin/yang energies only emphasizes the soothing effect of acting in agreement with your inner truth.

Pietersite: Often confused with Hawk’s Eye/Blue Tiger’s Eye, this stone processes spiritual concepts into lessons understood on physical and mental levels. A wonderful crystal for recognizing inner guidance and the truth of situations, it is also excellent for all visualization work.

Prehnite: Typically considered a crystal for the heart chakra, Prehnite can also enhance your intuitive senses. It works best in this sense while you sleep for it integrates intuitive knowledge on a subconscious level. Increased dreams and dream recall are often a by-product of this type of third eye work.

Sapphire: Sapphire is a wonderful crystal for strengthening intuition and access to inner wisdom. Aside from this connection to spiritual guidance Sapphire is also excellent at balancing emotional upheavals caused by integrating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energies.

Sodalite: One of the best stones for mental clarity, Sodalite calms the mind so rational thought and objectivity, not stress or panic, guides all thoughts and actions. As a result of this communication and perception are clearer and more reliable.

Tanzanite: A gentle crystal with strong potential Tanzanite gives users the hope that magic is possible. This usually subconscious effect can produce stronger visualizations and spiritual connections.

The Throat Chakra is the communication centre in our energy bodies. Recognized by its pale blue colour it is located over the physical throat; for most people this means working on the Throat Chakra will aide with verbal communication. Indeed, it does help with this. Finding the right words to express your thoughts, opinions, wants, needs, or desires can be extremely difficult, especially if you are shy or have trouble finding the right words to describe what you are trying to express. It becomes even more challenging when you consider the impact of tone and inflection; trying to communicate clearly so that you are not misunderstood or do not accidentally hurt someone can be very difficult.

However, verbal communication alone is a very limiting view of the Throat Chakra. The Throat Chakra governs our ability to communicate on a variety of levels; not just the physical, but mental, emotional, and spiritual as well. Communication is between two or more parties so it involves a certain degree of observation and listening (this is why the Throat Chakra also covers the physical ears). Additionally, communication can come in the forms of body language, written words, and symbolism. It is more than possible to communicate without spoken words as written language, Deaf culture, spiritual communication, and animal communication all prove.

Overall, communication is a complex process deserving far more attention and respect than it usually receives. It requires thoughtfulness and clarity to choose the words, symbols, or actions which will accurately express the idea you want to convey without misunderstandings. The crystals below will gently aid your communications in whatever form you choose.

Aquamarine: Like its name suggests, Aquamarine shares some qualities with water. It is best known for cooling heated emotions and gently clearing energy blockages in the Throat Chakra, but it also encourages truthfulness in all communications (with yourself and others).

Blue Calcite: Blue Calcite is more helpful with spiritual communication than others. It slowly opens you up to your higher self so that you can receive insights and inspiration from the higher realms.

Blue Chalcedony: A very soft crystal energetically speaking, Blue Chalcedony is wonderful for communicating emotions. It works on the subconscious levels to help you release pent up emotions and find inner peace.

Blue Fluorite: As with other Fluorite crystals, Blue Fluorite is excellent for mental clarity and organization which in turn translates into clear communication. For some people this crystal also helps with spiritual communication.

Blue Lace Agate: Quite possibly the best known crystal for the Throat Chakra, Blue Lace Agate improves communication on all levels (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual). Its gentle energy balances the Throat Chakra so you communicate to your best ability when you need it.

Blue Quartz: As with all Quartz crystals, Blue Quartz is a strong all-around Throat Chakra crystal. Particularly noted for its use in spiritual communication, it also helps your inner truth and wisdom shine through all of your communications.

Celestite: Celestite is a wonderful stone for spiritual communication. Its connection to the upper chakras allows you to give, receive, and understand complex spiritual information more easily.

Blue Kyanite: The striations on Kyanite crystals represent how Kyanite works really well. It acts as a roadway connecting the Heart, Throat, and Third Eye Chakras so that energy can flow easily between them. An energy conductor, it aligns the chakras and bolsters inner peace and perseverance within the user.

