Crystal Correspondences
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In addition to examining the energy of crystals through the lens of science, there are many ways of categorizing the subtle energies and spiritual properties of crystals (and other substances). These other levels of understanding can be called correspondences because they are said to correspond, or vibrate in harmony with, other principles, symbols, and forces in the universe. This concept is based on the occult principle of correspondence, often summarized in the expression “As above, so below.” Some of the major correspondences used in crystal healing today include color, chakra, elemental, planetary, and zodiacal correspondences. But by beginning with a brief geology lesson, we can explore how the science of crystals corresponds with their energy.
Geological Correspondences
When I first began my crystal journey, I relied on the clues provided by color, shape, and traditional correspondences to discover the healing power of rocks and minerals. However, as I learned more about the structure, makeup, and formation processes of my favorite stones I saw correlations between these geological features and the energies I read about and experienced firsthand. I saw that metamorphic rocks provided assistance during periods of change, and minerals rich in iron were grounding, as were those that belonged to the cubic crystal system. Over the years I’ve found that the geologic clues encoded in crystals are the most reliable indicators of a crystal’s energy.
All the rocks and minerals of Earth are formed through a sequence of events known as the rock cycle. Their origins are generally classified as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic. Igneous rocks and their constituent minerals form when molten rock cools; they are also referred to as primary minerals because they are the start of the rock cycle. Sedimentary rocks and minerals are made from other rocks and minerals that are broken down from some kind of weathering or erosion in their environments. The resulting particles are put back together to create new formations. Metamorphic rocks are the result of either igneous or sedimentary rocks that are transformed by exposure to heat and/or pressure, which causes their components to reorganize themselves.
A crystal’s formation process usually indicates the level of its action. Learning about the formation process of your healing tools provides insight into where and how they direct their healing energy. Refer to the list below for some key words describing the effects of different formation processes.
IGNEOUS symbolizes new beginnings, sparks inspiration and creativity, inspires freedom, burns away stuck and stagnant energies, provides stability, helps recognize and manifest your potential, reaches into the source of an issue
SEDIMENTARY reveals how the environment affects you, enhances memory and recall, reveals subconscious mind, dissolves longstanding issues, highlights how karma shapes your life, facilitates past-life recall
METAMORPHIC assists all processes of transition and change, alleviates sense of overwhelm, promotes strength and courage, increases stamina, protects during vulnerable periods of change, stimulates self-reflection
The Power Of Color
Color presents one of the most personal and meaningful sets of correspondences that inform our relationship with crystals. Many crystal healers and collectors begin their understanding of crystals’ effects around the perceived meaning of color, especially with regard to the chakras. While color is often deeply meaningful to practitioners, it represents only a tiny fraction of the measurable energy of crystals — not much more than 7 percent of their total energy. In spite of this, color has an impact on our psychological state, not just the energetic, so it continues to serve as a useful tool for many crystal lovers. Here is an overview of the properties of the most common colors found in the mineral kingdom:
Red: grounding, vitality, strength, determination, courage
Orange: energy, creativity, passion, stamina, optimism
Yellow and gold: happiness, charisma, will, letting go, focus, wealth, joy
Green: growth, regeneration, healing, balance, love, abundance
Blue: connection, serenity, communication, clarity, hope, cooling
Indigo: intuition, introspection, calm, memory, structure, rest
Violet/purple: transformation, spirituality, psychic development, dispel illusion, meditation
Pink: emotional balance, reassurance, self-esteem, love, romance, inner child
White and colorless: purification, protection, clarity, fresh perspective, amplify intentions
Black: grounding, protecting, strengthening, self-reflecting, detoxifying
Gray and silver: balancing, dreams, cloaking, impartiality, intuition
Brown: stability, support, grounding, earthy, regeneration, connection to nature
It is important to remember that since color plays only a small part in the energetics of crystals, the above associations can be highly mutable and your personal relationship with a certain color can supersede the textbook definitions. Also bear in mind not to limit a crystal’s effects to just the meaning of its color; just like you, each and every stone is a dynamic entity composed of many levels of existence.
Excerpted with permission of the publisher from Crystal Basics Pocket Encyclopedia, 2023, Inner Traditions.
Nicholas Pearson has been immersed in all aspects of the mineral kingdom for nearly 30 years. As one of the leading voices in crystal healing today, he offers a unique blend of science and spirituality alongside a grounded, practical approach to working with crystals. He is the author of several books, including Crystal Basics, available for purchase at the Inner Traditions/Bear & Co booth #909-913 at the Natural Living Expo, November 11-12, 2023 in Marlboro, MA. Visit https://theluminouspearl.com/.
