Deborah's Answers To
Frequently Asked Questions

Crystals work by introducing specific energies into a person's energy field that may be helpful for growth, healing, or other purposes. Because we are all unique individuals with our own particular ways of relating to energy, our experiences of how and when crystals work can be very different.

At the time we choose to meet or work with them, our experience of crystals will be influenced by our personal energetic structure, needs, and intentions at that particular time. For this reason, it can be misleading to talk about crystal healing in absolute terms, just as it would be misleading to guarantee specific outcomes for medical, psychological, or any other type of healing assistance.

The answers to the following questions reflect Deborah's own experiences with crystals and her work with her own clients. She encourages you to trust your own inner wisdom and guidance, as you explore the healing gifts of crystals and the role they can play in your life.

Q: What is the difference between a crystal, a mineral, and a plain old rock?

A: Sometimes as much as $5! Seriously, all of these words are terms popularly used to describe members of the mineral kingdom. All stones, whether they are precious or semi-precious gems, quartz crystals, or rocks found in your garden, are members of the mineral kingdom.

Every stone has a specific energy that may be helpful in growth and healing at a particular time. While the term "crystal" was originally used to refer to quartz crystal, many people today use the term crystal broadly to describe all stones used in healing and metaphysical work.

Q: Do crystals benefit everyone?

A: The answer is both yes and no. To the extent that they can contribute to creating and helping to maintain healthy, nourishing environments, crystals can benefit those who come into contact with them-whether or not these individuals are consciously aware of their presence. But the experience of working with crystals personally is a very individual one, based upon our own particular needs and preferences, and not all people find working with them to be helpful or enjoyable at a given time. For some, crystals may be a life-long interest, while others may find them useful at a particular time, or not all. Crystals are only one of many helpful healing avenues to explore.

Q: How do I know if a crystal can help me?

A: People tend to recognize that a crystal can be helpful at a particular time by using this simple stone-check: Do you feel a flow of energy coming from the crystal or a heightened sense of well-being when you hold it? If the answer to either of these is yes, it suggests that you have made an "energetic" connection with the crystal and are receiving energy from it.

Q: I am healing a serious illness and have heard that a particular stone may be helpful. How do I know if this crystal is the right one for me?

A: First of all, let me emphasize that it is important to remember that crystals are not a substitute for medical or other treatments for a physical illness or psychological condition. If you are already engaged in the appropriate traditional treatment for your condition, crystals may be helpful to you in a variety of ways.

Crystals may be helpful in supporting your overall vitality or energy for the healing process.They may also provide, comfort, support, and specific healing help on an energetic level to assist you in your healing work. While many crystal guides do suggest specific stones for specific healing tasks, it is important to recognize that like all broad generalizations, these suggestions may not always fit your own particular needs or circumstances at a given time.

Here is an example from my early experience:
A woman who was healing breast cancer asked me to help her select a stone that could best support her in her healing work. I was aware of a crystal that was popularly recognized as a having the potential to provide assistance for people with this illness. Yet, when I “energetically” assessed her energy field, this stone's energy did not seem to be a good match to help her at that particular time. While she felt ready on a conscious level to do the work, energetically she was not in the particular place where this stone could assist her with its energy. What proved most helpful for her at that time was another stone that could help her replenish her emotional energy. While not recognized in the crystal literature specifically for her illness, this stone more appropriately matched her energetic needs for her own healing process at that time. As always, your best guide to whether a particular stone may be helpful to you is the basic stone-check: Do you feel a flow of energy from it or a heightened sense of well-being when you hold it?

When reading crystal literature, it is always helpful to remember that there are hundreds of stones in the crystal kingdom that are available to assist us. The suggestion of a particular crystal for a specific task is an opportunity to recognize that this type of assistance may be available to you and to also consider the other stones that may be helpful and more easily accessible.

Q: Do I need to take care of my crystals in any particular way?

A: There are no absolute rules about crystal care, but allow me to share a few personal biases! Crystals lovingly and generously care for us, so I think that it is wonderful when we also treat them with care and respect. This can be as simple as maintaining a respectful intention in the ways that we store and work with them, or as complex as periodically engaging in activities to clean, nourish, or "charge" (energize) them when we sense their energy beginning to lessen. You may notice a distinct difference in the vibrancy of your crystals when you treat them with care and respect. Crystals do respond energetically to the power of our thoughts and intentions. They also respond positively to the nourishment of other healing aspects of nature: sun and moon light, water, plants, earth, etc. Some stones may fade if placed in direct sunlight, or may crack if left outside in cold weather. Because stones vary in hardness, some softer ones respond best to delicate treatment. My experience here at the Crystal Bee has convinced me of the importance of honoring, respecting, and nourishing these healing gifts of nature.

Q: Is the size of a stone important?

A: Only if it's resting on your foot! Seriously, the size of a stone does not determine it's energy or power. I have two pieces of rose quartz at home: one the size of a grape and one the size of my hand. The smaller stone is actually the more vibrant of the two. Having said this, let me also say that in working with crystals personally and in environments, I have found that the size of a stone tends to be more important in working in environments than in working with individuals because of the larger energy field involved.

Deborah works with many individuals in classes and in private consultations focusing on personal growth and healing goals.

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