Sapphire: Also considered a crystal for the Third Eye Chakra, Sapphire is wonderful for opening the three upper chakras (Throat, Third Eye, and Crown). In doing so it paves the way for clear and honest communications.

The Heart Chakra, located in the centre of the chest, is the emotional energy centre of our bodies. Emotions are complicated. They are intensely private and personal, yet most of the time they are responses to relationships and circumstances outside of us. The Heart Chakra is a perfect reflection of this.  As much as the Heart Chakra tells us about ourselves and our own willingness to open up to the world or hide from it, its energy also lets the people around us know, on an energetic level, how much we are willing to give or receive. The state of a person’s Heart Chakra can inform you of how receptive they are to emotional interactions.

Energetically speaking, the Heart Chakra is the bridge between the lower chakras (Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus) and upper chakras (Throat, Third-Eye, Crown).  This means it is the balance between our physical and spiritual selves; the human being residing in this world and the spiritual being aware of planes beyond our understanding. The more open your Heart Chakra is, the more capable you are of recognizing the spiritual in everyday circumstances (i.e., synchronicities, deep appreciation for the beauty of a flower, or messages from spiritual guides).

Ultimately, the Heart Chakra is a window into our most honest self.  However much we grow and change one of the most consistent things in our lives are our emotional responses to situations. They teach us a lot about how we approach the world. Just as importantly, whatever emotion we feel - be it positive or negative - resonates within our Heart Chakras and from there out into the world changing it.

Amazonite: Known as a “feel better stone”, Amazonite is so effective because it aligns the Heart Chakra on the physical and astral planes. The recognition of this unity on a soul level is inherently soothing and fills the Heart Chakra with positive energy.

Aventurine: Aventurine is a wonderful stone for enhancing leadership qualities. It reduces stress and promotes relaxation, but also motivates and encourages decisions to be made from the heart.

Bloodstone: Often associated with the Root (or Base) Chakra, Bloodstone is also excellent for the Heart Chakra. The stone of the “spiritual warrior”, it brings steadiness, courage, and solace to your heart.

Dioptase: The positive and uplifting energy of Dioptase is wonderful for promoting love and compassion. It also makes Dioptase excellent for healing any wounds to the heart.

Emerald: One of the most well-known crystals, Emerald subtly brings harmony to the emotional heart. By opening up the user’s sensitivity, it allows them to have patience, honesty, and understanding with themselves instead of focusing negative emotions inwards.

Malachite: One of the most calming Heart Chakra crystals to deal with, Malachite is excellent at balancing tumultuous emotions and energies within the Heart Chakra. Known for uplifting spirits, it makes all types of transitions easier.

Peridot: Peridot has a very light and vibrant energy. Known for protecting the Heart Chakra, it also cleanses the heart of negative emotions and brings optimism to the user.

Rhodochrosite: Rhodochrosite is fantastic for connecting you to your inner child. It brings love and compassion for yourself, courage, and creativity so you can experience the wonders and mystery of the world as children do.

Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz has some of the gentlest energy for Heart Chakras. It enhances love on all levels (self, familial, romantic, and platonic) and diminishes the effect of negative emotions, especially towards yourself.

Unakite: With a strong but gentle energy, Unakite helps strengthen your Heart Chakra. It is best at removing emotional blockages from your heart, making it an excellent crystal to help you through any form of grief.

The Solar Plexus Chakra represents your core, yourself. Located in the middle of the abdomen it governs over all matters regarding your personal power. While power can take many forms the Solar Plexus is concerned with inner strength, not physical strength. Consequently, it is common to feel stomach aches when you feel uncertain and powerless in a particular situation, or have no will to deal with the problem at hand.

Confidence, self-esteem, will power, all of these and more generate from your core. They are all matters that pertain to your strength as an individual. While the Heart Chakra governs your emotions many energy practitioners and martial artists feel that your energy level and personal character are represented by the Solar Plexus. It is for this reason that Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and other practices which integrate physical exercises with energy awareness place so much emphasis on strengthening your core.

