Crystal Basics: The Energetic, Healing, and Spiritual Power of 200 Gemstones

"I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who uses crystals or anyone who would love to learn more about them. For me, the standout was the geological information which helped to explain why crystals have the healing properties that they do. This is a book that I would definitely purchase." ― TheLuminessence.Wordpress.com “Nicholas Pearson’s Crystal Basics leaves no stone unturned! As a crystal healing instructor, I look forward to recommending this as a resource to my students for years to come. Not only does Nicholas share a bountiful directory of 200 crystals and their uses (including a very useful appendix of properties sorted by body, mind, and spirit), but he also introduces the reader to the physics and metaphysics of crystal energy in a way that’s easy to understand for beginners and thought-provoking for seasoned crystal workers. Nicholas also describes how the reader can work with crystal energies for powerful transformation as well as the best practices to care for your crystals. This book is a true gem!” ― Ashley Leavy, author of Cosmic Crystals “Thorough, concise, and clear--Crystal Basics is an excellent resource for anyone who wishes to have a solid foundation in the practical, scientific, and mystical exploration of healing crystals.” ― Krista N. Mitchell, author of Crystal Reiki and Change Your Energy “This is the book I wish had been available 20 years ago when I first discovered crystals.” ― Lee Harris, energy intuitive, channeler, and author of Energy Speaks “Finally, this is the book the crystal community has been waiting for! Crystal Basics delves deep into the relationship between how minerals are formed and their metaphysical properties. With his wealth of knowledge, Nicholas guides you step-by-step through every aspect of working with crystals. This comprehensive book is an excellent primer and practical guide to the fascinating world of crystals and crystal healing for beginners and beyond.” ― Ethan Lazzerini, author of Crystal Grids Power and Psychic Protection Crystals “Nicholas Pearson’s knowledge of geology and gems shines through the pages of Crystal Basics . This book is full of valuable information that will satisfy rock enthusiasts, especially the section on how and why crystals work.” ― Margaret Ann Lembo, author of The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals and Stones and Animal Totems “A must-have for your library! Nicholas Pearson’s knowledge on crystals is quite impressive. Crystal Basics delivers a magnitude of information for crystal enthusiasts of all skill levels. This will be my new ‘go-to’ crystal book!” ― Elizabeth Gardiepy, author of Crystal Skull Magick “ Crystal Basics is a comprehensive guidebook to the amazing powers of crystals and how they intensely impact you in a positive, beneficial way. Pearson showcases the intimate connection between you and crystals for healing all levels of your mind, body, and soul. Written in an easy-to-read style, this illuminating book will enrich your holistic crystal practices.” ― Melinda Carver, author of Get Positive Live Positive “I’ve collected more than three dozen crystal and gemstone books over the past 40 years. If I could only keep one, this would be it. Crystal Basics by Nicholas Pearson covers almost anything and everything that you would want to know about the mineral kingdom and crystal healing. There is such a wealth of information that is shared in Crystal Basics --mineral science, basic practices and procedures using crystals, great crystal meditations, and how to make crystal elixirs and unique crystal layouts for healing. The instructions for making your own crystal grids are fun and easy. And, to top it all off, there is a large section on the use and healing properties of 200 gemstones. All the best is included in one book. There is even a section on energy healing.” ― Rev. Ojela Frank, MSC, LMT, founder of AumaKhua-Ki® Energy Balancing & Meditation "Say hello to truly the only book on crystals you’ll ever need. At this point Pearson has already established himself as THE crystal expert. His past books, such as Crystals for Karmic Healing , Crystal Healing for the Heart , and Stones of the Goddess all explored a specific facet (no pun intended) of crystals. Pearson’s Crystal Basics is a constant reminder that working with crystals is an art, and a science. If you want to learn about crystals, and I mean really learn, like geology class learn, this is for you. How are crystals formed? What are they made of? How are they classified? There is also a decent chunk of text dedicated to exploring the possibilities of how crystals work. A well thought out, well written exploration that includes an examination of the human energy field. Crystal Basics is destined to be a classic. I can’t imagine what crystal mountain is left for Pearson to climb, but I cannot wait to find out." ― The Magical Buffet "This is a gorgeous -- full color! -- book and should be on the shelf of every single person interested in crystals...science is not the only aspect. Pearson does a brilliant job of placing each stones' characteristics within a framework of metaphysical knowledge. Other excellent sections cover working with stones that make you uncomfortable, storing your stones, cleaning them (physically and energetically), programming, and activating the stones. There is an entire chapter on crystal meditations...another discusses all aspects of making gem waters and crystal elixirs, along with several recipes. Of course he also spends a chapter on crystal grids and layouts for healing. A truly fantastic addition to your library!" ― Lisa Mc Sherry, FacingNorth Nicholas Pearson has been immersed in the mineral kingdom for more than 25 years. He began teaching crystal workshops in high school, later studying mineral science at Stetson University while pursuing a degree in music. He worked for several years at the Gillespie Museum, home to the largest mineral collection in the southern United States. The author several books, including Crystals for Karmic Healing , he lives in Orlando, Florida. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. From Chapter 8. Crystal Grids The impetus to arrange stones in specific geometric forms is an ancient one--our ancestors have made stone circles, medicine wheels, and giant monuments out of rocks for eons. These are the prototypes of the crystal grids we use in healing today. I think the single most popular crystal application today is making crystal grids; grids have been covered in books, podcasts, and posts on social media. These eye-catching arrangements of crystals and gemstones (sometimes adorned with candles, flowers, or other objects) are an effective and fun way to bring crystal energy into your life. So what exactly is a crystal grid? I define it as an intentional placement of crystals or gemstones arranged geometrically to manifest a specific intention or outcome. One of the key words in this definition is intentional; merely emptying your pockets on your counter does not a grid make! Crystal grids owe their remarkable effects to the law of synergy and the principles of sacred geometry. The law of synergy illustrates that in creating something, the end result is greater than the sum of its parts. The energy of crystal grids is not additive--we are not simply combining the influence of each stone in the grid in a linear fashion. Instead, the energies coalesce in a greater whole, something bigger and better than can be achieved by a single stone. Making Grids Crystal grids can be made in a number of ways. They can be precise, geometric patterns, or they can be freeform arrangements co-created spontaneously. Grids can be large enough to fit around a building or small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Above all else, your intention (as well as your focus, feelings, and follow-through) should be aligned with your purpose in building a grid. Steps in Building a Grid The actual construction of your crystal grid can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. I have colleagues that create sacred space (complete with candles, incense, sacred music, etc.) and charge or program every single crystal, and even call on assistance to access the higher realms every time that they prepare to build a crystal grid. I also know many people who prefer to keep it simple and just dive right into the process of setting up. My own process varies between these two, as I adjust the process to the circumstances. I don’t believe in rigid rules when it comes to the art of crafting a crystal grid. Some of my most powerful grids have been made spontaneously, with no intention other than to merely follow the lead provided by the crystals themselves. Other times I have co-created grids that catalyzed unimaginable healing processes by carefully selecting stones and designing a grid according to the conventions outlined in this chapter. That said, there are a few basic steps involved in creating a crystal grid: 1. State your intention. 2. Identify and cleanse the stones that support this intention. 3. Choose the style of grid: either a freeform, intuitive grid, or a planned-out geometric grid.4. Build your grid in an appropriate location according to the style you have selected. 5. Test for the soundness of energy when finished, and adjust as needed. 6. Activate your crystal grid. 7. Enjoy the effects and re-energize as needed.As you construct your grid, do so as mindfully and intentionally as possible. You may want to invite your higher self, spiritual guides, crystal devas, or any other beings from the higher realms to join you in this co-creative process. After the entire grid has been laid out, you can check its energy by either tuning in intuitively, feeling the energy with your hands, or dowsing with a pendulum or dowsing rods. Make whatever adjustments are needed to ensure a consistent and stable flow of energy. You might need to reposition, add, subtract, or substitute one or more stones to achieve optimum results. Once the grid is completed, it can be activated as described later in this chapter. Check in with the energy of your grid to re-energize it and reactivate it as needed. Exercise: Crystal Grid Activation Once you’ve built your crystal grid, select the crystal wand you’d like to use to activate it. Cleanse and program your wand. Ground and center yourself, and enter a light meditative state while reflecting on the purpose of the grid. While holding your crystal wand in your dominant hand, direct its point toward the grid. Trace the shape of the grid, and imagine that you are creating threads of light that connect each of the stones in the grid to one another. Pay special attention to the keystone, if there is one, linking each of the other stones to it. For complex grids that might be difficult to connect in this way, trace a spiral over the entire grid, starting at the perimeter and coiling in toward the center of the grid; once I’ve done this I like to reverse the spiral and work my way from the center out. Once finished with connecting the individual stones, hold your crystal wand over the center of the grid (or wherever the keystone is located). Visualize a stream of light flowing from the universe into your crown chakra, down your arm, and through the crystal wand. Direct this energy into the grid, and visualize it coursing through all the crystals and expanding from the entire grid, as if you are increasing the aura or energy field generated by the grid itself. Intend that this field of light is carrying your energy out into the universe as it expands. When the grid feels sufficiently charged, release your attention from the grid itself and relax your body. Ground any excess energy and offer your gratitude to your wand and to all the stones in the grid. Return your awareness to the room. This exercise can be repeated as often as necessary to re-energize your crystal grid. Read more