Crystal Shapes.

Crystals of most varieties are available in a large number of different forms, each with its own physical, traditional or potential characteristics: for example, Tourmaline gains a static electrical charge when rubbed, Peridot repels the "evil eye", and Silicon Dioxide (Quartz) has spawned the ubiquitous "silicon chip".
       The choice of shape is very much a matter of individual preference, but it can be useful to have some idea of the significance of the multitude of shapes, especially if employing crystals for healing, meditation or ritual use. The "natural" form - crystals straight from the Earth with no processing other than the minimum of cleaning - can be considered the fundamental aspect. This includes crystals in matrix, nodular forms such as raw Turquoise, and unbroken Geodes. Held in the hand, or used ornamentally, such crystals act as a link to the Earth, and operate powerfully on an emotional, intuitive level. They act as reminders of geocentric force: of the seasons, the way the world has evolved and aged, and other natural functions of the planet - the intricate, holistic ecosystem. Holding a natural crystal you hold a piece of the jigsaw of life.
       This factsheet cannot deal fully with colour, but one particular feature should be mentioned: many crystals contain "rainbows" - small, spangled flaws in the crystalline structure which shine brightly as dewdrops in sunlight. Larger flaws present a sheet of colours like aurorae, changing hue as the angle of light shifts.
       The word "flaw" is a misnomer as, more often than not, rainbows add an extra element of beauty and delight. Some specimens are crammed full of them, others have just one. It's wise to examine a range of specimens before choosing the crystal best suited to your taste: a single, well-placed rainbow can be more attractive than a welter of mismatched ones - or not, depending on the specific stone. Rainbows within crystals are a little like kisses!

       Faceted crystals demonstrate the ability of humankind to bring its own creativity to bear on the natural world and, working with it, make it even more beautiful (at least to the human eye) than it was before. This contrasts markedly with man's usual process of destruction and pollution. A crystal cut into facets has therefore come to represent, often wistfully, the perfect form of whatever the stone symbolises - for example, the Diamond has come to epitomise perfect love and happiness, the Sapphire, perfect purity of soul, the Ruby, perfected nobility and wisely used power.
       Shaped crystals come in several different forms, but all represent another attempt of humankind to enhance and beautify nature. Cabochons - cut for mounting in jewellery with a flat base and domed upper surface - are generally opaque or translucent crystals. Faceting would not produce the play of light which is such a feature of cut transparent gems, but the cabochon-cut can enhance the mineral's intrinsic qualities. Good examples are Opal, Moonstone and Star Sapphire. Cabochons symbolise control without severity.
       Pyramid, prism or obelisk. In nature, octahedral crystal forms - such as the mirror-image pyramid of Diamond and Fluorite - are not uncommon. These and carved pyramidical shapes symbolise protection, controlled power and the quest for knowledge, typified by a solid base - often square - with a point reaching up to the stars. The obelisk is primarily the masculine form (q.v. the Wand), while the three-sided pyramid is feminine.
       Carved crystals come in a huge variety of different shapes. The symbology is usually fairly obvious. The tooth harks back to the ancient hunter who proclaimed his/her prowess by threading the teeth of his/her most ferocious prey on a cord of sinew around his/her neck. The circle is a two dimensional depiction of the sphere (q.v.) and the square a two dimensional version of the cube (q.v.).
       Representations of Animals are generally totemistic. A totem animal can be either one which embodies the innate nature of the individual or which symbolises the qualities which the individual lacks - a subject that deserves a book all to itself! Dolphins are a favourite motif, and one whose graceful lines are particularly well suited to polished stone: the wearer is stimulated to remember both the beauty of these aquatic mammals and their precarious existence in the wild. Such constant awareness actually can assist the dolphins by enabling the wearer to make a constant conscious effort to help them wherever possible.
       The Torus (ring-doughnut shaped) carving may seem fairly simple, but is actually a fairly complex shape, approximating to the hypothetical internal structure of a black hole/white fountain configuration. By extension, this figure represents the coexistence of other or higher dimensions and different realities.