All of the chakras have a particular focus and together they blend into a representation of your innermost self. That said, the Solar Plexus, in my opinion, is one of the most important chakras to take care of. If you don’t have the will or inner strength to deal with the situations life gives you, your other chakras will not receive the energetic support they need to function and help you either. If you aren’t strong and secure in yourself you will be more easily swayed by others to do things you normally wouldn’t do. And if you can’t be sure of whom you are (strengths, limitations, beliefs, etc.); you will be in no position to help or heal others.

Amber: Although technically not a crystal, Amber is one of the best minerals to use for the Solar Plexus. Its powers of purification easily help physical, mental, emotional and spiritual blockages in this chakra, and the feelings of warmth it gives off support a positive mental attitude.

Chrysoberyl: This stone is a wonderful energizer for the Solar Plexus. Its ability to merge the energies of the Heart and Solar Plexus chakras makes it easier to align your deepest desires with the will to manifest them.

Citrine: One of the best known crystals, Citrine is excellent for strengthening any mental work you need to do by promoting clarity, focus, and will power. It also provides inspiration for ideas and aides with all academic pursuits.

Gold: Gold is another mineral which soothes and restores the Solar Plexus. Its energies boost confidence and self-esteem in whatever form it takes (nugget, flakes, jewellery etc.).

Golden Topaz: Not to be confused with Imperial Topaz, Golden Topaz is recognized by its golden hues as the name implies. By opening your awareness to your inner wisdom it helps align your will and desires to a higher purpose.

Pyrite: Also known as Fool’s Gold, Pyrite amplifies the energy of the Solar Plexus. As it is particularly helpful for balancing and enhancing masculine energy, it stabilizes confidence and encourages the user to take action.

Tiger’s Eye: Tiger’s Eye is a fantastic stone for courage and strength. Not only does it help you to overcome fears and persevere through obstacles in your path, but it provides grounding and protection to keep you safe and centered throughout the day.

Yellow Calcite / Honey Calcite: With its gentle energy Yellow Calcite helps eliminate negative thoughts and self-defeating behaviours. It provides steady support to complete long term goals and projects.

Yellow Fluorite: As with other Fluorites, Yellow Fluorite is a wonderful energetic cleanser. It enhances all mental activities and can unite thoughts and intentions to manifest in reality.

Yellow Jasper: A grounding crystal that enhances the strength of the physical body, Yellow Jasper can ease tension within the body. Considered to be a cleansing and protective stone, it is a tremendous help for travellers.

The Sacral Chakra is located approximately one hand- width beneath the belly button.  It is the centre for creativity and children.  As the Sacral Chakra is located near the reproductive organs, the energy of this chakra is perfect for all types of birth.  It provides the energy to give birth to new ideas, projects, and artistic endeavours.  Alternatively, it can bring new life and new energy, to existing projects.  It supports reproductive health and the ability to give birth to children.  This energy centre is wonderful for encouraging all types of creation.

Many people do not realize how strong the Sacral Chakra’s link to children and childhood is.  A strong and healthy Sacral Chakra can help you connect with children and share in their excitement and joy. This chakra is also a link to your inner child.  It is the energy centre you want to focus on if you are trying to regain childhood memories, heal childhood pains, or recapture that exuberance for any reason.

Overall, the Sacral Chakra reminds you to emulate childlike behaviours.  Children are often wiser and smarter than they are given credit for. They have the ability to find joy in the simplest of pleasures. They can imagine and create endless wonders. They love freely and are true to themselves, far more honest than adults are.  It is because of these characteristics and more that they are happier and healthier than most adults, a lesson we would be wise to learn and respect.

Aragonite: Aragonite raises your energy vibrations on all levels, but is especially effective with emotional frustrations. It clears out blockages and transmutes the energy into a beneficial form.

Carnelian: Known as a “feel better” stone, Carnelian is excellent at helping us find a connection between emotions and dis-ease. The positive energy this stone emits also boosts energy levels and confidence.

