Liz Dean - 22 Jan

Before you begin with any divination technique, formulate your question. If the question is right, the answer is more likely to make sense to you. In my work as a tarot teacher and reader, I help people formulate questions that really reflect their situations. The most common request is, Will he or she come back? My response is, Is this really the question? Most people already know the answer. What theyre really seeking is confirmation, and confirmation requires a yes-no response. In divination, its best to avoid these closed questions (unless you do want a yes-or-no answer and if so, try working with a pendulum; see ). They set a limit on a reading, narrowing it to one answer rather than exploring the myriad possibilities a good reading can offer. Instead, the questioner might ask, What can make me happy? or What do I need to know now? The answer to their original question will usually arise within the scope of a much broader, more rewarding reading.

In a crystal reading, we interpret a group of crystals that fall randomly or are placed in a layout. Interpreting the random fall of crystals is known as stone-casting.

You will need a selection of crystals and a reading mat. The crystals listed in this book include many that are commonly used in healing and divination, but this list isnt exclusive; collect crystals that you feel a connection with. Store your crystals wrapped in fabric, such as silk, in a soft bag or purse to protect them.

Y ou can make a mat on which to cast, or gently throw, your crystals by folding a cloth or scarf into a square. Make sure that it is thick enough to protect the crystals when they fall, and release them gently, not too high over the mat, to ensure that any more fragile pieces do not become damaged. The mat is an important part of the reading, because we interpret the positions of the stones on (and off) it, so it is worthwhile to create one that reflects the special ritual of casting stones. For example, you might choose material of a color that helps you feel calm and self-connected, such as blue or purple, rather than a color that shouts for attention.

JADE

PURPLE FLUORITE

AMBER

CARNELIAN

ROSE QUARTZ

Crystal Cleansing

Cleansing crystals removes any energies they may have picked up on their journey to you. Use one of the following methods:

Water. Soak your crystals in a bowl of spring water for twenty-four hours for deep cleansing or hold them under a running tap for a few minutes, setting the intention that any negative imprints on them will be washed away. Dont use this method on crystals affected by water, such as selenite, halite malachite, gypsum, pyrite, optical calcite, or turquoise.

Sunlight or moonlight. Place your crystals outside in sunlight for a few hours, or under moonlight for a few hours or overnight. Dont use sunlight on photosensitive crystals such as amethyst, fluorite, rose quartz, or some calcites. And dont use sunlight for crystal balls, as this is a fire hazard.

Incense or smudging. Waft the smoke from a smudge stick or incense stick over your crystals.

Singing bowls or bells. Place your crystals in a singing bowl and ring the edge with the bowls mallet to build up the sound, gradually increasing the speed. Or ring a bell by your crystals; the sound waves will shift any stagnation in the crystals.

Breath. Set your intention for the crystal and gently breathe on its surfaces.

White-light visualization. Visualize the crystal being purified by white light that comes first through you, then into the crystal. See any old, negative energy leave the crystal and disappear.

Attuning to Your Crystals

Hold each crystal in turn. Close your eyes and tune in to its vibration. You will find that you get a warmth and/or tingly feeling as you and your crystal connect. Some people find that their crystal feels freezing cold. If you do not sense a physical change, which indicates a connection with the crystal, or an inner knowing that you are bonding, its likely that the crystal is not right for you. It may need further cleansing, or to be passed on to someone with whom it connects.

Setting Your Intention

Hold each crystal in turn and say, I work with this crystal for my highest good and that of others. This intention-setting programs your crystals for the positive work ahead.

Casting the Stones: Techniques

Heres how to cast the stones for a reading:

Choose a selection of crystals, or if you are reading for another person, ask her to choose the stones from your collection. Place them in the bowl, and tip it onto the mat, as you or she focuses on what you would like to know.

Rather than use a bowl, shakeor have the querent shakethe crystals with both hands and release them onto the mat, asking a question or for insight into a situation.