       The Wand is a single crystal broken from the rock where it grew. Its base end is rough and may house a nest of rainbows. The rest of an ideal Wand would be as free as possible from flaws and inclusions. Wands are used to project and direct energy either outward from, or inward to, the individual: for obvious reasons their phallic shape makes them symbolic of male energy, and are traditionally used as a channel for conducting power. A Wand suspended from a thin chain or thread makes an excellent pendulum for dowsing.
       Twinned crystals come in two forms: in one the crystals are side-by-side, sharing one of the long faces, and in the other, the crystals jut away from each other, almost at right-angles. Twinned crystals symbolise inner balance, the ability to retain individuality within relationships, and mutual support. Twins are held not only to be valuable charms for maintaining close relationships, for example between lovers, but also for promoting fertility.
       Double Terminator crystals are relatively rare. Here the sides of the crystal shaft slope steeply together to form a point at both ends. Most crystals grow on the surface of other rocks, and have an irregular, fractured end where they have been broken away from the base (q.v. Wand), but because natural Double Terminators grow in a semi-fluid environment (such as Clay) they are free to develop their characteristic pointed terminations at both ends. Such crystals symbolize both the unification of opposites and two-way communication. Occasionally rock based crystals are snapped free by geological forces and, if conditions are right, continue to grow at both ends and therefore heal the broken end. Should you be privileged enough to find one of these exceptionally rare crystals, treasure it. It epitomises the power of the human spirit to break free of its limitations, trials and disasters and achieve perfection.
       Three or more natural crystals, attached at the base, form a Cluster. Size is not important, neither is the actual pattern the crystals make: the significance lies in the configuration. Clusters represent families - or tribes! - and the various relationships with in the group. Clusters make the most wonderful treasures for the home, symbolising the ideal environment for development and growth, and the happiest medium for childhood security and experimentation.
       Cubic crystals, such as iron pyrites, symbolise solidity, strength, and a secure foundation: "foursquare and strong". Traditionally, secure buildings - such as fortresses - are built in the form of a square, usually utilising square blocks of stone. The shape epitomises steadfastness.
       Tumbled crystals are smooth and pleasant to hold and handle: these are often the most readily available, and generally cheapest, specimens. They are usually irregularly shaped. Liquid plays an integral part in their shaping, whether in natural streams or tides, or in a machine tumbler: such crystals therefore have a close association with the emotions (traditionally represented by the Element of Water). They have a generally calming effect (although it is wise to check up on the particular influence of a crystal before use), but can also be used to control or enhance the emotional state of the individual.
       The Egg is the emblem of Eostre, Teutonic goddess of Spring, from whose fertility festival we derive the name for Easter. It is the shape of the testes, source of male procreativity, as well as being traditionally associated with the female - not only egg-laying hen birds, but also to some extent the roughly-egg-shaped belly of a pregnant woman. The Egg unites male and female in one potent image. It is a powerful symbol of formed but unwoken potential, of undiscovered destiny, and of a safe haven during a time of extreme vulnerability. It contains the promise of new life.
       The Sphere is the fundamental three-dimensional object, symbolising eternity and infinity (it has neither end nor beginning), and limitless potential (it is the shape of the unfertilised ovum). It epitomizes female energy and female power. This is the true Crystal Ball, and care needs to be taken when making a purchase because imitations made of glass are often advertised using that name. Divination using the Sphere as a scrying stone, as a focus for seeing visions, is called Crystalomancy. Some authorities maintain flaws and inclusions detract from a Sphere's value as a scrying stone; others assert that such internal features are useful, if not actually vital, to the Crystalomancer. This debate is of little substance as psychic ability manifests differently in different people. It is the shape which is important.
      The Sphere possesses a fascinating optical property which is shared by all spherical lenses. A distant object, viewed through it, is not only reversed vertically but horizontally - up becomes down, and right becomes left. Yet rolling a transparent Sphere over a line of type, for example, shows the letters in their correct form: they are magnified but readable. There is a specific point at which the transition from the normal to the unusual way of seeing things occurs, and this is symbolic of the portal between mundane and psychic states. For a Crystalomancer the Sphere is the portal itself......