Copper: Although not a crystal, Copper is a wonderful energy conductor. It stabilizes the energy field and provides the physical and emotional support needed to get through a difficult day.

Moonstone: Recognized as a more “feminine” stone, Moonstone balances emotions and soothes all types of aggravation.  A positive crystal, it can help you get in touch with your intuition.

Orange Calcite: One of the more popular Sacral Chakra stones, Orange Calcite has a wonderful calming influence.  It also inspires the user and is particularly helpful with all creative endeavours.

Pearl: This naturally occurring material soothes all sorts of emotional upheavals. Pearls are known to bring emotional balance and stability, and are especially proficient at reducing irritability and stress.

Sunstone: An extremely cheery crystal, Sunstone perfectly embodies its name. It brings positivity and vitality to the user, supporting good health and promoting abundance.

Vanadinite: A superb cleanser, Vanadinite slowly but steadily cleanses the energy body from negative thoughts and emotions, stressors, and excessive behaviours. This stone enables you focus on and complete the task at hand without distraction.

Wulfenite: Unlike most Sacral Chakra crystals, Wulfenite aides the mental and spiritual energy bodies.  It clears out mental blockages to enable you to heal yourself on different planes of reality.

The Root Chakra, also known as the Base Chakra, is located at the tailbone.  This chakra is our connection to the material world.  It governs our survival instincts, our need for basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing.  In modern times most people recognize that this also includes all that nurtures our body, mind and soul such as family, friends, stable finances, and careers.

The term “root” in Root Chakra is not an accidental choice.  This chakra is not only a connection to the material world, but a connection to the physical world, to earth energy. Connecting with the earth, whether that means working with plants or spending time outdoors, brings a sense of inner-connectedness that is easily lost in this technological age.  Consequently, whenever you need to energetically ground yourself, this is the chakra to work with.  Grounding is necessary to cultivate awareness of your surroundings, process the various types of information we are inundated with clearly, and find inner peace.

If you remember nothing else, keep in mind that the Root Chakra’s focus is survival. The health of this chakra directly affects how well we are able to adapt and thrive when confronted with challenges, whatever form they may take.

Black Agate: Black Agate’s gentle energy balances the male and female energies within you.  In doing so it allows you to understand information clearly and reconnect with your inner strength.

Black Tourmaline: Known for protection and grounding on all levels, Black Tourmaline is also an excellent purifying stone.  It transmutes negative energies within the body into positive ones for healing.

Garnet: Garnet is a fantastic stone for survival.  It enhances instincts, boosts energy levels, supports courage, and helps you to adapt to changes in your life.

Hematite: Well known for grounding, Hematite protects the aura by balancing energetic systems in the body.  In doing so, subconscious thoughts and knowledge are more understandable on a conscious level.

Jet: Jet calms and balances your energies so that you can take control over your own life and increase your personal abundance.  It provides protection best when combined with other protective stones.

Obsidian: A grounding stone, Obsidian is also excellent at absorbing negative energies on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. This makes it an excellent choice for healing work.

Petrified Wood: Although not a crystal, Petrified Wood’s soothing energy enables you to relax and energetically ground.  Doing so helps you regain your equilibrium and prepare for any challenges ahead.

Red Jasper: Frequently used as a worry stone, Red Jasper is excellent for reducing stress and increasing focus towards any task. It enhances the determination and instincts needed for new beginnings.

Red Tiger’s Eye: Also known as Falcon’s Eye, this crystal enhances confidence and motivation within the user.  A protective stone, it is known to calm strong emotions so that the user can think more clearly.

Ruby: Another all-around excellent crystal for survival, Ruby supports good health, healing, and vitality in the user.  A protective stone, it is also used to ease new beginnings and attract abundance.

Smoky Quartz: An excellent protective and grounding stone, Smokey Quartz also assists in blocking geopathic stress from affecting the aura.  It can strengthen resolve to overcome harmful behaviors.