Karen Ryan Q&A: Healing Crystals
It’s no secret that crystals are beautiful. The true secret lies beneath their surface. We had a chat with our Healing Crystals author Karen Ryan to talk about the how she became a healer, what crystals she recommends for beginners, and how anyone can benefit from reading Healing Crystals.
What led you into the world of healing crystals?
By the time I was 27 years old, I was so burnt out that life felt like it was a prison. There had to be a better way to live. I asked myself, “What was the last thing I did that made me happy?” The answer surprised me! I became a spiritual seeker and sought out a teacher so I could learn about crystal healing. Crystals became my journey to wellness.
Do you recall the first time you really experienced the power of crystals?
I was really attracted to a pair of small drop earrings made of turquoise and bought them as a present for my 17th birthday. They were so blue like the sky and vibrant like sunlight. I noticed that my communications improved. I also felt terrific, and I felt safe and protected. I also felt more natural, being myself in my own power. I called them my “magic earrings.”
Do you have a favourite crystal that you take with you everywhere?
I am never without my lapis lazuli which is a rich blue–coloured crystal. Lapis is a sacred healing stone and provides constant attunement with insight and wisdom. This crystal is helpful and comforting for many people. Lapis seems to help ground them emotionally and protects them by keeping them at a high vibration.
According to your book, crystal healing can be used for animals as well. How can crystals help pets?
Animals seem to be naturally attracted to places of energy. Crystals are a source of natural energy and seem to speed up the healing process. Animals are very well tuned into crystal energy and can feel its soothing and calming energy. They love it but they also know when they’ve had enough.
Do you have a favourite section in Healing Crystals?
I added in a chapter on transformation tools and included a section on labyrinths to help others find health and wellness. Walking a labyrinth while holding a crystal is very special. Your thoughts slow down. There is such a sense of peace. If you can’t get out to one of the many public labyrinths, print out the image of the Chartres Labyrinth. Run a small smooth crystal through the paper labyrinth to experience the peace of your inner journey.
What crystals would you recommend to someone who is just becoming interested in the power of crystal healing?
I recommend starting with a trio of rose quartz, clear quartz crystal, and amethyst. In Healing Crystals I provide details on how these three can be worn over 21 days to provide a gentle cleansing process. It’s a great way to feel what the crystals are doing for you, starting with opening the heart, clearing the mind, then transforming your spirit. The power of all three crystals help to integrate body, mind, and spirit.
The popularity of crystal healing is clearly on the rise. What would you attribute this surge in interest to?
The search for peace during stressful and uncertain times will stimulate most of us to look inwardly. In an age where we share not only information but also our inner thoughts through social media, we can also share how we deal with problems. In the past, information about crystals was secret. It wasn’t shared because people had limiting ideas about the universe. Even today there are many different flavours of spiritual ascension. With the age of technology, the New Age has become the Now Age.
Is there something about the therapeutic powers of crystals that you think people would find surprising?
New crystallography research is showing how integrated our biochemistry and bioelectric circuitry is with crystals. We know that crystals can create a positive effect and influence nearby cells. The sounds of crystal bowls, for instance, have a deep and penetrating resonance and can align every cell. Using our minds, we can help direct that crystal power for healing. The language of healing is how we use subtle energy to affect a positive response.
Are there any differences between raw and polished crystals?
Yes and no. Yes, there is a difference for some people if the crystal is not polished or faceted. Some people can actually feel uncomfortable with the edginess of a raw crystal. It would be like hearing the screech of metal on metal. It's not quite composed enough to be consumed as energy. And no—the molecular structure of the crystal is the same whether it's in a raw state or faceted, whether it's polished or even crushed to dust. You will not change the internal structure by altering the exterior form. Form is secondary to the essence of the gemstone.
With so much information on crystals out there, what makes this book unique?
Healing Crystals is straightforward in its approach to teach readers about crystals and their applications for health and wellness. It provides a clear path for selecting and using crystals. Also, the book explains how science and research contribute to our knowledge about the healing benefits of crystals. In this way, the book supports the mindfulness movement. Anyone can benefit from crystals if you have an open mind.
About Karen Ryan
Karen Ryan is a Crystal Energy Therapist, Spiritual Aromatherapist, Reiki Master of the Usui System of Natural Healing and Gendai Reiki Shihan (Teacher of Modern Reiki), Crystal Reiki Master, and Crystal Radionics Therapist. Karen has been a spiritual healer and teacher for over 25 years and has studied the healing arts with many spiritual teachers and healers.
