Reading the future through Crystals, Stones, and Gems: “Divination with stones was practiced in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the famous site of the oracle built around the 7th century BC”, this is how Liz Dean (tarot researcher) tells us about the possible origin of divination through crystals, stones, and gems, and provides basic insights into the use of these materials for performance purposes.
It is assumed that, before the seventh century of our era, divination began by lithomancy, that is, using stones, crystals, and gems, although bones were also used. Recent research has produced evidence of lithomantic practices dating back some 3,000 years at Tsang Katovit in central Armenia.
Lithomancy: reading the future
Lithomancy is, then, the art of divination using stones, crystals, and gems, as well as seeds with engraved symbols. Contrary to what can be considered a new age practice, divination with these materials is still practiced by shamans from Tuva, in southern Siberia, using river stones that are believed to possess the wisdom of the river itself.
According to Scott Cunningham in his book Encyclopedia of Crystals, Gems, and Magical Metals, although stones are scientifically considered inert, they actually “possess particular frequencies or energies” that can serve to “stimulate the physical energy that the human body possesses according to with the electromagnetic charges of the stone” (of crystals, specifically).
So, focusing just on crystals, which are at the core of Liz Dean’s research, their power is based on their ability to “reflect said electrical and magnetic faculties, as well as balance them.” Like when they do an X-ray and the X-rays only show the densest part of your body, which are the bones. The principle is the same, only, in this case, they would be crystals instead of X-rays, and they would be used to modulate the electrical and magnetic charges of the body.
How do you do a crystal reading according to Liz Dean?
Crystal reading, according to Liz Dean, is done by throwing them onto a surface and interpreting their position in relation to the querent. We assume, then, in terms of Cunningham’s electromagnetic hypothesis, that the charges will attract or repel the energy of the querent.
Next, we will give some meanings and uses attributed to crystals based on their color, according to the book The Art of Divination by Liz Dean:
Garnet red
- Meaning: Emotional balance.
- Use: To restore peace and achieve commitment in relationships of love, passion, and anger. It can show a new romance or a temporary separation.
Orange-carnelian or Orange calcite
- Meaning: Risks and believe in oneself.
- Use: To take that leap of faith and risk succeeding in negotiations and decisions. Gather enough confidence and listen to intuition.
Yellow Citrine
- Meaning: Demonstration, money.
- Use: To improve communication and generate prosperity. To manifest with good intentions.
Green Emerald
- Meaning: Promises, success, happiness, and fertility.
- Use: Reveals commitment. To remember and find information.
Rose – Rose Quartz
- Meaning: Love, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
- Use: To heal old emotional wounds and for self-love and self-esteem to flourish.
Blue Sodalite
- Meaning: Adequate words.
- Use: For the ideal expression of ideas, translate and expose truths. Open paths to solve problems with determination.
Purple Amethyst
- Meaning: Spirituality.
- Use: To enhance intuition, strengthen humanitarian work, and create a spiritual connection.
White Moonstone
- Meaning: Fix instability.
- Use: To make changes that give stability and spirituality, let go and look at new horizons.
Black Obsidian
- Meaning: Hidden influences and revelations.
- Use: To clarify past issues and hidden influences and achieve a calm and careful demeanor.