Use of Crystals in Pagan Beliefs

Pagan comes from the Latin word "country dweller," "civilian," or "outsider," pejorative designations historically used by Christians to ridicule those who held on to outmoded religious beliefs. Pagan beliefs range from Druidism, or ancient Celtic beliefs, Wiccan, or early European Celtic beliefs, to Neopaganism, adherents of ancient Roman, Norse, Egyptian and Greek religions. The use of crystals in these different pagan beliefs are similar.

Druids

• Stonehenge was believed to have been built by Druids.

  The first users of crystals in pagan beliefs were the Druids.They used crystals for divination. Crystal gazing, or scrying, was a spiritual practice in which objects were seen in the crystals that had special significance. Crystals were used for predicting the future.

Wiccan

• Wiccan uses of crystals primarily have to do with healing. The gems are believed to have special powers, so they are used in all kinds of rituals and put on special altars to radiate healing. The are also used as scrying crystals in which objects can be seen that have significant meaning.

Egyptian

• The decorative carvings in stone by the Egyptians were often divinatory in meaning.

  Ancient Egyptian pagans used crystals for healing of the body. Crystals were used to expel negative energy. The chakras of the body, seven specific power points on the body, can carry negative energy, so crystals were used to free this. Crystals were also used as talismans, objects used to protect an individual from harm or disease.

Norse

• Old Norse rune stones were used to predict the future.

  The Old Norse use of crystals was rune stones, magical stones with symbols that were used to predict the future or shed light on some event. The Vikings were claimed to have used crystals to guide their way on their voyages. The light that was reflected by the stones was used as a guiding light.